Where's the best area to stay in Amsterdam in 2024: Area Guide

Almost 50 years after John Lennon and Yoko Ono promoted world peace from room 702 of the Hilton, hotels in Amsterdam are more worthy of the spotlight than ever. But even for seasoned travellers, finding the best area to stay in Amsterdam takes a bit of research. The Dutch capital’s accommodation options are among the most exciting in Europe. Besides, it's a short trip from London to Amsterdam, so easily accessible. We've done the research, found out where to stay in Amsterdam and recommended hotels in each area.

Quick overview of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam

Take your pick from handsomely converted old canal houses, sleek-and-chic boutique B&Bs and luxurious short-stay apartments. Or choose quirkier options like houseboats, a converted tram depot and even a crane.

Though Amsterdam is seven times smaller than London, or 4 times smaller than New York, there are plenty of areas to choose.

• For a vibrant energy stay in Amsterdam Centrum or the Old Centre
• To take the best pictures, stay close to the canals of Grachtengordel South
• For a local vice, stay near the charming streets of The Jordaan 
• If it's cultural richness you seek, check the Jewish Quarter and Plantage 
• For an artistic atmosphere, book your stay at the Museum Quarter
• If you’re looking for a more local vibe, De Pijp is known for its trendy cafes and lively markets
• For something truly offbeat, consider staying in the Eastern Docklands
• For a beach stay, venture a bit further to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal

Amsterdam may be one of the top 5 cities to visit in the Netherlands, but it still caters well for visitors on a budget. So you'll find bargain beds aplenty in the city’s hostels and campsites. Remember, as in most capitals, prices soar during peak season – July and August, Easter and Christmas – especially last-minute, so booking in advance is a must.

Best area to stay for first time visitors: Old Centre 

If you choose to stay in the Old Centre, you’ll be a short walk from the main sights and the principal shopping and nightlife areas. Many first-time visitors consider this area the best place to stay in Amsterdam, due to its central location and abundance of budget accommodation options.

This is the first place to start looking if money is tight. Some may find the proximity of the red light district off-putting, although Spuistraat is also here, and it's one of Rough Guides' 20 great streets to wander. The Old Centre is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action, surrounded by history, canals, and a lively atmosphere.

Pros and cons

The location is very central and close to main points of interest and public transport. It can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak tourist season.

Where to stay in the Old Centre

• For boutique stays: Rooms at The Exchange in the heart of the Old Centre are dressed with all manner of fashiony details. Options range from tiny, pared-back one-star rooms for those on a budget, to pricier, spacious, five-star rooms with great city views.
• For budget stays: the Flying Pig Downtown hostel is clean, large and well run by ex-travellers familiar with the needs of backpackers. It’s justifiably popular, and a very good deal, with mixed dorms, some of which have queen-sized bunks sleeping two.
• For no-limits luxury: elegant old-timer, De L’Europe Amsterdam, has plenty of fin-de-siècle charm and a central riverside location. The rooms are large and opulent, and there’s also a two-Michelin-star restaurant, Bord’eau, as well as a spa and the glamorous, Freddy’s Bar.
• For arty stays: As you might have guessed from the name, Art’otel is filled with art. It even has its own gallery and a monthly cultural programme. All 107 rooms contain a unique piece of art and are sleekly styled. Downstairs you’ll find a pool, sauna and gym.

Find more accommodation options in the Old Centre of Amsterdam

Best area to stay for picturesque canals: Grachtengordel South

Ideally positioned for the plethora of clubs, bars and restaurants on and around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, the Grachtengordel area is on the rise. The Waldorf Astoria even decided to locate their new hotel here in 2014. And it's also home to the Anne Frank House, a must see in Amsterdam with kids, or without.

There are plenty of options for those on a budget too, including a number of very appealing – and occasionally stylish – hotels along the surrounding canals.

The area offers a mix of historic charm and modern convenience, with easy access to both the cultural highlights and the vibrant nightlife that Amsterdam is famous for. If you decide to stay here, it's also the best place to book one of the famous canal cruises.

Pros and cons

An area full of history with iconic views and a lively atmosphere. High density of tourists can make it feel overwhelming at times.

Where to stay in Grachtengordel South

• For indulgent stays: Waldorf Astoria is housed within a series of conjoined seventeenth-century canal houses in one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. The hotel has 93 rooms and suites in tasteful, calming neutral shades. It’s hard to fault, except for the eye-watering cost.
• For canal house stays: Ambassade is an eminently appealing hotel that occupies a series of cleverly renovated seven enth-century canal houses. There are 60-plus rooms, each decorated in period-meets-country-house style. There’s also a well-stocked library and a study room with modern art.
• For budget stays: Hotel Clemens sits close to the Anne Frank Huis. A well-run two-star budget hotel, with a friendly, knowledgeable owner, it's one of the better options along this busy main road. The rooms are all en-suite, and come with a mini-fridge and LCD TV.
• For starry stays: Gorgeous in their own right, the combined 17th century canal houses which make up the Pulitzer Amsterdam became even more famous when scenes from Ocean's Twelve were filmed here. Some rooms in this prestigious five-star overlook the inner courtyard and others have canal views.
• For stylish stays: The Dylan Amsterdam is hip without being pretentious and housed in a 17th century building centred around a beautiful courtyard and terrace. The 40 sumptuous rooms are decorated in neutral tones and there’s also a Michelin-star restaurant on site, serving up modern French cuisine.

Find more accommodation options in Grachtengordel

Best area to stay away from tourists: The Jordaan 

Staying in the Jordaan puts you among the locals, well away from the prime tourist areas. For the Dutch, this might be the best known area, as it's one of the most described and romanticized parts of the Netherlands. This is one of Amsterdam's most picturesque and charming neighborhoods, making it a top choice for those wondering where to stay in Amsterdam.

Known for its narrow streets, tranquil canals, and historic houses, the Jordaan offers a quintessentially Dutch experience. Here, you'll find a mix of trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and art galleries, creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, but you’ll be at least a 15-minute walk from the bright lights.

Accommodation options in the Jordaan range from stylish boutique hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, many of which are housed in traditional canal-side buildings. This area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying a quieter, more residential vibe.

Pros and cons

Small charming local area with a lot of character and chic boutiques. There are few hotels, and reservations often need to be booked early.

Where to stay in The Jordaan

• For inventive design: There’s plenty of buzz surrounding Hotel De Hallen, the stunning conversion of a 1902 tram depot. Original features, such as rails on the dining-room floor and a vaulted glass ceiling, remain intact. And the 55 rooms seem to be suspended within the structure.
• For canal side stays: Linden Hotel, in the heart of the Jordaan, sits on a corner, so some of the rooms have sweeping views of the canal and its adjoining streets. The functional rooms sleep two to four people and are rather nondescript, with small beds and a shower room.

Find more accommodation options in Jordaan

Best area to stay for a trendy stay: Eastern Docklands 

Once an industrial port area, the Docklands have been transformed into a contemporary urban district with striking architecture, expansive waterfront views, and a laid-back atmosphere. The area is characterized by innovative housing developments and a mix of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and trendy cafes. 

These up-and-coming districts have some excellent, avant-garde accommodation options, including one of the world's weirdest hotels. 

And although their industrial architecture and open expanses won't hike Amsterdam up the most beautiful city in the world list, the old centre’s medieval lanes are only a short hop away by ferry or tram.

Pros and cons

Modern, large area with advanced architecture and views of water. It's a bit more tucked away from the main attractions and will take you a little bit longer to get into them.

Where to stay in Eastern Docklands 

• For unusual stays: Botel, moored at NDSM Pier, is a three-star floating hotel . Its 175 en-suite rooms are either waterside or landside and fairly functional. Staying here might feel like spending time on a cross-Channel ferry, but the bar has internet access, a pool table, juke box and pinball machine.
• For one-of-a-kind stays: Ever slept 50m in the air? The Crane by YAYS is the world’s first hotel in a crane and offers three ultra-contemporary suites with knee-buckling city views. As you’d expect, there’s a long waiting list, so book well in advance.
• For boutique stays: DoubleTree by Hilton was the first hotel to set up in the hip NDSM district. It's a plush boutique option and may have icy front-desk staff, but the luxurious rooms, fitness centre, brasserie and bar should more than make up for it.
• For island stays: Room Mate Aitana is built on an artificial island just metres from Centraal Station. This ultramodern hotel has light, bright rooms that come with an LCD TV and rain shower, plus access to the on-site gym. The breakfast buffet doesn’t finish until noon so it's perfect for late risers.
• For budget stays: ClinkNOORD Hostel is housed in former Shell headquarters from the 1920s. It offers a range of four to 10 bed dorms (including girls-only dorms) as well as private en-suite rooms. Facilities include a free cinema, self-catering kitchen, café and library, plus a bar with live music.

Find more accommodation options in the Eastern Docklands and Amsterdam Noord

Best area to stay in Amsterdam for local experience:  Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter, or Jodenbuurt, is a historic and culturally rich neighborhood, ideal for those deciding where to stay in Amsterdam. This area is steeped in history, with significant landmarks such as the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Holocaust Memorial. 

Not many tourists stay in The Old Jewish Quarter, as it’s a largely residential area, with very few bars or restaurants. You’re pretty much guaranteed a quiet night’s sleep here, plus it's a good district for a green stay in Amsterdam and you're only a tram ride away from the leading sights.

Accommodations in the Jewish Quarter range from charming boutique hotels to comfortable apartments, many of which are within walking distance of the city's key cultural sites.

Pros and cons

Quiet, leafy area with rich cultural history and near other highlights. Limited nightlife and dining options compared to more central areas.

Where to stay in the Jewish Quarter

• For modern stays: Hotel Arena sits a little way east of the centre. A hip four-star hotel with split-level rooms in tranquil grey or cream it has a lovely, relaxed vibe in the bar. It also offers an intimate restaurant with garden terrace and a lively late-night club located within the former chapel.
• For indulgent stays: One of the city’s most enduring top-class hotels, the InterContinental Amstel occupies a grand, chateau-style 19th century mansion beside the Singelgracht canal. There’s also an excellent French restaurant, plus a health club with pool and Jacuzzi.
• For budget stays: Ecomama is a superb, light, bright eco-hostel with green roof, water-saving system and rooms that range from “El Cheapo” twelve-bed dorms to very stylish private en-suite doubles. A women-only dorm is also available here.

Find more accommodation options in Amsterdam city centre

Best area to stay for culture: The Museum Quarter

The best area to stay in Amsterdam for cultural attractions, the Museum Quarter centres on the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum – although the nightlife around Leidseplein is also within easy striking distance.Staying in the Museum Quarter allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of Amsterdam’s artistic and historical heritage.

There are no canals here, and two of the main drags constantly rumble with traffic, but several good hotels are to be found in the area. You can also take a walk in local Vondelpark, one of the top free things to do in Amsterdam.

The Museum Quarter is also known for its upscale shopping streets and gourmet dining options, adding to its appeal for visitors who appreciate a blend of culture and comfort.

Pros and cons

Offers easy access to major cultural attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, making it ideal for art and history lovers. It can be quite touristy and expensive, with fewer authentic local experiences compared to other neighbourhoods.

Where to stay in The Museum Quarter

• For old school stays: The College Hotel has been converted from a nineteenth-century schoolhouse to create an elegant boutique hotel run by hotel-school students. It has tasteful modern rooms, a first-rate restaurant, a swanky bar and a chic terrace.
• For impressive stays: Conservatorium Hotel is probably Amsterdam's most jaw-dropping stay. The heritage building has been transformed into a contemporary design wonderland. Standard guestrooms come with Nespresso machine and free newspapers, plus access to Akasha – the city’s largest and most opulent spa.
• For green stays: The youthful and eco-conscious Bicycle Hotel is located down a quiet residential street. It offers two, three and four-bed rooms, plus one with bunk beds and all are bright and clean. During the winter months the hotel usually offers free bike rental too.
• For deluxe stays: Don’t be fooled by the concrete, purpose-built façade of Okura, this deluxe hotel comes with a spa, pool and fitness centre (complete with personal trainers), plus an astonishing three Michelin starred restaurant. Its 300 rooms boast huge marble bathrooms, and mod cons abound in its suites.
• For boutique stays: Hotel Roemer is a high-end boutique option, dotted with contemporary art and with its own garden. It caters for discerning business travellers, but will suit non-business types too. They offer a “Roemer Inclusive” rate, which includes all alcoholic drinks, snacks in the afternoon and a scrumptious breakfast.

Find more accommodation options in the Museum Quarter

Best area for foodies and nightlife: De Pijp

Amsterdam might not be one of the best places to visit in Europe on a budget, but exciting accommodation options are cropping up in areas such as De Pijp. A bubbling, multi-ethnic area in Amsterdam that provides foodies with a buzz. It represents food in its most extreme variation, from international to local, and all that jazz, with many small, cozy cafes and trendy bars. The area contains the iconic Albert Cuyp Market, which is considered the largest street market in the country, providing local produce and typical Dutch delights like stroopwafels.

De Pijp is also a rich historical region, designed and developed in the late 19th century to serve the expanding population of the city. Most of its original charm is still found today: narrow streets lined by traditional Amsterdam townhouses, modern developments, and green spaces.

The neighborhood is also the address of the Heineken Experience, a place where one can see the former brewery and get to know the history of one of the most popular beers on the globe. 

Pros and cons

BoHo buzz of lively markets, cafes, and mixed cultures. On the flip side, it can feel a little crowded at times; for example, in popular areas like the Albert Cuyp Market.

Where to stay in De Pijp

• For boutique stays: Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is considered as one of the best hotels in the area and a great place to stay in Amsterdam. This luxury 5-star hotel is located in a monumental building, the former Town Hall of Nieuwer-Amstel and the Amsterdam Municipal Archives. It is close to the Albert Cuyp Market.
• For a local stay: Het Kabinet is just a 7 minutes' walk from Heineken Experience and 8 minutes' walk from Theater Carré. Ideally located in the Oud Zuid district, this property is set 1 km from Museum of Bags and Purses Hendrikje.
• For a luxury and central stay: Sir Albert Hotel is located just 600 metres from Museumplein and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Leidseplein and the famous canals are a 15-minute walk away. This former diamond factory offers elegantly decorated rooms with views of De Pijp, Amsterdam's Latin Quarter. 

Find more accommodation options in De Pijp

To stay at the beach: Zandvoort or Bloemendaal

This might come as a surprise, since Amsterdam is not directly at the beach. Still, in a country as small the Netherlands, the beach is never far away. Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are both just a 20-30 minute train ride away. 45 minutes if you have your own car. 

These seaside towns are perfect for those who want to combine a visit to Amsterdam with a beach holiday. Zandvoort, internationally known for its Formula 1 circuit, and Bloemendaal offer beautiful sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Bloemendaal is the trendy and more expensive option. Zandvoort is great for families and a more budget friendly day at the beach.

Pros and cons

Beautiful beachside locations offering a relaxing escape from the city. It's further out of Amsterdam town center; you have to take a train to get to the city centre.

Where to stay in Zandvoort or Bloemendaal

• For boutique stays at the beach: Poort Beach Boutique Apartments is a great place to stay at the beach. It offers apartments in 2 unique buildings. They offer modern facilities and a picturesque view of the sea and the dunes.
• For stays right at the beach: Buddha Beach Bungalows are small, but cozy beach houses right at the beach. Perfect if you want to experience the real beach experience. It's not big, but has all you need.

Check out the Rough Guide to Amsterdam or the Rough Guide to the Netherlands. If you travel further in the Netherlands, read more about the best time to go. For inspiration use our Netherlands itineraries. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country.

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