18-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Netherlands
The Netherlands might have a reputation for being expensive, but for the savvy backpacker, it is a playground of free art, stunning parks, and incredibly efficient public transport. This 18-day journey takes you from the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the serene canals of the north, all while keeping your daily costs under $35.
To survive on this budget, you will embrace the 'supermarket picnic' lifestyle, frequenting Albert Heijn or Lidl for meals, and staying in highly-rated hostel dorms. With a focus on walking tours, historic city centers, and public parks, you will see the heart of Dutch culture without spending a fortune on museum admissions.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam - Arrival & Canal Vibes
Schiphol Arrival & Train to City
Touch down at Schiphol Airport. Grab a train ticket to Amsterdam Centraal and head straight to your hostel to drop off your bags.
Dam Square & Royal Palace
Walk to the historic heart of the city. While the Royal Palace has an entry fee, the square itself is free and perfect for people-watching.
Begijnhof Secret Courtyard
Enter this hidden 14th-century courtyard for a peaceful escape from the city noise. It is one of the oldest places in Amsterdam and completely free to visit.
Red Light District Walk
Explore the De Wallen area at night to see the neon lights and historic architecture of Amsterdam's most famous neighborhood.
Day 2: Amsterdam - Art & Ferries
Bloemenmarkt Flower Market
Walk through the world's only floating flower market. It is free to browse the tulip bulbs and colorful displays.
Free Ferry to NDSM Wharf
Take the free ferry from behind Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf. It is a former shipyard turned into a vibrant street art and cultural hub.
Eye Film Museum (Exterior)
Admire the futuristic architecture of the Eye Film Museum and enjoy the view of the IJ river from its waterfront terrace.
Vondelpark Picnic
Grab some snacks from a local Lidl and join the locals for a sunset picnic in the city's largest and most famous park.
Day 3: Amsterdam - Markets & Canals
Albert Cuyp Market
Visit the most famous street market in the Netherlands. Try a fresh stroopwafel for a couple of Euros—the ultimate budget snack.
Jordaan District Wandering
Wander through the narrow streets and picturesque bridges of the Jordaan. This is the most photographed part of Amsterdam.
Westerkerk & Anne Frank House (Exterior)
See the exterior of the Anne Frank House and the nearby Westerkerk. The church's tower is a landmark of the city's skyline.
Seven Bridges View
Head to the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht to see the unique point where you can spot seven stone bridges in a row.
Day 4: Zaanse Schans - Windmills Day Trip
Bus to Zaanse Schans
Take a local bus to this historic windmill village. Walking around the site and viewing the windmills from the outside is free.
Cheese & Clog Demonstrations
Visit the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm and the wooden shoe workshop for free demonstrations and samples.
Zaan River Walk
Enjoy a stroll along the Zaan River, taking in the green wooden houses that are typical of the North Holland region.
Back to Amsterdam
Return to the city and find a cheap dinner in the De Pijp neighborhood, known for its diverse and affordable eateries.
Day 5: Haarlem - Historic Charm
Train to Haarlem
A short 15-minute train ride takes you to this quintessential Dutch city. Start at the Grote Markt square.
St. Bavo’s Church (Grote Kerk)
Marvel at the massive Gothic church that dominates the skyline. While entry has a small fee, the exterior architecture is breathtaking.
Molen de Adriaan
Walk to this stunning windmill on the Spaarne river. It is a perfect spot for photos of the classic Dutch landscape.
Haarlemmerhout Park
Relax in the oldest urban forest in the Netherlands, located on the southern edge of the city.
Day 6: Leiden - University & Canals
Burcht van Leiden
Climb the remains of this 11th-century shell keep for a panoramic and free view over the rooftops of Leiden.
Wall Poems Hunt
Search for the 'Muurgedichten'—over 100 poems painted on the walls of buildings throughout the city in various languages.
Rembrandt’s Birthplace
Visit the spot where the famous painter was born. There is a small statue and a commemorative plaque in a charming square.
Leiden Canals Walk
Leiden has the second-highest number of canals in the country. Walk the Rapenburg, often called the most beautiful canal in the world.
Day 7: The Hague - Politics & Beaches
Binnenhof & Ridderzaal
Walk through the courtyard of the Dutch Parliament. It is the oldest parliament building in the world still in use.
Noordeinde Palace
See the King's working palace. You can walk right up to the gates and explore the free palace gardens behind it.
Tram to Scheveningen
Take the tram to the coast. Walk the long pier and the sandy beach of Scheveningen, the most popular seaside resort in the country.
The Passage
Walk through the oldest covered shopping arcade in the Netherlands, built in a beautiful Neo-Renaissance style.
Day 8: Delft - Blue Pottery & Old Churches
Delft Market Square
Visit one of the largest and most beautiful market squares in Europe, flanked by the New Church and the City Hall.
Oude Kerk (Leaning Tower)
Check out the 'Leaner of Delft,' a church tower that leans significantly over the canal.
Delft Blue Street Art
Wander the alleys to find tiles and pottery-inspired street art. Many shops offer free window displays of their craft.
Oostpoort (Eastern Gate)
The only remaining city gate in Delft, this twin-towered gate is a relic of the old city walls and highly photogenic.
Day 9: Rotterdam - Modern Architecture
Rotterdam Centraal
Start your day at the station itself—a masterpiece of modern architecture with its striking angular roof.
Markthal (Market Hall)
Marvel at the giant ceiling mural. While buying fancy food is pricey, walking through the hall and enjoying the art is free.
Cube Houses (Exterior)
See the famous yellow tilted houses designed by Piet Blom. You can walk through the complex for free to admire the geometry.
Erasmus Bridge
Walk across 'The Swan,' the iconic suspension bridge that connects the north and south of the city.
Day 10: Rotterdam - Maritime & Street Art
Delfshaven
Visit the only part of Rotterdam that survived the WWII bombings. It feels like old Amsterdam with its historic canals and breweries.
Maritime Museum (Harbor)
While the museum has a fee, the outdoor Leuvehaven harbor area with its historic cranes and ships is free to explore.
Witte de Withstraat
Explore the coolest street in Rotterdam, famous for its street art, galleries, and affordable kebab shops.
Luchtsingel Bridge
Walk the yellow wooden pedestrian bridge, the world's first crowd-funded infrastructure project.
Day 11: Kinderdijk - The Windmill Trail
Waterbus to Kinderdijk
Take the Waterbus from Rotterdam for a scenic ride to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Windmill Path Walk
The best part of Kinderdijk is free: the public walking and cycling path that runs right between the 19 historic windmills.
Picnic by the Water
Eat your supermarket lunch with a view of the windmills reflecting in the calm canal water.
Return to Rotterdam
Take the boat back and spend your evening exploring the nightlife at the Oude Haven.
Day 12: Utrecht - Two-Tier Canals
Dom Tower & Square
Stand in the shadow of the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. The square marks the site of the original Roman fortress.
Oudegracht Canal Walk
Utrecht's canals are unique for their wharf cellars. Walk along the lower level right at the water's edge.
Pandhof van de Dom
Visit this stunning hidden monastery garden. It is free, incredibly quiet, and full of medicinal herbs and flowers.
Wilhelminapark
End the day at this elegant park on the east side of the city, perfect for a budget-friendly evening stroll.
Day 13: Amersfoort - Medieval Gates
Koppelpoort
Visit the most beautiful city gate in the Netherlands—a combined land and water gate from the 1400s.
Muurhuizen (Wall Houses)
Walk along the street built where the original city wall once stood, using the old stones to build the houses.
Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren
The 'Tall Jane' tower marks the exact geographical center of the Netherlands. The surrounding square is great for a coffee.
Eemhuis Architecture
Check out the modern cultural center near the station for its impressive contemporary design.
Day 14: Zwolle - Books in Churches
Waanders In de Broeren
Visit this incredible bookstore located inside a 15th-century Dominican church. Entry is free and the interior is breathtaking.
Sassenpoort
Explore this massive, fairytale-like city gate that was built to show off the city's wealth in the 15th century.
Museum de Fundatie (Exterior)
Look up at 'The Egg'—a giant ceramic-tiled cloud perched on top of a neo-classical building.
Star-Shaped Moat Walk
The old city center is surrounded by a star-shaped moat. Walk the perimeter for great views of the fortifications.
Day 15: Groningen - The Vibrant North
Groninger Museum (Exterior)
The museum is a colorful post-modern landmark. Even if you don't go in, the building and its bridge are must-sees.
Martinitoren & Grote Markt
See the tallest tower in Groningen and the bustling square at its base, which is always full of life due to the large student population.
Prinsentuin Garden
Relax in this beautiful Renaissance garden with its rose arches and manicured hedges. It is free and very peaceful.
Poelestraat Nightlife
Groningen has no fixed closing times for bars. Enjoy the atmosphere in one of the most energetic nightlife districts in Europe.
Day 16: Giethoorn - Venice of the North
Bus from Zwolle/Steenwijk
Take a day trip to the village with no roads. Most tourists pay for boats, but walking the footpaths and bridges is free.
Thatch-Roofed House Trail
Follow the narrow walking paths alongside the canals to see the iconic 18th-century farmhouses.
Bovenwijde Lake
Walk towards the lake for a more open view of the wetlands that surround this unique village.
Back to Groningen
Return for your final night in the north. Grab a 'Eierbal'—a local deep-fried snack that is cheap and filling.
Day 17: Arnhem - Nature & History
Sonsbeek Park
Explore one of the most beautiful parks in the country, featuring waterfalls, a white villa, and rolling hills.
John Frost Bridge
Visit the famous 'Bridge Too Far' from WWII. There is a small free information center (Airborne at the Bridge) nearby.
Eusebius Church (Exterior)
Admire the massive Gothic church and its unique modern elevators (though there is a fee to go up, the outside is free).
Korenmarkt
Finish your trip in the main nightlife square of Arnhem, popular for its affordable pubs and terraces.
Day 18: Departure from Amsterdam
Last Train to Schiphol
Take the direct train from Arnhem or Amsterdam back to the airport. Ensure you have enough credit on your travel card.
Waterlooplein Flea Market
If you have time before your flight, browse this famous market for a last-minute budget souvenir or vintage find.
Airport Security
Give yourself plenty of time at Schiphol, as it can be very busy. Use the free Schiphol app to track wait times.
Final Departure
Board your flight home with a camera full of photos and a wallet that isn't empty!
Best Time to Visit Netherlands
The best time to visit the Netherlands on a budget is during the shoulder seasons: late March to May (for tulips) or September to October. Summer (June-August) is beautiful but sees the highest prices for hostels. Winter can be very cold and grey, but it's the cheapest time to fly and stay, and you might even get to see the canals freeze for skating!
Currency & Money
The Netherlands uses the Euro (€). While most places accept major credit and debit cards (Maestro is particularly popular), it is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller markets or coin-operated lockers. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill at a restaurant is a common way to show appreciation.
Getting Around Netherlands
The Dutch rail network (NS) is the gold standard for getting around. For budget travelers, look into FlixBus for longer intercity journeys as they are often cheaper than the train. Within cities, walking and cycling are the best ways to save money. Always remember to 'check in' and 'check out' with your card or ticket when using any form of public transport.
