Where to stay in Amsterdam: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexA popular destination, especially for young people, who have always seen it as a symbol of transgression par excellence, the Dutch capital has something for everyone. Nicknamed "the Venice of the North", Amsterdam is famous for its network of canals dating back to the 17th century. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its ancient palaces, excellent museums, coffee shops and Red-Light District.
Are you planning a weekend in the city and looking for the perfect accommodation? Here is a practical guide to the best neighbourhoods to base yourself in the Dutch capital: the best areas, neighbourhoods and accommodation suitable for any type of traveller.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Amsterdam
The most convenient area to stay is the Binnenstad district, the most central, and closest to the most important attractions. Also, the famous De Wallen red light district is here, where the nightlife is concentrated in the evening. However, there are many other districts full of charm where you can breathe an authentic atmosphere; for example, Joordan, with its bohemian soul.
Outside the centre, there are areas that have been renovated and used as residential neighbourhoods where it is possible to find accommodation that is a little cheaper. Among these, we recommend the Oud Zuid area, which includes the De Pijp district and the Museumkwartier. This is not an inconvenient solution thanks to the efficient transport network.
Remember that the demand for hotels in Amsterdam is always very high, especially during the summer, at Easter and during the Christmas period. The advice is therefore to book well in advance.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: De Pijp, Plantage, Amsterdam Noord
- Recommended areas for families with children: Museumkwartier, Plantage
- Recommended areas for young people: red light district of Binnenstadt, Leidesplein, Jordaan
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Amsterdam. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Guide to the areas of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is divided into seven districts. Inside each of them you will find a dense network of winding alleys that wind in turn in as many streets. Due to its unique conformation, built practically on the water, Amsterdam is crossed by numerous canals arranged in a ring, so the simplest ways to get around it are on foot (taking advantage of the numerous bridges) and by bike (thanks to the abundance of cycle paths), or on water through the frequent boat rides.
Not recommended areas: there are no dangerous or riskier areas in particular, however we advise against going to areas such as Zeedijk, Geldersekade and Nieuwendijk (near Centraal Station) late in the evening
Binnenstad (Red-Light District, Dam Square, Singel Canal)
If this is your first trip to Amsterdam, the best neighbourhood is undoubtedly Binnenstad, which is the centre of the city. Here you will be within walking distance of everything, and in a short time you can reach the main tourist attractions such as Dam Square, the sumptuous Royal Palace, and the shopping streets of Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk.
The nightlife is also here and can be experienced at its fullest in De Wallen and along the Singel canal, the red-light districts of the city. Next to the very famous district that has become almost the symbol of Amsterdam itself, there is Chinatown, an area teeming with life and full of restaurants with oriental flavours, temples and small shops.
Being a very touristy area, there are lots of hotels here and you will find both elegant and more expensive solutions, as well as lower priced accommodation. Around the red light district there are many hostels and cheap hotels, noisy and very disturbed in the evening, therefore not recommended for families.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €52,00 for low-cost accommodation to €680,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam | Located along the Herengracht canal, 5-star hotel consisting of 6 monumental buildings dating back to the 17th century and the luxurious Spa Guerlain |
| B&B Midtown Amsterdam suites | This bed and breakfast offers views of a garden and free WiFi |
Jordaan (Anne Frank's house, Marnixstraat and Rozengracht)
The most famous district of Amsterdam. It is a very picturesque area that best represents the image you have of Amsterdam, with its typical Dutch houses, narrow alleys and small canals topped with charming bridges. Right here flows one of the most beautiful canals in the city, the Bloemgracht.
Jordaan's main attractions include the Westerkerk, Anne Frank House and the Tulip Museum, but the real draw is the neighbourhood itself, with its great variety of alternative and trendy shops, modern restaurants and traditional bars, and innovative art galleries.
There is no shortage of small quality hotels with a refined and modern design, and they are often in repurposed warehouses and art galleries. Most of the accommodation is located along the Marnixstraat and Rozengracht avenues. Despite being central, Jordaan is less chaotic and less crowded with tourists than other areas such as Dam square.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €49,00 for low-cost accommodation to €950,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Luxurious 110m2 3br Houseboat in Amsterdam Centre | Luxurious 110m2 houseboat in the centre of Amsterdam. 3 bedrooms and an equipped kitchen |
| Frankendael Apartments | Series of apartments that feature a living area with sofa bed and flat-screen TV, and equipped kitchen. Ideal for couples |
| Melrose Hotel | This 3-star property offers a shared lounge, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and a private bathroom |
| Hotel Max Amsterdam | Ideal for young people. Rooms with colourful interiors and a private bathroom with shower. To access it you have to climb a steep staircase |
Museumkwartier (Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, Van Gogh Museum)
The Museumkwartier, or museum quarter, is part of the larger Oud Zuid district. It is the ideal area for art and culture lovers. You can walk among the most beautiful museums in the city, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the MOCO Museum of Modern Art. Although not renowned for its nightlife, it is still a lively area and in a short time you can reach the nearby Leidseplein square, where the nightlife is. Furthermore, the area is perfectly connected to the rest of the city by public transport (tram 12 to the Amsterdam Dam stop, 12 min).
It is a perfect area for families with children, as this is where one of the largest parks in the city is located, the Vondelpark. In addition to the famous museums, the district is also home to one of the most important concert halls in the world, the Concertgebouw.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €49,00 for low-cost accommodation to €420,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel City Garden Amsterdam | Property located on the elegant PC Hooftstraat shopping street. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with park or street views |
| Apple Inn Hotel Amsterdam | Set in a renovated stately home, it offers rooms for up to 5 people and free WiFi. |
| Conscious Hotel The Tire Station - Vondelpark | Overlooking the green Vondelpark, it offers free WiFi, on-site parking and restaurant |
| Vondelpark House B&B | Rooms with garden or city views, equipped with a seating area. Free WiFi. There is luggage storage and tea and coffee making facilities |
De Pijp (Heineken Experience, Albert Cuyp Market)
The De Pijp district, together with the neighbouring Museumkwartier, is part of the Oud Zuid area. Located in the southern part of Amsterdam, it is the artistic and multi-ethnic area of the city, full of bars and restaurants, also known as the "Latin Quarter". Without a doubt, it is the liveliest and most loved neighbourhood by young people. Among the most famous attractions, are the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest market in Europe and the heart of the neighbourhood, and the Heineken Experience, with the beer museum located in the old Heineken factory.
De Pijp is the perfect neighbourhood for those who want to get away from the more touristy areas and mingle with the locals, but without being too far from the centre, which is just a 15 minute walk away (alternatively metro 52 from the neighbourhood to the Rokin stop, 3 min). It is also a fairly cheap neighbourhood to stay, where you can find accommodation of various kinds, from apartments to quality hotels.
Average price in the neighbourhood range from about €64,00 for low-cost accommodation to €214,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Pestana Amsterdam Riverside | Luxurious 5-star hotel offering 154 sumptuous rooms and suites, as well as 16 studios with kitchenette |
| The Arcade Hotel Amsterdam | Free WiFi, 24-hour reception, games room with 6 exclusive gaming PCs. Bicycle rental service, comic library and flower service. Organic breakfast. |
| Easyhotel Amsterdam City Centre South | Small but functional budget rooms with private bathroom. 24-hour Reception, free WiFi and the possibility to book overnight accommodation only |
| Ibis Styles Amsterdam City | 3-star hotel that offers tastefully furnished rooms equipped with a tea and coffee set. Private parking on site subject to availability |
Leidseplein (Holland Casino, Hard Rock Cafè)
Leidseplein is a small neighbourhood not far from the Museumkwartier. It is a perfect neighbourhood for young people: it does not have the high costs of Binnenstad and at the same time has a lively nightlife! Here you will find the Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American, the Holland Casino and numerous live music venues! The heart of the district is Leidseplein square.
Staying in this neighbourhood, you can easily reach the centre and the main attractions. From Leidseplein, trams 2 and 12 go to the Amsterdam Dam stop (6 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €63,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel La Boheme Amsterdam | Hotel with a bohemian feel, with great attention to detail. Family rooms, bar and WiFi available |
| Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam | Hostel with common rooms, 24-hour reception, bar and breakfast. Ideal for groups of friends and young people |
| Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American | 4-star hotel of the famous Hard Rock chain. Gym, bar, restaurant and excellent breakfast |
Plantage (Botanical Garden, Zoo)
East of the centre of Amsterdam, is a residential area where there are not many bars and restaurants. Peaceful and away from the chaos of the centre, it is the ideal place to spend quiet nights, and above all it is an area where hotel prices are much cheaper.
Here you will also find many green areas, parks and interesting activities such as Oosterpark and Flevopark. In Waterlooplein, you can find the famous flea market, the Museum of the Tropics, the gigantic Artis Royal Zoo, the wonderful botanical garden and the Hermitage Museum. Obviously it is quite far from the centre, to reach it you have to use the tram (line 14 from Amsterdam-Mr. Visserplein to Dam Square, 8 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €69,00 for low-cost accommodation to €650,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Arena Amsterdam | In a building that once served as an orphanage and nursing home, it offers personalised rooms. 24-hour reception, free WiFi, bicycle rental. Paid parking in the underground garage |
| Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam | 4-star hotel with rooms equipped with every comfort. Among the various services: restaurant, private parking, bar, gym, room service, business centre, free WiFi. Hammam and evening entertainment program |
| MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam | Featuring rooms with flat-screen TV, desk, and private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and free toiletries |
Amsterdam Noord (EYE Museum, A'DAM Tower)
The Amsterdam Noord district is located across the river Ij, behind Central Station. It is the modern, innovative and trendy heart of the Dutch capital. Here you can find the EYE museum and the A'DAM tower.
Given the modernity of the buildings, the hotels in this district have much larger rooms compared to those in the historic centre and the services are state-of-the-art. The ideal area for business travellers but also for anyone who prefers facilities with all comforts at affordable prices. There are excellent tram connections that connect the docklands with the centre and frequent ferries that connect Amsterdam Noord with Central Station (5 min), from which you can then proceed on foot or by tram (lines 2 or 12) to Binnenstad, 5 min.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €71,00 for low-cost accommodation to €406,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Bastion Hotel Amsterdam Noord | All rooms are non-smoking. Possibility of more luxurious accommodation. Continental buffet breakfast. There is a restaurant, a lounge and a computer in the lobby with internet connection |
| YOTEL Amsterdam | 4-star hotel with restaurant, gym, bar, garden, 24-hour reception and luggage storage. Free WiFi and paid private parking are also available |
| ClinkNOORD | Clean and modern hostel, private or dorm rooms, free WiFi. 24-hour reception |
| SWEETS - Buiksloterdraaibrug | 28 rooms overlooking the lake. Each room includes a living area, a bedroom and a bathroom. Free WiFi, tablets with neighbourhood guides, Netflix and digital newspapers |
Places to stay near Amsterdam
Sleeping in Amsterdam is certainly the best choice, especially if you are thinking of a trip entirely dedicated to discovering the Dutch capital, or if you have little time, for example a weekend. If, on the other hand, you have more time available and your aim is to also explore the areas around Amsterdam, to discover the more indigenous Holland, then you could consider sleeping in one of the places listed below.
- Haarlem (33 km / 29 min): once surrounded by walls, today it retains its medieval charm thanks to the cobbled streets and houses with sloping stepped roofs. Perfect location to admire the tulip fields, art museums and hofjes. Ideal base as it is connected to Amsterdam by direct bus (line 80, 29 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €66,00 per room
- Zaandam (18.7 km / 19 min): known for the famous mills of Zaanse Schans, the Zaan river and the annual Dam tot Dam foot race. Ideal base as it is connected to Amsterdam by direct train (Sprinter or Intercity, 12 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €52,00 per room
- Volendam (21 km / 25 min): characteristic fishing village, with typical green houses, as well as one of the most beautiful and touristic villages in Holland. Marken and Edam are also close enough to visit. Ideal base as it is connected to Amsterdam by direct bus (line 316, 28 min ) - Hotels and B&Bs from €55,00 per room
- Lisse (38.7 km / 38 min): famous for its tulip fields and the Keukenhof, the botanical garden. The Black Tulip Museum is also here.To reach Amsterdam, first take bus162 to Nieuw-Vennep Station and then the train to the city - Hotels and B&Bs from €62,00 per room
- L'Aia (64. 4 km / 1 h 4 min): coastal city on the North Sea, famous for the United Nations International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Rotterdam can also be easily reached from here. Ideal base as you can reach Amsterdam by direct bus (Flixbus, 45 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €58,00 per room
If you are in Amsterdam for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com