Where to Stay in Amsterdam: 5 Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam in 2024!

Looking for the best places to stay in Amsterdam? You’ve come to the right place! In this article I have outlined the best areas to stay in Amsterdam, for every travel style and budget.

I have included an overview of each neighbourhood and what type of traveller it’s best suited for, as well as hotel recommendations for all budgets.

Amsterdam is an incredible city, with a unique history, beautiful architecture, stunning canals and plenty of things to do.

Each area of the city also has its own distinctive vibe, so it’s important to stay in an area that reflects your travel style.

Whether you’re looking for 5-star hotels or budget hostel dorms, in Amsterdam you can find accommodation to suit all travel styles. Even though it’s more on the expensive side, you can still find budget options.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and find the perfect place to stay in Amsterdam for you!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: At a Glance

Before we dive into the detailed overview of each of Amsterdam’s best neighborhoods to stay in, I wanted to give you a quick overview, so you can find the best one for your travel style right away.

Centruum: This is the heart of Amsterdam’s city centre, and is the best place to for first time visitors. Staying in Centruum means being within walking distance to Amsterdam’s top sights.

Museum Quarter: With green spaces and family-friendly museums aplenty, the Museum Quarter ticks all the boxes for those travelling to Amsterdam with families.

De Pijp: This is the best area in Amsterdam with local vibe. Couples, friends and solo travellers who like exploring a different side to the city will love discovering what De Pijp has to offer.

Southern Canals: If you’re looking for the best to stay in Amsterdam for nightlife, the southern canals are perfect. Southern Canals features waterside walks, easy transport links to the centre of town, and some of the city’s best bars and nightclubs.

Amsterdam Nieuw-West: The best place to stay in Amsterdam on a budget. Affordable and conveniently situated near the airport and central Amsterdam, budget travellers should consider this modern district of the city.

Best areas to stay in Amsterdam

Centruum: Best Place to Stay in Amsterdam First Time 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Amsterdam for a first-time trip, Centruum is the place to look. Centruum is the heart of Amsterdam, and the best place to stay if you only have a weekend in Amsterdam.

All the main attractions of Amsterdam are in Centruum, including Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Portuguese Synagogue and Anne Frank House, so it’s perfect for first-time visitors to Amsterdam who want to be within walking distance to all these top sights.

This area also includes De Wallen, known in English as Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. It’s not exactly family friendly, but it’s without a doubt a unique place to visit in Amsterdam.

It’s busy and bustling, but if you’ve only got a short time in the city and want to hit up the major attractions, it’s perfect. That’s without mention its good transport links and selection of hotels.

Here are the best places to stay in Amsterdam Centrum for every budget.

Budget – Hotel Hortus: This down-to-earth accommodation option is where to stay in Amsterdam city centre if you want to stay in an affordable hotel.

The clean and simple rooms on offer here are well looked after, and the staff are super helpful, making sure you have everything you need for your trip.

Location-wise, it’s near the Botanical Gardens (hence the name) and there’s a metro station in walking distance, which makes getting around easy.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Hortus in Amsterdam!

Mid-range – Happily Ever Rafter: Taking up space inside a townhouse from the 18^th century, this apartment offers up a peaceful, stylish place to stay in the centre of the city.

Here you can spend time relaxing as you use it as a chilled base for exploring the nearby sites. There’s enough room for two people to stay, making it ideal for couples discovering Amsterdam for the first time together.

Click here to see prices & availability at Happily Ever Rafter!

Luxury – Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel: This sumptuous hotel means taking some downtime among chic interiors. The interior of this hotel is simply grand, with sweeping views over the canals.

If it’s your first time staying in Amsterdam, and you really want to treat yourself, it’s the perfect place to do so.

Check out prices & availability at Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel here!

Museum Quarter: Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Family

The Museum Quarter is definitely the best neighbourhood to stay in Amsterdam with family.

Especially if you’re travelling with children, the Museum Quarter is ideal as it’s quiet, laid back and not too busy, while still being central and therefore close to the main attractions. 

True to its name, the area is packed with museums – the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum to name a few – most of which are entertaining for children.

It’s also home to a number of open green space, including Museumplein and the iconic Vondelpark.

There’s also plenty of places to eat and drink on the doorstep, so you won’t have to travel too far to find something suitable for you and your family.

Here are some great places to stay in the Museum Quarter for every budget.

Budget – Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark: This bright and colourful hostel is located right in the middle of the Museum Quarter, and just a stone’s throw from both Vondelpark and the Van Gogh Museum.

Offering up the option of both dorm rooms and spacious private rooms, there’s something for everybody at this affordable accommodation option.

Click here to book your stay at Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark!

Mid-range – NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter: Ideal for a small family to enjoy an adventure in Amsterdam together, this hotel is filled with everything you’ll need for a smooth stay.

The comfortable, contemporary interiors means that you and your family will have a nice place to unwind after a busy day, and comes with amenities like a spacious bathroom, a gym and garden.

Check out prices & availability at NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter here!

Luxury – Sweet Like Stroopwafel: Located less than a 5-minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum, and close to the leafy Vondelpark, there’s a lot going for this chic apartment.

The interiors are decorated in a calming, monochrome colour palette, while there’s plenty of natural light creating an airy space.

Downstairs the property features access to a shared garden terrace, where you can relax with a drink or a cup of coffee.

Click here to see prices & availability at Sweet Like Stroopwafel in Amsterdam!

De Pijp: Best Neighborhood to stay in Amsterdam with Local Vibe

This is my favourite area of Amsterdam. A multicultural hub, it’s more affordable than the central touristy areas, and features a very chill, laid-back vibe. It’s a local residential area, less touristy, more local and hipster.

You’ll find countless coffee shops here, cool bars and a whole host of places to eat. There are also some fantastic markets in the area where you can shop for vintage finds and tasty street eats. 

De Pijp is where I stayed during my last Amsterdam trip, when I visited with my cousins and grandma.

We had to get a tram into central Amsterdam as it wasn’t really walking distance with an 85-year old woman, but it’s still pretty close to everything.

We also liked that it was much quieter than other parts of Amsterdam that we explored during the day, without being completely dead.

I won’t suggest the hotel we stayed at, as it was, quite frankly, very weird. Instead, here are some hotels for every budget in De Pijp, with better reviews than where we stayed.

Budget – Ibis Styles Amsterdam City: It may be part of a chain, but this might just be the best hotel location in Amsterdam. Rooms are clean, modern and come with en-suite bathrooms.

This three-star property features a long list of bars and restaurants on its doorstep, as well as a collection of tram stops, giving you super easy access to the rest of the city. 

Click here to book your stay at Ibis Styles Amsterdam City!

Mid-Range – Sir Albert Hotel: Book yourself into this polished mid-range property and let yourself relax. Filled with elegantly designed interiors, guest rooms here feature large bathtubs, big beds and high ceilings.

There’s a Japanese-inspired restaurant onsite, as well as a library and fitness centre. You can also rent a bike from here for the full Amsterdam experience!

Check out prices & availability at Sir Albert Hotel in Amsterdam here!

Luxury – Pestana Amsterdam Riverside: This five-star hotel takes up space inside a former town hall, which means you can experience a slice of Amsterdam history during your stay.

Throughout the hotel features ornate interiors, combined with modern furnishings and amenities. Think parquet flooring, high beamed ceilings and minimalist design.

Amenities include a sumptuous spa, a restaurant and patio garden for drinks or coffee.

Don’t miss out, click here to book your stay at Pestana Amsterdam Riverside!

Southern Canals: Where to stay in Amsterdam for Nightlife 

Looking for nightlife? Look no further than the Southern Canals area.

Centred around two very lively squares full of bars, restaurants and clubs (the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein) it’s the best area to stay in Amsterdam for those who like to party. 

Many travel blogs suggest staying in the Red Light District for nightlife, but to be honest it’s not an area where I would feel comfortable sleeping. The Southern Canals felt safer as a female traveller, while still having a party vibe.

And for when you want to spend some time seeing the top sights, or maybe going on a canal cruise, don’t worry – you’re not never too far away from the big-hitter attractions if you’re staying in the Southern Canals.

The main draw is being on the doorstep to some of Amsterdam’s biggest clubs and best bars, one prime example being Escape.

Here are some of the best places to stay for every budget in the Southern Canals area of Amsterdam.

Budget – No. 377 House: Situated inside a historic property, this affordable hotel offers up great value for money. Rooms here are modern and clean and provide a relaxing space to wake up in after a night on the town.

The location is a few minutes’ walk from public transportation links, giving easy access to the centre of the city. There’s also a good choice of shopping and sightseeing on the doorstep.

Click here to book your stay at No. 377 House in Amsterdam!

Mid-Range – Hotel Estherea: Featuring eye-catching interiors, this boutique hotel is all about the glitz and glamour.

Each room is individually designed with rich textures, textiles and patterns, making for a unique place to stay. Facilities at this historic hotel include a fitness room, a bar and an optional breakfast served up each morning.

Check out prices & availability at Hotel Estherea in Amsterdam here!

Luxury – Hotel 717: This polished hotel is all about its sumptuous interiors. The large rooms at this five-star property boast large sash windows, fireplaces, plush carpets and luxurious marble bathrooms.

When you’re not lounging around your room, you can enjoy the elegant social spaces from the restaurant to the bar or lobby lounge. Location-wise, you’ll find it in walking distance to eateries and bars galore.

Click here to see prices & availability at Hotel 717 in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam Nieuw-West: Where to Stay near Amsterdam on a Budget

You might have noticed that all the above budget suggestions, aren’t really all that budget. It can be very hard to find affordable accommodation in the centre of Amsterdam.

One option for budget travellers, who don’t want to compromise on quality or don’t want to stay in hostels, is to stay in the residential district of Amsterdam Nieuw-West.

This more modern portion of Amsterdam is midway between the airport and the centre of the city, making it a good spot for transport connections.

But it’s not just about convenience. Here you can find pleasant green spaces, the Street Art Museum, and a host of friendly local pubs and cafes to discover.

It may not be the most central location, but it’s a great location to stay in Amsterdam if you want to save some money on your trip.

Here are some great places to stay in Amsterdam Nieuw-West for both budget travelers, and those who want to spend a little more.

Budget – Citiez Hotel Amsterdam: This contemporary accommodation option can be found a 10-minute walk from public transport, making it easy to get to Amsterdam city center.

It’s also close to a shopping centre that features restaurants and other amenities. Rooms here are bright and modern, while there’s also an all-day café to enjoy a bite to eat or evening drink.

Click here to see prices & availability at Citiez Hotel Amsterdam!

Mid-Range – Corendon Amsterdam New-West: If you’re looking for a reliable, mid-range hotel, this one is ideal. Staff are super helpful here, and the location is just a few minutes’ walk from the metro.

Featuring clean, spacious rooms with large beds and floor-to-ceiling windows, this purpose-built hotel is all about comfort and convenience.

Click here to book your stay at Cordon Amsterdam New-West!

Luxury – Met Hotel Amsterdam: This modern, luxury hotel has just about everything you need for a stay in Amsterdam.

For one thing, it’s got a peaceful, quiet location that’s just a five-minute walk to the nearest metro – it’s a breeze to get around.

The polished guest rooms are spacious and modern, while the onsite restaurant is a great spot for dinner (or meals throughout the day).

Check out prices & availability for your stay at Met Hotel Amsterdam here!

Final thoughts on the where to stay in Amsterdam close to everything

There you have it, the ultimate guide to where to stay in Amsterdam! Have you visited Amsterdam before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Despite having visited the Dutch capital over 5 times, this last trip was the first time that I noticed how expensive Amsterdam hotels can be.

I wasn’t exactly on a tight budget, but I also didn’t want to spend loads, so it took me a while to find a good place to stay.

In the end we opted for De Pijp, as it felt like a good local area with affordable accommodation options, without being too far from all the main sights of Amsterdam.

With its beautiful canals, unique architecture and rich history, Amsterdam is a truly stunning city.  It’s easy to see why it’s a must-see on so many Europe bucket list, and why it’s such a popular destination for European weekend getaways.

I hope you found my guide on the best places to stay in Amsterdam useful! Obviously there are other neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, but the ones mentioned in this article are the ones I would personally recommend.

If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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