What is the most expensive city in Europe?
Post Office data released in 2024 ranked Amsterdam as the most expensive city break in Europe for another year running.


Unfortunately, this has made me fly direct to Madrid and transit around Europe vs my old favorite stop-over at Schipol.

Even the low-cost Hotels are crazy priced even in the swing seasons.

https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/che ... similar2-3

Sad

I could be wrong but I have a feeling Amsterdam is still riding high on its reputation from days of former glory. After all, the general public and particularly first-time visitors aren't as up to date on how things have deteriorated over the years. Those who have never been certainly don't know (unless they're lucky enough to find this site!)

Whereas my first visit in 2008 (when things were already on the decline) had me hooked on everything about the place, I'm fairly certain that, if I were to have visited for the first time in 2024, it would have been one and done. If others reach a similar conclusion over time, I suppose this has to play out in tourist numbers and hotel pricing.

It just seems to me that, once Amsterdam has successfully eradicated everything that ever made it special, people might notice that nearly every other European destination has better food, lower prices on everything and more interesting scenery and stuff to do in general. I mean even the Rijksmuseum isn't that impressive if you compare it to Prague Castle, for instance. People need a reason to come here and, as time goes on, it gets harder to think of one.

I agree with Bluto, I think you´re right regarding new tourists and that it will fade out eventually. And you are 100 % right regarding quality of food/service compared with pretty much anything else in Europe. I´ve been going to Amsterdan since 2002 and witnessed the decline. Today I go only once or twice a year and thats mainly for nostalgic reasons and for the friends I have made through the years.

Exactly my sentiment, I go to visit Wim,,,take a short trip to Alkmaar and sit at De Muizengrad (The Mouse), enjoy riding bikes, and smoke a joint at the Green House Centrum outdoor seating.

I was looking at my regular hotel for a short visit in August and it’s almost £200 a night.Im going to book Alkmaar instead and save half the cost thanks for the tip.

We agree with y’all Amsterdam has become like a worn out workhorse . Forgive me , I don’t want to sound like I am complaining . But it has become boring . Used to have character and characters , today it is like downtown . Sure you can take pictures of famous buildings or museums . Been there done that . The RLD is a few girls and a bunch of bars . Seems like even the cool porn shops are gone . We have been going since 1998 . And the changes are sadly bad for the city… I know you are sick of hearing me talk about Thailand but we will go back in October , if anyone would like to meet up with us over there we can help out . Beyond the girls and the bars we are going to hit the MBK mall again . Apple I Pads are less than half price there .