Where to stay in Amsterdam? The 10 best places 🇳🇱

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe, and if you’re planning a trip to this city, prepare to be impressed by all the beauty and incredible attractions this city has to offer! If you want to find out where to stay in Amsterdam, this article is for you. Read on!

You may have heard the rumors that people only go to Amsterdam for marijuana and prostitutes. If you tell your friends that you’re vacationing in Amsterdam, they’ll probably give you a knowing smile and a wink. But there’s so much more to this amazing city than weed and prostitutes.

Amsterdam offers visitors a diverse culture, historical sights and world-class museums. Foodies will appreciate the fantastic gastronomic offerings, ranging from delicious food trucks to fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Given the unique culture of acceptance, you may be wondering if Amsterdam is a safe place to visit. The answer is a resounding yes! As in all big cities, you should always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets.

In Amsterdam, there are accommodation options for every budget. For luxury travelers, there are beautiful five-star hotels. Backpackers have the choice between various hostels. Travelers in the budget to moderate price category have a large selection of hotels in the city.

It really is possible to find accommodation for every budget in Amsterdam.

Where to stay in Amsterdam: The 10 best places

1. Old Centrum, where you stay for the first time in Amsterdam

If you are short on time or want to see as many sights as quickly as possible, a stay in the old city district of Centrum is a good choice. The Centrum is a tourist district of the city with many restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops.

As the name suggests, the Centrum district is the central hub of Amsterdam. Here you will find the Central StationAmsterdam Centraal as well as bus, metro and streetcar stops for local transportation that will take you all over the city.

Within the Centrum district and just a short walk from Centraal Station is Dam Square, the main square of Amsterdam. If you stay near Dam Square, you can easily walk to the King’s Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the National Monument.

Just a 10-minute walk from Dam Square is Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. For curious travelers interested in Amsterdam’s unique culture of acceptance, the Red Light District is home to the largest concentration of legal prostitutes.

Prostitutes stand behind large glass windows bathed in red light, luring potential customers as they pass by.

During the day, this area may look a little dodgy, but it is relatively safe. Be respectful and don’t try to take photos of the prostitutes or the red light windows. At night, it’s sensible to take precautions.

Some unique attractions that you should check out in this area are:

• The Hashish, Marijuana and Hemp Museum, which focuses on the history and culture of cannabis.
• The Church of Our Lord in the Attic is hidden in the attic of a canal house. Visitors can tour the small church in the attic and the museum on the lower floors.
• Oude Kerk, the oldest building in Amsterdam (inaugurated in 1306)

If you like taking Instagram photos, then stand in front of Amsterdam’s stately Royal Palace on Dam Square to take the perfect selfie.

As this area is so popular with travelers, accommodation prices are higher than in other districts.

However, there are plenty of budget options. Travelers on a budget should look for cheaper accommodation near the station for their stay in Amsterdam.

THE BEST BEST PLACES IN THE OLD CITY CENTER

• ($$$) 👉 Hotel TwentySeven – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
• ($$) 👉 Hotel V Nesplein
• ($) 👉 Budget Hotel Tourist Inn

2. Canal belt – Nine streets, the most beautiful and romantic quarter of Amsterdam

Travelers looking for a typically Dutch experience will find that the John Belt is their favorite place to stay in Amsterdam.

Four main canals form a semicircle around the city center of Amsterdam, as follows:

• The Singel is the innermost canal and the original moat from the Middle Ages.
• The Herengracht is the first of the large canals and forms a semicircle around the Singel.
• The Keizersgracht is the second large canal and the widest, running in a semicircle around the Herengracht.
• The Prinsengracht is the third large canal and the longest, forming a semicircle around the Keizersgracht.

These four canals form a “belt” around the city, known in Dutch as the Grachtengordal. In August 2010, the Amsterdam canal belt was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The area is great for first-time visitors as it is picturesque and centrally located, with easy access to public transportation.

Are you looking for something special? There are houseboats along the canals that are rented out to guests at night and offer a unique place to stay in Amsterdam.

Between the canals is an area of nine small streets known as De 9 Straatjes or The Nine Streets. This picturesque shopping district is home to a colorful mix of small boutiques, galleries and cafés.

Some of Amsterdam’s most famous sights are located in the canal belt, including the Anne Frank House and the Bloemenmarkt or flower market.

You will also find some unique sights here, including:

• The narrowest house in the world is located at Singel 7.
• The Hendrikje Cup Museum is a museum for bags and purses.
• Het Grachtenhuis is a museum about the Amsterdam canals.
• The KattenKabinet or Katzenkabinett is an art museum dedicated to cats.

Take the perfect Instagram photo of the Dutch canal by stopping on one of the pedestrian bridges along the Prinsengracht. This area offers the most picturesque canal scenery in the Netherlands.

Within the canal belt you will find most of Amsterdam’s luxury hotels as well as some moderately priced hotels that have been attracted to the area for its typically Dutch atmosphere.

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AMSTERDAM IN THE CANAL BELT

• ($$$) 👉 Pulitzer Amsterdam
• ($$) 👉 The Hoxton, Amsterdam
• ($) 👉 Hotel Clemens

3. Leidseplein – Rembrandtplein, where to stay in Amsterdam for the nightlife

Travelers looking for a lively nightlife will find the area around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein an excellent place to stay in Amsterdam.

Although every part of the city is easy to reach by public transport or cab, it is still good to be able to walk back to the hotel after a night out. The area around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) offers this possibility.

Leidseplein is a busy hub for the streetcar lines and offers easy access to the extensive streetcar network. Travelers staying in the area should consider purchasing a city pass, which allows them to use the streetcar as well as the metro, bus and ferries.

The area is safe for travelers, although visitors should always be aware of their surroundings after dark. Being cautious and aware of your surroundings is always good advice wherever you go.

Visit Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) to see the cast-iron statue of the famous painter and graphic artist Rembrandt van Rijn. Rembrandtplein is a lively neighborhood surrounded by terrace cafés, restaurants and nightclubs.

If you are in the Leidseplein area, you should also take a look at these sights:

• The Bulldog Cafe, the first “coffee shop” in Amsterdam.
• The DeLaMar Theater, which is used for musicals, cabarets and plays.

Take a snapshot in front of the Rembrandt statue for your best Instagram photo on Rembrandtplein.

Here you will find both budget hostels and hotels ranging from the mid-price segment to five-star luxury.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN LEIDSEPLEIN

• ($$$) 👉 Hotel 717
• ($$) 👉 Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American
• ($) 👉 The ED Amsterdam

4. Jordaan, one of the most charming places to stay in Amsterdam

Just west of the canal belt is the trendy Jordaan district. First-time visitors to Amsterdam will prefer this district for its charming narrow streets and typically Dutch canals adorned with flowers.

Many of the older houses in the Jordaan district have a stone plaque or sign above the door that tells the story of the original occupant’s profession.

For example, a butcher might have a pig engraved on the table. A tailor might have a pair of scissors, and so on. It’s fun to wander around the neighborhood and play the game “Which profession is that?

Some unique attractions in the area include:

• The Amsterdam Cheese Museum with exclusively Dutch cheeses.
• The quirky little Amsterdam Tulip Museum.
• The Amsterdam Houseboat Museum, which is housed in a former cargo ship called the Hendrika Maria.
• Electric Ladyland, said to be the only fluorescent lamp museum in the world.

If you are in the Jordaan district on a Saturday, you should definitely visit the Lindengracht market. This local farmers’ market sells produce, cheese, fish and general goods.

There is a wide choice of accommodation: backpacker hostels, budget hotels, bed & breakfast rooms, upmarket hotels and even top-class hotels.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE JORDAAN

• ($$) 👉 Hotel Mercier
• ($) 👉 Krisotel
• ($) 👉 Linden Hotel

5. Oud-West, where you can stay cheaply in Amsterdam

There is a secret to saving money on accommodation in Amsterdam. The secret is to stay in the Oud-West district.

Because so many popular attractions are located in the Centrum district, hotels in this area tend to be overpriced. Consider staying in the nearby Oud-West district instead.

Not only will you save money on a place to lay your weary head, but you’ll also get more of the Amsterdam neighborhood feel.

Oud-West is located just outside the semi-circular ring of canals in the canal belt. To give you a better idea of the location, the route from the popular Ten Katemarkt in Oud-West to Dam Square is as follows:

• 11 minutes by bus
• 15 minutes by streetcar
• 25 minutes on foot

If you’re only in Amsterdam for a short time, you should stay in the Centrum district. However, if you have time to get lost in the narrow streets in search of the perfect coffee, consider staying in Oud-West.

Feel like a local and shop at the Ten Katemarkt, a lively outdoor market. Take your backpack with you so you can fill it with produce, wine, snacks and flowers. Grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks.

The Ten Katemarkt is located at Ten Katestraat 97-99 and is open from Monday to Saturday.

Have a picnic in the nearby Vondelpark. This huge 120-hectare park has lots of green spaces, children’s playgrounds and an open-air stage where free concerts are held in summer.

Food lovers should visit the very popular Foodhallen in the De Hallen complex. De Hallen is housed in a former streetcar station that has been converted into several facilities: a cinema, a library, a boutique hotel, stores, galleries and the wonderful food halls.

There are more than 20 food stalls in the food halls, offering both international and local delicacies.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN AMSTERDAM IN OUD-WEST

• ($$$) 👉 Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
• ($$) 👉 Hotel van de Vijsel
• ($) 👉 Hotel Abba

6. Museum Quarter – Oud-Zuid, where you stay in Amsterdam for museums in an upscale neighborhood

Consider this statement: “Amsterdam is home to some of the best museums in the world; you could spend a week there and never see them all.” If this statement fills your heart with joy, then the Museumkwartier or Museum Quarter is for you.

If this statement is only halfway interesting to you, perhaps one of the neighboring areas is more suitable. In any case, the Museum Quarter is an area that all travelers should visit once on their trip to Amsterdam.

The Museum Quarter is home to Amsterdam’s three major museums: the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum.

The Oud Zuid district is one of the most elegant areas in the city. Stately, stately houses line the streets, along with upscale restaurants and cafés.

Luxury stores such as Hermes, Gucci and Ralph Lauren can be found along the P.C. Hoofstraat.

The perfect opportunity for Instagram photos is on Zevenlanenhuizen Street next to Vondelpark. Seven unique houses line the small street Zevenlanenhuizen. They were built to represent the unique architecture of seven different nations.

Take a great selfie with these colorful houses in the background.

Although the area is known for its luxury hotels, there is also budget accommodation near the Vondelpark, including hostels.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE MUSEUM DISTRICT

• ($$$) 👉 Conservatorium Hotel
• ($$) 👉 Jan Luyken Amsterdam
• ($) 👉 Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark

7. De Pijp, a cool and lively area

The De Pijp district is a cultural melting pot south of the canal belt.

Formerly a working-class district, De Pijp was built to accommodate a constantly growing population. Today it is a hip and lively district with a touch of bohemia.

In this neighborhood you will find many great stores, cafés, restaurants, bars and the incredible Albert Cuyp market.

The Albert Cuyp Market is the largest and most famous open-air market in Amsterdam. With its 260 stalls selling food, clothing, household goods, antiques and souvenirs, it attracts locals and visitors from all over the world.

While you’re there, be sure to enjoy a hot Stroopwafel dripping with caramel.

There are some unique attractions to discover in the De Pijp district:

• The house with the gnomes on top of the house at Ceintuurbaan 251-255. Two playful gnomes are perched on top of the house and appear to be throwing a red ball.
• Kinderboerderij De Pijp is a small petting zoo at Lizzy Ansinghstraat 82.
• A bench with the slogan “Wake Me Up When I’m Famous” on the brick wall behind it. The bench is located at Frans Halsstraat 64 and is a popular Instagram photo spot.

De Pijp has a great nightlife, plus Leidseplein is only a few minutes’ walk away. So if you are looking for unforgettable nights out, this area is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam.

Most hotels in this area are reasonably priced. Look for cheap hotels near De Pijp metro station.

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DE PIJP

• ($$$) 👉 Hotel Okura Amsterdam – The Leading Hotels of the World
• ($$) 👉 Sir Albert Hotel
• ($) 👉 ibis Styles Amsterdam City

8. Plantage – Jewish Quarter, accommodation in Amsterdam for families

“Take the family to Amsterdam,” they said. “It’ll be fun,” they said. And for once, they were right!

With its many green spaces and parks, the Plantage district is a good location for families traveling to Amsterdam with children. With all the child-friendly attractions in the Plantage and the Jewish Quarter, your children will never be bored.

The Royal Zoo of Amsterdam, also known as ARTIS, is located on a 25-hectare site in the heart of the city. In addition to hundreds of animals, you will also find an aquarium and a planetarium, which are included in the zoo entrance fee.

Next to the zoo is a separate science museum, Micropia, which focuses on microorganisms. When you buy your ARTIS zoo ticket, you can add entry to Micropia at a reduced price.

There are several museums and memorials in the Jewish quarter that commemorate the thousands of people who were affected by the Holocaust. Some have special exhibitions for children.

Some of the notable museums are:

• The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) is dedicated to the people who took part in the resistance against the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
• Within the Dutch Resistance Museum you will also find the Junior Museum. Here, children from the age of nine can experience what it was like to be a child during the Nazi occupation.
• The Jewish Heritage Museum has a special children’s section, the JHM Children’s Museum.

Here you will find hotels in the middle and upper price categories. It is also possible to find a cheap hotel near the ARTIS Zoo.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN AMSTERDAM IN PLANTAGE

• ($$$) 👉 Luxury Suites Amsterdam
• ($$) 👉 Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam
• ($) 👉 Generator Amsterdam

9. Amsterdam Noord, budget accommodation near the city center

If you prefer to stay away from the touristy areas of the city, then Amsterdam’s Noord district might be the insider tip you’re looking for.

For savvy travelers, Amsterdam’s North District offers accommodation in Amsterdam that is just outside the tourist zone. On the other side of the river IJ, away from the center of Amsterdam, this area is away from the fast-paced tourist activities of the Centrum district.

You can reach the Noord with a fast, free ferry that departs directly behind Centraal Station. The ferry runs every few minutes, throughout the day and into the night.

A ticket is not required. Just come along and hop on the ferry. It only takes a few minutes to cross the river and get off at Buiksloterweg.

You’ll save money if you stay in North Burrough, as the hotels there are cheaper than those in the historic city center. Still, it’s only a five-minute ferry ride across the river. The area is safe and suitable for families.

In recent years, Amsterdam North has been transformed from a major shipping area into an area with great restaurants, art galleries and entertainment venues.

Even if you don’t want to live in this neighborhood, you should take the ferry across the river and go to A’Dam Lookout, from where you have a wonderful panoramic view of the city.

If you think there’s nothing to do on this side of the IJ River, here are a few unique things to check out:

• Explore the Pekmarkt flea market with its daily changing themes.
• Eat at Pllek, a restaurant in a shipping container.
• Sail on the river IJ while enjoying unlimited pancakes on the Pannenkoekenboot.

In the summer months, you might even see a cruise ship docking at the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal near Central Station.

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AMSTERDAM NOORD

• ($$) 👉 Sir Adam Hotel
• ($$) 👉 NH Amsterdam Noord
• ($) 👉 Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside, an IHG Hotel

10. Zuidas, accommodation in Amsterdam for business travelers and lower prices

The Amsterdam financial district is perhaps the most convenient area to stay in Amsterdam if you are traveling on business. The location was originally called Zuideramstel. In May 2020, it became part of the Zuidas district.

It is only six minutes by train from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Zuid station in Amsterdam’s business district.

The huge RAI Amsterdam Convention Center is also located in the Zuidas district. Every year, the RAI hosts up to 500 conferences, events and trade fairs.

If you are staying in the Zuid district for business reasons, you can still reach many of Amsterdam’s famous sights by public transport.

There is a metro station for lines 50, 51 and 52 at Zuid station, as well as two streetcar stops for lines 5 and 25. To give you a better idea of the location, it only takes 10-15 minutes by metro from Zuid station to Centraal station.

The hotels in this area are geared towards business travelers. You will find many large hotel chains for business travelers that collect hotel guest points.

The hotels in this area may lack character or charm, but they offer a decent bed in a clean room. Most hotels offer their guests an on-site restaurant.

The prices are much more affordable than in other areas of the city center.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN ZUIDAS

• ($$) 👉 Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South, an IHG Hotel
• ($$) 👉 citizenM Amsterdam South
• ($) 👉 Motel One Amsterdam

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