Amsterdam may be a relatively small city, but choosing where to stay can still feel overwhelming. Should you book a hotel right in the historic canal belt, find a quieter neighbourhood outside the centre, or even stay in one of the nearby towns?
The best place to stay in Amsterdam depends on a few key factors: your travel companions, your plans in the city, your budget and the length of your stay. Let’s walk through the most important considerations so you can find the perfect base for your trip.
1. Your travel companions matter
The first question to ask yourself is: who are you travelling with?
Couples and first-time visitors
If this is your first time in Amsterdam and you want to experience the iconic canals, historic architecture and lively atmosphere, staying in or near the city centre is usually the best choice. You’ll be within walking distance of major sights such as Dam Square, the Anne Frank House and the famous canal belt.
Families with children
Families often prefer quieter neighbourhoods where nights are calmer, and accommodations are more spacious. Areas like Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam Oost or Amsterdam Noord tend to offer more family-friendly hotels and apartments. Even more family-friendly and quiet are, for instance, the rural village of Muiden or Leiden, yet they are within 40 minutes of the city centre.
Travelling with pets
If you’re bringing a dog, staying outside the historic centre is often easier. Your best bet is to stay close to some of the city’s parks, such as Oosterpark, Westerpark, or maybe Amsterdamse Bos in the South, or Gaasperplas in the South East of the city. You could also consider staying in Zaandam or Weesp, for instance, which is very close, yet offers much more space.
Groups of friends
For groups planning to enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlife, staying close to the centre makes the most sense. Late-night public transport is limited, so having your accommodation nearby can save you time and money on taxis.
2. Your plans in Amsterdam
Think about how you plan to spend your time in the city.
Sightseeing
If you want to visit museums, take canal cruises and explore the historic city centre, staying somewhere central or well connected by public transport will make your trip smoother.
Nightlife
Amsterdam’s nightlife is mostly concentrated around the city centre, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. If evenings out are part of your plans, staying nearby is convenient. Bigger dance events that require tickets are also commonly held in venues outside the city centre and will often require visitors to take a taxi anyway if closing hours are between 1:00 am and 6:00 am. Public transport becomes limited between those hours, apart from night buses.
Relaxation and sleep
Amsterdam’s historic canal houses are charming, but they can also be a bit noisy. Older buildings sometimes have thin walls and creaky floors. If you value a good night’s sleep, consider newer hotels or neighbourhoods slightly outside the centre, where things are generally quieter.
Exploring by bike
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. If you rent a bicycle at your hotel, staying slightly outside the centre suddenly becomes much easier. Most neighbourhoods are only 10–20 minutes cycling distance from the canal belt.
3. Budget considerations
Amsterdam is not the cheapest city for accommodation. Prices vary significantly depending on location.
Staying in the city centre
Hotels in the historic centre are usually the most expensive. The advantage is that you’re close to everything and can explore much of the city on foot.
Staying outside the centre
Districts such as Amsterdam Oost, West, Noord and Zuidoost often offer more affordable accommodation options. You’ll still be well connected by tram, metro or bus, and you may enjoy a more local atmosphere.
Staying outside Amsterdam
Because the Netherlands is compact and well-connected by train, many visitors choose to stay in nearby towns to save money.
Cities such as Haarlem, Zaandam, Hoofddorp, Hilversum, Purmerend, Alkmaar, Utrecht and Leiden are all within 45 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station.
This can significantly reduce accommodation costs, but keep in mind that daily commuting adds travel time. If your schedule is packed and you want to maximise sightseeing, staying in Amsterdam itself might still be the better option.
4. Consider the length of your stay
How long you’re staying also affects where you should book accommodation.
Short city trip (1–3 days)
If your stay is short and you want to see as much as possible, staying in or close to the centre saves valuable time.
Longer stays
If you’re spending several days in the city, staying outside the centre can be a pleasant and more affordable alternative. You’ll also experience a more local side of Amsterdam.
5. Travelling by car
If you’re arriving by car, this is an important factor to consider.
Parking in Amsterdam is very expensive, especially in the city centre. Some hotels offer parking, but this often comes at a high price. A good alternative is to use one of the city’s P+R (Park & Ride) parking facilities, where you can leave your car at a lower rate and continue your journey by public transport.
If you’re driving, staying outside the centre may be more convenient.
6. Best neighbourhoods to stay in Amsterdam
Here are some popular areas to consider, each with its own advantages.
Canal Belt / City Centre
Pros
- Close to major attractions
- Iconic Amsterdam atmosphere and romantic canals
- Walkable
Cons
- Expensive hotels
- Can be noisy
- Older buildings
Best for: first-time visitors and short stays.
Jordaan
Pros
- Beautiful canals and historic streets
- Charming local atmosphere
- Close to Anne Frank House
Cons
- Still relatively expensive
- Limited hotel supply
Best for: couples and travellers who love picturesque neighbourhoods.
Amsterdam Zuid (Museum Quarter)
Pros
Cons
Best for: museum lovers and families.
Amsterdam Oost
Pros
- More affordable hotels
- Lively local vibe
- Great food scene
Cons
- Slightly further from the main tourist sights
Best for: travellers looking for value and a local atmosphere. Especially great for renting a bike to explore the city!
Amsterdam Noord
Pros
- Creative, upcoming district
- More modern hotels
- Good value
- Has night club “Shelter” for long rave nights
Cons
- Requires ferry or metro to reach the centre
- Best for: budget-conscious travellers and creative explorers.
Amsterdam West
Pros
- Residential and relaxed
- Good restaurants and cafés
- Well connected by tram
- Has Westerpark, a spacious city park
Cons
- Not many major attractions are nearby, use trams or buses to go to the center
Best for: longer stays and families.
Spending the night in the Jordaan
The Jordaan, a working-class neighbourhood, was built in the early 17th century. The polder ditches were filled during the construction of the Jordaan. The small streets of the Jordaan are similar to those in Scotland. These days, however, the Jordaan is no longer a working-class neighbourhood. In the Jordaan, you will find small antique shops and atmospheric pubs. A hotel in the Jordaan is a good option if you don’t want to spend the night in the busy and expensive city centre, but still want to be close by.
Spend the night on the Grachtengordel
In the 17th century, rich merchants had beautiful mansions built within this canal belt. The canal belt is currently one of the most important attractions in Amsterdam. Many luxury stores have now been established within the canal belt. Some of the canal houses have now been converted into hotels. Examples of hotels in old mansions are the Pulitzer Hotel and the Ambassade Hotel.
The canals and inland ports of Amsterdam are home to more lots of boat hotels and hotels where you can spend the night. There are historic ships and cargo ships that have been converted into hotels, B&B and you can also rent a houseboat in the Amsterdam canals.
Hotel ideas
Sometimes visitors coming into Amsterdam book their flights but have difficulty finding a place to stay in Amsterdam. Our job here on this website is to help with that. We will show you some hotels that will make your trip to the capital of the Netherlands extremely comfortable and memorable. We have selected this list of exceptional hotels that will definitely make your stay in Amsterdam an unforgettable one.
1. Hotel de Hallen
Hotel de Hallen is part of a former tram depot in Oud-West, on an old industrial site that was recently revived. Lots of visitors love staying in a luxury hotel when visiting Amsterdam and this luxury, modern boutique hotel is no exception.
The unique industrial appearance with a hint of green here and there, the sun-drenched terrace, a cosy bar and a restaurant: Hotel de Hallen is where you can simply relax. But the immediate environment also has a lot to offer. There’s an organic market, a cinema, a library and countless cafés and eateries, all of which are within walking distance of the hotel.
Address: Bellamyplein 47
Tel: +31 20 515 0453
Nearby station: Ten Katestraat
2. Hotel Not Hotel
The Amsterdam Oud-West district has recently been refurbished and attracts a young group of visitors. Many of the hotels and restaurants in that area are designed for the hipsters of this present generation. You will certainly see both locals and visitors having fun at the Hotel Not Hotel bar with a gin-tonic or some other drink. The stylish hotel offers so much to those looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam. You’re definitely going to love the hotel if you get to spend a night there. The rooms are all unique designs like you’ve never seen before.
Choose a secret room behind a bookcase, a dizzying crow’s nest, a real tram car, or a separate Spanish villa where breakfast is delivered to your door!
Address: Piri Reïsplein 34
Tel: +31 20 820 4538
Nearby station: Postjesweg
3. Faralda NDSM Kraanhotel
There are several hotels in Amsterdam that claim to offer the best view of the city, but the Faralda NDSM Kraanhotel (Faralda NDSM Crane Hotel in English) has a big lead over everyone else in that claim. The hotel is right in the middle of the industrial area of the NDSM shipyard. This Crane Hotel is 50 meters high, with a view of the department stores below, the IJ on one side and the whole of Amsterdam on the other. The three former engine rooms are now huge, lavishly equipped designer suites, which you can book together with services such as champagne, breakfast and amenities such as a rooftop Jacuzzi.
The Kraanhotel is quite pricey, but consider the fact that you are going to shower in the clouds, that you carry your wife over the highest threshold or even bungee jump from the top of the crane. The centre of Amsterdam is a short ferry ride away and the NDSM wharf has a nice atmosphere to wake up to.
Don’t forget to book ahead!
Address: NDSM Square 78
Tel: +31 20 760 6161
Nearby station: Ferry NDSM
4. Conscious Hotel Vondelpark
Adventurers who are committed to the planet need a sustainable place to give their heads some rest. They will, therefore, be happy with the straightforward Conscious Hotel Vondelpark. From the organic breakfast to the ergonomic sleeping mats to the rental bikes, this unobtrusive hotel located close to Amsterdam’s famous Vondelpark is super green and super fun. Are you worried about sustainability that usually equals a higher price? No problem, if you consider the comfort offered, the prices of the Conscious are pretty reasonable.
Address: Overtoom 519
Tel: +31 20 820 3333
Station nearby: Overtoomse Sluis
5. Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy
In the 1920s, the monumental building of the Lloyd Hotel housed up to 900 immigrants. Later it became a prison. This is of course not the case nowadays, but the history is still present in the grandeur of the Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy. The spaces are large and airy, especially the restaurant with large windows and high ceilings.
There are no fewer than 117 rooms, ranging from one to five stars. The rooms with one star are also not cheap, so prefer to pay a little more if you can and do a price comparison: the differences in size and facilities between the various rooms are huge. It is also true that the lack of comfort in some rooms is fully compensated by the hotel with a hefty dash of character and invaluable historical value.
Address: Oostelijke Handelskade 34
Tel: +31 20 561 3636
Nearby station: Rietlandpark
6. Volkshotel
As the name suggests, Volkshotel, this is one for every kind of traveller. Single mothers, punks, biologists, artists and brokers all come together here.
It is housed in the former Volkskrant office on Wibautstraat and the Volkshotel is a forerunner in Amsterdam’s urban renewal. In addition to the attractive rooms, the hotel also has well-equipped studios, exhibition rooms, workspaces and a Jacuzzi with a great view.
The Volkshotel also houses one of the best bars in the city: DoKa. In addition, there is a small club Canvas. You will not be able to get rid of it.
Where: Wibautstraat 150
Tel: +31 20 261 2100
Nearby station: Wibautstraat
7. Art’Otel
Art’Otel Amsterdam is part of an international hotel chain that is known for combining art with hospitality and cuisine. It is close to the Amsterdam Central Station and is an ideal base for exploring the heart of the city. The exterior looks classic thanks to one of the most imposing facades of the entire block, but the interior is serious science fiction.
The rooms have an innovative design, there is a library full of books about art, an exhibition space and an “interactive artificial canvas” that is used to project digital artworks, creating a sensational experience. This may all be a bit too much for some, but it is nevertheless quite an experience.
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 33
Tel: +31 20 719 7200
Nearby station: Central Station
8. Hotel Estherea
Hotel Estherea has a whole history. The hotel once started very modestly, but today has risen considerably. However, visitors can still feel that this was once a small hotel, with only 12 rooms, run by a single mother. The boutique hotel exudes extravagant colours: lilac and burgundy dominate, the walls are decorated with beautiful designs and royal chandeliers give the whole an appearance of abundance and richness that many people would love to immerse themselves in.
The hotel now has more than 90 luxury rooms spread over a series of monumental canal houses along Singel in the historic centre of Amsterdam. They have a keen eye for detail here and excellent service is still the core of Estherea’s approach. You have amenities such as a library, a fully equipped gym, a cocktail bar, free internet terminals, iPads and bicycle rental.
Address: Singel 303-309
Tel: +31 20 624 5146
Nearby station: Spui
9. The Toren
The Toren family understands that a perfect location – right between the canals, a short walk from the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk – is not enough to guarantee a perfect stay. A real flood of luxury extras was added to their 17th-century mansion on Keizersgracht: great design furniture, beautiful chandeliers, a delicious breakfast, Jacuzzi and romantic canal trips.
While staying in the hotel may cost quite a lot, visitors usually forget how much they spent because of the luxurious pleasures they enjoy in the hotel. Book yourself a suite like the Garden Cottage, and a true treat awaits you.
Address: Keizersgracht 164
Tel: + 31 20 622 6352
Nearby station: Westermarkt
10. Sir Albert Hotel
Travellers who always love comfort and old European hotels will feel right at home at the Sir Albert Hotel. This is a top boutique hotel, located in a former diamond factory in the De Pijp district. It is a beautiful hotel, with 90 spacious, fresh rooms in a bold combination of modern and at the same time also archaic style.
The hotel has a library, with crystal Scottish carafes and a fireplace. The sleek bathrooms are beautifully finished with wooden wall parts.
Address: Albert Cuypstraat 2
Tel: +31 20 305 3020
Nearby station: Albert Cuypstraat
11. Victoria Hotel
The 4-star Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam is located on the Damrak opposite the Central Station in the centre of Amsterdam. The luxurious rooms have double glazing so that no street noise penetrates into the rooms. The hotel is very popular among tourists especially in the summer months so make sure to book on time.
The hotel has an excellent a la carte restaurant.
Address: Damrak 1 – 5
Tel: +31 20 623 4255
Nearby station: Amsterdam Central Station
Hip hostels
Are you in your twenties or traveling or backpacking with a small group? Then consider a hostel. And not just a scanty or dirty hostel, but a hip one like WOW Amsterdam Hostel. Which is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam. This hostel has enough affordable places for travelers who want to discover Amsterdam. Another good option is Generator Amsterdam Hostel, in a beautiful old building on the edge of the Oosterpark.
There are plenty of good cozy hostels in Amsterdam. Just use the tool from Hostelz.com to help you to compare prices for all Amsterdam hostels. Save yourself the hassle, since they compare Hostelworld, Hostelclub, and Booking.com for you.
Budget hotels
A comfortable and affordable accommodation option is absolutely possible at Hotel Teun. This hotel has attractive rooms with showers and toilets that can accommodate 2 or 3 people. In the lobby of the hotel, you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner for a reasonable price, but you can also just enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade cake outside on the terrace. The Student Hotel Amsterdam West is also an absolute must for those looking for a budget-friendly, fully equipped hotel room.
