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.
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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| Category | Accommodation Name |
|---|---|
| 👑 5 star / luxury | InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Ruby Emma Hotel Amsterdam |
| 🎒 hostel and low-cost | Hotel & Wellness No.377 House |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments - Amsterdam Suites |
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Amsterdam
Foto di wheresleep.
| Target | Area | Rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Young | Binnenstad | €150,00 |
| Jordaan | €150,00 | |
| Leidseplein | €160,00 | |
| Families | Museumkwartier | €160,00 |
| Plantage | €140,00 | |
| Stay on a budget | De Pijp | €120,00 |
| Plantage | €140,00 | |
| Amsterdam Noord | €100,00 |
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
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.
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Amsterdam. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Binnenstad, best for first-timers
- Pros: The bustling heart of Amsterdam, putting you right in the middle of all the action. Perfect for sightseeing, shopping, and experiencing the city's vibrant energy. Excellent public transport links.
- Cons: Can be very crowded and noisy, especially in peak season. Accommodation can be expensive.
- Main attractions: Dam Square, Royal Palace, Anne Frank House, Red Light District, numerous canals and shops.
- Average prices: From €150,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
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 start from about €150,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Jordaan, for a charming experience
- Pros: Known for its picturesque canals, narrow streets, and unique boutiques, art galleries, and brown cafes (traditional Dutch pubs). It has a lively yet charming atmosphere, popular with both locals and tourists.
- Cons: Can be popular and therefore a bit busy, and accommodation prices can be on the higher side.
- Main attractions: Anne Frank House (edge of Jordaan), Westerkerk, Noordermarkt, many hidden courtyards (hofjes).
- Average prices: From €150,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
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 start from about €150,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Museumkwartier, best for art lovers
- Pros: Home to Amsterdam's world-class museums and beautiful Vondelpark. It's a sophisticated and quieter area, ideal for families and those interested in art and culture. Good tram connections to other parts of the city.
- Cons: Accommodation can be very expensive, and dining options might be more upscale.
- Main attractions: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Concertgebouw, Vondelpark.
- Average prices: From €160,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
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 start from about €160,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
De Pijp, for local vibes
- Pros: A lively and multicultural neighborhood known for its Albert Cuyp Market and diverse culinary scene. It offers a more local and authentic Amsterdam experience, with plenty of affordable dining and drinking options. Good value for money.
- Cons: Slightly further out from the main tourist attractions, requiring a tram ride. Can be bustling during market hours.
- Main attractions: Albert Cuyp Market, Sarphatipark, Heineken Experience (on the edge of the neighborhood).
- Average prices: From €120,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 start from about €120,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Leidseplein, best for young travellers
- Pros: A vibrant square and surrounding area, renowned for its nightlife, theaters, and music venues. It's a hub for entertainment, attracting a young and energetic crowd. Very central and well-connected.
- Cons: Can be very noisy, especially at night. Can feel very touristy.
- Main attractions: DeLaMar Theater, Stadsschouwburg, Melkweg, Paradiso, many bars and restaurants.
- Average prices: From €160,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
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 start from about €160,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Plantage, for families who stay on a budget
- Pros: A green and peaceful area, offering a calmer atmosphere away from the busiest tourist crowds. It's home to several parks and cultural institutions, making it suitable for families. Generally more affordable than the absolute city center.
- Cons: Fewer dining and nightlife options compared to more central areas.
- Main attractions: Artis Royal Zoo, Hortus Botanicus (botanical garden), Jewish Cultural Quarter.
- Average prices: From €140,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
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 start from about €140,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Amsterdam Noord, for alternative vibes
- Pros: Located across the IJ river, Amsterdam Noord offers a trendy, industrial-chic vibe with creative spaces, cool cafes, and stunning waterfront views. It's significantly more affordable for accommodation and provides a glimpse into a different side of Amsterdam. Easily accessible by free ferry from Centraal Station.
- Cons: You'll need to rely on ferries and public transport to get to the main city attractions, which adds travel time.
- Main attractions: A'DAM Lookout, EYE Filmmuseum, NDSM Wharf (street art, events), various creative hubs and restaurants.
- Average prices: From €100,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
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 start from about €100,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Places to stay near Amsterdam
Foto di wheresleep. 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
Amsterdam accommodation price map
Travel Tips for Amsterdam
- Public Transport: Amsterdam has an excellent public transport system managed by GVB, including trams, buses, metros, and ferries. The most efficient way to get around is often by tram or by renting a bicycle! Consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart (public transport chip card) or an I Amsterdam City Card for unlimited travel and museum access. Free ferries depart regularly from behind Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) is beautiful with the tulip fields in bloom (though outside the city center), and mild weather. Summer (June-August) is popular but can be crowded and warm. Early autumn (September-October) offers pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter (November-March) is quieter, with charming Christmas markets and the chance of ice skating on canals if it gets cold enough.
- Local Currency: The currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted, and many places are even cashless, especially in the city center. It's still handy to have a small amount of cash for very small purchases or some market stalls.
- Local Vibe/Culture: Amsterdam is known for its liberal atmosphere, beautiful canals, and cycling culture. Be aware of cyclists; they have right of way! Dutch people are generally direct and friendly. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service; typically, rounding up the bill or leaving a few Euros is sufficient. Be respectful of local laws, especially regarding cannabis cafes and the Red Light District.
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.
Without internet when you need it the most? Don't take the risk! With Saily's eSIMs, you can connect instantly, anywhere, and stress-free! Use the code "Gigaspecial" to get your exclusive 5% discount! Find out more