You want to know where to stay in Amsterdam to have an incredible holiday. You’ve come to the right place, as we love the Dutch capital. We will guide you to find the best neighbourhood, so you are in proximity to all major attractions, help you find the best hotel to suit your budget and explain exactly how to pick where to stay in Amsterdam.
We’ve been to Amsterdam so many times, and we know how overwhelming this city can be. But don’t worry, our complete guide is here to help. Amsterdam is a diverse, exiting city. Each district has its own charm with its own range of accommodation options.
Here are the best places to stay in Amsterdam to make sure you have a fantastic Dutch holiday.
Table of Contents
- Where to stay in Amsterdam
- Hotels in Amsterdam
- Apartments in Amsterdam
- Hostels in Amsterdam
- Houseboats
- Campsites
- Amsterdam City Centre
- Why stay in Amsterdam City Centre
- Amsterdam Noord
- Why stay in Amsterdam Noord
- Amsterdam De Plantage
- Why stay in Amsterdam De Plantage
- Amsterdam Oost
- Why stay in Amsterdam Oost
- Amsterdam De Pijp
- Why stay in Amsterdam De Pijp
- Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
- Why stay in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
- Amsterdam Oud-West
- Why stay in Oud-West
- Amsterdam Westerpark
- Why stay in Westerpark
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Depending on the type of traveller you are, it’s good to know that you have several accommodation options in Amsterdam. Visiting Amsterdam is all about enjoying all the city’s tourists attractions. You can easily find lovely boutique hotels in a historic building right in a lovely central location.
If your budget allows it, we always recommend trying and stay in Amsterdam city center to be able to enjoy what the city has on offer, without having to spend time on public transport.
So, what type of accommodation should you expect to find in Amsterdam? In this Amsterdam neighbourhood guide, we’ll explain what sort of accommodation to go for to ensure your holiday is perfect.
Hotels in Amsterdam
For short stays, Amsterdam hotels are usually the best way to go. We prefer booking a hotel even if it’s a bit pricier because after a day of exploring all the things to do in Amsterdam, we can come back to a clean, comfortable bed. If the hotel comes with extra facilities like a swimming pool, for example, then it’s even better. Hotels in Amsterdam can be quite pricey, but if you are happy to book in advance and don’t mind being a little out of the centre, then you can find great deals. Click to see the hotel we recommend: The Hendrick’s Hotel.
Apartments in Amsterdam
Apartments in Amsterdam are a great option for those looking to explore the city for several days. Amsterdam is not cheap, so having the option to cook in your apartment can save you a lot of money. It’s also quite nice to have the layout of an apartment, as it will be bigger, offering you more space and comfort for less. You can go to the market, pick up ingredients, get your own food and save for breakfast as you get to eat it at home before exploring the city. It’s the best of both worlds: saving but also enjoying comfort. Click to see the apartment we recommend: Studio Bloom.
Hostels in Amsterdam
If you are a budget traveller, or simply want to save on your travels, then hostels are the way to go. You can find affordable accommodation and get to meet new people. It’s a great way to make new friends, especially if you are a solo traveller. Click to see the hostel we recommend: The Flying Pig Downtown.
Houseboats
Want something more original during your trip to Amsterdam? Why not book your accommodation on a houseboat? Houseboats are a fantastic and unique way to enjoy Amsterdam. Many locals live on houseboats as it’s cheaper and more exciting way to be right in the centre of the city. Houseboats are a boutique style hotel. Click to see the houseboat we recommend: Luxurious 110m² houseboat.
Campsites
On a budget but not ready to stay in a hostel? Campsites are a great way to save whilst still having your privacy. Did you know that Amsterdam Area is home to a multitude of campsites? Wild camping is forbidden in the Netherlands, but campsites are modern, charming and sociable, and often offering a variety of extra services. What’s not to love?
Amsterdam City Centre
Let’s figure out where to stay in Amsterdam, especially if you are a first time visitors. Amsterdam City Centre is well known for its fantastic Canal Ring as well as renowned museums. It’s a charming location with restaurants, shopping boutiques, great culture and entertainment.
Amsterdam Centrum is perfect for first-time time visitors who wish to be right in the centre of it all. If you decide to be in the Centrum, you will be just walking distance from all main attractions. However, remember that prices here will be quite high, and it might be difficult to find a quiet spot. If you wish to travel around quite a bit, stay close to the Amsterdam Central station.
Why stay in Amsterdam City Centre
You will want to stay in Amsterdam city centre if you are a fist time visitor. It makes the mose sense as you will be close to the Canal Ring, many cafes and restaurants and all tourist attractions. Visit the Anne Frank House, see the art galleries, the Museum Het Rembrandthuis and gingerbread houses. See the Dam square, the Royal Palace, then head to the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest church.
Walk around the Canal Ring and take pictures. Rent a bike and cycle your way around the canals.
The houses in Amsterdam look unique, and the bridges are beautifully decorated with flowers. The centre has a romantic air to it, which added to our experience as a couple. This is also a great location for shopping enthusiasts and for those who seek some entertainment. Ultimately, if you wish to visit Amsterdam because of the coffee shops, or want to see the famous red light district for yourself, staying in the centre makes a lot of sense.
For mid-range options, consider the Ibis hotel in the city centre which is located just 10 minutes away from the Dam Square. Rooms start from £120 per night.
Click here for prices and book ibis Amsterdam Centre Stopera
Located in former 18th-century canal houses, Miauw Suites is now a trendy boutique style B&B in the Nine Streets district of Amsterdam which offers free WiFi. Miauw Amsterdam offers rooms with a view over the Keizersgracht Canal. There are also suites with a kitchen. Every room has an Apple Mac 20 inch TV. Prices start at £130 per night.
Fancy a bit of luxury? This modern hotel offers rooms in the heart of Amsterdam. All rooms feature art work by Atelier Van Lieshout and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of the indoor swimming pool and fitness centre. Prices start at £260 per night.
Amsterdam Noord
Amsterdam Noord is now one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. There has been a lot of refurbishment on the northern banks of the IJ and this district is now a popular destination. This particular up and coming district is home to some seriously cool avant-garde accommodation. Think the perfect boutique hotel that actually looks fun.
All you have to do is hop on a ferry or tram and be on your way. The cool thing about this district is that you will find great accommodation options for cheaper prices.
You will be around 20-30 minutes walk to the central location or just 10 minutes by public transport.
Why stay in Amsterdam Noord
Prices pay an important factor here, especially if you wish to stay in a modern and exciting looking hotel. You’ll avoid many tourist crowds in the evening and you can find a charming hotel on this side of the river.
There’s plenty to see and do on this side of Amsterdam as well. Visit the A’Dam Toren which offers a really cool lookout over the city. We also recommend the Eye Filmmuseum to experience film in all its forms. If you decided to stay in the Noord, remember that you can either walk for about 20 minutes to reach the city centre or take the public transport to Amsterdam Centraal train station and be there in less than 10 minutes.
At the hotel, each room has a desk and comes with a private bathroom. It’s a great option for those who wish to stay in the Noord and have an interest in museums, nightlife and city walks. Rooms here start from £80 per night.
Overlooking the IJ-river and the historic city centre, Sir Adam Hotel is set in the brand new A’DAM tower in Amsterdam. Central Station is a 2-minute ferry ride from Sir Adam Hotel. Prices start at £180 per night.
The Panorama Suite is a unique bed and breakfast because of its 360 degrees panoramic view over the IJ. For breakfast, you will find rolls, cheese, yoghurt, jam and honey from farmers in Amsterdam North. Prices start at £300 per night.
Click here for prices and book The Panorama Suite (Mandelahuisje)
Amsterdam De Plantage
Pleasant strolls and waterside terraces? Head over to Amsterdam De Plantage and fall in love with nature. We loved the leafy streets and canals. We discovered the Hortus Botanical Garden, originally planted in 1682, with formal outdoor & greenhouse sections. Today, this beautiful garden is home to over 4000 plant species.
You will be close to several museums including the Joods Museum, Amsterdam Museum, Tropenmuseum and Museum Het Rembrandhuis.
The beauty of this location is that you are still just a short walk away from the core of Amsterdam city center and just 20 minutes walk from the red light district.
Above De Plantage, you have the Old Jewish quarter. Cultural institutions here include the modern Stopera complex, home to the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, and the Rembrandthuis Museum
Why stay in Amsterdam De Plantage
De Plantage is mainly a residential area with few bars and restaurants, but that means you can enjoy a quiet time during your visit to Amsterdam.
You are also just a few tram stops away from vibrant sights. When staying in De Plantage, don’t forget to check the Newwerktheatre, a cool creative hub with art exhibitions and fashion shows.
Stay around De Plantage if you are a first time visitor who wants to be in a central location but doesn’t wish to pay the absolute premium for hotels right in the city centre of Amsterdam.
The Lancaster Hotel Amsterdam is located in a charming Amsterdam town house in the greenest part of the city centre and opposite Artis Zoo. Waterlooplein is only a 10-minute walk away. Prices start from £120 per night.
Click here for prices and book The Lancaster Hotel Amsterdam
De Jonker Urban Studios & Suites offers rooms monumental building in Amsterdam East, facing Artis Zoo. The vibrant city centre of Amsterdam can be discovered on foot.
Wittenberg is a boutique aparthotel, offering modern accommodation in Amsterdam’s residential area. This hotel is a great choice for travellers interested in architecture, city trips and walking. Click to check prices.
Amsterdam Oost
If you are after a lively, multicultural neighbourhood, Oost is where you want to stay in Amsterdam. Home to wine bars, fruit and veg markets and creative incubators, Oost is a blooming district attracting more and more tourists.
It’s home to the Oosterpark and Tropenmuseum. This green district is characterised by wide streets with 19th-century buildings.
The University of Amsterdam is also located in this district. This is an emerging district dotted with hip eateries and cool bars, especially around Javaplein.
Why stay in Amsterdam Oost
Oost has a great mixture of cultures, which makes it a vibrant neighbourhood. It’s great for those looking to save on accommodation, although note that there are plenty of cool restaurants, cafes and bars in the area.
Oost is perhaps not as busy as the centre, but having so many eateries and bars around, allows visitors to explore a more alternative Amsterdam, with quieter nights and cheaper accommodation.You’ll find plenty of hotels with nice private rooms which are conveniently located next to the Metro station, so you can easily visit main attractions.
Breitner House is set in a characteristic Amsterdam townhouse overlooking the Oosterpark. It offers 2 large, classically decorated suites with modern features such as a flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. Prices start at £470 per night.
The Manor Amsterdam combines a monumental exterior with a trendy, Italian inspired interior. Guests benefit from a community garden with a terrace, bike rental and free WiFi. Prices start at £130 per night.
Each room of The Student Hotel Amsterdam City features an en suite. There is a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The gym can be used for free. Prices start from £120 per night.
Click here for prices and book The Student Hotel Amsterdam City
Amsterdam De Pijp
De Pijp is known to be a student neighbourhood, home to an unimaginable array of different cuisines, cute terraces and funky cafes. De Pijp was once known as a working-class neighbourhood, but nowadays is a multicultural hotspot for creatives with colourful markets. Don’t forget to check out the Heineken Experience as well as the Albert Cuypmarkt, which offers over 260 stalls selling everything from street food to delicious desserts.
Stay here if you want to be close to the Museum Quarter. Your hotel will be less than half an hour walking distance to the centre of Amsterdam. Plenty of public transport lines will take you to tourist attractions, including the red light district or the royal palace.
Why stay in Amsterdam De Pijp
De Pijp feels like a Bohemian district lined with eateries, pubs and cafes as well as colourful markets with all sort of delicious specialities.
Love England? Head over to the Sarphatipark which features English-style gardens with ponds and meadows. Being so close to the centre (literally 20 minutes walk to the Van Gogh Museum), De Pijp is a great location for those who wish to be located in a lively neighbourhood but a little further from the busiest streets of Amsterdam.
The luxurious 5 star superior Hotel Okura Amsterdam is located in trendy district De Pijp. Guests can enjoy city views from the 23 floors and dine at one of the 4 high quality restaurants. Hotel Okura also offers a gym, spa and indoor pool. Prices start at £235 per night.
Sir Albert is located only 600 m from Museum Square and Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Leidse Square and the famous canal district are a 15-minute walk. This former diamond factory offers elegantly designed rooms with a view in De Pijp district, the Latin Quarter of Amsterdam. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Prices start at £150 per night.
This new luxury 5-star hotel situated in a monumental building, the former Town Hall and Archive of the Amstel Community. Located near the Albert Cuypmarkt street market this hotel will officially open its doors in February 2018. Prices start at £260 per night.
Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
Want to be in one of Amsterdam’s wealthiest neighbourhoods? Head over to Oud-Zuid, an alluring neighbourhood with incredible buildings and luxury independent shopping boutiques.
If shopping is your preferred sport, then Oud-Zuid will definitely satisfy your appetite for interesting creations. Oud-Zuid is home to Amsterdam’s most loved museums: Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. It’s also a lovely place during summer, when locals and visitors alike have a picnic and fall in love with many outdoor performances.
For first timers that can afford a little luxury, Oud-Zuid is the place to stay in Amsterdam.
Why stay in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
If your budget allows it, then Oud-Zuid is a fantastic place for accommodation in Amsterdam. You will be minutes away from most major attractions, and you’ll have access to an array of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Oud-Zuid is one of the most expensive areas in Amsterdam, however, there are some mid-range hotels for travellers who love this neighbourhood as much as we do.
You will be close to the museum quarter and be able to stay in a pricey but unique Amsterdam accommodation.
XO Hotels Inner is located in the Museum district of Amsterdam. It is located at a 4-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum and at a 10-minute walk from Rijksmuseum. The hotel had a major renovation in 2017. Prices start at £102 per night.
Only a 5-minute walk from Vondelpark and Leidseplein, this 3-star hotel features a courtyard garden with a seating deck. The simple yet functional rooms feature a TV and a modern bathroom. Guests can make use of a computer with free internet in the lobby. Prices start at £98 per night.
Amsterdam Oud-West
Love concept stores and epic wine shops? Then you will want to stay in Oud-West where you’ll find a fantastic food market as well as a cool nine-room cinema.
This part of the city feels young, with trendy vegan restaurants (serving some of the best burgers we’ve ever had). Oud-West was constructed during the end of the 19th century.
You will be close to Vondelpark, Museum for Photography, De 9 Straatjes, the Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Anne Frank house.
Why stay in Oud-West
It’s such great location as you are just 10-15 minutes from main attractions, yet you won’t have to pay a premium for hotels in this area.
It’s a quiet place with plenty to do and see. It doesn’t have the usual museums and tourist attractions, but it offers a real vibe, and it looks authentic.
Staying here is not a compromise, as you are still very close to the canal belt and all those gorgeous canal houses you want to see and photograph.
Amadi Park Hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Concert Hall and the Van Gogh Museum. Free Wi-Fi and luggage storage are provided. All guests benefit from free coffee and tea during the day. Prices start from £260 per night.
The NL Hotel is located in the centre of Amsterdam, just minutes from the lively Leidseplein. This trendy boutique hotel offers modern rooms with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Prices start from £100 per night.
Click here for prices and book NL Hotel District Leidseplein
Da Costa Suite is situated in the Oud-West district of Amsterdam, 1,950 feet from Leidseplein and an 11-minute walk from Vondelpark Open Air Theatre. The property has river views and is 0.6 miles from Van Gogh Museum and 0.6 miles from Rijksmuseum.
Amsterdam Westerpark
Westerpark seems to have a bit of everything: green spaces, fun nightlife, creative spaces and iconic architecture.
Fall in love with exhibitions, markets and festivals and immerse yourself in the indie shopping culture. Find eclectic restaurants and bars and walk around the residential area of red-brick Amsterdam School buildings.
Westerpark blends green spaces, a lively creative and nightlife scene, and iconic architecture. Visit the nearby Museum Het Schip, the iconinc 1919 building with a museum.
Why stay in Westerpark
You should stay in Westerpark if you want to be in a place where nature meets culture. For the romantic at heart, Westerpark is ideal. It makes a great escape from the effervescent city centre but offers a unique blend of fun and zen.
Westerpark is a large neighbourhood and depending on where you position yourself you can be as close as 20-minute walk to some tourist attractions in Amsterdam.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning. The private bathroom comes with a bath or shower and toiletries. Extras include for example a sofa, a desk and a safety deposit box. Prices start at £160 per night.
A 15-minute walk through the Westerpark will get you to the heart of the city. Guests benefit from an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Parking is available on-site. The modern rooms have air conditioning, TV and a Nespresso coffee machine. Prices start at £119 per night.
Hotel BOAT & CO by the award-winning City ID group is a 4-star hotel situated by the waterfront in the Houthaven district, suitable for short and long stay. The hotel offers modern design apartments combined with the service and facilities of a luxury hotel.
Looking for more resources on Amsterdam?
You are now ready for your trip to Amsterdam. You know exactly where to stay in Amsterdam and why this city if so awesome. You are going to love it so much, with its great flower market, museums, art galleries and the picturesque Canal Best which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tell us where you will stay in the comments section below.
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