Amsterdam, capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is one of the most beautiful and multicultural cities in Europe. With a population of 810,000 people, the so-called Venice of the North surprises with more than 100 kilometers of canals and nearly 2,500 houseboats.
The rowdy side of the Red Light District, with its tourist-friendly excesses, coexists with unforgettable museums – such as Van Gogh’s or Rembrandt’s – and sites of great historical importance, such as Anne Frank’s House.
To discover the top five must-see places, we recommend you visit our Guide to what to do and what to see in Amsterdam. In this article we will tell you where to stay in Amsterdam and what are the best areas of the city.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam
Dam Square
It is well known that Amsterdam is not a particularly cheap destination to find accommodation. In general, the prices of rooms in mid-range hotels vary between 80 and 100 euros per night in low season (November, January and February) and easily climb above 200 euros in high season, during spring and summer.
Although the hotel offer is very wide in the different areas of the capital, those looking for hotels with the best value for money should stick to the historic center of the city and the belt of canals that surround it. Staying in Dam Square will allow tourists to be within walking distance of Amsterdam’s main attractions, making it one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam.
Located in the heart of the historical center, Dam Square gathers tourist attractions such as the Madame Tussauds wax museum, the New Church, the Royal Palace and numerous museums. This area concentrates a large number of tourists at all hours and it should be noted that the prices of accommodation (as well as restaurants, bars and stores) are higher than in other neighborhoods of the city. Undoubtedly, Dam Square is one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam, although it does not have so many options for modest pockets.
Central Station
About 10 minutes from Dam Square is located another of the areas where to stay in Amsterdam as is the Central Station. A central point of the so-called Centrum (the center), with a variety of hotels, from luxury establishments to accommodation with more affordable prices. The Central Station area is not only very convenient to take trains to nearby cities but also concentrates a bubbling activity, along the lively Damrak Street.
Jordaan
Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s fastest growing neighborhoods in recent years. Its delicate bohemian stamp on the edge of the canals, a 15-minute walk from Dam Square, makes it a popular choice when looking for a hotel. Jordaan is full of small art galleries, boutiques and cafes author, in an environment of typical Dutch houses.
It should be noted that in this area there is not a large number of hotels but there is a wide range of rental apartments and Bed & Breakfasts. It is also worth mentioning that the prices of the hotels in Jordaan are high, at the level of the values of the lodging in the historical center.
Museum Quarter
Another recommended area to stay in Amsterdam is Museumplein, the Museum Quarter. The ideal neighborhood for those looking to be close to the most important museums in the city, such as the Rijksmuseum or the iconic Van Gogh Museum. It is one of the best areas to sleep in Amsterdam, very elegant, quiet and safe to walk at all hours. In this particular case, the offer of accommodation is quite nourished, with budgets for all budgets and a couple of very luxurious options.
Red Light District
At the antipodes of the tranquility of Museumplein is the Red Light District. This is one of the places that made Amsterdam known worldwide. It is an area full of erotic museums, coffee shops and sex shops, which add to the offer of sexual services, since prostitution has been legal in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for more than a century.
Although the Red Light District is known for its excesses in broad daylight (and for being quite noisy, to be honest), the truth is that it is a very guarded and totally safe area for tourists. Many recommend staying in the streets adjacent to the neighborhood, to be close to this bizarre leisure offer. Those who love nightlife can also stay in the neighborhood of Leidseplein, the epicenter of the party in Amsterdam, which is quite close to Museumplein.
Now that you know the best areas to stay in Amsterdam it is time for us to recommend some of its hotels.
Best Hotels for less than 100€ per night
Budget Hotel Tourist Inn
Located 350 meters from the center of Amsterdam (very close to Dam Square and the train station), the Budget Hotel Tourist Inn is an excellent choice for those looking to stay in Amsterdam for less than 100€ per night. The cost of a triple room with air conditioning (and breakfast included) is 77€ (plus 11€ for taxes and charges), although it is worth mentioning that the bathroom is shared. Rates may vary according to the season. The establishment has a rating of 8 points on Booking and 9.4 for its location.
This Ho(s)tel
In the vicinity of the Red Light District is a hotel called This Ho(s)tel. This adults-only establishment, which also has a restaurant and a bar, has a privileged location, as it is within walking distance of attractions such as the Anne Frank House and the Rembrandt Museum. The double room rate is 80€ (plus 11€ for taxes and charges). It gets 8.6 points on Booking (9.7 for location) and a “fabulous” rating.
XO Hotel Inner
Those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Red Light District and seek the tranquility of Museumplein have the XO Hotel Inner, another great option for staying in Amsterdam for less than 100 euros. This hotel offers a promotional rate of €70 including taxes and charges in low season; it is ideal for couples who want to visit the museums in the area (the Van Gogh museum is located just 4 minutes from the lobby). The property was renovated in 2017 and its rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and Nespresso coffeemakers. Booking users have given it a rating of 8.1 points.
Hotel AmicitiA
For those who want the experience of staying overnight on a houseboat, there is nothing better than Hotel AmicitiA. This establishment is literally an aquatic hostel with cabins, which cost 63€ per night on a double basis. The fun part is that guests sleep in bunk beds. It is worth noting that the rooms are shared and that breakfast, typically Dutch, is included in the rate. The overall rating from Booking users is 7.5 points.
Best Hotels for less than 200€ per night
Conscious Hotel Westerpark
A hotel within the Westerpark Park with cycling routes, boat rentals on the canals, music festivals, open-air beer gardens and artwork. It’s around 15 min walking to the center, if you don’t mind walking or renting a bike this hotel is gorgeous, quiet and with friendly staff that will make your stay really pleasant.
Rho Hotel
The Rho Hotel is one of the hotels offering the best value for money in the range of accommodation between 100 and 200 euros per night and is one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam. Its prime location in the heart of Dam Square has earned it 9.7 points on Booking’s location scale (and an overall rating of 8.1 points). The double room costs €190 (plus €6 tax) and includes breakfast. The establishment surprises with its beautiful lobby, decorated like a large Art-Déco theater. All rooms have private bathrooms.
Hotel Mai Amsterdam
For those who want to experience the Red Light District overnight stay, there is a great option to stay for less than 200 euros. Hotel Mai Amsterdam offers a rate of €175 (plus €17 taxes and charges) for a small double room, which includes a la carte breakfast. It scores 9.6 for location, while scoring 8.7 in Booking’s overall rating.
The Flying Pig Downtown
The Flying Pig Hotel is one of the most characteristic establishments in the Central Station area. As we said, this is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam. A double room costs 163€ (plus 17€ for taxes and charges), with continental breakfast included. The establishment has a rating of 8.6 points in the overall evaluation of Booking users.
Hotel Il Fiore
For lovers of bohemian atmosphere and tranquility at all hours, nothing better than staying in the neighborhood of Joordan (for many the coolest in Amsterdam). Here is located a very nice and modern three stars, the Hotel Il Fiore, whose rate reaches 175 euros (with a charge of 17 euros in taxes) for a small double room. This is one of the top-rated hotels for couples, who have given it a score bordering on perfection: 9.3 for two-person trips.
Conscious Hotel Vondenpark
Just 250 meters from the Vondelpark is the Conscious Hotel Vondelpark, a very nice hotel that meets environmental standards (for example, it is cashless and makes pillows from organic cotton). The breakfast buffet also offers 100% organic products. Rooms at this establishment are available for 160€ (plus 17€ tax). Guest reviews on Booking (it has a score of 8.5) highlight the cleanliness and friendliness of the reception staff.
