Amsterdam has a reputation for charming canals, Golden Age art, and a liberal spirit, but lately, it’s also known for draining wallets, especially if you’re seeking the high life.
As a luxury traveler, I set out to discover whether Amsterdam is genuinely expensive or if it simply feels that way when indulging in its finest offerings.
What I found was a city of sumptuous experiences, five-star hotels, Michelin-starred dining, designer shopping, and private tours that can certainly rack up costs, yet offer world-class quality.
The Cost of Five-Star Stays
“Welkom in Amsterdam,” the doorman at the Waldorf Astoria greeted me as I arrived at a row of 17th-century canal palaces turned 5-star hotel. Stepping into the marble-floored lobby, I was instantly cocooned in Dutch elegance – and conscious of the price tag. Amsterdam’s luxury accommodations are among the priciest in Europe.
In fact, a recent travel survey found Amsterdam (tied with Venice) to be the most expensive European city break, with two nights’ accommodation averaging £525 (about €610) – higher than anywhere else on the continent. It’s no surprise then that the average 5-star hotel room here runs around $660 per night (approx. €600) according to recent booking data.
For top-tier properties, expect even more. The Waldorf’s own rates often range from about $1,035 to $1,721 per night for a room , especially in peak season. I certainly felt that sting when I saw my bill, but as I gazed out from my suite’s tall windows at the Herengracht canal below, the city lights reflecting on the water, I wondered: Is it overpriced, or is this just the going rate for paradise?
Part of the answer lies in Amsterdam’s limited real estate and popularity. With tourism booming and historic buildings offering finite space, luxury hotels charge a premium, and they fill up regardless. Even stylish boutique hotels or heritage properties (think canal-house hotels with 10–15 rooms) command high rates due to demand. During summer or major events, prices spike further – August is often 50% more expensive than winter months.
My advice: if you have flexibility, consider an off-season stay (winter or early spring) when even five-stars roll out slightly saner prices. For example, February averages around $227/night across hotels, far less than August. In my case, a November visit meant my suite, though far from cheap, cost hundreds less than it would in tulip season.
Still, “expensive” is relative. Compared to London or Paris, Amsterdam’s ultra-luxe hotel prices are comparable – sometimes even a touch lower on average. And the quality of service and uniqueness (imagine sleeping in a centuries-old canal mansion) help justify the cost.
One evening at the Waldorf, after a swim in the underground spa pool and a stroll in the private garden, I sipped a Dutch gin & tonic by the fireplace. The experience felt intimate and exclusive in a way a larger city’s hotels might not. Yes, I was paying dearly for each moment, but they were golden moments indeed.
Consider using loyalty points or programs (several Amsterdam five-stars belong to chains like Marriott or Hilton) to offset costs, or look for newer hotels that may offer opening specials.
Also, booking mid-week can sometimes save money – weekends tend to be priciest (Amsterdam hotel rates average about $309 on weekends vs $272 mid-week ). And if you don’t need a palatial suite, even some 4-star design hotels in trendy areas can deliver luxury vibes at a fraction of the cost.
Michelin Meals & More
On my first night, I traded canal views for skyline views – dining atop the 23rd-floor Ciel Bleu, Amsterdam’s two-Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy. From this perch in the Okura Hotel, the city sparkled below, a suitable backdrop to a three-hour culinary extravaganza.
The menu itself was a journey: North Sea crab with caviar, Dutch veal, Japanese influences in the sauces – and a price that climbs as high as the view. Six courses run about €225 (with wine pairing €150), while the full “Prestige” menu with truffle, Wagyu beef, and extra caviar costs €375 per person (wine pairing €275). For the truly indulgent, an all-caviar supplement menu is offered at a heady €595 – essentially the cost of a nice watch for a dinner!.
At first, I balked at these numbers, but as each artful dish arrived, I began to understand why Michelin-star dining in Amsterdam doesn’t come cheap.
The city now boasts 23 Michelin-starred restaurants (as of the 2025 guide) , reflecting a thriving fine-dining scene that spans old-world Continental cuisine to cutting-edge experimental fare. A meal at one of these establishments typically starts around €100-€150 per person for a tasting menu, and can easily double with wine. Even one-star venues push into triple digits.
For example, at Lars Amsterdam (1*), a 5-course degustation is €120, 6 courses for €140, and the “Exclusive” 8-course menu is €195 – and that’s before adding a €65 wine pairing.
On another evening, I visited Spectrum (formerly Librije’s Zusje, 2*), where the chef’s menu flirted with €200 sans drinks. Each bite – from North Sea langoustine to locally farmed vegetables transformed into edible art – was exquisite. But I couldn’t ignore that my dinner for two cost as much as a month’s rent in some places.
Is it genuinely expensive? By any normal measure, yes – but by global haute cuisine standards, Amsterdam’s top restaurants are on par with other major cities. A two-star meal in Paris or London might actually cost more when you factor in those cities’ markups.
Here in Amsterdam, I noticed a certain Dutch sensibility even in luxury: portion sizes were sensible, service was formal but unpretentious, and often there were inclusive touches (Ciel Bleu, for instance, started us with gratis champagne and a parade of amuses that could have been a meal on their own).
Some high-end restaurants here also offer lunch deals or smaller menus that let you taste their cuisine for less – a savvy way to experience luxury without the full price.
Over the course of my stay, I mixed in these kinds of experiences. One afternoon, I lunched at Restaurant Flore (1*), which offers a lighter seasonal menu that showcases local organic produce – and notably had a prix-fixe lunch under €60, a steal for Michelin-level dining.
On other days, I sought out trendy eateries that, while not Michelin-recognized, came highly recommended for luxury travelers: rooftop restaurants with craft cocktails, a chef’s table at Foodhallen showcasing Dutch cheeses and charcuterie, etc. These meals, in the €50-€80 range per person, felt almost affordable by comparison.
To maximize culinary delight per euro, book Michelin restaurants for lunch, when many have set menus at a fraction of dinner cost. Also consider the “bib gourmand” spots (recognized by Michelin for great quality/value) – Amsterdam has several, offering three-course menus around €40-€50.
And don’t underestimate the upscale Dutch cuisine trend: newer fine-dining spots like Daalder* or Breda serve creative multi-course dinners that are a bit less pricey than the big-name establishments, yet still deliver a luxurious experience.
Finally, if you love wine, splurging on a pairing can double your bill – instead, you might opt for a nice bottle from the list (Amsterdam’s restaurants have outstanding wine cellars) and share it; sommelier recommendations are generally spot-on here.
Exclusive Experiences
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise – but while most tourists pile onto crowded boats for €20, I decided to charter a private saloon boat for a more refined excursion.
On a crisp morning, a beautifully restored 1920s wooden boat named Undine awaited us, complete with a skipper in a navy blazer and a chilled bottle of Champagne on ice. As we pulled away from the dock, leaving the tour boats in our wake, I felt like a 19th-century dignitary.
We spent two dreamy hours gliding through narrow canals that large vessels can’t access, sipping bubbly as we passed gabled mansions. The damage? About €430 for a 2-hour private cruise (inclusive of a welcome drink) – luxury doesn’t come cheap on the water.
Standard one-hour canal tours might start around $17 per person , but a private boat with captain runs roughly €250 per hour and up. In my view, the intimacy and personalization were worth it.
We could ask the skipper to detour into a peaceful side canal, linger under the Skinny Bridge for photos, and enjoy an unobstructed view at our own pace. It turned out to be one of my favorite afternoons, a sumptuous way to feel the city’s heartbeat.
Beyond the canals, Amsterdam offers a host of exclusive tours and experiences for those willing to pay. I booked a private guided tour of the Rijksmuseum – essentially hiring an art historian to lead us through Rembrandt and Vermeer masterpieces without jostling in a group.
The tour, which included skip-the-line entry, cost €90 per hour for our small party, and we learned far more (and moved faster) than we would have on our own. Another day, itching to explore beyond the city, we hired a chauffeured Mercedes van for a custom day trip: we visited a cheese farm in the countryside, the windmills of Zaanse Schans, and had lunch in the picturesque village of Giethoorn.
This full-day private tour (8–9 hours) with driver-guide came in around $750. It’s a hefty sum, but when divided among four of us, it felt more reasonable – and the convenience of a door-to-door, personalized itinerary was unbeatable.
For adrenaline and novelty, high-end travelers can even splurge on things like a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the tulip fields (seasonal, roughly €300+ per person), or a helicopter tour of the city (limited availability due to airspace restrictions, but available outside city limits for a few hundred euros).
There’s also the option of VIP nightlife experiences – I spoke with a concierge who arranges club entry with table service, starting at €500 for a curated night out.
Frankly, I skipped the club scene, preferring a quiet dram of Dutch jenever in a cozy bar. But it’s good to know such services exist if bottle service and celebrity DJs are your idea of luxury.
An interesting find was that some of Amsterdam’s most exclusive experiences aren’t flashy at all – they’re about access and personalization. For instance, you can hire a personal shopper or stylist to guide you through the city’s boutiques (typically €100-€200 for a session, which can be credited toward purchases at certain stores).
Art aficionados can book an after-hours tour of the Van Gogh Museum (available through certain tour companies or luxury hotel concierges) which, though expensive (around €500+ for a small group), grants you near-private access to the galleries once the crowds have left.
Standing nearly alone in front of The Starry Night is a goosebump-worthy privilege that few get to experience.
To get a taste of exclusivity without emptying your bank account, consider small group luxury tours. Several operators offer semi-private experiences – e.g., a maximum of 6-8 guests on a high-end canal cruise with drinks and cheese, or a small group day tour in a Mercedes van.
These often cost much less per person than a fully private tour but still feel intimate and VIP. Another tip: use your hotel’s concierge – they often have the inside track on reservations and can sometimes secure hotel guest discounts or perks for certain activities (like a complimentary champagne on a boat tour or priority museum entry).
Lastly, if you have a particular passion (say, architecture or contemporary art), look for specialist local guides; hiring a passionate expert for a focused two-hour private walking tour can be both more enriching and cheaper (often ~€150 total) than a generic deluxe package tour.
Taxis, Transfers & First-Class Rides
Amsterdam’s city center is famously walkable and bikeable – but in the lap of luxury, one often opts for comfort over exertion. Admittedly, I did pedal a rental bicycle through Vondelpark one morning (channeling the local spirit), but when dressed for a five-star dinner, I wasn’t about to cycle along canal cobblestones.
Instead, I frequently used taxis and car services – a premium convenience in a city where most locals get by on two wheels. Here’s where I learned that hopping in a cab in Amsterdam can be an expensive indulgence. The taxis are metered with a base fee of €7.50 (which covers the first 2 km), then about €2.47 per km plus €0.41 per minute of ride time.
In practice, even a short 10-minute ride from my hotel to a restaurant (perhaps 3 km distance) could easily cost €15-€20. Longer rides or heavy traffic push fares higher. One evening, after a concert at the Concertgebouw, I grabbed an Uber from Museumplein back to the Jordaan area – a 4 km trip that ran €27 due to surcharges and a surge in demand.
For airport transfers, the convenience comes at a steep price too. A taxi from Schiphol Airport to central Amsterdam typically ranges €40-€60 one-way , depending on traffic and your exact destination.
I paid about €55 for a late-afternoon ride in moderate traffic – the driver was courteous and the Mercedes E-class comfortable, but I couldn’t help noting that the 15-minute train ride from Schiphol to Centraal Station would have been under €5.
Ride-share apps like Uber or Bolt can be a bit cheaper: UberX from the airport averages €30-€50, while Uber Black or premium services start around €50. I tried Uber Black for the return trip – a shiny Tesla with leather seats picked me up – and the fare came to €49, only slightly less than a regular taxi.
Clearly, in Amsterdam, you pay a premium for point-to-point private transport, but sometimes that heated seat and door-to-door ease after a long day of touring is worth every euro.
Another aspect of getting around is the train system, both within the city and for intercity travel. Amsterdam’s trams and metro are excellent (and I did use them occasionally – even luxury travelers appreciate efficiency!), but there’s no first-class on a tram.
Where first-class does come into play is on trains – say, if you take a day trip to Rotterdam or The Hague, or arrive via international trains like the Thalys or Eurostar. I sampled a first-class train carriage on a trip to Utrecht. The price was modestly higher; in the Netherlands, first-class tickets are roughly 50% more expensive than second-class.
For example, a second-class ticket that costs €20 might be about €30 in first. In return, I got a quieter car, a wider leather seat, and a more peaceful ride with only a handful of fellow passengers. On the Thalys high-speed train to Paris (which I took at the end of my stay), I splurged on “Comfort” 1st class – with that you get larger seats and a light meal served at your seat.
It was pricey (over €150 one-way versus €90-ish in standard), but being able to relax with extra legroom and champagne as countryside whizzed by felt appropriately deluxe.
If you’re connecting from London, the Eurostar Business Premier from London to Amsterdam can cost over €300, offering plush seating, a three-course meal, and lounge access – a true first-class experience that, interestingly, might rival a short-flight business class cost.
Within the city, some luxury-focused travelers hire private drivers or limousines for the duration of their stay. I met one couple at my hotel who had a Bentley and driver at their disposal (arranged through an upscale agency) – at a cost, I later learned, of roughly €1,000 per day.
Unless you have mobility issues or pressing security/privacy needs, that kind of service is rarely necessary in compact Amsterdam.
Most five-star hotels have cars available for airport runs or hourly rental, but given the city’s narrow streets and traffic, it can be more of a headache than a convenience to drive everywhere.
I found a happy medium by mostly walking or taking short rides: I’d often walk to dinner and then taxi back if it was late or I was tired. Walking along the canals, even in designer shoes, is part of Amsterdam’s magic, after all.
Make use of Amsterdam’s excellent public transport for routine trips – it’s clean, safe, and much cheaper than taxis. You can buy a day pass (GVB card) for around €9 (24 hours unlimited transit) , which is great for sightseeing. If you do take taxis, UberX or Bolt often have slightly better rates than street taxis and you’ll see the price upfront.
For airport transfers, consider the train (just ~15 minutes to downtown) or a pre-booked car service – some offer flat rates that undercut the metered taxis (as low as €35-€40 pre-booked vs €50 last-minute).
Lastly, if traveling to other Dutch cities, note that second class is perfectly comfortable – first class is a nice splurge for calm and space, but not a necessity for short rides. Save that money for an extra cocktail at your destination!
High Fashion and Dutch Design
One bright morning, I found myself window-shopping on P.C. Hooftstraat, Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping street. Lined with flagship boutiques in historic townhouses, this strip near Vondelpark is the Dutch answer to Rodeo Drive or Bond Street.
I strolled past Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada – all the heavy hitters are here, beckoning with their elegantly curated window displays. Inside, the shops were as hushed as museums, with attentive staff offering espresso or champagne as I browsed handbags and watches that cost as much as a small car.
For context, prices in these global luxury stores are pretty standard across Europe: a Chanel classic flap bag was around €7,000, a Louis Vuitton scarf €500+. Amsterdam doesn’t add an extra markup on these items (apart from the usual 21% VAT included in the tag), so the expensiveness is inherent to the brands, not the city. In fact, non-EU visitors can get the VAT tax refunded – roughly 11–15% of the purchase price back – which can ease the sting slightly.
I did end up buying a Dutch-designed leather handbag (from a local designer on Cornelis Schuytstraat) for about €400, and knowing I’d get about €50 back at the airport was a nice little bonus.
What struck me is that luxury shopping in Amsterdam spans both international couture and unique local finds. After the big names on “P.C.” (as locals nickname P.C. Hooftstraat), I wandered into De Bijenkorf, the city’s premium department store on Dam Square.
The ground floor of De Bijenkorf is basically a luxury mall, featuring Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci and more in a beautiful historic building. It’s a great one-stop if you want multiple brands under one roof (and perhaps a fancy lunch at their rooftop restaurant afterward).
Prices were the same as the standalone boutiques, so it’s more about convenience and atmosphere.
For something more uniquely Dutch, I explored The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) – a quaint area of nine interlocking streets full of indie boutiques and galleries. Here, you can find high-end Dutch design, from fashion to home décor. I visited a boutique selling Iris van Herpen haute couture – dresses like avant-garde artworks (with five-figure price tags that truly put “feel expensive” in perspective).
In another store, I admired handmade Delft blue pottery and modern art glass. A piece that caught my eye was a limited-edition art print by a local photographer – at €1,200 it wasn’t impulse-buy territory, but far less than what a Paris or New York gallery might charge for something similar.
For lovers of jewelry, Amsterdam’s heritage shines: it’s one of Europe’s diamond capitals, with venerable houses like Gassan Diamonds and Coster Diamonds offering tours and tax-free shopping for glittering stones. I took a tour at Gassan, watching polishers at work, and although I didn’t splurge on any carats, I met an American couple who did – they purchased a 1-carat diamond solitaire ring for around €8,000 (comparable to prices in Antwerp or New York, they said).
Big-name jewelers like Cartier, Bvlgari, and Tiffany & Co. also have boutiques in town , meaning if you have a weakness for high jewelry, Amsterdam will happily indulge it.
One thing I appreciated was that even high-end shopping can come with a touch of Dutch practicality. Many luxury stores here are less snooty than you might expect – staff often speak multiple languages and are used to a mix of clientele, from well-heeled locals to tourists in sneakers who just wandered in.
In some chic boutiques in areas like Van Baerlestraat or Beethovenstraat, I found sales racks (yes, even designer boutiques have seasonal sales!) and got friendly advice about Dutch sizing versus Italian sizing.
And if your tastes run beyond fashion, Amsterdam has specialty luxury to offer: think antique shops full of maritime curios and Old World maps (on Spiegelgracht), artisan chocolate and patisserie (the famed Puccini Bomboni chocolates or Van Wely for bonbons ), or even cigar emporiums (like La Casa del Habano for Cuban cigars ).
I allowed myself a small splurge at Pappabubble, an artisanal candy shop, on some designer-looking Dutch licorice – at €15 a jar it’s probably the most expensive licorice I’ve ever had, but also the tastiest.
If you’re planning major purchases, bring your passport for VAT refunds and do all the paperwork to get ~14% of the price back – it’s essentially the sale price for tourists.
Also, shop around in local boutiques; you might find unique luxury items (like Dutch designer clothing, leather goods, art pieces) that offer better value than global brands.
For example, a handmade pair of Dutch leather boots at Fred de la Bretonière might cost €300 – not cheap, but for the quality, a fair deal. And if you have time for a short trip, consider hitting the Batavia Stad outlet outside Amsterdam, where brands (including some luxury lines) sell at a discount.
It’s about 45 minutes away, and while you won’t find the very top-tier brands there, you might snag a high-end Dutch designer piece on sale. Lastly, don’t forget the cultural “shopping”: Dutch art and antiques.
Even if you’re not buying, browsing the art galleries and antique stores in the Canal District can be a rich experience – and if something catches your eye, negotiating directly with a gallery can sometimes lead to a favorable price that includes shipping the piece home.
Living the Luxe Life
After several days enveloped in Amsterdam’s high-end offerings, my credit card was a bit hotter and my luggage heavier with purchases. I had spent lavishly – on purpose – to answer the question: Is Amsterdam truly expensive, or does it just feel that way when you travel in luxury? The answer, I found, is a little bit of both.
By objective metrics, Amsterdam ranks among Europe’s most expensive cities for tourists. High demand and limited space mean top hotels, fine dining, and even museum tickets and coffee can cost more here than in many other capitals.
If you seek out the best of everything, you will definitely feel the pinch. However, much of that expense is proportionate to the quality and exclusivity you get. A €400 hotel room buys you an canalside view in a storied building with impeccable service.
A €200 dinner feeds you art on a plate at one of the world’s great restaurants. In that sense, Amsterdam isn’t randomly expensive – it’s expensive by design, catering to those willing to pay for the best.
Yet, I also realized that perhaps Amsterdam feels extra expensive to luxury travelers because the city has such a casual, open atmosphere. You’re in jeans on a hotel terrace paying €18 for a cocktail while cyclists and canal boats drift by – it’s wonderful, but also humbling.
Unlike, say, Dubai or Singapore where the luxury bubble separates you from the everyday, in Amsterdam the high-end and the humble coexist on the same cozy streets.
This can make the contrast (and the prices) more pronounced. A discerning traveler might think “Why is this small city so pricey?” – but the truth is, Amsterdam offers world-class experiences on par with the big metropolises, and it charges accordingly.
For me, every euro had its reward. But I also learned how to enjoy Amsterdam’s finer side while getting the best value.
Here’s a quick recap of tips for luxury travelers that emerged from my journey:
- Time your visit wisely: Come in shoulder or off-season (fall or winter) when hotel rates are significantly lower. You’ll enjoy the same five-star luxuries for less, and the city will be quieter.
- Dine smart: Take advantage of Michelin-starred lunches and early-bird menus at high-end restaurants to sample top cuisine at a gentler price. Reserve well ahead – these deals are popular.
- Mix high and low: Balance your trip with a few big-ticket experiences (like a prestige tasting menu or private tour) and fill other days with simpler pleasures (a cozy brown-café brunch, a scenic ferry ride to Noord) that cost little. This contrast not only saves money but also gives richer stories.
- Use city passes and perks: If you’re museum-hopping, the I Amsterdam City Card or Museumkaart can be worthwhile, even for luxury travelers – it grants fast-track entry and “free” access after one upfront cost. Also leverage any hotel concierge privileges (some offer complimentary tickets, exclusive access or at least good advice).
- Transportation tactically: Walk or bike when you can (it’s free and often faster!). For longer hops, try public transport or at least standard Uber instead of a private driver every time – you might save enough for another spa treatment. When you do take taxis, consider booking in advance at a flat rate to avoid surprises.
- Stay savvy with shopping: If you plan on splurging in boutiques, do it tax-free by claiming your VAT refund. And remember, not all that glitters is gold – sometimes a locally crafted item at a smaller shop provides more joy (and story value) than a mass-produced designer piece.
- Ask locals and experts: Amsterdam’s luxury scene isn’t always about advertising – some of the best experiences (a hidden speakeasy, a bespoke perfume workshop, a private canal-house concert) you’ll discover by chatting with locals or hotel staff. They might know of high-end experiences that aren’t widely marketed, possibly at better rates.
Ultimately, Amsterdam can be as expensive as you want it to be. In my experience, I leaned into extravagance, and yes, the city delivered on every euro with memories I’ll cherish. It is genuinely costly in many ways, but I never felt ripped off; I felt rewarded.
Whether sipping champagne on a canal at sunset or marveling at Dutch masters with a private guide, I was paying for moments of a lifetime. And those, as any luxury traveler knows, are worth it.
So, is Amsterdam an overpriced jewel or simply a shining one? Perhaps a bit of both. For the luxury-inclined, it’s a boutique city that punches above its weight: intimate yet world-class, relaxed yet refined.
You’ll spend a fortune if you’re not careful, but if you are, you’ll find that sweet spot where the city’s legendary gezelligheid (warm conviviality) meets grandeur. In that union, Amsterdam doesn’t just feel luxurious; it genuinely is, in a way that leaves you richer in experience, if lighter in wallet.