In a nutshell
- Wondering where is the best place to stay in Amsterdam? We’ll show you the best neighborhoods and hotels in Amsterdam!
- Hotels in Amsterdam are comparatively expensive. However, we have found great accommodation for every price range.
- The Oude Centrum is close to everything and perfect for first-time visitors. Our hotel tip: Inntel Hotel.
- A cheap alternative is Amsterdam Oost. Our hotel tip: Volkshotel.
How Much Does a Hotel in Amsterdam Cost?
Hotel prices in Amsterdam are very high. You can get a double room in a nice hotel in a central location for around 200 euros. You can find cheap hotels in Amsterdam mainly outside the city center.
Note: The tourist tax for overnight stays is extremely high in Amsterdam. The tax per night is 7.0 % and another 3 euros per person on top. Booking includes this tax.
Another tip from us is to stay in the neighboring town of Utrecht. The city is only 30 minutes away from Amsterdam by train, is totally beautiful, cool and much cheaper.
You can also read our articles with tips for Utrecht and the best boutique hotels in Utrecht.
The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam
The central districts in Amsterdam are all different from each other. Depending on what type of traveler you are, one area may be more suitable for you than the other.
We recommend these 4 neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam:
- Oude Centrum & Grachtengürtel: perfect if it’s your first time in Amsterdam.
- Jordaan: great if you’re looking for an alternative neighborhood for hipsters.
- Amsterdam Oost: ideal if you don’t want to spend too much on a hotel.
- Amsterdam Oud-Zuid: perfect if you want a quieter and greener area and for families.
The areas on a map at a glance
On this map, we have clearly marked our tips for areas to stay in Amsterdam.
Oude Centrum & Canal District
If you are traveling to Amsterdam for the first time, we recommend the Oude Centrum and the Canal District.
The Oude Centrum and the Canal District form the historic center of Amsterdam. The whole district is packed with restaurants, coffee shops and the most important sights in Amsterdam.
Here you will find the Royal Palace, Amsterdam’s infamous red light district, the city’s most beautiful canals, the 9 Straatjes and the Anne Frank House.
The Oude Centrum and the Canal District are perfect for your first visit to Amsterdam as you are close to everything. Be aware, however, that many places in the Oude Centrum are noisy at night and the hotels directly on the Canal District are somewhat more expensive.
Pros of staying in Oude Centrum & Canal District:
- You are right in the middle of the action
- Many sights are only a few minutes’ walk away
- You are surrounded by great restaurants and cafés
- You can go out spontaneously in the evening
Cons of staying in Oude Centrum & Canal District:
- Hotels in the center are more expensive than outside
- It gets loud in many places at night
Our hotel tips for Oude Centrum & Canal District
Jordaan
Jordaan is the place to be if you want to stay in a pretty, alternative district in Amsterdam with cute cafés and small stores.
Located to the west of the Canal District, Jordaan is one of the most famous areas in Amsterdam and a sight in itself. With its colorful streets, overgrown canals and vintage boutiques, it is our favorite part of Amsterdam.
The atmosphere is more idyllic than in the center of Amsterdam. Nevertheless, there is a wide range of culture, music and entertainment, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants.
In Jordaan you stay centrally and the most important sights are within walking distance. Nevertheless, the neighborhood is generally quiet and relaxed.
There are not so many hotels in Jordaan, but mainly apartments. Prices are quite high, regardless of the type of accommodation.
Pros of staying in Jordaan:
- Close to the center, but still quiet
- The neighborhood is totally cool and hip
- Lots of nice cafés and boutiques
Cons of staying in Jordaan:
- Expensive district
- You’re a long way from some of Amsterdam’s museums
Our hotel recommendations for Jordaan
Amsterdam Oost
Amsterdam Oost is ideal for you if you want to stay in Amsterdam on a budget.
One of our insider tips in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Oost district. It is not so touristy and therefore a very authentic area. As it is a little out of town, the hotels here are significantly cheaper.
Amsterdaam Oost is a hip student area that is totally multicultural. You’ll find lots of delicious, international cafés and restaurants here.
You will have a slightly longer journey to most of the sights, but you can be in the center in 10 minutes by public transport. Likewise, you can walk there in 30 minutes.
Pros of staying in Amsterdam Oost:
- Some affordable hotels
- Authentic, less touristy neighborhood
- Hip neighborhood with delicious restaurants
- Great public transport connections to the center
Cons of staying in Amsterdam Oost:
- A little out of the way
- Longer walk to most of the sights
Our hotel tips for Amsterdam Oost
Volkshotel Our tip!
Ruby Emma
Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
We recommend Amsterdam Oud-Zuid if you want a less touristy and quieter place to stay and don’t mind a 20-minute walk to the center.
Amsterdam Oud-Zuid is located south of the city center and starts behind the Rijksmuseum. Here you’ll be living among the locals, surrounded by pretty, quiet streets and a few small bakeries and cafés.
The whole district has a totally pleasant picture-book atmosphere. You don’t have the noise of the city center in the morning, but can hear how the locals start their day at a leisurely pace. Super authentic and also a great area for families to spend the night in Amsterdam.
Of course, there are also public transport connections to the city center. But we recommend a morning walk across the Museumplein, through the Rijksmuseum underpass into the city center. It’s so beautiful.
Pros of staying in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid:
- Quiet, green residential area
- Super authentic
- Cute cafés and small restaurants
- The Museumplein with famous art museums is nearby
- The Vondelpark is also very close
- Great area for families
Cons of staying in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid:
- Center is a 20-minute walk away (but the walk is very nice)
Our hotel recommendations for Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
FAQ about Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Which hotel in Amsterdam if you are not good on foot?
In Amsterdam, you can get from A to B on foot, as many sights are located close to each other in the city center.
We recommend a hotel in the Oude Zentrum and the canal belt so that you don’t have far to go from your accommodation in Amsterdam to the highlights.
The Hotel CC is super centrally located.
It is even one of the cheapest hotels in Amsterdam.
Which hotel in Amsterdam is chic but affordable?
If you are looking for a chic but affordable hotel in Amsterdam, we recommend the Room Mate Aitana and the Ruby Emma.
Both hotels offer great value for money and a chic, modern design.
Which hotel outside the center of Amsterdam has the best connections?
The hotel with the best connection to Amsterdam’s city center is definitely the Volkshotel.
The metro station is practically right outside the door and you can be at the central Waterlooplein in under 5 minutes.
These were our tips for where to stay in Amsterdam
Do you know a great place to stay in Amsterdam or do you have a favorite area? Let us know in the comments!