Where to Stay in Amsterdam – The Ultimate Guide

Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, is known for its historical attractions, great art, tulips, windmills, cheese, and lively nightlife. The historical landmarks of this city, including the Golden Age mansions, Anne Frank House, Rembrandt House Museum, Oude Church, and Dam Square, will make you fall in love with the city.

It is a compact city that allows you to explore it on foot or a bike. Amsterdam has all kinds of accommodations available based on your budget and requirements. These include hostels, B&Bs, budget hotels, middle-priced hotels, and luxury hotels.

With so many options available, deciding where to stay in Amsterdam can be tough. The most popular areas to stay in Amsterdam are around the Canal Ring. This location is connected to a number of other areas where you can walk from one point to another in 30 minutes.

This makes it ideal if you’re wondering where to stay in Amsterdam close to everything. Some areas are festive and loud, some are cultural, and some are more elegant and quiet. Whether you’re on a solo trip, on your honeymoon, or with family, there’s always something entertaining to find in Amsterdam.

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Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam can be a bit overwhelming, if you don’t know the neighbourhoods and what to expect there. But don’t worry, I will help you find your perfect accommodation.

Jordaan

Originally a working-class neighbourhood, Jordaan is full of charm. Here you can find numerous art-galleries, delishops, markets, and the lovely hidden courtyards, the so-called ‘hofjes‘. This will be my preferred place to stay in Amsterdam.

Where to stay in Jordaan: Hotel Mercier, Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel, Mr. Jordaan

City Centre

The City Centre is for those that want to experience the lively and touristy parts of Amsterdam, just at a walking distance from anything and everything. You can find there both cheap and super expensive accommodation. Something for everyone.

Where to stay in the City Centre: Amsterdam House of Arts & Crafts, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

De Wallen

You want to stay in De Wallen if you are in Amsterdam for the partying. There are also lots of hostels in this area. This area is crammed with bars, restaurants, and cafes. The famous Red Light District is also there.

Where to stay in De Wallen: Durty Nelly’s Inn, Swissôtel Amsterdam, This HO(S)TEL

Leidseplein

This is another area for the party-goers. Leidseplein is packed with bars, restaurants and clubs, and there’s also a casino there. The famous clubs Melkweg and Paradiso are located there.

Where to stay on Leidseplein: Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American, Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein

De Plantage

De Plantage is a green and quiet neighbourhood around the Artis Zoo. The botanical garden Hortus Botanicus is also located there. It’s mostly suitable for families.

Where to stay in De Plantage: The BEE Hostel, Artis Plantage Apartment, Plantage Garden Apartments

De Pijp

De Pijp is the Bohemian neighbourhood of Amsterdam. It used to be a working-class residential area but now it’s a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, super vibrant and my second place of choice to stay in Amsterdam.

Where to stay in De Pijp: Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Blossoms City Hotel, Sir Albert Hotel, Bicycle Hotel Amsterdam

Canal Ring

The Canal Ring, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perhaps the most iconic area of Amsterdam to stay in. What can be a more typical Amsterdam experience than staying in a stately canal house, tasting that 17th-century Golden Age atmosphere.

Where to stay in the Canal Ring: Prinsengracht Hotel, Hotel Estheréa, Pulitzer Amsterdam

Museum Quarter

Museum Quarter is calling all art lovers. There you will find Amsterdam’s most famous art museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, MOCO Museum, to name just a few.

Where to stay in Museum Quarter: Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam, Conscious Hotel Museum Square, Hotel Van Gogh

Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Noord and the area around NDSM wharf is up-and-coming and suitable for the hipster ones among the travellers. It used to be an industrial area but now it’s bustling with hotels, attractions, galleries, and vibrant community places.

Where to stay in Amsterdam Noord: Crane Hotel Faralda, Sir Adam Hotel, Botel

How to Search for Accommodation in Amsterdam

First things first. How do you search for accommodation in Amsterdam, if you don’t know where to start? Here’s a selection of websites, that help with searching and comparing hotels and prices, they also feature reviews and guest experiences:

• Booking.com – this is the most popular website to search for hotels in Europe, and no wonder the most popular in the Netherlands, as it is a Dutch company with headquarters in Amsterdam;
• Agoda.com – Agoda is less popular in Europe, but they also have an extensive choice of hotels in Amsterdam;
• Hostelworld.com – if you are on a budget, this website will help you find affordable accommodation in Amsterdam;
• Tripadvisor.com – we all know this website, here you can find lots of reviews and personal experiences of travellers.

Or you can use the map below to search for places to stay in Amsterdam:

Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam

If you want your experience in Amsterdam to be unforgettable and ultra-comfortable, opting for a high-end hotel in Amsterdam is the wise option.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

This luxury hotel occupies six mansions from the 17th century. It overflows with grandeur and elegance at every corner. While it might cost you an arm and a leg, staying at this hotel is indeed an experience of a lifetime.

Waldorf Astoria is also the most expensive hotel in the whole of the Netherlands.

Conservatorium Hotel

This high-end hotel is located in the Vondelpark and Museumplein area, close to PC Hooftstraat, a popular shopping street. You’ll surely love the historical architecture, luxurious state-of-the-art in-room technology, and modern design.

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Situated in Amsterdam’s former public library, this elegant hotel is located a short distance from the nightlife area of Leidseplein. Experience the utmost luxury by enjoying the interiors of this hotel designed by famous Dutch designer Marcel Wanders.

Mid-range Hotels in Amsterdam

You can still enjoy comfortable and enjoyable places in Amsterdam at affordable rates. The farther the hotel is from the Amsterdam Canals, the cheaper it gets.

Conscious Hotel Museum Square

This hotel is known for its environmental friendliness. The hotel operates solely cashless and uses recycled materials, organic foods, etc. It is situated in a quiet area close to all the museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum and others.

Hotel Mercier

A 4-star, very well-located in the central district of Jordaan. You can reach the famous Dam Square in less than 15 minutes of walking. It has all the basic necessities and offers a 24-hour front desk service.

Sir Albert Hotel

It is located in a quiet area from which you can walk to Museumplein and Leidseplein, allowing you to go out for dinner and drinks without using public transport. This four-star hotel features very elegant designer rooms.

Budget Hotels in Amsterdam

Cheap accommodation and the center of Amsterdam are two concepts that do not mix very well together. Below, we will recommend some of the best hotels if you’re wondering where to stay in Amsterdam on a budget.

Rho Hotel

Rho Hotel near Dam Square is a simple and very basic little hotel which also happens to be the cheapest in the area. All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower.

Bicycle Hotel Amsterdam

Bicycle Hotel Amsterdam is known for its budget accommodation, use of solar power, and bicycle rental services. This one-star hotel is one of the cheapest in the area. You can get a double room for 100 euros.

Top Hotels in Amsterdam With The Best Reviews

Amsterdam has many good hotels, but some get much greater reviews from visitors due to their hospitality and excellent management.

Hotel Dwars

The Dwars is one of the highest-rated three-star hotels in the center of Amsterdam. It is situated in Utrechtsestraat, which is known for its nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. This restaurant has a famous breakfast featuring a selection of Dutch specialties.

Sir Adam Hotel

Amsterdam Noord is a smart choice for accommodation in Amsterdam. Good hotels like Sir Adam Hotel are much cheaper than those with a two-minute ferry across the port. It is set in the brand new A’DAM tower in Amsterdam.

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

Located in front of the Royal Palace in the middle of Dam Square in the part where the National Monument is, it is impossible to find a better-located hotel. The hotel has rooms and facilities typical of a first-class hotel.

Best Hotels in Amsterdam for Couples

There are a number of gorgeous hotels in Amsterdam for couples. Some of the best hotels in Amsterdam for couples include the following:

Pestana Amsterdam Riverside

This hotel is situated in the former Town Hall and Archive of the Amstel Community, which is a monumental building. The spa, fitness center, and massage services all contribute to the luxury feel of this hotel.

Swissôtel Amsterdam

Located in a gorgeous building, this hotel has rooms with large windows, soundproofing, and spacious bathrooms with free Swiss bath products. This makes it an ideal option for couples. Swissôtel Amsterdam also offers a fitness center.

Family Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam

If you’re finding it difficult to know where to stay in Amsterdam with family, we have got a number of options for you.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center

Located at a seven-minute walk from lively Dam Square, this 4-star hotel has all the basic necessities to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Radisson Blu specializes in international meals and an extensive breakfast buffet.

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam

It is an excellent option to stay in Amsterdam. Modern and comfortable rooms combine an indoor pool, gym, and sauna in the city’s heart.

Hotel Mai Amsterdam

A four-star hotel with a spectacular location. It is at a point where within a five-minute walk, you get to Dam Square, the red light district, Chinatown, and the train station.

Hotels With Spas and/or Swimming Pools in Amsterdam

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

This hotel that straddles the area of De Pijp and Zuideramstel is one of the best hotels in Amsterdam. It will cost you a fraction of what any five-star hotel in the Canal Ring would.

Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam

Situated in a former shipping house, this luxurious 5-star hotel offers the ultimate comfort experience in Amsterdam. All guests have free access to the Spa & Wellness center, which features saunas, an indoor pool, an infrared sauna, and a fitness lounge.

Best places to Stay in Amsterdam for Solo Travellers

If you’re a travel blogger, a vlogger, or a businessman, there is a big chance that you must be traveling alone. The boutique hotels in Amsterdam are ideal for solo travelers.

Hotel Luxer

This hotel is a good option to stay in Amsterdam in the heart of the center for a more contained budget. It is in an ideal area, full of bars, restaurants, and shops and close to all important locations.

Prinsengracht Hotel

This is one of Amsterdam’s most popular budget hotels in the area and the city. If you are searching for a hotel in the center that does not cost more than 200 euros in the high season, this hotel is an ideal option.

Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American

This hotel is one of the best examples of quirky hotels in Amsterdam. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, this hard rock-themed hotel pays tribute to the legends of Hard Rock International.

Best Hostels in Amsterdam

The BEE Hostel

This is an adults-only accommodation that comes with a beautiful garden. All rooms are equipped with a shared bathroom and bed linen. Air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, and a kettle are also available in the rooms.

This HO(S)TEL

This hostel is 500 m from the city center and offers all the basic necessities like Wi-Fi, express check-in and check-out, and non-smoking rooms. All rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels and have an attached bathroom.

Durty Nelly’s Inn

Durty Nelly’s Inn is located close to several well-known attractions in Amsterdam. Central Station is a seven-minute walk away, and Dam Square is a one-minute walk from this location.

Best B&Bs in Amsterdam

When it comes to B&B in Amsterdam, hundreds of options are available. Some of the best options for bed and breakfast in Amsterdam include the following:

Amsterdam House of Arts & Crafts

This bed & breakfast is centrally locates and features comfortable rooms with modern furnishings. The B&B is part of a co-working/creative art space and you can visit the art gallery that’s part of the complex.

B&B Tulp Amsterdam Noord

It is one of the highest-rated B&Bs in Amsterdam. It is also equipped with all the basic necessities required to cook small meals. Free Wi-Fi is available as well. The bathrooms are clean and have towels provided.

Unique Places to Stay in Amsterdam

Crane Hotel Faralda

It is one of the most interesting and unique hotels in Amsterdam, and also the most expensive ones. It is located in a converted port crane 50 meters high in the up-and-coming NDSM neighbourhood.

Places Outside Amsterdam City Center

The farther you go away from the Amsterdam city center, the cheaper hotels you can get. For instance, Qbic Hotel, located 20 minutes from the city center, is perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

Qbic Hotel WTC Amsterdam

It is a simple and clean place. You can rent a room in this hotel for under 100 euros. It is two minutes away from the train station that takes you to the center in a matter of minutes.

Final Words

Looking for a place to stay without knowing anything about the city can be stressful. Despite the fact that Amsterdam is a relatively small city, its neighborhoods are very diverse and offer a very unique travel experience. In general, the best areas to stay in Amsterdam are within the inner ring of canals that make up the city’s center.

However, this area covers a large area, and each zone has its own identity. Amsterdam is usually considered an expensive place when it comes to accommodation. To get acceptable prices, it is necessary to book in advance. In addition to getting offers, it is convenient to do so since the demand in the downtown areas is very strong.

Do you need some extra help to plan your trip to the Netherlands? Join the dedicated Exploring the Netherlands Facebook Group, where you can get tips from other travellers and locals. Or perhaps you have questions or comments? Join the group and I’ll be happy to answer them.

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