Where to Stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands (All the Best Spots)
Planning a trip to Amsterdam and wondering where to stay in Amsterdam to make the most of your trip? Keep reading to find out about the best areas, hotels, and rentals in the Dutch capital.
Figuring out where to stay in a new city can be daunting. After all, there are always so many options. Amsterdam is no exception. While Amsterdam isn’t large when compared with other European capitals like London or Paris, it does have its fair share of amazing areas and accommodations.
Famous for its tulips, windmills, cheese, Red Light District, coffee shops, and a very open approach to everything, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most visited cities.
Once having decided on your Amsterdam itinerary, you’ll most probably need somewhere to stay and with Amsterdam’s Golden Age mansions and magical canals, choosing the perfect place to stay couldn’t be more crucial.
Most tourists stay in one of the gorgeous, upbeat neighborhoods in Amsterdam City Centre, close to all the best restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and main sights and major attractions. If you’re looking to save money, it might also be a good idea to look into hotels and apartment rentals in outer neighborhoods like Amsterdam Noord or Westerpark Oud West.
Keep reading to find out all about the different areas of Amsterdam and the best hotels and rentals you can find in each. You’ll also find our personal recommendations too and our favorite design-forward and wellness-focused stays.
READ MORE: Your Perfect Wellness-Focused Amsterdam Itinerary Guide
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Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Accommodation Options
Like many other hip European capitals, you’ll find many different types of accommodation options in Amsterdam. From luxury hotels to budget hostels, apartment rentals to houseboats, there are many options in Amsterdam for all budgets and preferences.
In general, you’ll find most tourist-focused accommodation options to be located in the city center. Most of Amsterdam’s luxury and boutique stays are here and so are many great apartment rentals. If you’re someone who wants to get the most out of Amsterdam’s sights and attractions then staying in the city center is also extremely convenient as it’s all very walkable.
For more out-of-the-way areas, renting a bicycle and getting around the city by bike is also a great option.
I would recommend anyone visiting Amsterdam for the first time to stay in the city center simply because you’ll have everything you need on your doorstep.
Hotels in Amsterdam
There are so many amazing hotels in Amsterdam from 5-star luxury hotels, both chains and stunning one-off hotels to more affordable 3-star options. Most of the best Amsterdam hotels are located all around the city center and you’ll be able to find a great selection in your favorite area.
In general hotels in Amsterdam can be quite pricey, even for 3-star options. If you’re looking to stay somewhere magical without spending too much try traveling in the low season, the autumn and winter months, to get the best deals on hotels in Amsterdam.
READ MORE: The Best Time to Visit Amsterdam, Month by Month
Apartments
Apartments on sites like VRBO, the Plum Guide, and Airbnb can be rented all over Amsterdam. You’ll find all different types of apartments from luxury apartments in the center with canal views to more budget studios in the suburbs.
Amsterdam is not a cheap city and you can save quite a bit of money on accommodation by renting an apartment, especially if you’re location flexible.
When traveling in a larger group, this is especially the case. Renting an apartment can also save you money on food as you can easily prepare your own food in a well-stocked kitchen.
I found VRBO to have some of the best apartment rentals in Amsterdam. Jump right in and check them all out here.
If you prefer better service, expert-vetted apartments and luxury make sure to check out the exclusive list of listings on The Plum Guide. They only work with the best apartment rentals in Amsterdam so your stay is nothing short of perfect. Click here for more.
Hostels
For budget travelers and backpackers hostels are a great place to stay and are located all over the city and especially in the center. Hostels are great when it comes to saving on accommodation and meeting new people. If you’re a solo traveler wanting to make some new friendships this might be the way to go.
Houseboats
Houseboats are a very unique way to experience Amsterdam. Given all its canals and waterways, this is the perfect place to take advantage of this accommodation opportunity.
Many locals live on houseboats as it tends to be cheaper than apartments and you can rent a boutique houseboat for your stay in Amsterdam. Our favorite houseboat rental is Prince Royal B&B. Check rates and availability here.
The Best Areas in Amsterdam
Unless you already have your eye on an amazing Amsterdam property, you might want to first decide on the area you want to stay in before embarking on the all-important accommodation search.
There are so many amazing neighborhoods in Amsterdam with different feels and energy. There’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find that perfect area to suit your travel style, needs, and budget.
Here’s a little summary of the best areas in Amsterdam to consider for your stay.
Amsterdam Center
The center of Amsterdam has many lovely neighborhoods to stay all with the canal belt.
The Jordaan – cool, hip, and beautiful, this is one of the best areas to stay. Jordaan is the perfect area to stroll through and take it all in slowly. Concentrated around Bloemgracht, an exceptionally pretty canal, you’ll find a crisscrossing network of small streets and bridges flanked by beautiful boutiques and cafes.
The area is adorable and makes a great base for your time in Amsterdam.
Negan Strattjes (9 Streets) – Nine picture-perfect streets, crossing three gorgeous canals, this neighborhood is where I’d live forever if I had the chance. Incredibly trendy and chic, 9 Straatjes is where you’ll find some of the most perfect canal scenes, Instagrammable cafes, vintage stores, and pretty boutiques.
De Wallen (Red Light District) – the center of Amsterdam’s nightlife. The Red Light District is the center of Amsterdam’s more seedy side. There are also many coffee shops and clubs in the area. Many come here to buy and smoke marijuana and have a good time.
Leidsebuurt (Theatre District) – a lovely, laid-back area home to Amsterdam’s theatres. If you’re heading to Amsterdam for a show or concert this might be the most convenient place to stay to be close to the action.
De Plantage – a lovely, small, green part of the city in the eastern part of Central Amsterdam. Here you’ll find Hortus Botanicus, one of Europe’s oldest Botanical Gardens. Above De Plantage is the Old Jewish quarter which has some great outdoor thrift markets, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, and the Rembrandthuis Museum.
Outer Areas
Westerpark Oud West – A fantastic, young, trendy neighborhood with lots of undiscovered restaurants, concept stores, and boutiques.
De Pijp – The student area of Amsterdam with lots of cool cafes, dining options, and shopping. It’s full of creatives and colorful markets like Albert Cuypmarkt.
Amsterdam Oud Zuid – A little south of the center but still very central and close to Amsterdam’s main attractions. You’ll find the beautiful Vondelpark here as well as the city’s Museum Quarter, which as you might expect, is where Amsterdam’s main museums are such as the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
Amsterdam Oost – Just south of De Plantage, Amsterdam Oost has cheaper accommodations, and good vibes, and is a great area for those interested in dining, drinking, and nightlife.
Amsterdam Noord – A very cool, up-and-coming area yet serene and residential, Amsterdam Noord is a quiet area just a short (and free) ferry ride away from Amsterdam Central station.
Looking for the best fun things to do in Amsterdam? Check them all out below.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Hotels & Rentals
For those looking for the best properties in Amsterdam look no further. The city boasts the best design-forward hotels in Europe, affordable boutique options as well as other unique stays like houseboats.
You’ll also find lovely apartments in residential areas as well as 5-star, large hotel brands- perfect for those wanting to spend travel points.
Use the map below to search the whole city for where to stay in Amsterdam:
Amsterdam City Center
Amsterdam’s city center is where you’ll find most of the city’s hotels, main sights, and entertainment. If you’re a first-time visitor to Amsterdam you’ll want to stay in the center to make the most of all the attractions. Staying in the center will mean you’ll be close to the canals, Dam Square, Oude Kerk, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank’s House, and all the best Amsterdam tours.
Here are some of the best hotels and rentals in the different neighborhoods of Amsterdam City Center.
Negen Straatjes
The Nine Streets area of Amsterdam is my personal favorite and best area in the city. It’s full of narrow canals, winding streets, boutiques, Instagrammable cafes, and many unique vintage stores. You’ll also find some pretty awesome Dutch brands here as well as a variety of concept stores that’ll keep even the fussiest shopper busy for hours.
Negan Straatjes is also where you’ll find the best boutique hotels in the city. Housed in the pretty, narrow, traditional, canal-side houses that are oh-so-typical to Amsterdam, these stays are a must for any traveler looking for a design-forward property.
9 Straatjes is also just a short walk from pretty much anywhere of interest in Amsterdam.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam
Made up of 5 exquisite canal houses, the Hoxton is one of the best design-forward hotels in the area. Where modern minimalism combines beautifully with geometric shapes and masculine undertones, the Hoxton will make it hard for you to actually leave and enjoy the city.
Opt for one of their larger rooms with a canal view and make the most of this dreamy property. There’s also room service, an on-site restaurant, and pets are allowed too, in case you’ve always dreamed of coming to Amsterdam with yours.
Check rates and availability here
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Located along one of Amsterdam’s most scenic canals, Pulitzer is one of Amsterdam’s most stunning boutique hotels. It’s located in a lovely, historic building and on the inside has a beautiful mix of modern combined with mid-century furniture and art pieces. The Pulitzer is contemporary, comfortable, and chic.
Rooms are large and bright and during your stay, you’ll want to take advantage of their well-equipped gym, speakeasy-style bar, and seriously good breakfast. It’s located only a block away from Anne Frank House. Rooms here might start at close to €500 per night but it’s definitely worth it in our opinion.
Ambassade Hotel
Another beautiful, boutique hotel in the heart of Negen Straatjes, Ambassade is full of character and charm. It’s a modern luxury hotel in Amsterdam’s famous canal-facing gingerbread houses. The hotel has beautiful, luxurious rooms with a royal feel, a library bar where you can choose from over 5,000 books, a gym, and access to fourteen different types of massage in their wellness center.
Not only that, but the hotel also has a unique collection of up to 800 works of art which can be seen in each room as well as in the common areas around the hotel. Art lovers will also want to visit their new art gallery which hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
All in all, the perfect place to be in Amsterdam.
Check rates and availability here.
Hotel Estheréa
One of the most unique stays in Amsterdam, Hotel Estheréa is a stunning, mid-century style property that’s quite honestly, just swoon-worthy. With several, carefully chosen century pieces throughout the property, and light, airy and colorful rooms, this property certainly pays attention to detail.
With an unbeatable central location in one of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam, stylish and romantic rooms, a brilliant breakfast, professional service, and a fitness center, Hotel Estheréa is definitely one of our top picks in Amsterdam.
Check rates and availability here
The Jordaan
The Jordaan is another extremely scenic and vibey neighborhood in Amsterdam. Just a stone’s throw away from Negen Straatjes, Jordaan also boasts beautiful, gingerbread canal houses, some of the prettiest canals in the city, and sights like Anne Frank’s House.
Staying in Jordaan will make sure that the best restaurants and cafes in the city are close by. All other museums and attractions are within walking distance so you’ll find that you barely need to rent a bicycle or use public transport.
Mr. Jordaan
Modern, clean and very budget-friendly, Mr. Jordan is a lovely hotel in the heart of Jordaan. While rooms are on the small side, they are light, bright, and fresh with everything you need for a great stay. The modern, earthy decor is practical and easy on the eyes at the same time.
The buffet breakfast is also worth opting for to make sure you’ve started the day in the best possible way before heading out to explore the highlights of Amsterdam.
Mr. Jordaan is the perfect place to stay in Amsterdam for those looking for the perfect location while also staying within budget.