Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam with Hotel Recommendations

Searching for the best places to stay in Amsterdam? You’ve landed in the right place! This guide will explore the top neighborhoods, budget-friendly accommodation options, and provide you with a handy map marking the recommended areas.

First things first: Amsterdam isn't known for being a cheap city, especially when it comes to accommodation. However, if you know where to look, you can find options that suit almost any budget (or nearly!). The charm of the city is undeniable, and if you have a bit more to spend, you can enjoy some stunning places to stay. Let’s dive into some great ideas for affordable accommodation in Amsterdam and explore which areas are the best to stay in.

Understanding Accommodation Prices in Amsterdam
Best Budget Option: Hostels in Amsterdam
Identifying the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Amsterdam
What if Budget Isn't a Concern?
Map of Recommended Areas and Accommodations in Amsterdam

Understanding Accommodation Prices in Amsterdam

Brace yourself for a reality check! To give you a ballpark figure for average accommodation prices in Amsterdam: a bed in a shared dormitory typically costs between €20-€40 per night. A double room can set you back around €90-€130 if you’re looking at locations a bit further from the center. However, it's not uncommon to find central hotels with double rooms priced at €140-€160.

If you're considering staying in an Airbnb, the prices are similarly steep: private rooms in apartments start around €80-€120 per night. The upside of Airbnb is that many come with kitchens, allowing you to save some money by cooking. But be warned—you might miss out on some of the city’s culinary delights!

Don’t forget to claim a discount when you register on Airbnb using this link.

Best Budget Option: Hostels in Amsterdam

If you want to keep your expenses low while staying in Amsterdam, hostels are your best bet. The rule of thumb is: the further you are from the center, the cheaper the rates. However, consider that transport in the city isn’t particularly cheap, so it may be worth it to spend a little more for central accommodations. If you find an attractive deal but it's far from the center, look into purchasing daily GVB passes (1 day = €8, 2 days = €13.50, 3 days = €19).

Here are some highly recommended affordable hostels:

Identifying the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Amsterdam

The most convenient area to stay in is undoubtedly the historic center (Oude Centrum), or at least in areas that fall within the canal belt, as most of the attractions in Amsterdam are located here.

Here are a couple of important considerations:

Unless you find an irresistible deal on the outskirts, we don’t recommend staying far away: you’ll waste valuable time and money commuting.
It’s also advisable to avoid staying in the Red Light District—not because it lacks charm, but it can be quite noisy with partiers reveling until the early hours. However, if nightlife is your priority, this might just be your ideal spot!

Some of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam include:

Jordaan

This picturesque central area is filled with charming restaurants and interesting spots. It's a haven for bohemians and hipsters. If you manage to find accommodation here, you’ve hit the jackpot!

→ Hotels in Jordaan:

De Pijp

While a bit further from the historic core, this neighborhood boasts a local atmosphere with great cafés and restaurants, making it a fantastic place to stay. After all, you can walk to the city center in about 20-30 minutes.

→ Hotels in De Pijp:

Museum Quarter and Vondelpark Area

As the name suggests, this is where you’ll find Amsterdam’s top museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. It’s about a 15-25 minute walk from the city center and is conveniently close to Vondelpark, the city’s green lung.

→ Hotels in the Museum Quarter and Vondelpark area:

What if Budget Isn't a Concern?

Consider staying at the Albus Hotel. We spent three nights here last year, and it was absolutely amazing. We were welcomed with champagne, had a beer barrel in our room (I promise we’re not alcoholics), and enjoyed one of the best meals at the hotel restaurant, Senses by Lars Bertelsen. The only downside? It’s not a budget hotel, with prices starting around €200 (it’s a 4-star hotel), but if money isn’t an issue, don’t hesitate for a moment!