Where to Stay in Amsterdam in 2024 • 8 Best Areas (+Hotels)

 Are you looking for where to stay in Amsterdam? Excellent!

I love Amsterdam and I am fortunate enough to have visited the city many times and to have stayed there for extended periods of time!

In short, the best area for first-timers is Old Centrum. It is home to most of the attractions and offers easy access to the rest of the city. 

Read this post because I will walk you through 8 AMAZING areas that are perfect for tourists to stay in and will describe the vibe of each of them. 

Not only that, but I’ve also researched pretty much all accommodations in the city and hand-picked only the ones with the best reviews for you! 

So, you’ll be able to just pick your favorite area, grab one of my hotel recommendations, and just like that, in a couple of minutes you get yourself the best place booked!

Please note that Amsterdam is super popular, so if you want to book any of the hotels I am recommending, it is best to book in advance!

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

Here are the best hotels in the city center:

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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I have also created this personalized map for you, so you can easily see all the places I’ll discuss in this post:

1. Old Centrum – where to stay for first-timers

Oh, by the way, the main train station, Centraal Station is also located here so it is a super convenient area to stay in if you arrive by train! 

The center of Amsterdam is pretty famous for the Red Light District, De Wallen. But just a heads up, not the whole center is part of De Wallen. It’s kind of a specific spot within the city center.  

The Red Light District houses 201 window brothels and there’s even a statue dedicated to sex workers!

Here, you can visit the Red Lights Secrets Museum and the popular Amsterdam coffee shops that sell cannabis.

As for other attractions, I suggest you visit the exquisite Royal Palace Amsterdam and admire its unique Dutch Classic style of architecture and art.

If you prefer other types of museums, you can visit the BodyWorlds Science Museum, which exhibits real human and animal remains – a great option for those with fascination for the human body!

NOTE: many hotels in Old Centrum are in very old buildings, and consequently do not have elevators. The staircases are often quite narrow as well, so if that’s an issue, maybe double check with your accommodation before if that is the case. 

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – this is an excellent, central choice if you are searching for hotels super close to the canals Dam Square and the Royal Palace. This 5-star property is elegant and stylish and it has plenty of on-site restaurants and even a bar!
• Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam – feel like a celebrity staying at Sofitel in the heart of Old Centrum! This property offers the most luxurious amenities, including an indoor pool and yoga classes.

Mid-range (€140 – €200)

• Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam – wake up to sweeping river views! This hotel is steps away from the museum Rembrandthuis and vibrant restaurants. A plus? It offers room service!
• The Hendricks Hotel – this gorgeous hotel offers amazing value for money, and some of the rooms have a bathtub right in the room for couples! There’s also a lounge with a cozy fireplace and you can buy tickets for many activities at the front desk.

Budget (up to €140)

• This Ho(s)tel – looking for Dam Square hotels? This cheap hotel is a 5-minute walk away! It doesn’t offer rooms, but cubes! Still, you will have everything you need for an incredible stay. I recommend the cubes with a canal view!
• The Flying Pig Downtown – rated a bit lower than our standard, but still one of the best budget options in old Centrum! You can stay in a private room or book a bed in a shared room!

2. Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) – best area for couples

Grachtengordel, also known as the Canal Belt, is one of the most popular areas of Amsterdam. 

It boasts historical landmarks, cool boutique and vintage stores and 2 squares with amazing nightlife!

The 17th-century canals of Grachtengordel are a UNESCO Heritage Site!

In the inner canal belt, you can find The 9 Streets, a hip shopping area with boutique and vintage stores, galleries, bookstores, and delicacy stores! It is also a great area to take your canal tour (highly recommended!). 

If you want to enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlife, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein are famous squares filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants!

There are also many museums in the area. One of the main historic landmarks next to the area is Anne Frank House, so make sure you visit it during your stay! Check out our article on the best tips for booking tickets (and book in advance!!).

A couple more examples are FOAM, an iconic photography museum and the Museum of the Canals, with exhibitions explaining the history of the city’s canals.

NOTE: As you are probably well aware, Amsterdam is full of bikes. Therefore, you must be very cautious not to walk on the bike paths, especially in the central areas where it’s very crowded and the streets are a bit narrow.

The locals in Amsterdam have a saying that the bike paths are red because of the blood of all the tourists who locals ran over, so just remember that you shouldn’t walk on the red paths and you’ll be okay.

Luxury (€200 and up)

• NH Collection – enjoy the great view from the balcony of your private room and start your day with a rich and amazing breakfast! It is located a short walk from the FOAM museum and overlooks the flower market.
• Eden Hotel Amsterdam – wake up in the best way, with views of the characteristic canals, bridges, and passing boats directly from your room window! Location? Next to Rembrandtplein.

Mid-range (€150 – €200)

• Nine Streets Inn – stay steps away from cute shops! This hotel is located next to 9 streets. It features a homey vibe, perfect for relaxing after wandering around the city.
• Hotel Dwars – this lovely hotel will surprise you with spacious, comfy, and cozy rooms, the perfect spot for a romantic getaway! Enjoy quietness right in the heart of Amsterdam and the best city views!

Budget (up to €150)

• Hotel Frank Since 1666 – I love this hotel’s style! It looks modern and chic! It is located steps away from the FOAM Museum and cool nightclubs! The biggest room hosts 3 guests. 
• Hans Brinker Hostel – an awesome option for people who just love meeting other people! They even have a bar with happy hour every day, plus an underground club!

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3. Oud Zuid/Museum District – where to stay on a budget

Oud-Zuid, which translates to “Old South” in English, is outside of the Canal Belt and close to Amsterdam-Oost (it is 10-15 mins by public transportation to the Old Town). 

But if you are into museums, you may never want to leave this neighborhood – and for good reason! Here, you’ll find most of the important museums in Amsterdam, such as the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum – also known as the “Big 3.”

A couple of notable mentions are Diamond Museum (learnt about the history of diamonds) and Moco Museum (modern contemporary art).  

The district has an upscale vibe, and if you take a walk around the neighborhood, you’ll get to see nice estate houses, boutique stores, and deluxe restaurants. 

However, this is also a great area to stay for budget travelers! There are plenty of budget accommodations available and many of the museums have free entry if you have a Museum Pass – find out more here!

Another central figure in the area is the acclaimed Vondelpark, an immense urban park with ponds and cafés, the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or picnic!

If you’re looking for places even cheaper than the hotels I mention below, you can always consider staying somewhere outside of the city center! 

If you are going to Amsterdam for a conference, chances are it is going to happen in Amsterdam RAI, a cool convention center, in which case Amsterdam Zuid is probably the best place to stay for you!

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Conservatorium Hotel – this hotel is set in a historic building! Enjoy a 5-star service and access to the swimming pool and spa. It is located steps away from all the city museums!
• Hotel TWENTY EIGHT – staying in this modern hotel means that you’ll be surrounded by unmissable museums and Vondelpark. Ah, and trust me when I say that the room designs here are simply unforgettable!

Mid-range (€120 – €200)

• Olympic Hotel – are you looking for a valuable stay in the Museum Quarter? This hotel has it all – an onsite restaurant, a nice terrace where you can relax, and a hotel bar where you can have a drink with a city view. Make sure to book a room here for an unforgettable stay in Amsterdam!
• The Muse Amsterdam – stay in a trendy hotel! It is located only a 10-minute walk away from all the museums. I recommend the room with a balcony for cute city views!

Budget (up to €120)

• The Flying Pig Uptown – if you are looking for where to stay for cheap. This one’s for you. The rating is a bit lower than what we recommend, but I actually stayed in this hostel. It was clean and comfortable!
• Stayokay Vondelpark – this budget option is an excellent choice for solo travelers looking to meet new friends! You’re steps away from some awesome nightlife spots (like Paradiso) and you’ll experience amazing views from your room!

I had to give you more budget options for Oud Zuid, as there are just so many great choices! Here’s another one of my favorites:

• De Bedstee Capsules – perfect for social butterflies who love to meet new people on their travels! Plus, there’s a vegan/vegetarian organic bar where you can hang out and try local wines!

4. De Pijp – best neighborhood for nightlife

De Pijp – which literally means “The Pipe” – is a bit south of the city center. It is a bohemian and super trendy district, so it’s the perfect place to let loose!

The area is known for its international cuisine, unique architecture and beautiful parks, this area is loved by students and artists alike.

While you’re in the area, make sure to buy some souvenirs or try some food at Albert Cuyp Market. Another must is going for a romantic stroll around the beautiful Sarphatipark!

Go to de Tulp if you want a funky bar experience – it’s one of the most popular in the area, so you’re sure to meet some cool people there!

Once there, check out Museum De Dageraad to learn more about the history of social housing in Amsterdam. 

This area is also home to one of the most popular breweries in the world. That is why you should check out the Heineken Experience and learn about its history!

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Hotel Okura Amsterdam – the best thing about this place, apart from its huge swimming pool, is the location: central, surrounded by tons of restaurants and bars. Most rooms feature movie-like views!
• Pestana Amsterdam Riverside – some of the advantages of staying here include an on-site fitness center and an on-site spa that offers massages as well. There is even an on-site restaurant that has its own patio and garden!

Mid-range (€150 – €200)

• Sir Albert Hotel – this hotel’s location is incredible. It is just steps away from De Pijp restaurants, Oud Zuid, and the Canal Belt! Rooms are super comfy and modern.
• ibis Styles Amsterdam City – this 3-star Amsterdam hotel is in De Pijp, next to the Canal Belt! Some of the advantages of staying here include a delicious daily breakfast, easy access to the attractions, and a 24-hour reception, among others.

Budget (up to €150)

• Volkshotel – this hotel is located across the canal, next to De Pijp, in Oud Oost. The hotel looks spotless and clean! You can book private rooms with shared and private bathrooms.
• Cocomama – right across the canal from De Pijp, you’ll find this awesome, cozy hostel. It’s like a home away from home, and you can hang out with the resident cat!

5. De Jordaan – the coolest neighborhood in Amsterdam

De Jordaan is a great area for young people who want to experience the authentic, local way of life. 

The area is next to the center and nestles cool bars and cafés, museums, and traditional architecture.

I recommend you visit Noordermarkt Square for traditional street food and crafts, an iconic market in the area! 

Noordermarkt dates back to the 17th century! It still opens nowadays every morning on Mondays and Saturdays.

Since Amsterdam is famous for its tulips, I highly recommend checking out the Amsterdam Tulip Museum to learn more about its history! If you are looking for more attractions, check out the Woonbootmuseum – a houseboat museum in Amsterdam. 

This district is also known to be home to Brown Cafés, which are traditional Dutch pubs! I highly recommend you check out Café’t Smalle and try the bitterballen (they have vegan ones!) with a beer!

Luxury (€300 and up)

• Adam Suites Hotel – this hotel is cozy and minimalistic, I love it! Rooms can host from 2 to 4 guests, making it perfect for couples or friend groups.
• Hotel Mercier – feel spoiled during your stay in this hotel! It is close to popular attractions and canal views. This 4-star property has an on-site restaurant, a bar, a garden, and more!

Mid-range (€150 – €300)

• Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel – stay in a hotel with a unique Dutch old-world vibe! It offers rooms for solo travelers and groups. I recommend you try out the hotel’s breakfast during your stay! 
• Mr. Jordaan – I love how hip and cozy this hotel looks! It is located in the heart of Jordaan and offers walking tours to all the guests. Rooms are super stylish and can host a maximum of 3 guests.

Budget (up to €150)

• Bridge Inn Amsterdam – this hotel is a great option where to stay for 2 nights. It is near all of Jordaan’s attractions and the city center. Rooms are cozy and come with canal views.
• Linden Hotel – stay in a stylish hotel in the heart of Jordan! The property is great for families, friends, or solo travelers! The hotel is set in a historical 18th-century building, making it so special!

6. Oud West – best area to stay in Amsterdam for foodies

This area is artsy and quirky. It is filled with chic restaurants, cool bars, food halls, and art centers! 

Rembrandtpark and Vondelpark border the neighborhood, making it the perfect mix of fun and greenery!

But don’t be afraid to go even further west to enjoy even more greenery. One of the times I visited Amsterdam, we stayed in Westpoort, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easily convenient it was to get to the city from there. If you stay near a train station like we did, it’s only a 15-minute ride to Central Station and the trains are frequent and cheap.

Some of the most important attractions in Oud West include De Hallen Amsterdam, an old tram depot turned into a food hall full of cultural activities and exhibitions.

For all the foodies out there, don’t forget to check out Ten Katestraat market, a beautiful outdoor market that operates 6 days of the week. Here, you can try street food and buy fresh produce!

Bosboom Toussaintstraat, a street in Oud West, is a very special area dubbed the “birth corner,” with lots of shops focused on pregnant women and children. There are even cafes in this area offering pregnancy-focused foods!

Out for dinner? I recommend Oresti’s Taverna for dessert. Their baklava is the people’s favorite!

This area is one of the best affordable hotels in Amsterdam. And you can get to the narrow streets of Old Centrum in a 20-minute scenic walk!

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Dreamtime Houseboat – looking for the coolest experience ever?! This place is awesome, a houseboat fit for up to 4 people in a quiet area. There’s a little terrace and it’s super homey!
• Huygens Place Amsterdam – the rooms here are super luxurious, and the staff here will go above and beyond for you! There’s a sun terrace available, too, perfect for couples!

Mid-range (€125 – €200)

• Hotel Larende – this boutique hotel is super close to the De Hallen food market, the Houseboat Museum, and more. Plus, you’ll just love the continental breakfast buffet and the welcome drink!
• The ED Amsterdam – this hotel looks super cute! Rooms are modern and stylish. One of the biggest pros is its location between Oud-West and the Canal Belt!

Budget (up to €125)

• Hotel Jupiter – just a few mins walk from Vondelpark, this newly-renovated hotel is a great choice for those who want a hostel feel but with their own room!
• CityHub Amsterdam – stay in cozy pods! Definitely a unique experience! It is located steps away from Oud-West restaurants, still there is still an onsite bar and restaurant.

7. Plantage & The Jewish Quarter – best area for families

If you’re looking for a laid-back, cool residential area where you can stay together with your family and children, Plantage and the Jewish Quarter is the best choice out there!

Plantage is a relaxed, artsy area right next to the old Jewish Quarter (“Jodenbuurt”). This area has a very rich Jewish history, so I highly recommend you visit the Jewish Museum to learn more about it.

It’s also one of the greenest parts of Amsterdam, making it perfect for relaxing strolls with the entire family!

I highly suggest you visit De Hortus, a botanical garden filled with unique plants! Kids and adults will love the visit, and it’s a great way to get away from the crowds! 

De Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world!

Just a stone throw away there is also Artis Zoo, a great place to visit if you are traveling with kids!

Another cool museum the entire family will love is Micropia, a microbes museum! It really looks fantastic and it’ll be both fun and educational for the whole family.

These districts are only 10 minutes away by transport/20 min walking from the Old Centrum. So you will have all the historical attractions near while staying in a quiet area of town!

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Hyatt Regency Amsterdam – this gorgeous 5-star hotel has an excellent location, only steps away from Artis Zoo, and it has unforgettable service and beautiful rooms!
• InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam – this property has elegant, classic decor, and it’s right on the banks of the river. Some of the advantages of staying here include access to the on-site fitness center and an indoor pool for family swims!

Mid-range (€130 – €200)

• The Jonker Urban Studios – located a 5-minute walk from Hortus Botanical Garden. This property offers chic studios for a relaxing sleep. It can host up to 3 guests.
• 23 SouS – stay in this awesome bed and breakfast in Plantage! It is set in a traditional house and comes with modern and homey rooms. Located steps away from the district’s attractions.

Budget (up to €130)

• Sleep on a ship! – in case you always dreamed of staying in one of those boat hotels in Amsterdam, this might be your dream come true! This property offers cabins in a boat, which will make for a truly unforgettable stay in Amsterdam!
• The Bee Hostel – this property offers super cheap beds in shared rooms. This one is better for adults. It is located next to ARTIS and offers a laundry service.

8. Amsterdam Noord – for an artsy scene

Amsterdam Noord is the most up-and-coming neighborhood in the city and the best area to stay in Amsterdam for young adults who are into artsy and hip bars, restaurants, and venues, surrounded by cute village houses! 

If you decide on staying there, you absolutely HAVE TO visit A’DAM Lookout – this is apparently the highest swing in Europe, and the views to the city are FANTASTIC!

PRO TIP: So you don’t have to pay an entrance ticket to the Observatory (which costs €19) at reception tell them you are going to the rooftop bar or the panorama restaurant. That way you can see the view for free, but you can still go on the swings (for which you have to pay around €8).

If you like greenery, this area is home to Noorderpark and W.H. Vliegenbos. The perfect places for a Sunday picnic or even a camping getaway!

This area is north of the city center, but don’t worry about distance. You can easily reach the city center by ferry to Amsterdam Central Station which is quite frequent and FREE.

One of the most iconic attractions in the Noord is the The Eye Museum, a museum about filmmaking that also screens movies.

Also, do yourself a favor and check out NDSM Wharf – it is a former shipyard/warehouse turned into a creative hotspot (+a flea market on Sunday!). 

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Sir Adam Hotel – feel like a rock star staying at Sir Adam! This hotel comes with modern and fun rooms. The river views from the property are fantastic! Located an 8-minute walk from the Centrum.
• The Panorama – this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam is definitely one of the most unique ones out there! Stay in a modern glass house featuring 360° views of the city and the river! 

Mid-range (€130 – €200)

• Klavergeluk – stay in a traditional village house! This property comes with a cute garden, a private kitchen, and cozy views! Located next to Noorderpark.
• SWEETS – IJdoornlaanbrug – this 1-bedroom apartment looks so dreamy! It has an old-world vibe, and the river views are simply charming! Located a 20-minute walk to Noorderpark.

Budget (up to €130)

• Bunk Hotel Amsterdam – this hotel is so incredible. It is set in a church building. It is modern and artsy, and the rooms are so cool! You can stay in a private one or get a private pod in a shared room! 
• Cafe Modern – this hotel looks like a piece of art! It’s definitely one of the coolest Amsterdam hotels! I recommend the room with the bathtub to enhance the experience. It is located within walking distance of Centrum.

👑 Luxury price:	€250
💵 Mid-range:	€150
🛏️ Budget:	€100
📍 Best neighborhood:	Old Centrum
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Radisson Blu Hotel
💵 Mid-range hotel:	Monet Garden Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	The Ho(s)tel

BONUS: Best hotels near Amsterdam Airport

Schiphol is one of the biggest airports in the world, so if you are looking for where to stay for a nigh in Amsterdam before catching a flight, I have for you the best 3 hotels near Schiphol airport:

• Hilton Amsterdam Airport Hotel Schiphol – this superb 4-star hotel offers great service and, hear me out, it is directly connected to the international terminal of the airport – you just cannot get closer than this!
• Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam – it has TONS of different rooms that you can choose from. Plus, it’s less than 3 km (1.8 mi) from the airport and comes with a relaxing spa center.
• Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel – great hotel if you need to catch a plane in the early morning! Rooms are super comfortable. It comes with 3 onsite restaurants!

Getting around Amsterdam

Getting around Amsterdam is not that difficult since the city is very well connected with public transportation, including buses, trams, ferries, and trains to help you reach any place.

To get from the Central Station to our accommodation we used Uber which is super convenient.

However, to get around the city we used only public transport, specifically trains, and they were super easy and practical to use. I would definitely recommend getting the NS app to get the best recommendations about how to get from one place to another.

PRO TIP: Don’t buy a ticket from the ticket machine, because you will pay +1€ for the ticket itself. Instead, pay with your phone or a bank card and you will only be charged the cost of the ticket, which is different depending on how long your ride is.

Just tap your phone/card on the machine (on the pic) before you enter the train, and tap out when you leave. Don’t forget to tap out otherwise, you will be charged the max amount.

NOTE: if you see “Try another payment method” message when tapping out, try to go to another scanner. We had that issue and we were told it was a system glitch.

Within the city, you can get around by the metro, tram, or bus. They are all operated by the same company, so you need one type of ticket to access them all. You can buy these tickets at the machines, or you can also pay with your phone/card as well, and the cost will depend on the length of your ride.

You can also get a 1-hour ticket which costs €3,40 with unlimited transfers (but don’t forget to check in when boarding and check out when disembarking each time).

If you’re going to be using the transport more often, you can also get multi-day tickets (from 1 to 7 days) starting from €9 for a 24-hour ticket.

FAQs about where to stay in Amsterdam

Conclusion

That is all for today, my lovely travelers! Hopefully, now you know where to stay in Amsterdam! 

If you still haven’t found anything convenient and/or in the budget, I recommend looking outside of the city. Amsterdam is super well connected! For example, Sloterdijk is just 20 mins by train to the center, so if you’re on a tight budget, this cute little village might be for you!

To wrap up, these were my favorites hotels in the city, check them out if you haven’t yet:

• Adam Suites Hotel – definitely located in the best part of town to stay in Amsterdam, in my opinion. The rooms look amazing and luxurious!
• SWEETS – IJdoornlaanbrug – It looks so cozy and romantic! The perfect city stay in a quiet area!

Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe, so it is vital you book your hotel room in advance before someone else does!

Which one of these areas was your favorite? Let me know in the comments, and if you have any questions, I’m happy to help!

Sweet travels,

Yulia

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