Cheap 5-Day the Netherlands Road Trip from Amsterdam to Utrecht and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through the Netherlands starts when you reach the incredible city of Amsterdam, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Amsterdam and begin your adventure in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam is a popular cheap holiday destination in the Netherlands with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Amsterdam, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Box Sociaal, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,162 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Restaurant Ambassade, so you'll want to drop by this place. Restaurant Ambassade serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 769 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Amsterdam is Gartine. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 678 customers.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Amsterdam, Proeflokaal Arendsnest. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,048 customers.

SkyLounge Amsterdam is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,266 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in the Netherlands!

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Amsterdam, proving that cheap holidays in the Netherlands can be extraordinary.

The Netherlands is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in the Netherlands, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to the Netherlands. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in the Netherlands that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in the Netherlands shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Amsterdam is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

You could check out Winkel 43, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,504 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

The Pantry is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,646 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Restaurant Moeders. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Restaurant Moeders has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,647 customer reviews.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Lost in Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar. This bar is considered one of the best in Amsterdam and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Red Light Bar, rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,612 customers. Alternatively, go to Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Amsterdam and boasts an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,912 reviews.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through the Netherlands with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in the Netherlands!

Day 3 of your road trip across the Netherlands offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Amsterdam, Lisse, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Utrecht.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Anne Frank House. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 65,604 visitors. Attracting more than 1,195,456 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Anne Frank House, head to NEMO Science Center. This one-of-a-kind science museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 30,969 reviews. Every year, approximately 502,990 travelers come here to experience the science museum for themselves.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lisse, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Amsterdam to Lisse may take around 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rotterdam. This car ride takes around 44 min.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Utrecht, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Rotterdam to Utrecht may take around 53 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Utrecht. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Utrecht, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in the Netherlands, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Utrecht that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Utrecht is Sarban - Utrecht. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 915 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Utrecht, The Village Coffee & Music is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 881 diners.

After dinner, visit Kafé België, which is considered one of the best bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,096 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Café de Zaak. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,247 customers.

Alternatively, check out Café DeRat. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 614 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through the Netherlands with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in the Netherlands!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in the Netherlands will take you to the city of Amsterdam, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Amsterdam, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the Netherlands, including Arnhem, Apeldoorn, and Amsterdam.

Set your GPS to Arnhem and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 51 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Arnhem beckons with new experiences!

After soaking in Arnhem’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Apeldoorn. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Apeldoorn, it's time to take a break from the road.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Apeldoorn, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Amsterdam may take around 1 hour 6 min. Upon your arrival in Amsterdam, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

While exploring the Netherlands is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Amsterdam has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Amsterdam on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Amsterdam should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Amsterdam, try some of our top recommendations.

Blue Amsterdam is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,965 customers.

Restaurant Olijfje is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,640 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Dabka, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,591 reviews.

The Cottage is a fantastic bar many locals in Amsterdam recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at De Brabantse Aap, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,736 customers.

Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Amsterdam. Customers have rated the exciting Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,501 reviews.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Amsterdam!

Your budget road trip vacation in the Netherlands is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Amsterdam.

On your last day in the Netherlands, take time to indulge in shopping at Amsterdam’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of the Netherlands. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in the Netherlands, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Amsterdam.

For example, Café restaurant van Kerkwijk has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,859 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, FuLu Mandarijn is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,203 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is CAU Steak Restaurant. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,292 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of the Netherlands and your fun memories in Amsterdam.

You’ll then say farewell to Amsterdam. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in the Netherlands!