Looking for the best place to stay in Amsterdam?
Follow the guide, we have tested, listed and detailed for you the best areas to stay in Amsterdam as well as the best accommodation in this city that we love so much to visit.
When you visit Amsterdam for the first time, it’s often very difficult to choose where to sleep during your stay, as there are so many places to choose from. Whether you like hostels or campsites, old canal-side houses or converted houseboats, quirky B&Bs or luxurious flats, Amsterdam has everything you could wish for, whatever your budget or your way of travelling. To help you start your search, we’ve put together a list of recommendations with our top places to stay in Amsterdam.
If you have an early morning flight or will be arriving late at night, check out our recommendations on where to stay near the airport in Amsterdam.
⏰ Don’t have time to read everything?
Here are our 3 favourite accommodations sorted by price category:
🚨 These hotels are among the most popular so don’t delay in booking. Plus, they offer free cancellation, so don’t worry if you change your mind.
(€) Mercure Amsterdam. Cheap hotel in Amsterdam located 5 minutes from the centre by train. Cheap parking. Breakfast is great and staff speak French. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Alp Hotel. Hotel with excellent value for money located in the travellers’ favourite area, 600 metres from the Jordaan district. Rooms with balcony overlooking the garden and spa bath. Book here.
(€€) CitizenM Amstel. Magnificent 4* design hotel located close to the main points of interest. The rooms are spacious and very bright. The restaurant serves a hearty breakfast. Book here.
🏨 Se e other accommodation at the best price 👈
Table des matières
Where to stay in Amsterdam for the first time: the Old Town
If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Amsterdam, the Old Town is the perfect place to stay on your first visit to Amsterdam. Close to all the main sights, you’ll also find excellent restaurants and bars, shops and popular, lively nightlife.
For those who want to be at the heart of the action, discover the best hotels in Amsterdam city centre.
Close to the Red Light District, the area has excellent public transport links to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Centraal Station and all the rest of the city centre, you’ll have no trouble finding a hotel, as the streets are full of cheap accommodation. Stroll around and you’ll discover Dam Square, the heart of the old town.
Stroll along the canals and explore Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, the shopping streets of the old centre. Don’t hesitate to stop and admire sites such as the imposing Royal Palace, OudeKerk (the “old church”) and Rembrandt’s house on the ever-bustling Waterlooplein square, where you can stroll the aisles of a flea market held there every day!
Here are our favourite hotels in the best area to stay in Amsterdam
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam.
(€) Mercure Amsterdam. Cheap hotel in Amsterdam located 5 minutes from the centre by train. Cheap parking. The breakfast is great and the staff speak French. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Alp Hotel. Hotel with excellent value for money located in the travellers’ favourite area, 600 metres from the Jordaan district. Rooms with balcony overlooking the garden and spa bath. Book here.
(€€) CitizenM Amstel. Magnificent 4* design hotel located close to the main points of interest. The rooms are spacious and very bright. The restaurant serves a hearty breakfast. Book here.
🏨 Se e other accommodation at the best price 👈
The district to visit Amsterdam: Jordaan
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood to stay in Amsterdam that combines charm, culture and good vibes, the Jordaan district is for you.
The former working-class district has now become gentrified, but you can still enjoy its original charm and immerse yourself in its past history as you wander the streets and feel the humble atmosphere and friendly locals.
Perfect for a peaceful getaway, you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Don’t forget to explore the sights near the museum Stedelijk or the anne Frank House. Take a stroll through the district and you’ll discover a wealth of eclectic restaurants and bars, art galleries, unusual boutiques and charming hotels.
Renowned for its photography-friendly townhouses, impressive culinary scene and laid-back lifestyle, you’ll soon see why this lively (but quiet) neighbourhood is an excellent choice of accommodation during your stay in Amsterdam.
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay when visiting Amsterdam
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam.
(€) Mercure Amsterdam. Cheap hotel in Amsterdam located 5 minutes from the centre by train. Cheap parking. The breakfast is great and the staff speak French. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Alp Hotel. Hotel with excellent value for money located in the travellers’ favourite area, 600 metres from the Jordaan district. Rooms with balcony overlooking the garden and spa bath. Book here.
(€€) CitizenM Amstel. Magnificent 4* design hotel located close to the main points of interest. The rooms are spacious and very bright. The restaurant serves a hearty breakfast. Book here.
🏨 Se e other accommodation at the best price 👈
The neighbourhood to stay in with the family: Vondelpark
Discover the hidden side of Amsterdam by staying close to the lungs of the city, Vondelpark. A huge green space perfect for relaxing alongside the capital’s inhabitants, cycling and sitting in the sun while enjoying free concerts. The district, which is both elegant and close to nature, offers you the best of both worlds.
As well as this beautiful green space, the Vondelpark district is close enough to everything you could possibly need to enjoy your Amsterdam experience to the full, without the hassle of the city.
Located south of Jordaan and west of the Museum Quarter, Vondelpark is within walking distance of the open-air theatre, shopping streets, artisanal restaurants and the city’s three most popular streets.
Along Overtoom, Kinkerstraat and de Clercqstraat, you’ll find more restaurants and bars than you can shake a stick at.
For those travelling with the family and looking for suitable accommodation, here are our suggestions on where to stay with the family in Amsterdam.
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay in Amsterdam with children
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam.
(€) Mercure Amsterdam. Cheap hotel in Amsterdam located 5 minutes from the centre by train. Cheap parking. The breakfast is great and the staff speak French. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Alp Hotel. Hotel with excellent value for money located in the travellers’ favourite area, 600 metres from the Jordaan district. Rooms with balcony overlooking the garden and spa bath. Book here.
(€€) CitizenM Amstel. Magnificent 4* design hotel located close to the main points of interest. The rooms are spacious and very bright. The restaurant serves a hearty breakfast. Book here.
The Museum Quarter: the upmarket area for accommodation
If you’re looking for a more upmarket stay in Amsterdam, head south-west of the city centre where you’ll find the Museum Quarter.
This area is an artist’s paradise, home to world-famous cultural gems such as the Van Gogh Museum (the largest dedicated to the famous painter), the Rijksmuseum (Holland’s largest art gallery, with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer) and the Stedelijk (where modern art lovers will not know where to turn).
Here you’ll find high-end shops and hotels, exclusive boutiques, a multitude of restaurants and bars, and the ever-popular, bucolic Vondelpark.
Although the district has no waterways, as it lies outside the city’s canal belt, you’ll always find something to do, whatever your fancy.
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, don’t miss our selection of the finest hotels in Amsterdam.
Here are our favourite hotels in the upmarket Amsterdam area to stay at
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam.
(€) Mercure Amsterdam. Cheap hotel in Amsterdam located 5 minutes from the centre by train. Cheap parking. The breakfast is great and the staff speak French. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Alp Hotel. Hotel with excellent value for money located in the travellers’ favourite area, 600 metres from the Jordaan district. Rooms with balcony overlooking the garden and spa bath. Book here.
(€€) CitizenM Amstel. Magnificent 4* design hotel located close to the main points of interest. The rooms are spacious and very bright. The restaurant serves a hearty breakfast. Book here.
De Pijp: the cheapest place to stay in Amsterdam
A tram ride south from Centraal station will take you toone of Amsterdam’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant neighbourhoods, De Pijp. Criss-crossed by long, narrow streets packed with brunch spots, Middle Eastern restaurants, trendy bars and old-fashioned pubs, this is an area where you can eat in radically different restaurants every day.
With a picturesque urban layout, you can explore the area and always find something to do. From the iconic Albert Cuyp Market to the Heineken Experience and Sarphatiparkto De Pijp, you’ll be able to find cheap accommodation, and this could well be one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam.
And if you’re travelling on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality, we’ve also got a list of the best cheap hotels in Amsterdam or the best hostels in Amsterdam.
Here are our favourite cheap hotels to stay at in Amsterdam
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam.
(€) Mercure Amsterdam. Cheap hotel in Amsterdam located 5 minutes from the centre by train. Cheap parking. The breakfast is great and the staff speak French. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Alp Hotel. Hotel with excellent value for money located in the travellers’ favourite area, 600 metres from the Jordaan district. Rooms with balcony overlooking the garden and spa bath. Book here.
(€€) CitizenM Amstel. Magnificent 4* design hotel located close to the main points of interest. The rooms are spacious and very bright. The restaurant serves a hearty breakfast. Book here.
Amsterdam-Nord: the district near the station
If you want to stay in a more modern district, opt for Amsterdam Noord. Just take the free ferry from Centraal station (a journey of around 5-10 minutes) and you can enjoy a unique Amsterdam experience, away from the city centre, but without compromising on the practicalities of your accommodation.
In this new district, you will have a wide choice of accommodation, whatever your budget. You’ll always be within walking distance of modern cafés and open-air bars, where you can eat in converted old containers or stroll the aisles of Amsterdam’s monthly flea market.
Although you may feel a world away from the old-world charm for which the capital is famous, Amsterdam-Nord is the perfect place to stay if you’ve visited the city before and want a different experience.
Here are our favourite hotels in the area near the station to stay at in Amsterdam
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam.
(€) Mercure Amsterdam. Cheap hotel in Amsterdam located 5 minutes from the centre by train. Cheap parking. The breakfast is great and the staff speak French. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ Alp Hotel. Hotel with excellent value for money located in the travellers’ favourite area, 600 metres from the Jordaan district. Rooms with balcony overlooking the garden and spa bath. Book here.
(€€) CitizenM Amstel. Magnificent 4* design hotel located close to the main points of interest. The rooms are spacious and very bright. The restaurant serves a hearty breakfast. Book here.
More information about Amsterdam and its great places to stay
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is known for its intricate canal system, colourful narrow houses and cobbled streets, reminiscent of its origins as a small fishing village in the late 12th century. Since then, Amsterdam has become one of the largest ports in the world, and has continued to grow and evolve with many new districts and suburbs to become the major metropolis we know today.
With an undeniable charm that is the envy of other European capitals, Amsterdam is famous for its ‘gezellig’, a Dutch word that could be translated into French as ‘cosy’. As well as exuding a warm atmosphere that’s conducive to well-being, it’s a city without compromise, and it’s all these qualities that make it such a rich and dynamic city.
The countless post-industrial buildings, art galleries, breweries, museums full of treasures and vintage shops… Amsterdam is bursting with culture and entertainment, not to mention eccentric clubs, street art and thousands of bars and restaurants where you can sit down for a drink or dinner.
Explore the city on the cycle paths and wander through the narrow streets that criss-cross the city and you’ll find something new around every corner!
If Amsterdam is on your list of destinations, get ready for an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to satisfy your taste buds, spend a memorable evening or discover the city’s historic treasures, we’ve got you covered. For food lovers, discover the best restaurants where to eat in Amsterdam. If you want to experience the Roman nightlife and discover the city’s trendiest spots, check out our guide to the best bars and clubs to go out in Amsterdam. And of course, for a cultural and historical immersion, don’t miss our must-see activities and visits on what to visit in Amsterdam.
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