There’s no way around it, Amsterdam is an expensive city. It’s expensive to live in and expensive to visit, but there are ways to have a wonderful time without spending an arm and a leg! In this accommodation guide, I’ve collated all my local knowledge to give you an overview of the main neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, what there is to do and how convenient it might be for getting around, as well as some options for (my personal picks of) the coolest hotels to stay in each area – that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Most of these hotels meet the mid-range budget criteria, they’re comfortable and quirky without being the most expensive place in the city, but there are also some more luxurious and more budget options available. When I’m travelling I want a comfy bed, some unique decor and to be in a good location. If you’re looking to book the same for an upcoming trip to Amsterdam, this is the guide for you. While I haven’t stayed at every hotel personally, they are the ones that I would book (and for some of them, I have or am planning to in the future) if I was planning to stay in the city, based on their location, price and how much fun they look!
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Centrum
Centrum is the Dutch name for the city centre of Amsterdam, the area you will see directly in front of you once you walk out of Centraal Station, and the busiest area in the whole city! Centrum also includes the oldest part of the city, De Wallen, which is also the Red Light District and gets incredibly busy at night especially – so watch out for pickpockets! Centrum is also where there are many shops, lots of tourist shops as well as department stores and boutiques. Most of the canal cruises depart from this area and there are plenty of attractions close by.
Pros: Close to Centraal Station for getting around, walkable area, lots to see and do.
Cons: Very busy with lots of tourists, bikes, and weed, plus it can be quite an expensive area to stay in.
Do: Highlights of this neighbourhood include NEMO Science Museum, Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Madam Tussauds, the Amsterdam Dungeon, lots of different canal cruises, De Nieuwe Kerk, De Oude Kerk, De Bijenkjorf (a huge department store), the Red Light District and Red Light Secrets Museum. Many of the best bookshops and libraries in Amsterdam are also located in this area.
Stay: Grand Hotel Amrâth (one of the most iconic buildings you’ll see as you leave the train station) or INK Hotel Amsterdam which is located in the former headquarters of Dutch newspaper De Tijd.
Noord
If you happen to leave Amsterdam Centraal station on the opposite side to Centrum you will see the River IJ and the neighbourhood on the other side is called Noord (North). You can reach it within minutes by ferry, and all ferries are free in Amsterdam! This is a very hip area, with some quirky things to see and do as well as being so close to the city centre.
Pros: Slightly cheaper than Centrum but only a few minutes away by (free) ferry. There are fun things to see and do here too, especially in Amsterdam Tower.
Cons: I don’t know really, unless you’re someone who gets such bad motion sickness that a five-minute ferry would be difficult for you – no judgment!
Do: Highlights include A’dam Toren (or Amsterdam Tower) which boasts the highest swing in Europe and epic views over Amsterdam, the Eye Film Museum, and This is Holland, a really cool 5D experience that ‘flies’ you all over the country!
Stay: Sir Adam which is actually located within A’dam Toren, Clink Noord, a fun hostel in a former laboratory or Bunk Amsterdam, a hotel/hostel in a former church!
NDSM-Werf
Further up the river from Noord is the former shipyard of NDSM-Werf, which I have written about extensively because it’s one of my favourite parts of Amsterdam! Not only is this a more affordable area for accommodation than the city centre, but it’s free to get to by ferry and there are heaps of cool things to see and do in the neighbourhood itself. If you want to stay somewhere that’s hip and affordable, this is my top pick for Amsterdam neighbourhoods!
Pros: Lots of fun things to see and do, along with great restaurants, cafés and shops. More affordable accommodation than the city centre plus you can reach it easily via ferry for free.
Cons: It does take a little longer on the ferry to and from here than say, Noord, so if you’re short on time you may prefer to be more central. It can get quite busy and possibly loud when there are music festivals on.
Do: Highlights include the STRAAT Graffiti and Street Art Museum (read more about visiting it here), NDSM-Loods, the Pancake Boat, Pllek and some more of the coolest places to eat in Amsterdam.
Stay: Botel, a literal boat hotel or DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf for all the luxury of Hilton with a lower price tag.
Grachtengordel
Grachtengordel means canal belt, and this is the neighbourhood where four main canals ring the city centre. Many of the canal-side buildings date to the Dutch Golden Age, so it can be quite an expensive area to stay in. It is very beautiful though, with some interesting attractions including lots of pretty houseboats. The entire area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Pros: One of the prettiest and most quintessentially Dutch areas of Amsterdam, with some great cafés, shops and attractions nearby.
Cons: It can be difficult to walk around (especially with luggage) because of the uneven paths, tight roads and often many pedestrians. It can still be quite busy in parts and most accommodation is fairly expensive.
Do: Explore De 9 Straatjes or nine streets which are filled with boutique stores and eateries, the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk, the Museum of the Canals and De Poezenboot – a floating cat shelter!
Stay: Pulitzer Amsterdam, a beautiful hotel in converted canal houses, the gorgeously floral Hotel Estheréa or the Max Brown Hotel Canal District which looks really cosy and is still quite close to Centraal Station.
Jordaan
The Jordaan in Amsterdam is like a hidden gem with its charming canals, trendy boutiques, and cosy cafes. While it used to be a working-class area, it’s now one of the most expensive parts of the city to live in or stay in temporarily. Wandering through its narrow streets feels like stepping into a postcard – with canalside houses, quirky art galleries, and a laid-back vibe that’s just infectious.
Pros: Quite beautiful and historic, with many hofjes (private inner courtyard gardens). It’s also quieter than being in the city centre.
Cons: A bit further away from Centrum for walking (and you have to walk through the Grachtengordel first) plus there are no metro stops so you’ll need to use trams to get around.
Do: Highlights include the Houseboat Museum, Boom Chicago (an English-speaking comedy club where the likes of Jason Sudeikis and Seth Meyers started their careers), Electric Ladyland Museum of Fluorescent Art, the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, Amsterdam Cheese Museum, Geelvink Pianola Museum, the Noorderkerk and Cafe Winkel 43, widely agreed to be the home of the best apple pie in Amsterdam!
Stay: At the gorgeous Hotel Mercier or the funky (and aptly-named) Mr. Jordaan.
De Pijp
This neighbourhood is a lively mix of cultures, buzzing with street markets, eclectic eateries, and a vibrant arts scene. From the famous Albert Cuyp Market to the hipster-friendly cafes, De Pijp is where you go for a taste of the city’s diverse flavours, both culinary and cultural.
Pros: Very cool neighbourhood outside of the city centre with many fantastic places to eat. Much more of a local vibe than other parts of the city.
Cons: It’s not as close to many of the city’s attractions so you will have to travel a bit to see things, but there is a also metro station so it’s not too difficult to get to from Amsterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Zuid, so long as you feel confident changing from train to metro.
Do: Highlights include the Heineken Experience, Albert Cuyp Market, Armoury Bar (a medieval-style board game café), and Woof & Me – a dog café!
Stay: The Arcade Hotel which is video-game themed, Sir Albert which is named for Albert Cuyp himself and features very elegant decor or splurge a little on Hotel Okura which has some incredible Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants!
West
The West area around Museumplein and Vondelpark is like Amsterdam’s cultural heart and green lungs rolled into one. Museumplein, surrounded by iconic institutions like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, is a haven for art enthusiasts. As you stroll through Vondelpark, you’re embraced by the serenity of nature in the midst of a bustling city. The atmosphere here is a perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation.
Pros: Close to many of the best museums and some of the most beautiful parks! Plenty of good places to eat as well.
Cons: It’s a bit more effort to get to from the airport/Amsterdam Centraal, especially if you’re not confident with the trams and/or have a lot of luggage.
Do: Highlights include some of the most famous Amsterdam museums including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, as well as the Vondelpark and Rembrandtpark if you want to spend some time outside, the Foodhallen and Amsterdam’s cat café Kopjes (read about visiting it here).
Stay: Conscious Hotel Amsterdam City (The Tire Station) especially if you are environmentally conscious or Park Plaza Vondelpark right next to the Vondelpark.
Oost
Oost, or the east neighbourhood of Amsterdam, is like a trendy and diverse playground for the free-spirited. With its mix of hipster hangouts, multicultural eateries, and funky street art, Oost has this edgy yet welcoming vibe. The Javastraat is a foodie haven, offering flavors from around the world, while the Oosterpark is a green oasis where locals unwind and celebrate diversity.
Pros: More affordable and quieter than the city centre, but still easy to get around with public transport.
Cons: It’s a bit further out from the city centre and Amsterdam Centraal so you will need to use the trams or metro to get around.
Do: Highlights of the area include Hortus Botanicus (Amsterdam’s botanic gardens), ARTIS (the zoo), Oosterpark, and the Wereldmuseum.
Stay: The Volkshotel with its rooftop hot tubs and sauna (read about our stay here), Hotel Casa which also has an incredible rooftop (no hot tubs though, sadly) or Hotel Arena, a really cool-looking hotel in a former orphanage right next door to the Oosterpark.
Zuid
Zuid, the south neighbourhood of Amsterdam, exudes an air of sophistication and modernity. Strolling through the chic streets of Zuid, you’ll encounter architectural wonders like the iconic RAI Convention Centre and the impressive Zuidas business district. It’s a place where upscale boutiques, high-end dining, and a touch of greenery create a refined atmosphere, making it a favourite among those seeking a taste of the city’s more polished side.
Pros: Very cool and modern area so it feels quite different from the city centre of Amsterdam, close to Schiphol airport via Amsterdam Zuid station.
Cons: You might not want the ultra-modern experience, and it’s more of a business area than a touristy one.
Do: Highlights include the RAI convention centre (where events like Amsterdam Winter Paradise are held), Beatrixpark, and Amsterdamse Bos, the Amsterdam forest which is packed with outdoorsy activities to enjoy.
Stay: At Qbic Amsterdam WTC a very quirky and affordable hotel in the World Trade Centre building next to the station or INNSiDE by Meliá Amsterdam, also right by the station and very beautiful.
Further Afield
If you’re looking to save as much money as possible, only have a brief amount of time in Amsterdam or want to stay in the famous LEGO-looking hotel in the picture above, then you might like to stay in one of these areas. They’re all technically outside of Amsterdam but close enough (and easy enough to get to via public transport) that you can still see the main sights and perhaps save some money on accommodation.
- Zaandam: The town of Zaandam can be reached within 15 minutes on a train from Amsterdam Centraal and is quite a cute area to visit in and of itself. It’s also where the Inntel Hotel Zaandam is located, a unique hotel that looks like a bunch of traditional houses from the area have been stacked on top of each other! I’ve actually stayed here before and it’s lovely, plus you can explore Zaandam, Zaanse Schans and Amsterdam quite easily if you want to use it as a base.
- Schiphol: There are several hotels very close to (or inside) the Schiphol Airport precinct, which can be very convenient if you only have a short time to explore Amsterdam before having to hop on another flight. If you want to be close to the airport and still able to easily explore the city, you could stay at one of the hotels which offer shuttle services to and from the airport, like the Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Hotel (which also has a Boeing 747 in the grounds you can go inside of!) or stay at the airport proper at the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Hotel or CitizenM Schiphol Airport (where we’ll be staying the night before our upcoming trip to Australia). The airport itself connects directly to Amsterdam (as well as Rotterdam) via train so you can catch the shuttle to the airport and then go into the city or just walk to the station from your hotel if you’re staying at the airport!
Map of the Coolest Places to Stay in Amsterdam
Here’s a map showing each of the hotels I’ve suggested and where they are located. I’ve used different colours for each of the different neighbourhoods I’ve mentioned. Hopefully, it helps you plan your own wonderful trip to Amsterdam!
Pin Me!
Where is your favourite place to stay in Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments or pin one of these if you’re planning your own stay in the city!
Disclaimer
All information is true and correct at the time of publishing but I cannot be held responsible for changes in opening times and prices or businesses closing in the meantime. I always endeavour to keep my posts up to date but also encourage you to double-check the official website of an attraction for information on when it is open, how much it costs etc.
