Known for its beautiful canals, fine culture, and rich history, Amsterdam is a popular city with much to offer! Whether you’re looking to admire If you’re looking for a city that has beauty, fine art, and entertainment, Amsterdam is the place to be. Here’s a list of places that will help you during your stay!
Pro Tip: Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Amsterdam for more planning resources, our best Amsterdam tours for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in Amsterdam.
Where To Stay in Amsterdam: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
Home to 165 canals, Amsterdam is a fascinating cosmopolitan city with a lot to see and do. Attracting millions of visitors each year, there’s more to offer than brownies and the Red Light District.
Each neighborhood in Amsterdam is different and offers a unique experience. Whether your goal is to explore the city or relax, there’s an ideal area and hotel for you. So, where do you stay on your next visit to Amsterdam? You can easily pick a nice hotel, but will it be in the right area? Our local expert in Amsterdam details the best areas to stay for a local feel!
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Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide.
Jordaan
Jordaan is your jam if you love being in the center of it all. Built in the early 17th century, Jordaan is a neighborhood right next to the Amsterdam city center filled with quaint boutiques and shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and flowery streets.
It is undoubtedly the most loved and popular area in Amsterdam. Whether you want to feel as though you have traveled back in time and visited the Anne Frank Huis or have a peaceful day in a café, Jordaan is a charming neighborhood with a lot to explore! We recommend staying here if it’s your first time in Amsterdam or you’re here with kids.
Why I love Jordaan:
- Close to Amsterdam city center
- Filled with galleries, restaurants, concept stores, and vintage boutiques
Attractions near Jordaan:
- Anne Frank House
- Nine-streets of Amsterdam
- Noordermarkt
- Boom Chicago
Best restaurants in Jordaan:
- Balthazar’s kitchen
- Moeders
- Toscanini
- Salmuera
Best hotels in Jordaan:
Hotel Mercier
€€€– €€€€ | 4-Star | Cozy | Boutique Hotel
This timeless boutique hotel offers the ideal location. It’s a hidden gem considered to be the ultimate all-in-one destination. Here, you’ll find glamour and a timeless style all within walking distance of Amsterdams’ iconic sightseeing.
Mr. Jordaan
€€-€€€ | 3-Star | Great Location | Cozy
Right in the heart of the Jordaan neighborhood, Mr. Jordaan is the perfect stay for travelers. All around you, you’ll find authentic Amsterdam cafés and bars, exciting art studios, and local boutiques.
Grachtengordel
While you may not be able to pronounce it, Grachtengordel is an incredible choice for your first or fifth visit to Amsterdam. It’s literally in the center of everything but much cleaner and upscale than Binnenstad (Red Light District).
You’ll also be within walking distance of the entire city including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandthuis, and more. For me, it’s a no-brainer because it has everything you need, which makes it perfect for families, solo travelers, and first-timers.
Why I love Grachtengordel:
- Close to everything
- Clean and upscale
- Great restaurant scene
Attractions near Grachtengordel:
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Leidseplein
Best restaurants in Grachtengordel:
Check out the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
Best hotels in Grachtengordel:
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
€€ | 4 Star | Close to Rembrandtplein | Canal Views
Not far from the buzzing Rembrandtsplein, you’ll enjoy a great location with canal views from some rooms. Each room is uniquely styled with bold statement pieces and pops of color. There are various configurations to choose from, making this a great choice for families.
Boutique Hotel The Nobleman
€€ | 4 Star | Sexy and Regal | Luxurious Design
Looking for a romantic stay with your significant other in the center of town? Book a higher-class room at The Nobleman and enjoy the luxuries of Northern Europe. The rooms are impeccably designed—you’ll be in for a treat!
Banks Mansion
€€€ | 4 Star | Great Location | Refined Boutique Hotel
This is a fantastic hotel in an even better position, which makes this a great choice for the area. It might as well be the center of Amsterdam in this historic building overlooking a canal. You can easily get to all the areas of Amsterdam on foot, by bike, trolly, or ride-sharing apps.
NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market
€€-€€€ | 4 Star | Modern | In-house Restaurant | Bar
The NH Collection Amsterdam is a beautiful hotel located right in the middle of the city center and right next to the famous Flower Market! This hotel has the ideal location as it’s right next to the Rokin tram stop and Dam Square right in the middle of all the restaurants, attractions, and great shopping!
Check Out Our Best Amsterdam Tours
Top Rated Tour
Amsterdam Local Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market
Join your engaging local foodie guide on a journey through the over century-old “Cuyp”. With over 250 stalls, the market hosts the best of Amsterdam’s street food scene. Sample dishes that represent the history and culture of the city. From Pickled Herring prepared as it has been for centuries to Indonesian fusion dishes that represent the modern face of the city, eat the best of Amsterdam on this wonderful food tour.
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Likely to Sell Out
Royal Rijksmuseum Tour with Skip the Line Access
Known for its impressive collection of over 8,000 works by the greatest Dutch artists, the Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands. With your expert art historian guide, see the best of the museum including Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch. Learn the stories and discover the hidden gems of these artists and their works on this fun and informative Rijksmuseum tour in Amsterdam.
(8)
See Price
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide for more info.
Binnenstad
Binnenstad encompasses the historic center of Amsterdam and the Red Light District. To be clear, we do not recommend staying in the Red Light District if you’re here with kids or on your own. The area can be seedy and a bit chaotic, but it can work in certain areas if you’re here to party or with friends.
There are tons of cool bars and even one of the world’s oldest distilleries Wynand Fockink, so we recommend popping in for a drink, but there are better areas to stay. Still, many people love staying here and there are some areas that are better than others. Based on what our readers often book, we’ve added a few trusted hotels in hte Red Light District and a few beyond it.
Why you might like Amsterdam Binnenstad:
- There’s nothing quite like the nightlife in the city center
- Everything you need is within walking distance
- The options to shop are infinite!
Attractions near Amsterdam Binnenstad:
- Dam Square
- Rijksmuseum
- Madame Tussauds
Best restaurants in Amsterdam Binnenstad:
Check out our regularly updated article on the best restaurants in Amsterdam! Don’t forget to bookmark it, so you can easily circle back to it when you’re looking for a great place to eat.
Best hotels in Amsterdam Binnenstad:
De L’Europe Amsterdam
€€€€ | 5 Star | Luxury | River Views | Spa | Restaurant and Bar
If you enjoy a beautifully curated blend of old-world luxury and modern beauty, this is the place for you. Every space is unique and the location is great. The city center, Floating Flower Market, and Rembrandtplein are all a short walk away. With lovely views, a spa, and even an indoor pool, you’ll certainly be able to relax here.
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
€€€ | 4 Star | Central Location | Gym & Sauna | Close to Train Station
For both convenience and a beautiful place to stay, the Park Plaza Victoria hotel comes highly recommended. You’ll be in the heart of the city and close to the train station. Expect comfortable rooms, a great breakfast, and friendly staff. On-site, you’ll have access to a gym, spa, restaurant, and bar.
Hotel Estherea
€€€ | 4 Star | Great Location | Family Friendly | Eclectic Decor
Hotel Estherea leaves guests aghast with its beautiful and eclectic decor. It also boasts a great location with canal views just a short walk from the city center. With a bar and a library, staying here feels luxurious. It’s also family-friendly with a variety of room configurations available.
Swissôtel Amsterdam
€€+ | 4 Star | Historic Location | Dam Square Views | Family Friendly
Stay in the heart of Amsterdam for a more affordable price! This hotel boasts a prime location in city center overlooking Dam Square. You’ll be right in the thick of things with easy access to public transport. The rooms are clean and comfortable with options for families.
NH City Centre Amsterdam
€€+ | 4 Star | Great Location | Modern Decor | Family Friendly
This hotel offers guests a comfortable stay in a variety of room configurations. It’s great for families and solo travellers looking to be close to the historic center of the city. The rooms are light and airy with contemporary touches. The breakfast is great and you can even bring your pets.
XO Hotels City Centre
€€ | 3 Star | Central Location | Affordable
Located in the heart of the city, you can count on a variety of room configurations to suit your needs at affordable prices. From family rooms to single rooms, it’s a good base for anyone looking to explore Amsterdam. You’ll be a short walk from Dam metro stop, the train station, and Dam Square.
De Pijp
If you’re a millennial, hipster, or nightlife-seeker, De Pijp is for you. It’s located south of the center of Amsterdam and has become a very trendy part of the city in recent years. This neighborhood is the perfect getaway from the city center if you’re tired of all the tourist crowds. De Pijp has a great food scene and nightlife.
De Pijp has recently become the new place to be and has a fun nightlife without the Red Light District vibes. This area is perfect for a young couple or individual who loves to explore and try new things!
Why I love De Pijp:
- A cool area with a more youthful and trendy vibe
- Has a fun nightlife
Attractions near De Pijp:
- Heineken Experience
- Albert Cuypmarkt
- Sarphatipark
Best restaurants in De Pijp:
- Little Collins
- De Wasserette
- De Tulp
- Mana Mana
Best hotels in De Pijp:
Ibis Styles Amsterdam City
€-€€ | Affordable Stay | Modern | Comfortable
An amazing option close proximity to De Pijp, this is a 3-star hotel within the vicinity of bars, restaurants, and tram stops. In terms of convenience, this stay is perfect!
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
€€€ – €€€€ | 5 Star | Luxurious Stay | Spa, Fitness Center, and Cool Pool
Hotel Okura is a 5-star hotel located right in the center of the De Pijp district surrounded by many restaurants and shops. This hotel offers everything you would need, including a Michelin-star restaurant!
The Arcade Hotel
€€-€€€ | 3 Star | Unique Experience | Arcade Hotel
Only in the trendy neighborhood of De Pijp would you find the first arcade hotel in Amsterdam! Every room at the Arcade Hotel provides guests with both a modern and a retro game console. If you love gaming, this is definitely for you!
Check Out Our Best Amsterdam Tours
Top Rated Tour
Amsterdam in a Half Day by Bike
Explore the Dutch Capital with a local guide by bike. Beginning in the heart of Amsterdam, head through the Jordaan district and the city’s largest park. Ride along the network of canals and then sample some of Amsterdam’s best beers. See the Rijksmuseum, Heineken, Amsterdam Central Station, and more. Bike Rental Included.
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See Price
Likely to Sell Out
Royal Rijksmuseum Tour with Skip the Line Access
Known for its impressive collection of over 8,000 works by the greatest Dutch artists, the Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands. With your expert art historian guide, see the best of the museum including Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch. Learn the stories and discover the hidden gems of these artists and their works on this fun and informative Rijksmuseum tour in Amsterdam.
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See Price
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide for more resources.
Oud-West
Right on the border of Jordaan, Oud-West is a popular and emerging neighborhood with trendy cafés, excellent restaurants, design stores, and local boutiques. There are some must-see locations in the Oud-West.
This area is full of cool developments such as De Hallen, boutique hotels, and Ten Katemarkt. It’s location makes it the perfect place to both get to and escape the busy city. We recommend staying here if it’s your second or third time to Amsterdam, or you’re hoping for a different vibe than the tourist center.
Why I love Oud-West:
- Trendy cafés and top-notch restaurant options
- De Hallen is my favorite thing about this area!
Attractions near Oud-West:
- De Hallen
- Vondelpark
Best restaurants in Oud-West:
- Staring at Jacob
- KanarieClub
- Midtown Grill
- Remise47
Best hotels in Oud-West:
Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
€€-€€€ | 5 Star | Great Location
With stunning canal views, and an excellent location right across from Leidse Square, some of Amsterdam’s famous attractions are just within walking distance! Locations such as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum or the Vondelpark can all be reached within minutes.
Hotel Espresso
€-€€ | 3 Star | Cozy
Find everything you are looking for within minutes at an affordable price! Hotel Espresso is a modern hotel with cozy and comfortable rooms located just 5 minutes away from all the main attractions. If you’re on a budget, this is a good option.
Check Out Our Best Amsterdam Tours
Top Rated Tour
Amsterdam Local Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market
Join your engaging local foodie guide on a journey through the over century-old “Cuyp”. With over 250 stalls, the market hosts the best of Amsterdam’s street food scene. Sample dishes that represent the history and culture of the city. From Pickled Herring prepared as it has been for centuries to Indonesian fusion dishes that represent the modern face of the city, eat the best of Amsterdam on this wonderful food tour.
(5)
See Price
Likely to Sell Out
Royal Rijksmuseum Tour with Skip the Line Access
Known for its impressive collection of over 8,000 works by the greatest Dutch artists, the Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands. With your expert art historian guide, see the best of the museum including Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch. Learn the stories and discover the hidden gems of these artists and their works on this fun and informative Rijksmuseum tour in Amsterdam.
(8)
See Price
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide for more resources.
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