Some of the things that budget travelers and backpackers have been doing for decades to make their money go further are well-known – yes, the hostels in Amsterdam will cost you less than the hotels, and getting a Eurail pass to travel throughout Europe is usually a huge money-saver. But what if you’re not the hostelling type? There’s a pretty big gulf between hostels and 5-star hotels, and there are plenty of options in between. The various star-levels of hotels may not be comparable to similar star-level hotels you’re used to in other countries, but you probably have a good idea of what to expect at the various levels.

Hotels and hostels aren’t your only accommodation options in Amsterdam, however. If you’ll be in the city for more than a few days, you might consider renting an apartment – especially if you’re with a family or another kind of group. Renting an apartment can be a great way to save money when you travel, not just because it’s cheaper on a per-night basis (again, especially if you’re splitting the cost) but also because when you have access to a kitchen you can make some of your own meals. Cooking even a few meals instead of eating out can save a bundle, and shopping in the local markets also happens to be a fun way to get into the culture. Not sure what a certain vegetable or meat/fish is? Ask the vendor for cooking tips – they’re usually happy to offer advice.

While you’ll see lots of people riding bikes in The Netherlands, renting a bike in Amsterdam isn’t usually worth it for short-term visits – it’s a compact enough city center that you don’t really need a bike, and you’re just as likely to get in the way of busy Dutch bike traffic during commuter hours. If you’re renting an apartment, however, you might not be in the city center, so be sure you know the location of the apartment in relation to the things you want to do and see in the city. If you’re far enough away and public transportation isn’t an option, then renting a bike for the duration of your stay is definitely worth considering.

>> What are your favorite money-saving tips for Amsterdam?

- by Jessica of BootsnAll

photo by keepwaddling1

The full event menu includes cooking classes with some of the most renowned chefs, wines paired with delicious dishes, champaign sipped in VIP lounges and presentations by culinary experts.

What could be more exciting for a foodie lover?!

Setting a new benchmark for food and drinks worldwide, many Taste Festivals are being held around the world this year. Cities include: Amsterdam, Auckland, Birmingham, Cape Town, Dubai, Dublin, Edinburgh, Jo’burg, London, Melbourne, Milan and Sydney. Taste Festivals bring together the host city’s most acclaimed restaurants and chefs in stunning venues to present signature offerings to foodie visitors.

Bon appétit!

Images: Taste of London, adriangonsalves, griffithchris, robertpaulyoung

Van Gogh Museum

Topping the list is the museum dedicated to the Dutch post-impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and also includes works by Monet, Pissarro, Manet, Monticelli, and other impressionist and post-impressionist artists.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is literally, the National Museum in Amsterdam. Art lovers should definitely schedule a visit to the Rijksmuseum, which is the Netherlands’ largest public library of art. Notable works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steer, and other Dutch artists are housed in the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdams Canals

A visit to the city is not complete without a tour of the canals. There are boats that can be hired for a day or night cruise of the city. A night cruise is the perfect way to see Amsterdam in a different light and should be included in any to do list.

Bloemenmarkt

Something that you can do for free is visit the Bloemenmarkt or the city’s famous floating market. Located near Muntplein and Koningsplein along the Singel canal, the flower market is open daily. You can find an amazing array of seasonal and annual flowers, including an abundance of tulips, The Netherland’s most famous flower.

Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank House is situated near the Prinsengracht Canal. The house is the real structure where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. A museum attached to the house has memorabilia, photos, and multi-media displays.

Visit the Street Markets

Amsterdam has several street markets offering a variety of products, from specialty items, flowers, clothes, food, and more. Albert Cuyp is the largest and most popular market in the city so it could get crowded during busy days. Other street markets that are worth visiting include Ten Cate Market, Dappermarkt, and Noordermarkt.

Red Light District

The district itself has gained a lot of notoriety for legalized prostitution. However, the area has a lot of historic buildings and museums that are worth exploring. The Oude Kerk, the oldest Gothic church in the city, is located in the district.

See a Windmill

Although windmills are usually not found in the urban centers of the Netherlands, the city has several, including one that is now repurposed as a brewery. In West Amsterdam, the windmill in Molen Van Sloten is open to visitors.

Het Schip

Amsterdam is popular for its modern architecture. In Het Schip, there are apartments and public buildings exemplifying 20th century modern architecture. Housed in a former post office is the museum of the Amsterdam School of Architecture.

Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein

Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein squares are frequented by tourists and locals alike for dining and entertainment. The side streets of these squares are lined with restaurants, cafes, coffeeshops, pubs, and souvenir shops.

This article was written by Natasha Tasha, on behalf of Flight Centre, Australia, offering great selection of cheap flights to Amsterdam.

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

New Orleans for Jazz & Heritage Festival

From April 29 until May 1 & from May 5 until May 8, the city will be music to your ears, literally! New Orleans just breathes culture and what better way to celebrate their city than with the Jazz & Heritage Festival. Whereas normally you can’t walk down the street in New Orleans without hearing live music, you will hear even more of it during the festivities (if that’s even possible). Artists booked include Bon Jovi, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cyndi Lauper, and the Neville Brothers.

New York for the Easter Parade

On Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011) paraders, dressed to the extreme wander along the closed streets of Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street. The ideal place to see the parade is the area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival runs from 10am to 4pm. While the parade doesn’t have any floats or marching bands, it is still a spectacle; from around the world people come to New York City to participate, with outfits ranging from elegant to outrageous.

New York travel guide

 

Istanbul for the Shopping Festival

Istanbul Shopping Festival (ISF) is an annual event that brings together people of all kinds, making Istanbul the shopping, cultural and entertainment centre of the world. Until April 26, visitors will enjoy the many activities taking place at the 90 indoor shopping malls and many stores, open till late hours. The glamorous spirit of ISF is not to be missed if you are planning on taking a trip there. Don’t forget the tax free shopping for visitors from overseas!

Istanbul travel guide

Munich for Strong Beer Season

Did you miss Oktoberfest? No worries because with spring in Munich also comes Strong Beer Season. This is the insiders alternative to Oktoberfest yet the beer is stronger and the crowds are thinner .The traditional serving of the spring strong beers begin during Lent and lasts about four weeks, this year until April 26th.

Munich travel guide

 

London for the Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding takes place at Westminster Abbey on April 29 and the city will be abuzz. Locals might flee the city, while travelers might pay a visit for the cities unique buzz. If you want to be part of the celebrations and catch a glimpse of the royal couple, you can stand somewhere along the wedding procession route. The route will include The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square.

London travel guide

Amsterdam for Queen’s Day

On April 30, Amsterdam is home to the biggest collection of events and parties in celebration of Queen’s Day aka Koninginnedag. Aside from endless crowds and the colour orange, visitors can expect many outdoor parties with bands and DJs on several squares and parks throughout the city. The biggest outdoor concerts are held by Museumplein and Rembrandtplein. Queen’s Day is also the one day of the year that the streets and sidewalks become one big ‘free market’ (vrijmarkt). Don’t forget about Queen’s Night either – check out one of the many bars and clubs hosting events.

Amsterdam travel guide

Singapore for the International Film Festival (SIFF)

With its dynamic film programming and commitment to development of film culture and local cinema, SIFF has become Singapore’s largest international film festival. In its 23rd edition, SIFF will take place from April 15-24 and will showcase Asian film in various venues like The Singapore Art Museum and The Arts House.

Singapore travel guide

What interesting festivals and events will you be headed to this Spring? Or for Easter? Let us know in the comments!

Visiting just about anywhere in Europe for spring is sure to be a pleasant experience – the streets, bars and restaurants are filled with enthusiastic locals, the French are packed into their neighborhood bistros while the British are packed into their traditional pubs for lunch, the Dutch linger over strong coffee while the Italians gesture over tiny espressos and the Spanish fill the evening streets for their paseo and tapas.

Concert series are fully underway. Unique art collections are on display at museums, local castles and palaces and everywhere you go, you will find locals enjoying regional specialties and vino from nearby vineyards.

Residents truly cherish this time of year because it’s when they can enjoy their cities without being crammed into small spaces by the rush of travelers. This is also the time that seasoned travelers will want to take in the enjoyment of these same places.

Here are a few spring destinations to choose from for 2011.

Holland

An easy daytrip from Amsterdam, the gardens here are truly worth a visit. A riot of tulips and crocuses, spring in Holland is the most colorful time of year.

Springtime means the Dutch fields will be rainbow colored and the farmer’s markets will sell 50 tulips for less than 10 euros. In spring, the Keukenhoff gardens are truly at their very best.

Paris

Avoid hyped prices and wicked long lines by taking your travels to Paris in the spring instead of summer. Overbearing crowds really put a damper on a romantic visit to the Eiffel Tower and can really thwart all your efforts at a romantic experience. Take a visit to the Palais de Versailles to see the legendary gardens in bloom or take a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries to admire the well-maintained gardens surrounded by palaces and ponds. Often a spot for picnics, don’t miss out on a visit to Le Pont des Arts for some photogenic moments and people watching. Tip: if you are planning a visit to a popular museum, reserving online before arrival is worth it during springtime too. No matter what season, lines are bound to form and while a half-hour wait in spring is much better than a two-hour wait in summer, no line at all is even better.

London

While the winter months in London bring drab weather and heavy clouds, the spring is filled with warmth and sun. Pub terraces reopen, magnolia trees spring all over the city, contrasting against the drab grey buildings, and the weather shifts from blustery to balmy. One to check out is Edinboro Castle, which is located near Camden Town.

Download an mTrip Travel Guide for your spring travels

Fior di Gelato

Monte Pelmo

Tofani

Van der Linde

Ijscuypje

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Always lock your bike

Watch out for tram tracks

Your bike tires can easily get stuck in them – approach them at an angle to avoid flying over your handlebars.

Stick to traffic laws

Always have your eye on the road.

Don’t forget where you left your bike!

Amsterdamsche Fashion Outlet

High end fashion outlet for contemporary, chic finds. The outlet stocks its shelves with some of the best modern designers like Armani, Filippa K, Sarah Pacini, Giorgio Armani, and more. Exclusive boutiques, fashion houses and agents sell their collections to the outlet, making it a premium place to find your wares.

Dian Fashion
Whether you are seeking simple and stylish outerwear, business casual for the office or a chic outfit for a night out on the town in Amsterdam, Dian Fashion is on point. Dian carries both emerging and established fashion brands such as Esprit, Cambio, MC Planet, Turnover and more.

Zonder Franje

Are you looking for a really cool vintage find? Zonder Franje caters to all sizes and whether you are looking for an accessory or an entire outfit you are bound to find it here. Be ready to sift through clothing but you won’t regret it; shopping here will present some of the most unique finds on your Amsterdam travel adventures!

Carla Voorvouwelijke Mode

This boutique believes in promoting both emerging and established brands so it offers both to its dynamic customer base. The store is filled with bright colours and unique designs from brands such as Vassalli, Fiva, Renato Nucci, Edith & Ella and much more.

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Photo from JP Puerta at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ews/

Van de Kaart

Van de Kaart serves French/Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients and unique combinations to please every type of guest, from tourists to locals. The restaurant itself is cozy, located half below canal-level and the staff is outstandingly friendly, always greeting each guest with a warm smile.

Address: Prinsengracht 512, 1017 KH

Restaurant Fyra

Art lovers assemble at Art Amsterdam each year for professional guided tours, educational workshops for beginner collectors, lectures, debates, and a special program for recognized Dutch and foreign collectors.

Address: Europaplein 8, 1078 GZ Amsterdam

Dates/Opening Hours:

Wednesday, May 26: 18-22 hrs
Thursday, May 27: 11-19 hrs
Friday, May 28: 11-21 hrs
Saturday, May 29: 11-19 hrs
Sunday, May 30: 11-19 hrs

Admission:

20 euro per person per visit
10 euro per person per visit for holders of a cultural youth pass, a student pass and a 65+ pass
10 euro per person per visit after 17.00 hrs from 27 to 30 May

Art Amsterdam 2010 for more info.

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Image source: joiseyshowaa at http://www.flickr.com/photos/joiseyshowaa/