Tips for Budget Travelers: How to spend 3 days in Amsterdam

📍 Itinerary Overview “Landed at Schiphol, train to Amsterdam Centraal, dump bag, wander canals. Day trip to Zaandam and Zaanse Schans for windmills. Back in the city for Dam Square street buzz, cheap bites, and night canal strolls.” ⸻ 🚩 Sightseeing Route Day 1: Schiphol ➔ Amsterdam Centraal ➔ Canal walk ➔ Dam Square Day 2: Train to Zaandam ➔ Explore colourful houses ➔ Bus/train+walk to Zaanse Schans ➔ Windmills, cheese, clogs ➔ Back to Centraal for evening canal vibes Day 3: Free day for museum area or park chill, last stroll at Dam Square before departure ⸻ 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions ✅ Amsterdam Centraal canals – morning walk with stroopwafel ✅ Dam Square – pigeons, Royal Palace, buskers ✅ Zaandam – colourful stacked houses near station ✅ Zaanse Schans – windmills, riverside views, cheese samples ⸻ 🚇 Transportation 🚆 Schiphol ➔ Centraal (NS train, ~€5.90) 🚋 Trams for short hops (or walk, city is compact) 🚆 Centraal ➔ Zaandam (15 min train, ~€3–4) 🚌 Zaandam ➔ Zaanse Schans (Bus 391) or train + walk 🚶 Walk as much as possible to save money and see hidden streets ⸻ 📷 Photo Spots 📸 Bikes + canal bridges at Centraal 📸 Pigeons at Dam Square 📸 Colourful Zaandam stacked buildings 📸 Windmills and sheep at Zaanse Schans ⸻ 🍜 Local Cuisine 🥖 Stroopwafel at Albert Cuyp or market stalls 🍟 Hot fries with mayo near Centraal (€3) 🥪 Herring sandwich near Dam Square (€2–3) 🧀 Free cheese samples at Zaanse Schans 🥘 Budget Indonesian takeaway near Dam Square ⸻ 🏠 Accommodation 🏨 Hostel near Centraal for easy train hops and canal walks: – ClinkNOORD (ferry across, cool vibe) – The Flying Pig Downtown (social, central) – Budget ~€30–€50 per night in shared dorm ⸻ 💡 Tips ✅ Book hostels near Centraal to save on transport ✅ Buy NS train tickets on app to avoid machine queues ✅ Bring a rain jacket, weather changes fast ✅ Supermarket bakery = cheap breakfasts ✅ Visit Zaanse Schans in the morning before crowds ✅ Walk as much as you can, but trams are easy for tired days ✅ Keep a small power bank for phone photos/maps