Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas & Places

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The Netherlands’ Amsterdam is a hugely popular destination for reasons rooted in the historical, cultural, natural, and often, the sensual. With such a diversity of attractions, this city definitely deserves to be on your list of must-visit locations.

From WWII history and museums to bike rides and peep shows, you won’t struggle to find things to do in this city of plenty. With so much on offer, it might be tricky to find some of the best places to stay in Amsterdam.

To make it easier, this guide outlines the best areas and accommodation for travelers of every kind. Whether you’re on a budget, looking to splurge, or traveling as a couple, there’s something for you.

Keep reading to discover the answer to where to stay in Amsterdam.

Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is dotted with lively and charming neighborhoods. With so many areas, you’re sure to find the perfect place to enjoy your stay. So, what is the best location to stay in Amsterdam?

Here are some answers to help you on your way.

Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam for Romance

For those who want to experience the romantic side of Amsterdam, choose a place in the Grachtengordel. The ‘canal belt’ is where couples amble down cobblestone streets hand-in-hand and whisper sweet nothings in each others’ ears.

You can enjoy an intimate dinner together during a nighttime canal cruise while enjoying the magical sights of the city.

Best Location to Stay in Amsterdam for Tourists

In the Old Center, each stone tells a story. This area was built around Amsterdam’s oldest building, the Oude Kerk. It looks like something out of a medieval film and is filled with history.

What’s even better is that it is home to downtown shopping areas, Madame Tussauds, and the Amsterdam Museum.

This, and its location right in the heart of the city, make it one of the best central locations to stay in Amsterdam for first-timer tourists.

Best Location to Stay in Amsterdam on a Budget

Oud Zuid combines serious personality with affordable accommodation prices. This makes it one of the cheapest and best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam.

Oud Zuid offers markets, parks, great museums, and classical concerts. For beer lovers, the Heineken Brewery is a must.

15 Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

Now you know some of the best areas to stay, you can decide on the best accommodation for your budget and taste. This list breaks down some of the best hostels, BnBs, and hotels in the city.

Amsterdam’s Best Budget Hostels

If you’re looking to find the best and cheapest accommodation, you’ll want to take a look at the city’s hostels. The following hostels are affordably priced and well located.

Hans Brinker Hostel

Top of the list of budget-savvy stays is the popular Hans Brinker Hostel. With private rooms and shared dormitories, this hostel is ideal for solo travelers and groups.

Each room has a private bathroom and the hostel’s decor is funky and bright. The best part is that it’s close to plenty of attractions thanks to its city-center location.

With a tram stop roughly 500 yards away, you’re a quick ride from the bustling Central Station and Museum District.

The hostel helps guests with tickets to activities, bike rentals or boat tours. And, you don’t need to stress about meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the common area.

Via Amsterdam

One of the trendier places to stay in Amsterdam, this property is a design-inspired hybrid hostel and hotel.

Via Amsterdam embraces modernity with bold street art and urban murals throughout the building. Continuing this theme, it also offers free WiFi and striking city views.

Guests have access to a private bathroom and a large shared kitchen so you can whip up your own lunches.

If you love late nights and parties, you’ll be a huge fan of the hostel’s continental breakfasts. Soak up the excess with a solid morning meal before heading out again into the Bijlmermeer district.

Stayokay Amsterdam Oost

Stayokay Amsterdam Oost’s bar-brasserie, summer terrace, and buffet restaurant make it stand out. Located in the vibrant Indonesian Quarter in the lively Zeeburg district, the historical center is just a 15-minute bike ride away.

The hostel offers a bike rental service so you can easily get to Dam Square and see the Royal Palace. It also offers a nifty laundry service and clean rooms.

If you need a bit of time out from exploring, Stayokay shares the building with a cinema and theater. You can kick back with some popcorn and catch an action-packed movie.

Hostel Cosmos Amsterdam

Hotel Cosmos features mixed and female-only dormitory rooms with free WiFi. The rooms are basic in style, which is great for travelers who just want a place to store their things and rest their heads at night.

This hostel is well-positioned in the heart of Amsterdam. Artists and musos will love that it’s a 5-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum, Concert Hall, and the Rijksmuseum.

Most rooms give access to shared bathrooms. Although there are some with en-suite bathrooms for those who want privacy.

Durty Nelly’s Inn

Durty Nelly… The name says it all and promises a great time for fun-loving, social animals. Located in the Red Light District, this hostel is positioned close to some of the more risque and decadent of attractions.

Take your pick of nightclubs, peep shows or spend a few hours at the famed Sexmuseum. The inn also offers tickets for pub crawls and walking tours.

Fancy a night in? You can enjoy the hostel’s Irish pub and have a few beers with like-minded travelers. You can even shoot pool in the bar while a live DJ plays tunes.

The dorms are clean and cozy with en-suite bathrooms – the perfect space to prep for a night on the town. There are also hairdryers and adapters at the ready as well as secure lockers to store your things.

Mid-range Amsterdam BnBs, Guesthouses & Hotels

Does your budget lay somewhere between basic-backpacker and luxury-seeker? In that case, Amsterdam has a range of simple Bed and Breakfasts and affordable hotels that would work for your wallet. Here are six of the best places to stay in Amsterdam.

Sebastian’s

This small 3-star boutique hotel offers everything you need for a great time in Amsterdam.

Sebastian’s is located along the canals on the west side of the city, just a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. This is actually one of my favorite places to stay in Amsterdam.

The accommodation features free wifi, they have bike rentals, and some of their plush rooms have really nice views of the canal. Some of the rooms might be a bit small, but trust me, they are still worth it.

From experience, I can tell you their beds are really comfortable, and their breakfast is excellent as well as their customer service. You won’t go wrong with Sebastian’s.

Sézane’s Lodges

This is a bed and breakfast for the museum fans. Sézane’s Lodges is located in the Museum District. It’s near the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark. It’s the ideal stay for lovers of art, artifacts, and nature.

The accommodation itself features a shared lounge, balcony with a view, and free WiFi. This makes it a great place to stay if you’re taking a bit of work with you. Plus, there’s a spa bath and a hot tub to relax in and destress after a day of exploring.

Anna’s B&B Second Home

Anna’s B&B Second Home in Amsterdam offers a basic, homey stay that’s ideal for couples. It’s also pet friendly so you’re welcome to bring Fido along for your adventures.

The BnB is nice and toasty on the colder days thanks to the heating. It also has daily housekeeping so you’ll have a fresh room every day.

Guests can also tuck into an à la carte breakfast each morning before heading out to the nearby points of interest, like the Heineken Experience.

Mövenpick Hotel

The Mövenpick Hotel offers luxury on a midrange budget. Located on the IJ waterfront, the hotel showcases beautiful views of the busy waterway.

The sound-proofed rooms have free WiFi, climate control, satellite TV, and a minibar with light snacks.

It also boasts a gym and wellness center. Guests can enjoy the sauna and make use of the unique shower facilities during their stay. You can also nibble on exquisite home-made Swiss apple cake while sipping on a drink in the Silk Bar.

The hotel is located across the road from a tram stop. And, the Amsterdam Central Station is just one stop away. If you fancy a walk, the NEMO Science Center is about 15 minutes away.

Olympic Hotel

With express check-in and check-out, a garden, free WiFi, and a bar, Olympic Hotel offers both convenience and comfort.

Guests can expect air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, fridge, kettle and a desk. This means you have the space to sip some coffee and sit down to go through your emails.

The hotel is a fantastic option if you’re traveling with kids as it offers family rooms. It’s also located around the corner from Vondelpark in a popular area for cycling.

The whole family can rent bikes from the accommodation and enjoy a ride through nature.

Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark

Along with modern and elegant rooms, a crowning feature of the Leonardo Hotel is the 17th-floor sky bar. The scenic views mixed with a cocktail or two will give you memories to last a lifetime.

The rooms are air-conditioned with flat-screen TVs and seating areas. And, guests can top up their tans in the solarium or work up a sweat at the gym.

An added convenience is the hotel’s shuttle service. It can take guests from Amsterdam airport to Amsterdam City Center in just a 15-minute drive to the hotel.

Located in Amsterdam-West, this hotel is positioned away from the bustle of the city center. There is a tram stop 383 yards away from the hotel, which offers a direct connection to Dam Square.

Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam

It’s not always about saving money. Sometimes, you’re in the mood to splurge and squeeze the best out of your vacation. If you’re looking for luxury, take a look at these exclusive hotels.

Park Plaza Victoria

The 4-star Park Plaza Hotel embodies prestige with its well-appointed guest rooms and warm decor. Its lavish charm carries through to its features in the form of an indoor swimming pool and sauna facilities.

Nothing beats a swim in the pool or revitalizing massage in the salon after a long day in the city. Guests can then retire to their rooms to spruce up in their private bathrooms before dinner.

Speaking of dinner, guests can head to the hotel restaurant for some Dutch-influenced cuisine and mellow jazz tunes.

The Park Plaza Hotel also benefits from a central location as it’s located right opposite Amsterdam Central Station.

Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel

Looking for an experience rather than just a place to stay? The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel fits the bill.

The hotel has a prime location right by the Central Train Station. It’s walking distance from shops, restaurants, and attractions like Dam Square. You’re right in the middle of the action.

The hotel’s rooms are modern with LCD TVs and seating areas, perfect for kicking back and relaxing. For culinary and beverage desires, the 2b lounge bar and Italian restaurant are fantastic. The Kopelcafé also offers some delightful Dutch drinks and meals.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

For 5-star luxury and historical ambiance, The Grand is the answer. The hotel’s decor is a beautiful blend of Dutch history and contemporary French design.

It’s located in the historical city center less than 5 minutes from The Nine Streets neighborhood. It’s a great area to indulge in some vintage shopping and designer shopping.

It’s also closeby to the famous Anne Frank House. The story of this brave girl and her experience of WWII will captivate you.

Along with a world-class location, the hotel features a top-level restaurant, a spa and several bars. The rooms and suites have modern bathrooms and the luxury suites have access to a butler service.

Hilton

Guests can expect world-class service and celebrity treatment at the Hilton. Located in Amsterdam South, it’s minutes away from famous attractions like Museum Square.

It’s also close to PC Hooftstraat and Beethovenstraat, which offer brilliant retail therapy.

The luxurious rooms are equipped with all the creature comforts. Picture a 49” flat-screen TV, a minibar, and coffee/tea facilities. Book an executive room and you’ll be able to access the Executive Lounge that grants you magnificent 360° views of the city.

In the morning, you can take your pick between a delicious buffet breakfast at Roberto’s Restaurant or a quick bite to eat at Issimo, the espresso bar.

During the summer, you’ll love taking a seat at the Garden Terrace, where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the canal.

Amsterdam, Where to Stay Summary

With museums, parks, nightlife, and history, this city definitely has a lot to offer any type of traveler. Now you’ve read the guide, you should have your answer to “where should I stay in Amsterdam?”

Now, all that’s left for you to do is plan your trip. Enjoy!