Where to Stay in Amsterdam?

Are you planning to explore the capital of the Netherlands soon but unsure where to stay in Amsterdam? Before fully enjoying your vacation in this beautiful city, check out all my tips for choosing the best neighborhood to stay in and all the top establishments

A beloved tourist destination, Amsterdam shines with its narrow streets and romantic canals. Wondering what to do in Amsterdam? World-renowned museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, are must-sees for art lovers. Not to mention the botanical gardens and lush parks that offer an oasis of peace and tranquility in an urban setting...

With its many bike paths, you can easily explore Amsterdam by bike, but let's not forget its vibrant nightlife... The city is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, with clubs, bars, and events such as King's Day and Gay Pride in August.

Often compared to the city of Venice in Italy, Amsterdam boasts many assets such as its narrow streets, picturesque canals, and rich cultural heritage.

Like many European destinations, Amsterdam is known for its high prices year-round, even in the off-season! In other words, don't wait too long to book your hotel. Rooms fill up fast, and you might miss the best deals by delaying.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with all the neighborhoods of the capital. Some offer quick access to museums and tourist sites, while others are a bit more authentic. In this guide, I propose to delve into the best neighborhoods to stay in during your trip to Amsterdam.

My ❤️ favorite places to stay in Amsterdam

If you don't have time to read the entire article, here are my favorite accommodations in Amsterdam:

With its narrow streets and typically Dutch houses, the Old Amsterdam neighborhood, known as Binnenstad, is an iconic area that must be explored! It is also the historical center of the city surrounded by canals, most of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This neighborhood is known for its many points of interest, such as Dam Square, where the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is located, as well as the famous Rembrandtplein, filled with numerous bars and restaurants. You'll also find many shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, along with museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum for your cultural days.

Due to its central location and popularity with visitors, Old Amsterdam gets very busy, especially during the spring and summer months. Even though it is crowded during these high traffic times, it is a must-see for both the cultural discoveries you will make and the lively atmosphere. It is my favorite neighborhood to stay in Amsterdam.

THIS HO(S)TEL is at the heart of all the attractions in Amsterdam, both tourist spots and practical places like the train station. You will find very simple and comfortable rooms starting from $80 during the off-season.

The Flying Pig Downtown is the perfect spot for young adults on a budget. It is a youth hostel in the historical center of Amsterdam. A night starts at $40. It is only a 5-minute walk from Dam Square, an essential location.

Known as De Wallen, the Red Light District is world-famous for its vibrant, animated, and controversial atmosphere. Indeed, it is filled with sex shops, erotic massage parlors, cabarets, adult cinemas, and unique displays.

Quite historical, Amsterdam's red light district has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages when sailors sought pleasure in the city's taverns and brothels. Over the centuries, the district has evolved into an important center of the sex industry, with legal and regulated sex workers offering their services in the red-lit windows.

Despite this, De Wallen remains a heavily visited area by tourists. On one hand due to its wild and liberated character, but also for its vibrant atmosphere! It is a district where you can enjoy a lively nightlife. However, staying in the Red Light District tends to cater to visitors who won't be disturbed by nighttime noise

Here's another youth hostel, Durty Nelly's Inn. I love it because it's truly where you'll find the best prices for quality establishments. You just need to enjoy communal living and meet new people. You can stay in a bunk bed for $32 a night, close to several well-known attractions and just 7 minutes from the central station.

Heart of Amsterdam Hotel offers both dormitory-style accommodations and much more comfortable rooms for your sleep. Rooms are available starting at $79 a night outside of the summer season. Each room is decorated in themes related to Pulp Fiction, American Beauty, or Kill Bill. You will be about a 15-minute walk from the Anne Frank House and close to a tram stop for getting around.

The Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam is one of the most traditional spots in the city. Located to the west of the city center, with its characteristic streets, it has a long history dating back to the 17th century when artisans and workers began settling in the area.

If you're an art and fashion lover, know that the Jordaan neighborhood is a favorite spot for artists and creators where you will find art galleries and artists' studios located throughout the area. With restaurants, bars, and cafes, you'll love its lively yet calm atmosphere. It's perfect for immersing yourself in local culture!

Moreover, I highly recommend shopping in Jordaan. The neighborhood hosts one of the most popular markets in Amsterdam: the Noordermarkt flea market. This market offers a wide variety of fresh local products, as well as vintage items and antiques. In summary, the Jordaan neighborhood is an ideal place to settle in Amsterdam!

Melrose Hotel is located less than 700 meters from the Anne Frank House and Leidseplein. In addition to offering an ideal location, you'll enjoy maximum comfort in beautiful modern rooms. Prices start from $129 per night. It's more expensive than what I've suggested so far, but it's truly a quality hotel.

Hotel Mercier is another high-end establishment in the city, although you will mostly find such establishments in the Jordaan district. You can find rooms starting at $318 per night. Here too, you will be close to the Anne Frank House, Leidseplein, and the Royal Palace.

If you're looking for secondhand items like vintage clothing, jewelry, vinyl records, and old books, then head to Waterlooplein! This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Amsterdam, with its namesake square hosting a market for more than a century!

For your outings and activities in Amsterdam, you'll find museums such as the Jewish Historical Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum. The area is surrounded by canals, providing a panoramic view of the city, lined with historic buildings dating back to the 18th century. Stroll through the neighborhood and taste the Dutch culinary specialties

If you want to stay in the Waterlooplein neighborhood, know that it is very well served by public transport. The transport network in general is highly developed in Amsterdam, especially the tram and bus lines! Unmissable and pleasant, Waterlooplein is an ideal place to stay during your holiday in the Netherlands.

Once an agricultural area, the Plantage neighborhood is now a charming spot that offers a wide variety of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. It is one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam if you are looking for a quiet and pleasant area

The botanical garden of Amsterdam is one of the main attractions of the neighborhood. It has a vast collection of plants and flowers from around the world, along with several greenhouses, rock gardens, and ponds. There are also interesting museums to visit such as the Jewish Historical Museum and the Dutch Resistance Museum for history and culture enthusiasts.

Among the other unique sites to visit, the neighborhood houses a zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, as well as the beautiful Oosterpark for relaxation and nature enjoyment. The National Holocaust Memorial, the grand Holocaust Museum, and the Portuguese synagogue are also worth seeing.

Hotel Nes is located in Amsterdam's old Jewish neighborhood, and this establishment features unique architecture typical of Dutch houses. You will be just a 5-minute walk from the shopping street Kalverstraat and close to all amenities. In my opinion, this is the definition of a perfect place to stay starting at $186 per night.

Alternatively, in Plantage, there is The Bee Hostel, a youth hostel perfectly situated just a few meters from Rembrandtplein. The real advantage is the cost of a night, which amounts to about $33; however, you will share a dormitory with other travelers.

In the southern part of the city, if you are looking for a lively and festive neighborhood, you will discover Leidseplein It's one of the liveliest areas in the capital due to its numerous bars, coffee shops, theaters, and nightclubs In a completely different atmosphere, Leidseplein is also directly near Amsterdam's green lung, Vondelpark

Nonetheless, Leidseplein remains a noisy neighborhood where many young adults come to enjoy a good evening with friends. Therefore, it is not intended for all types of travelers, but those who are not disturbed by this party atmosphere will be delighted to stay at Leidseplein, where prices are also more affordable!

Huygens Place Amsterdam is just a few meters from Leidseplein. The establishment boasts a modern and warm decor from the reception to the rooms, where you won't even hear noise from the neighborhood. Nights are also quite affordable as they start from $104 during low season.

Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Leidse Square is one of my favorites ❤️, especially thanks to the establishment's mascot, a blue bear that you'll find in all rooms, which have a modern and minimalist style. The hotel also features a beautiful bar where you can wrap up your day of exploration with a cocktail, all just a few meters from the city's major attractions. Rates start at $105 a night.

Located south of downtown Amsterdam, this neighborhood is multicultural and particularly lively, thanks to the surrounding bars and restaurants. I can also recommend its outdoor market, the Albert Cuyp market, which offers plenty of fresh produce, clothing, and handmade items!

Staying in the De Pijp neighborhood will allow you to discover many places such as Sarphati Park, a relaxing natural spot popular with tourists and locals. The neighborhood also houses several museums, including the famous Heineken Experience Museum; if you want to take an interactive tour of the historic brewery, I recommend it 100%.

With its open-air market, green spaces, museums, and vibrant artistic and culinary scene, De Pijp neighborhood offers an ideal setting for a stay in Amsterdam.

Ibis Styles Amsterdam Amstel is a reliable choice in the De Pijp neighborhood, and you will be close to locations I just mentioned, like the Albert Cuyp market. For a night, expect to pay starting from $110 during low season.

Hotel Atlantis Amsterdam is not far from the first establishment, also just a few meters from the Albert Cuyp market and the Heineken Experience Museum. A night starts at $81 in this well-regarded and comfortable establishment, which also includes breakfast.

For those considering a museum tour in Amsterdam, I highly recommend staying in the Museum District >>. Ideal for art culture enthusiasts, you will be close to the most famous museums in the Netherlands, including the following:

Unsurprisingly, the Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam's most important museums. It has an exceptional collection of 17th-century Dutch paintings, including Rembrandt's famous work, The Night Watch. The museum also features collections of sculpture, decorative arts, and photography... It's a must-visit activity to plan for your stay!

Next, set off to explore the Van Gogh Museum, another jewel in this neighborhood. It houses the largest collection of works by the famous Dutch painter. Visitors, including yourself, can admire paintings from all periods and stages of Van Gogh's life, from his early dark and mysterious canvases to his most famous works like The Sunflowers

Finally, one of the last museums I recommend you visit is the Stedelijk Museum, known for being an important museum in the region. It showcases modern and contemporary artworks, including pieces by Dutch artists such as Karel Appel and Piet Mondrian.

For the Museum District, I suggest a hotel that bears its name: Hotel Van Gogh. It is located in a typical stone building and features fairly modern decor. Off-season, you can find rooms starting at $89 per night and up to $276 during peak season. It is, of course, in close proximity to all the museums I just mentioned.

The Delphi - Amsterdam Townhouse is a small family-run 4-star establishment with typical Dutch architecture located near Museumplein. It offers a warm, modern, and simply stunning setting for a successful stay starting from $189 a night.

Previously industrialized a few years ago, Amsterdam Noord is now a truly trendy multicultural neighborhood, ideal for budding artists but also for tourists looking for discoveries To get there, you'll need to take the ferry, a completely free means of transport for locals and travelers!

Here you will find NDSM-werf, a former shipyard transformed into a recreational area where you can explore old boats covered with street art and attend many evening concerts. A little anecdote, this is also where the most unusual Airbnb in Amsterdam is located, as you can spend the night in a crane ️ (but not for just any price...).

You should also discover the many culinary specialties of Dutch gastronomy at Pllek and Noorderlicht

Crane Hotel Faralda is undoubtedly the most unusual accommodation in the city and the world! Indeed, you will sleep on top of a crane, and I must warn you, it's best not to be afraid of heights, as you will enjoy a panoramic view at any time of the day or night (even while taking a bath ). If you follow influencer Léna Situations' adventures, you surely recognized this establishment as she tested and approved it during her vlogs in August 2024! For one night, expect to pay around $1,200!

Botel Amsterdam is another quirky establishment since you'll sleep in a giant letter on the upper deck of a boat (just in case you prefer to sleep with your feet on solid ground and at a more affordable price). The whole experience still provides a modern and cozy setting. For one night, budget starting from $241.

DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam - NDSM Wharf is an establishment from a chain known for its quality and fairly reasonable prices. Located in Amsterdam Noord, it even offers views of the famous crane/hotel. For one night, plan on spending just $106 during low season for services worthy of luxury establishments.

Far from all the hustle and bustle of the Dutch capital, you can also stay in the Oostelijke neighborhood. The downside is that it will take you a bit more time to reach the main attractions of Amsterdam, but in return, you will enjoy a peaceful stay in a typical building along Amsterdam's canals

You will still find some points of interest worth a detour, such as the Het Scheepvaartmuseum about the maritime history of the Netherlands ⚓️ Here you will also discover the botanical garden of Amsterdam and many more things to explore by choosing one of my good plans for accommodation <-️

Pension Homeland is a family-run establishment that is really bright and located at the far east end of downtown Amsterdam. It offers simple and comfortable rooms starting from $171 per night during low season and up to $361 in spring or summer.

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Landmark is also ideally located right next to downtown! It offers spacious rooms at a fairly high price, starting from $138 per night. A price justified by high-quality services, praised by customers.

Even though Amsterdam is a city to discover all year round, spring and autumn are the best seasons for a vacation. From an economic standpoint, you are likely to find some great deals on accommodations while enjoying a bit more peace and quiet.

In other words, prioritize the months of April, May, September, and October for travel. The temperatures are pleasant and mild! Of course, nothing is stopping you from visiting the Dutch capital during high season... But prices are significantly higher, not to mention the influx of tourists!

I hope this article has been helpful for planning your stay in the Netherlands and that you find the ideal accommodation in Amsterdam according to your desires To better prepare for your trip, feel free to read my article on the Amsterdam Pass