Planning a trip to Amsterdam and not sure where to stay? We want to help you find the best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam and the best hotels to consider. We’re Amsterdam experts, so you can trust we know the best hotels and where to stay in Amsterdam.
Jordaan: Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam For First-Time Visitors
Located just west of the old city center, the Jordaan neighborhood Amsterdam is where 17th-century canals meet indie shops, galleries, and cafés. The Anne Frank House, Nine Streets, Noordermarkt, and Boom Chicago are right here, which means it’ll be more expensive and busier than other areas, but in our books, it’s well worth it for the full Amsterdam experience.
Why Stay in Jordaan, Amsterdam
Booking a hotel in Jordaan is a great choice for first-time visitors and those who want to be amongst the action.
Convenient: Anne Frank House, the Nine Streets, Noordermarkt, and Boom Chicago are all within a short stroll.
Restaurants and Shopping: Walk out your door to endless restaurants and boutique shops.
Busy: There’s never a dull moment in this neighborhood. No matter the hour, you’ll find tourists and locals alike enjoying the scene.
Hotels in Jordaan, Amsterdan
Hotel Mercier ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cozy • Stylish • Authentic
A wonderfully styled boutique hotel with a sophisticated vibe in the heart of the Jordaan district.
Circling the old city center, the Grachtengordel Amsterdam is the city’s famous canal belt—historic houses, upscale shops, and polished streets included. It’s a step up from Binnenstad’s grit, while still keeping you central to everything. With the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Leidseplein close by, you won’t waste time getting around.
Why Stay in Grachtengordel, Amsterdam
Pick Grachtengordel if you want culture, convenience, and comfort without the late-night noise. It’s home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Amsterdam.
Museums on your doorstep: Walk to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Rembrandthuis without bothering with trams.
Upscale but livable: The Grachtengordel neighborhood offers clean streets, a strong restaurant scene, and family-friendly hotels.
Can be pricy: Higher prices reflect demand, but you’re paying for location, safety, and quality over chaos.
Hotels in Grachtengordel, Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family-Friendly • Canal Views • Bold Design
A family-friendly hotel with bold, unique rooms and fantastic canal views, all within a short stroll of Rembrandtplein.
Binnenstad: Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam for Nightlife
The Binnenstad, home to Amsterdam’s historic center and the famous Red Light District, is a place of extremes. It’s chaotic and gritty, but also buzzing with an energy you won’t find anywhere else. While we don’t recommend it for families or solo travelers, it’s a solid choice if you’re with friends and want to be at the heart of the city’s nightlife.
Why Stay in Binnenstad, Amsterdam
Staying in Binnenstad makes sense if you want nightlife, convenience, and nonstop action right outside your hotel door.
Central attractions: Walk to Dam Square, the Rijksmuseum, and Madame Tussauds without ever needing public transport.
Round-the-clock buzz: From Wynand Fockink distillery to endless bars and cafés, Binnenstad Amsterdam never really sleeps.
Not for the faint of heart: If you’re looking for that high-energy, nightlife–filled trip, Binnestad is impossible to beat. It’s home to many of the best bars in Amsterdam.
Hotels in Binnenstad, Amsterdam
De L’Europe Amsterdam ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Luxury • River Views • Spa
A beautifully curated luxury hotel blending old-world charm and modern beauty with lovely river views.
Located just south of Amsterdam’s central canal belt, De Pijp is the go-to spot for a younger, trendier crowd. Its streets buzz with a fun, social energy, from lively cafes to hidden cocktail bars. It’s the perfect base if you want to escape the tourist crowds and experience the city’s contemporary scene.
Why Stay in De Pijp, Amsterdam
Stay in De Pijp if you want energy, great food, and nightlife without the Red Light District chaos.
Things to do: Tour the Heineken Experience, browse Albert Cuypmarkt, and spend a sunny afternoon at Sarphatipark.
Trend-driven: Boutique hotels, cocktail bars, and diverse restaurants make De Pijp ideal for younger travelers.
Not picture-postcard Amsterdam: The vibe is modern, vibrant, and far less staged than the canal belt districts.
Hotels in De Pijp, Amsterdam
Ibis Styles Amsterdam City ⭐⭐⭐
Budget-Friendly • Central • Practical
Ibis Styles Amsterdam City pairs comfort and value, putting you close to De Pijp’s restaurants, cafés, and public transport connections.
Oud-West: Best Area to Stay in Amsterdam for Foodies
Sitting just west of Jordaan, Oud-West Amsterdam has carved out its identity as a hub for foodies and design lovers. The area is packed with stylish cafés, international dining, and boutique hotels, plus markets that locals actually use. With De Hallen, Ten Katemarkt, and Vondelpark close by, you’ll get variety without the tourist overload.
Why Stay in Oud-West, Amsterdam
Choosing a hotel in Oud-West is a great option if you’re a repeat visitor or just want a different vibe than the downtown areas.
Cool and creative: It’s packed with cool new developments, like the food-hall-meets-market De Hallen, and a ton of local design stores and boutiques.
A true foodie’s paradise: The neighborhood has a reputation for some of the city’s top-notch restaurants and cafe options, from classic Dutch to international cuisine.
It’s not in the center: Being a bit further out means you get a more authentic vibe. The area feels more like a real neighborhood and less like a tourist destination.
Hotels in Oud-West, Amsterdam
Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Leidse Square ⭐⭐⭐
Central • Breakfast Buffet • Affordable Comfort
Just steps from Leidseplein and close to the Rijksmuseum, Leonardo Hotel offers reliable comfort and convenience for budget-minded city explorers.
Choose your base in Amsterdam by what type of experience you’re looking to have.
First-timers: Jordaan is the all-around winner for sightseeing and atmosphere.
Couples: Grachtengordel offers romance on the canal belt with upscale hotels and historic beauty.
Families: Oud-West provides more space, calmer streets, and family-focused hotels.
Party trips: Binnenstad puts you in the Red Light District and the nightlife heart of the city.
Food-focused: Oud-West and De Pijp are packed with diverse dining and local markets.
Hip travelers: De Pijp is Amsterdam’s young, trendy hub with bars, cafés, and a modern vibe.
Best Tours and Experiences in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is best explored with an expert leading the way. Tours save time, help you skip ticket lines, and give you local insight you won’t find in guidebooks.
Avoid staying far outside Amsterdam unless you’re comfortable with daily transit rides. It’s not worth saving a few euros if you spend an hour commuting. The Red Light District also isn’t the best overnight base—it’s noisy, touristy, and can feel unsafe late at night. For most travelers, sticking within the canal belt or nearby neighborhoods is the smart move.
Where To Stay in Amsterdam FAQs
Where is the most central area to stay in Amsterdam?
Binnenstad is most central, but Jordaan and Grachtengordel are better balanced for sightseeing.
Are hotels in Amsterdam expensive?
It’s pricey overall, but De Pijp and Oud-West are better for budget travelers.
What’s the most romantic neighborhood in Amsterdam?
Couples love Grachtengordel for its canal views and polished vibe.
Should I stay in the Red Light District?
Only if nightlife is your priority—it’s not the most comfortable or safe option in Amsterdam.
Where’s the best area for families to stay in Amsterdam?
Families love Oud-West with Vondelpark nearby.
What area is best for budget travelers in Amsterdam?
De Pijp offers affordable hotels, food markets, and nightlife.
Amsterdam isn’t huge, but the neighborhood you pick makes all the difference. Whether you want quiet evenings, nonstop nightlife, or a foodie focus, choosing the right area will keep your trip smooth and enjoyable. From there, everything is just a tram ride or bike trip away.
