The Dutch capital offers a wide variety of accommodations. You’ll find everything from houseboats to glasshouses, and from historic buildings to contemporary high-risers.
On this list, you’ll discover the quirkiest neighborhoods, the funkiest rooms, and the best areas to stay in Amsterdam.
No matter whether you’re visiting the City on Canals for its fantastic museums, groovy atmosphere, romantic vibe, or food scene, there’s one thing for sure.
You can stop wondering where to stay in Amsterdam.
Why? Because this guide will help you choose the right accommodation for you between the historic buildings lining the waterways and the contemporary architecture of the Dutch capital.
Let’s explore, shall we?
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Tips About the Accommodations in Amsterdam
Before we proceed with the best areas to stay in the Dutch capital, we need to share three important Amsterdam travel tips with you.
- The night rates are unpredictable. The only two things you can count on is that accommodations are cheaper during the week, as well as in low season – between October and March, excluding the holidays. Since Amsterdam is a nightlife mecca, prices go up during the weekend.
- You can overnight in quite unique accommodations in Amsterdam. These include 17th-century houses, charming houseboats, and wacky glass structures. However, don’t forget that such rooms come with certain limitations.
- If you’re not visiting Amsterdam for the nightlife, and want to enjoy a good night rest, stay far from Dam Square and De Wallen.
Also, check what awesome things you can do in just 2 days in Amsterdam.
Now that we have this out of the way, let’s see where it’s best to overnight in Amsterdam.
The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam
From the nightlife mecca De Wallen to the family-friendly Plantage, and from the funky Amsterdam-Noord to the foodie’s paradise De Pijp, this is where you can stay in Amsterdam.
1. De Wallen – The Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam for Nightlife
Amsterdam’s central canal area houses one of the wildest nightlife scenes on the Old Continent. It’s home to a provocative red-light district, as well as countless pubs, bars, clubs, and coffeeshops. This means you’ll definitely stay entertained in De Wallen.
From here, every attraction Amsterdam is known for is only a short walk away. This makes De Wallen perfect not only for partying but also for sightseeing.
The accommodations range from budget-friendly hostel dorms to luxurious suites in 5* hotels. Make sure you book a room with good noise isolation if you plan to rest rather than party during your stay in Amsterdam.
Our recommendations: Stay at the posh Krasnapolsky Apartments with amazing views over the Dam Square and the Royal Palace for a high-end experience. Choose the funky Misc Eatdrinksleep for the unique décor and ultra-friendly staff.
2. Plantage – The Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam for Families
This residential area with Jewish heritage is a great place for families to stay in Amsterdam. In Plantage, you’ll find the Artis Royal Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe. A lot of the other attractions in the area are dedicated to the Jews and the Holocaust.
The theaters, museums, and historical buildings in Plantage will further enchant you. Its proximity to all of Amsterdam’s major attractions also makes it a great spot for your stay in the Dutch capital.
Our recommendations: The accommodations in Plantage include small family-run hotels and individual apartments with cooking amenities in old, quirky buildings. For example, SWEETS – Scharrebiersluis and Zoku Amsterdam both offer fully-equipped kitchens, modern design, and incredible city views.
3. Amsterdam Oud-Oost – The Hip Creative Hub of Amsterdam
The “old east” side of the city is largely residential but still hosts plenty of hotels for tourists.
Amsterdam-Oost includes the following smaller districts which have turned it into a creative hub:
- Zeeburg, a hip location dotted with fancy eateries and cool bars. Among the nicest spots in the area are Flevopark and Oosterpark. The former is a lush garden with jogging paths, lawns inviting for a picnic, and an outdoor swimming pool. The latter features several landmarks and monuments, as well as a small pond. You’ll also find camping grounds and yacht ports in the district.
- Eastern Docklands, a port area known for its brick warehouses converted into art galleries and trendy eateries. It also hosts numerous contemporary buildings made of glass and steel, as well as modern waterfront homes. In the district, you’ll find Loods 6, a center featuring funky galleries and designer shops, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, a concert hall in a glass box on the water, and Bimhuis, an intimate jazz venue.
Our recommendations: Breitner House will seduce you with its luxurious, classically decorated suites with modern amenities in a historic 19th-century townhouse, overlooking Oosterpark. Another great place to stay in Amsterdam Oud-Oost is Reiwa, a stunning houseboat, offering a unique experience coupled with exquisite river views and a patio.
4. De Pijp – The Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam for Foodies
De Pijp, a part of Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, features an excellent food scene and a laid-back vibe. Middle Eastern eateries, traditional pubs, and cafés with sidewalk seating line the narrow streets.
In the district, you can explore Albert Cuypmarkt – the largest outdoor market in Europe. Friendly sellers will seduce you with Dutch specialties like herrings, cheese, and waffles. You can also buy clothes, flowers, and books from the approximately 260 stalls.
Nearby, you’ll find the Heineken Experience, too. The former brewery chronicles the history of beer making and finishes the interactive tour with beer tastings. One of the most interesting facts about Amsterdam is that this is the spot where one of the world’s most famous beers originated.
Make sure you check out Sarphatipark while in De Pijp as well. The park is a great spot for relaxation with its English-style gardens with ponds and meadows.
Our recommendations: If you decide to stay in De Pijp, it’s best to select accommodation with a view of the Amstel River.
- The exquisite 5*-hotel Pestana Amsterdam Riverside will welcome you in its historical building, which previously hosted the Town Hall. Located a stone-throw away from the Albert Cuypmarkt, the luxurious hotel will seduce you with its splendid wellness area and river panoramas.
- If you’re looking for a unique stay in Amsterdam, check out SWEETS – Nieuwe Amstelbrug. The cozy apartment is located inside a bridge house from the 17th century. It offers a slick, modern design and unparalleled vistas of the Amstel River.
5. Museumkwartier – The Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam for Culture Vultures
The Museum District, similar to De Pijp, is located within the “old south” part of Amsterdam.
As the name suggests, culture vultures and museum aficionados will love this area. And with its proximity to all Amsterdam attractions and low-budget accommodations, you might choose it for your visit to the Dutch capital even if you don’t plan on roaming the museums.
The crème de la crème of the cultural institutions surround the relaxing park Museumplein. Within a few feet, you’ll find:
- The Rijksmuseum, the most visited museum in the Netherlands in a stunning 19th-century building, hosting 8,000 items including Dutch Golden Age masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch;
- The Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the Dutch artist and displaying the largest collection of his works in the world; and
- The Stedelijk Museum, a modern building resembling a bath tub which houses contemporary art and design from around the world.
Also in the district is the Concertgebouw. The historic 19th-century concert hall is renowned for its excellent acoustics. It hosts orchestral, chamber, and pop music concerts.
Another landmark you should check in the Museumkwartier is the vast 19th-century Vondelpark. It features not only stunning greenery but also an open-air theater.
Last but not least, if you want to do some window shopping – or don’t mind spending a fortune – check the high-end boutiques like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry which line P.C. Hooftstraat.
Our recommendations: The luxury 5* Conservatorium Hotel will pamper you with its supreme service and gigantic wellness area, located in a historical setting with contemporary design. Another exquisite but more affordable option is the boutique Anna Van Den Vondel Hotel. The cozy vibe of the renovated historical building and the impeccable service make it a great choice for your stay in Amsterdam.
6. Amsterdam Oud-West – The Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam on a Budget
The “old west” part of Amsterdam – as the name translates – is separated from the city center only by the Singelgracht. The neighborhood also borders the Museum District and the Vondelpark.
The multicultural Amsterdam Oud-West offers dining at exquisite bars and restaurants. Quirky design shops and craft cafés occupy early-20th-century buildings.
One of the coolest spots in the area is De Hallen. The converted train depot is a cultural hub hosting an art cinema, craft markets, and food stalls selling gourmet street food. You’ll also find historical landmarks and open-air markets in every other street of the neighborhood.
Our recommendations: The accommodations in this area are wallet-friendly. A great option is Hotel Europa Amsterdam. The perfect location and the lovely garden make it a great base for exploring Amsterdam. For an even more budget-friendly stay, choose CityHub Amsterdam. It offers state-of-the-art private sleeping pods with king-size double beds. What more do you need after a long day of exploration?
7. Jordaan – The Most Romantic Area to Stay in Amsterdam
Many travelers consider Jordaan the coolest and most romantic area to stay in Amsterdam. To make it even more enticing, Jordaan offers a great choice of quirky shops, trendy bars, and charming restaurants.
Cute boutiques, welcoming pubs, and chic eateries flank the narrow canals and streets of the hip district. The stalls at the Noordermarkt seduce with a wild variety of food, jewelry, clothes, and antiques.
Other attractions you shouldn’t miss in Jordaan are the Houseboat Museum and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum which are among the most unusual things to do in Amsterdam.
Our recommendations: You can stay in some pretty unique apartments in Jordaan, ranging from cute and cozy to posh and exclusive. Mr. Jordaan, on the lower end of the spectrum, offers affordable rooms with splendid interior design on a charming street. On the higher end, you could stay in Villa360 – a rustic house with beautifully decorated chambers and a private garden.
8. Westerpark – A Fusion of Nature and Culture
Westerpark is close to multiple attractions and at walking distance from the heart of the Dutch capital. Naturally, it features a park where you can cycle, rent a boat, or enjoy a music festival among the vast greenery and the scattered artworks.
The district hosts many bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and clubs, too. It blends green spaces, a lively nightlife scene, and historical monuments in a creative fusion.
One of the iconic areas in the district is Westergas. The cultural powerhouse offers regular exhibitions, markets, and festivals. A converted gas factory houses the center which also contains shops, trendy eateries, a cinema, a brewery, and a dance club.
Nearby, you’ll find the Museum Het Schip. The iconic residential complex of red-brick Amsterdam School buildings in the form of a ship is home to a small but fascinating collection.
Our recommendations: In the district, you can stay at WesternVilla, a beautiful, historic mansion set in a lush park with modernly refurbished suites. Alternatively, the luxurious Conscious Hotel Westerpark will welcome you in its monumental building and pamper you with excellent service and modern design.
9. Amsterdam-West – Trendy Locales and Amsterdam School Architecture
Amsterdam-West invites you to a bustling nightlife scene, where posh bars, clubs, and restaurants will keep you entertained until the wee hours.
Don’t let its remoteness from the city center discourage you from staying in the neighborhood. You should consider it for its 19th– and early-20th-century architecture, dominated by Amsterdam School contemporary style mixed with Art Nouveau designs.
Besides, if you choose to stay in Amsterdam-West, you can use the public transport system which is extensive and affordable. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and explore the Dutch capital like the locals.
What makes Amsterdam-West even more enticing is that rooms are generally larger than in other areas, and the prices you’ll pay to stay here are lower than elsewhere in the city.
Our recommendations: The modern, high-rising Cityden Amsterdam West offers large, bright apartments with garden views and fully-equipped kitchens. Alternatively, Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark will welcome you in its modern, elegant rooms and seduce you in its 17th-floor sky bar with scenic views over the Dutch capital.
10. Amsterdam Noord – Funky Riverside Lodging and Sights
You can easily reach Amsterdam Noord by the free ferry connections which start behind the central station.
In the lively district, you’ll find the reinvented wharf area – NDSM. It features trendy eateries, funky galleries, and music events.
Not far away, overlooking the River IJ, is the stunning modern structure of the Eye Film Museum. The cultural center offers screenings of a huge variety of Dutch and international movies, an enormous film poster collection, and other movie-related exhibitions.
Next to the museum, you’ll see the 20-story A’DAM Lookout. The highlight of the high-rise building is the mind-blowing over-the-edge swing.
A little further away from the waterfront is the Noorderpark. The recreational space offers playgrounds, a swimming pool, and guided nature walks.
Our recommendations: Sir Adam Hotel, set in the modern, high-rising A’DAM tower, overlooks the River IJ and the historic city center. The cozy interior design is dedicated to legendary rock artists. For an even wackier experience, check out The Panorama Suite. It’s housed in a glass structure, which reveals fantastic views of the River IJ.
11. Amsterdam Zuidoost – The Modern Entertainment District
If you’re visiting the Dutch capital for a concert or a football game, you should stay in Amsterdam-Zuidoost.
The suburb is a modern entertainment hub. Most of the noteworthy establishments are located around the ArenA Boulevard. These include:
- The Johan Cruijff ArenA – the stadium of the local Ajax FC;
- The Ziggo Dome – a popular concert hall;
- AFAS Live – a huge entertainment venue; and
- Pathé Arena – a multiscreen IMAX and 4DX movie theater.
The neighborhood will also enchant you with its chic bars and cafés, as well as with the pedestrian shopping district.
Our recommendations: The funky, modern hotel Jaz in the City Amsterdam right next to the Johan Cruijff ArenA will accommodate you in its spacious rooms no matter whether you’re in town for a concert, a football game, or sightseeing. And the unpretentious Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam Arena Towers will make your stay in Amsterdam comfortable and uncomplicated without breaking the bank.
Where Would You Stay in Amsterdam Next?
There you have it – the 11 best areas to stay in Amsterdam on your trip to the Dutch capital.
Regardless of whether you want to soak in history and culture, party the night away, shop at exclusive stores, or relax by the river, this guide has the right accommodation for you.
Now, we’d like to hear in the comments below:
Which district would you stay in next time you travel to Amsterdam?
