Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has beautiful canals, charming neighborhoods, lively areas, and quieter spots that can all look appealing when you’re searching for a hotel. Choosing the right area can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your trip. Some areas are ideal if you want to walk everywhere, while others are better if you’d rather have a quieter place to come back to at the end of the day.

But you don’t necessarily need to stay right in the middle of everything. If you’re wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, these are seven areas worth considering, along with what each neighborhood is best for and what to keep in mind before booking.

If looking for help planning your days in Amsterdam check out my post on “How to Spend 2 Days in Amsterdam.” If you’re looking for a great day trip from Amsterdam, consider Rotterdam and check out my post here.

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Quick Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

Area	Best For	Atmosphere	Price
Jordaan	First-time visitors	Charming, picturesque	$$$
De Pijp	Food, cafés & nightlife	Lively, local	$$–$$$
Oud-West	Restaurants & local atmosphere	Relaxed, trendy	$$–$$$
Museum Quarter	Museums & a quieter stay	Upscale, peaceful	$$$
Canal Belt / Centrum	Convenience & sightseeing	Historic, busy	$$$
Amsterdam Noord	Quieter stays & something different	Modern, relaxed	$$–$$$
Amsterdam Oost	Less touristy atmosphere	Local, lively	$$–$$$

Prices vary considerably depending on the time of year, how far in advance you book, and the type of accommodation you choose.

1. Jordaan

Best for: First-time visitors and a classic Amsterdam experience

If you’ve seen pictures of Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and narrow houses, there’s a good chance this is Jordaan.

This historic neighborhood is one of the most picturesque parts of the city, with canals lined with cafés, restaurants, independent shops, and beautiful old buildings.

Jordaan is also conveniently located for sightseeing. You can walk to many popular attractions, while the rest of the city is accessible by public transportation.

The neighborhood has a lively atmosphere during the day but generally feels more residential than some of the busiest parts of central Amsterdam.

Why stay in Jordaan?

The biggest advantage is the combination of location and atmosphere. You can be close to many of Amsterdam’s major sights without feeling like you’re staying directly in the middle of the busiest tourist area.

It’s also a great neighborhood if wandering around without a plan is your type of travel style. Grab a coffee, walk along the canals, stop into a shop, and relax and see where the day takes you.

Things to consider

Jordaan is popular, which means accommodation here isn’t necessarily cheap. Some of the historic buildings also have steep stairs and smaller rooms, so check the hotel details carefully if those things matter to you. If you have a lot of luggage or don’t like walking up and down the stairs, these types of historic buildings in general might not be the best fit for you. I usually travel light, with just a carry on or backpack whenever possible.

This is for you if: You want charming surroundings, canals, restaurants, and a convenient location.

2. De Pijp

Best for: Restaurants, cafés and a lively atmosphere

De Pijp has a very different feel from the postcard version of Amsterdam.

It’s known for its restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, and multicultural atmosphere. It’s also home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market, making this a fun area to explore even when you don’t have a specific attraction on your itinerary.

If food tasting in a city is one of your favorite ways to travel, De Pijp is worth considering. You’ll have plenty of options in this area.

You’ll also have good public transportation connections, making it relatively easy to get around Amsterdam without staying directly in the historic center.

Why stay in De Pijp?

There’s plenty happening here, but it still has a neighborhood feel. You can spend an afternoon exploring the streets, stop for lunch, and then easily make your way to other parts of Amsterdam.

It’s particularly appealing if you don’t want your entire trip to revolve around the biggest tourist attractions.

Things to consider

De Pijp is lively, so it may not be the best choice if your ideal vacation involves complete silence by 9 p.m. Check recent reviews for noise before booking, especially if you’re sensitive to street noise. Not ideal for me since I appreciate a quiet night or two when traveling.

This is for you if: You want restaurants, cafés, markets, and a neighborhood that stays lively after the sightseeing is done.

3. Oud-West

Best for: Food, cafés and a more local feel

Oud-West sits just west of the city center and is another good option if you’d like to be close to the action without staying directly in the busiest tourist areas.

You’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and plenty of places to eat. Vondelpark is also nearby, which makes this a convenient choice if you’d like some green space during your trip.

Oud-West can be a good middle ground: you’re close enough to reach central Amsterdam easily but can return to a neighborhood that feels a little more relaxed.

Why stay in Oud-West?

If you like having lots of restaurants and cafés nearby but don’t necessarily need to walk out your hotel door and immediately see a major tourist attraction, this area makes sense.

It’s also worth considering if accommodation in the most central areas is stretching your budget.

Things to consider

You’ll probably rely on public transportation or walking more than you would if you stayed right in the historic center.

This is for you if: You want good food, cafés, a neighborhood atmosphere, and easy access to the center.

4. Museum Quarter

Best for: Museums, Vondelpark and a quieter atmosphere

If Amsterdam’s museums are high on your list, staying around the Museum Quarter can be very convenient.

The area is home to some of Amsterdam’s most famous cultural attractions, including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Vondelpark is also nearby, giving you an easy place to escape the busy city streets.

The neighborhood tends to feel more spacious and upscale than some of the central canal areas. For those of you that know me well by now, museums are not usually high on the list and I prioritize experience over where I stay each night, so it was too pricey for me.

Why stay in the Museum Quarter?

It’s a good choice if museums are an important part of your itinerary or if you’d prefer a quieter area at the end of the day.

You can spend the morning exploring museums, walk through Vondelpark, and then head toward the center for dinner or evening activities.

Things to consider

If you’re primarily interested in Amsterdam’s canals and historic center, you may find yourself traveling back and forth more often than if you stay closer to Centrum or Jordaan.

This is for you if: Museums and a quieter, more upscale neighborhood are priorities.

5. Canal Belt / Centrum

Best for: Convenience and being in the middle of Amsterdam

If your main priority is location, staying in or around Amsterdam’s historic center is an obvious option.

The Canal Belt puts you close to the canals, shops, restaurants, and many of the city’s major attractions. Depending on exactly where you stay, you may be able to walk to a large portion of the places on your itinerary.

For a first trip, there’s something convenient about being able to leave your hotel and immediately start exploring.

Why stay in the center?

You don’t have to spend as much time figuring out transportation. If you like being able to return to your hotel during the day to drop something off or take a break, a central location can be especially useful.

It’s also convenient if you don’t want to plan every part of your day around getting from one neighborhood to another.

Things to consider

Convenience comes at a price. Central Amsterdam accommodation can be expensive, and some areas can be crowded and noisy, particularly during busy travel periods.

Also, don’t assume that every hotel advertised as “central” is equally convenient. Check the exact location on a map before booking.

This is for you if: You want to walk to as many sights as possible and don’t mind paying more for a central location.

6. Amsterdam Noord

Best for: A quieter stay and a different side of Amsterdam

Amsterdam Noord is across the IJ River from the historic center, and staying here gives you a somewhat different experience from staying in the traditional tourist areas.

It has a more modern feel, with restaurants, creative spaces, waterfront areas, and newer accommodations.

The ferry and public transportation make it possible to get into the center without staying there.

Why stay in Amsterdam Noord?

This is a good option if you like the idea of having somewhere quieter to return to after a busy day sightseeing.

It can also be worth looking at if you find a hotel you really like here at a better price than comparable options in the center.

Things to consider

You won’t be stepping out of your hotel directly into the historic center. You’ll need to use public transportation or the ferry to get to many of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions.

For some travelers, that’s a drawback. For others, it’s no big deal.

This is for you if: You want somewhere quieter, more modern, and a little removed from the tourist crowds.

7. Amsterdam Oost

Best for: A more local atmosphere

Amsterdam Oost, or East Amsterdam, is another neighborhood to consider if you’d like to stay somewhere that feels less focused on tourism.

You’ll find restaurants, cafés, parks, markets, and a mix of residential and commercial areas.

It’s not as immediately recognizable as Jordaan or the Canal Belt, but that’s part of the appeal.

Why stay in Amsterdam Oost?

Oost can be a good choice for travelers who have already seen the major sights or simply prefer staying outside the busiest tourist areas.

It also has good public transportation connections, so you don’t have to sacrifice access to the rest of the city.

Things to consider

You’ll spend more time getting to the historic center and some of the major attractions than you would if you stayed in Centrum or Jordaan.

This is for you if: You want restaurants, local life, and a neighborhood away from the busiest tourist areas.

So, Where Should You Stay in Amsterdam?

There’s no single neighborhood that works for every traveler. If this is your first trip to Amsterdam and you want the classic experience, I’d look at Jordaan or the Canal Belt.

If you’re more interested in restaurants, cafés and nightlife, take a look at De Pijp or Oud-West. If museums are a major part of your itinerary, the Museum Quarter could make things easier. If you’d rather stay somewhere quieter and less touristy, consider Amsterdam Noord or Oost.

And if you’re trying to keep accommodation costs under control, don’t automatically rule out neighborhoods outside the historic center. Amsterdam has an extensive public transportation network, so staying a little farther away doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck far from everything.

How to Choose the Right Amsterdam Hotel

Once you’ve chosen a neighborhood, don’t immediately book the first hotel that looks good. Take a few extra minutes to check the exact location and what you’ll be getting for your money.

Check the location, not just the neighborhood

A hotel can technically be in a desirable neighborhood and still be inconveniently located. Put the hotel’s address into a map and look at the walking distance to the nearest tram, metro, or train stop. Then check how long it will take to reach the places you actually want to visit.

Look at recent reviews

Don’t just look at the overall rating. Pay attention to what recent guests say about things such as noise, cleanliness, room size, beds, bathrooms, and the condition of the property.

This is especially important in Amsterdam because many buildings are historic, and hotel rooms can vary considerably in size.

Think about how you’ll spend your days

If you plan to spend most of your time sightseeing in the historic center, paying extra for a central location might make sense for you.

If you’re comfortable using public transportation, you may be able to save money by staying farther out. There’s no reason to pay for a location you won’t actually use..

Book early if your dates are flexible

Amsterdam is a popular destination, and accommodation prices can vary significantly depending on the season and how far ahead you book. I am a believer in off season or shoulder season traveling for so many reasons these days. 

If you know your travel dates, it’s worth comparing several options rather than waiting until the last minute and hoping you’ll find a deal.

My Final Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city where you can easily spend your mornings sightseeing, wander through a different neighborhood in the afternoon, and end the day somewhere completely different from where you started.

The most important thing is choosing an area that fits your travel style, your budget, and the places you actually want to see.

A hotel that’s slightly outside the center but close to convenient public transportation can be a much better choice than an expensive hotel in the middle of the tourist crowds.

And if you’re planning your first trip to Amsterdam, choosing where to stay is only the beginning. Next, you’ll want to figure out what to see and how to organize your days so you aren’t spending your entire trip running from one side of the city to the other. 

Amsterdam has great public transportation. You can take the tram, bus, rent a bike, or walk. It’s an easy city to get around. No one neighborhood is perfect.

I loved Amsterdam and if you’re taking a little tour around Europe like I did Spain and Greece were also top of my list and you can check out some posts and get some information if you’re interested (Spain and Greece).

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