by Looking for the best places to stay in Amsterdam? In this guide, we recommend the best neighborhoods for different travel styles and pick the best beds for every budget — from cheap and cheerful to expensive and elegant. Read on to find out where to stay in Amsterdam.
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Oh Amsterdam, how I adore you. You really have it all going on. From your curvaceous canals, to your long slender houses, and the dulcet tones of bike bells ringing in your alleys — I think you might just be the one!
Having been a frequent visitor to Amsterdam, I have seen her grow and change through the years.
Old buildings fall down, new ones go up. Old neighbourhoods go out of fashion, new ones step into their place. But through it all, Amsterdam has held onto that undeniable charm that makes her unique.
The only downside to visiting Amsterdam (other than the crowds and the tendency towards drizzle) is the eye-watering cost of accommodation.
Cheap places to stay in Amsterdam are very hard to find! Fortunately for travellers, the quality tends to be as high as the price. Plus, there are tons of incredibly cool places to stay in Amsterdam, so get ready to be impressed.
In this guide, I introduce you to my favourite Amsterdam neighbourhoods and help you pick the one that’s perfect for your travel style. Then I recommend some of the funkiest, charming-est, and most glamorous accommodations for all budgets, from backpacker to jet-setter.
Being the best, these hotels are liable to sell out fast, so be sure to book as soon as you find your fave.
If you’re heading to this smashing city, read on for your guide to…
The Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam
In a Rush? Book One of Our Faves.
$ Cocomama Hostel in De Pijp
$$ Backstage Hotel in Jordaan
$$$ Mr. Jordaan in Jordaan
$$$$ Conservatorium Hotel in Museum Quarter
Amsterdam Neighbourhood Guide
For first-timers, Amsterdam can be hella confusing. None of the roads go straight anywhere and the public transport routes all zig and zag around the city like a game of Snake. That’s what makes Amsterdam perfect for wanderers and dreamers — and a nightmare when it’s time to get back to your hotel!
While there’s no single best place to stay in Amsterdam, each neighbourhood has a unique vibe which will align with different travel styles.
Our neighbourhood guide will orient you and help you choose the best places to stay in Amsterdam for your travel style.
Jordaan – Best Place to Stay for First-Time Visitors & Design Lovers
Jordaan might be the prettiest neighbourhood in Amsterdam with its narrow tree-lined streets and network of picturesque canals. It’s also super central, within an easy walk of most of Amsterdam’s most popular sight. Travellers who like to shop will spend hours browsing the arty boutiques, while foodies will find sustenance in the world-class cafes and restaurants as well as the famous Lindengracht Market.
What to Do in Jordaan
- Anne Frank House (book months ahead to get a ticket)
- Do an Anne Frank walking tour
- Wander the 9 Streets
- Browse exceptional fashion and homewares boutiques
- Eat at Amsterdam’s best cafes & restaurants. We loved Men Impossible!
Jordaan is the place to stay if you want a glimpse of Amsterdam’s unique beauty at every turn.
Got Amsterdam planned?
Use our complete guide to visiting Amsterdam to get your itinerary planned and your activities booked so you can start having an amazing time the minute you arrive.
Red Light District / De Wallen – Best Place to Stay for Nightlife
The central Amsterdam neighbourhood De Wallen is home to the famous red light district. It is the medieval city center and the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife scene. If you want bars and clubs on your doorstep, De Wallen is perfect for you.
Perhaps curiously, De Wallen is also the right neighbourhood for people who want first-class luxury accommodation, which is clustered around Dam Square, where everything starts in Amsterdam.
What to do in De Wallen
- People watch in Dam Square
- Walking tour of the Red Light District
- Imbibe at “coffee” shops, clubs and bars
- Drink craft beer at Brouwerij de Prael
- Visit Oude Kerk & Nieuwe Kerk
The Red Light District is the place to stay if you want to enjoy the beating heart of Amsterdam and be close to everything.
Travelling Europe?
Don’t miss our huge collection of travel tips for Europe to get the most from your Europe trip!
The Museum Quarter / Vondelpark — Best Place to Stay for Culture & Green Space
If you’re travelling to Amsterdam primarily for the history and culture then the Museum Quarter is the perfect location for your Amsterdam stay.
The neighbourhood is green and leafy, plus you’ll have some of the world’s most impressive museums on your doorstep. The Museum Quarter is right next to the expansive Vondelpark, which is the perfect spot for morning jogs or lazy afternoon picnics.
What to do in The Museum Quarter / Vondelpark
- Museum Square: Rijksmusuem, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum
- Picnic with locals in Vondelpark
- Take in a concert at the Royal Concertgebouw
- Shop on Cornelis Schuytstraat
- Eat and drink your fill at Kebabi or Vegan Junk Food Bar
The Museum Quarter is the best place to stay if you want leafy surroundings and easy access to the world’s best museums.
Want to skip the line?
Grab your tickets for the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum now to save time while you’re in Amsterdam!
De Pijp — Best Neighbourhood for Culture Vultures
One of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, De Pijp has a chilled out, arty vibe with lots of galleries, craft breweries and street food. It’s also a melting pot of Amsterdam’s diverse culture, where you’ll find people from all over the world living and working side-by-side.
One of the biggest attractions is the Albert Cuyp Market where you can find food and goods representing this amazing diversity. De Pijp is where locals go when they want an evening out.
What to do in De Pijp
- Brunch at Little Collins, Scandinavian Embassy, Bakers & Roasters
- Go gift shopping at a great selection of independent boutiques
- Get craft cocktails with a view at Twenty-Third Bar
- Sip craft beer at Brouwerij Troost
- Sample Dutch treats at at Albert Cuyp Market
De Pijp is the place to stay for people who want to mingle with locals and taste Europe’s best brunches!
Best Hostels to Stay at in Amsterdam
Best hostel in Jordaan
Shelter Jordan Hostel
Rating 8.5, $35 dorm bed, breakfast included
Truth be told, Jordaan is not a great neighbourhood if you’re on a budget as most hotels in the neighbourhood are pretty pricey. If you’re set on staying here, the Shelter Jordan Hostel is your best bet.
Stephen stayed here on a visit to Amsterdam to teach yoga a few years ago and it was basic but extremely clean, really well run, and the 24-hour front desk is helpful and super friendly. The hostel is run by Christians with a mission to show the world Christian hospitality, meaning they go out of their way to provide great service here.
Lockers and baggage storage are available and you can also rent bicycles to explore the city. There is free WiFi but it’s not that fast or stable.
There’s a cafe on the ground floor and a good breakfast is provided.
Best Hostel in De Wallen
The Flying Pig Downtown
Rating 8.3, $35 dorm bed
Right on Amsterdam’s main shopping street, The Flying Pig Downtown has a modern kitchen and a funky lounge area, making it an ideal place for meeting new travel buddies.
The dorm rooms range from 6 beds to 32 beds (!) and have huge private lockers to store your stuff.
The on-site bar and the terrace are great spots to kick off your evening before a night out in Amsterdam.
Best Hostel in De Pijp
Cocomama
Rating 8.3, $35 dorm bed, 2-night minimum stay
The eclectic rooms at Cocomama are a perfect base to explore the city for travellers on a budget. They offer dorm rooms, family rooms, and private rooms, plus an outdoor deck and garden and a play area for kids.
Stephen stayed here about six years ago. It was a great location, affordable, cool and hip. More recently, Jane’s 17-year-old nephew stayed at Cocomama on his first few nights in Europe and absolutely loved it. He met friends and travelling companions here that would accompany him on his travels around the continent.
Best Hostel in the Museum Quarter
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark
Rating 8.5, $37 dorm bed
The clean and bright hostel rooms are just the icing on the cake at Stayokay. What really sets this hostel apart are the common areas. There are bright window seats, long co-working desks, comfy couches, and even an outdoor courtyard — all of which are perfect for getting to know your fellow travellers better.
There’s also an on site coffee shop to help you recover from the night before and packed lunches are ideal if you fancy a picnic in nearby Vondelpark.
Best Budget Hotels in Amsterdam
Best Budget Hotel In Jordaan
Backstage Hotel
Rating 8.5, $73 single room with shared bathroom
A rock ‘n’ roll themed hotel, each room is decorated with murals of rock legends, and the furniture is all designed to look like road cases, amps, and other music paraphernalia. Each room has a TV and Bluetooth speakers.
Of course, a rock hotel must have a bar on site and Backstage does not disaapoint. They also have a pool table as well as a wide range of whiskeys.
Best Budget Hotel in De Wallen
Mauro Mansion
Rating 9.3, $120 double room
It is not easy to find anything resembling a budget hotel in the center of Amsterdam but somehow Mauro Mansion manages it! The rooms are designed with an eclectic mix of stripes and patterns, antique furniture and modern pieces, and have beautifully tiled bathrooms.
The location is as central as you can get, just hopping distance from the central station and looking out over a canal.
If you’re travelling solo or a couple on a budget, this might be the best place for you to stay in Amsterdam.
Best Budget Hotel in De Pijp
Hotel Asterisk
Rating 8.9, $107 single room, $143 twin room. Breakfast not included.
The rooms at Hotel Asterisk occupy two restored 19th century buildings. They are well-designed, and in a great location for exploring the city. There’s a small garden with tables and chairs — a real find in Amsterdam where outdoor space is at a premium — and a shared lounge where you can meet other guests.
This hotel is very popular with solo travellers and guests rave about the friendly staff.
Best Budget Hotel in the Museum Quarter / Vondelpark
De Bedstee Boutique Capsules
Rating 8.4, $120 single capsule, $150 double capsule
Amsterdam can be tough for people on a budget, especially if you’re past the age where hostels make sense! The clever capsule concept was made for cities like Amsterdam, where space is at a premium. The capsules at De Bedstee feature super comfy mattresses and excellent ventilation for a good night’s sleep.
The hotel common areas are decorated with a wild splash of colors and patterns, with traditional Dutch touches, like blue and white tilework, thrown in for good measure.
Not for claustrophobes but anyone else on a budget will love it.
Best Mid-Range Hotels for Your Amsterdam Visit
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Jordaan
Mr. Jordaan
Rating 9.2, $213 double room
We love this cleverly designed hotel that started in the 60s when the owner advertised his couch at the local tourist office, basically inventing couchsurfing. Don’t worry, if you stay at Mr. Jordaan now you’ll get a real bed in your room but it still feels just as homey as it did in the early days.
This unique hotel is great for couples and older travellers who want a quiet and comfy place to stay close to Amsterdam’s center.
Best Mid Range Hotels in De Wallen
Hotel V Nesplein
Rating 9.0, $370 double room
The Hotel V Nesplein blends textures with unexpected colors and patterns to create a design hotel that is as eye-catching as it is comfortable.
Guests love the location, just minutes from Dam Square, the luxurious beds, the excellent restaurants, and the morning Bloody Marys ;).
During good weather, take advantage of the terrace to soak up the sun, and during bad, relax in a well-worn chair with a good book in one hand a craft cocktail in the other.
Hotel V Nesplein is a great hotel for couples and older travellers who want to explore the bustling city during the day and retreat to an outstanding room to rest.
Nova Hotel
Rating 8.2, $234 twin room, breakfast included
The rooms in the Nova Hotel are nestled within 5 historic buildings in the heart of the city. Their spacious rooms come with comfortable beds and funky lime-green carpets to brighten your day.
The location couldn’t be more central, with Amsterdam’s most iconic sights right on the doorstep. Snag a room on the inner courtyard for a peaceful stay sans traffic noise.
Family rooms are available so it’s perfect for small groups or people travelling with kids.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Vondelpark / The Museum Quarter
Conscious Hotel The Tire Station
Rating 8.7, $165 double room
What do we love most about Conscious Hotels, a small chain in Amsterdam? Their eco-friendly ethos which is a the heart of everything they do. The rooms at The Tire Station are simple and modern, with extra-special Dutch beds for a superb sleep. There’s an organic restaurant onsite and they offer a free wine hour every day!
Just around the corner from Vondelpark, The Tire Station is perfect for people who love to walk or spend time outside.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in De Pjip
Amsterdam Canal Hotel
Rating 8.5, $176 double room
With ornate wallpaper and modern funky furnishings, the rooms at Amsterdam Canal Hotel ooze character.
The quiet terrace is the ideal place to start your day and you can take your afternoon rest break at the complimentary bar which provides free drinks and snacks every afternoon and evening.
Couples especially love this hotel, so if you’re planning a romantic getaway to Amsterdam, make sure to check it out.
Best Luxury Hotels When Staying in Amsterdam
Best Luxury Hotel in Jordaan
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Rating 9.1, $372 queen room
Set inside 25 inter-linked 17th and 18th century canal houses, Pulitzer Amsterdam offers exceptional rooms decorated with a combination of modern and traditional Dutch design. Guests rave about the unique design, the exceptional location along Prinzengracht, and the comfy beds.
There is an upscale restaurant on site as well as a garden cafe and a sleek bar. They also provide a fitness center and 5-star quality room service.
For families, there are babysitting services as well as indoor and outdoor play areas. If money is no object, this is the ideal place to stay in Amsterdam.
Best Luxury Hotel in De Wallen
Hotel TwentySeven
Rating 9.6, $780 junior suite
If you’re looking for opulence in the center of Amsterdam, look no further than Hotel TwentySeven. Think velvet drapes, striking photography and textured patterned wallpaper on every wall. Think quilted throws, overstuffed cushions, and sofas so comfy you’ll never want to stand up.
Think windows overlooking Amsterdam’s most expensive bit of real estate — Dam Square.
Now go look at the photos because words can never do this place justice.
If you’re considering this hotel it means money is no object for you. We recommend you check into one of their junior suites where you’ll enjoy city views, relax in the spa tub, and entertain in the suite’s living space, at twice the size of most Amsterdam apartments.
Don’t miss a visit to the Michelin-starred restaurant, make sure you take a journey through their extensive cocktail menu, and don’t forget to uncork a bottle of wine recommended by the world’s best wine taster and sommelier Lendl Mijnhijmer.
Best Luxury Hotel in De Pijp
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Rating 8.9, $300 double room
Offering a fusion of Japanese and Dutch design and service, Hotel Okura might have the best views in the whole city. In a city where most buildings are at most 5 storeys tall, their 22 floor tower, located in a quiet residential area at the south end of De Pijp, provides guests with unobstructed views in every direction.
The rooms are elegant, modern, and comfortable, while the common areas are designed to evoke Japanese minimalism while still feeling welcoming and homey. With not one but two Michelin-starred restaurants on the property, this is the place to stay for the luxury foodie!
Best Luxury Hotel in the Museum Quarter
Conservatorium Hotel
Rating 9.0, $589 single room, $769 junior suite
Originally the home of Sweelinck Music Conservatorium, the Conservatorium was redesigned in 2008 to become one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful hotels. Crisp lines and modernist design are combined with warm earth tones and heaps of natural light to create a space that is minimalist and homey at the same time.
We would love to spend time at their spa, Spa Akasha, a 1,000 square metres holistic wellbeing center on the property. They offer everything from nutrition guidance, to meditation, to yoga, pilates, barre, and Watsu (we had to Google that one!). Best for those who want their Amsterdam trip to be therapeutic as well as adventurous.
More Posts About Amsterdam
If you’re heading to Amsterdam, these posts will help you plan your trip.
2 Days in Amsterdam – Itinerary Planner
Tips for Renting a Bike in Amsterdam
Guide to the Best Amsterdam Yoga Studios
Best Amsterdam Vegan Food
A Final Note on Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Though Amsterdam has plenty of hotels to choose from, it can be tough to find one in the perfect location at the perfect price. And even if you do, because Amsterdam is such a popular city, you might find that by the time you book, it’s sold out. So after you check out our list above, make sure you plan to book your top choice as soon as you know you are travelling to Amsterdam.
Most hotels on Booking.com have generous cancellation policies, so it’s best to secure a place now and cancel later if your plans change.
♥ Happy transformational travels, Jane & Stephen
We’re not going to lie, it takes a LOT of work to create travel guides like this. But it’s easy to help us out! If you book or buy something using one of our personal links in this post, we’ll earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Of course, we would never recommend anything we didn’t 100% believe in! Huge thanks in advance! –S&J
