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.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Home to 165 canals, Amsterdam is a fascinating city with a lot to see and do. You’ll notice that each neighborhood in Amsterdam is different and offers a unique experience. Whether you came to the city to explore or relax, here’s a list of places we recommend as you decide where to stay.
Our Partnership with Booking.com. If you like our content, please book by clicking on our Booking.com links. The price is the same for you and we get a small commission that helps support our helpful blog content. We’ve partnered with Booking.com because they have the most options, great prices, and a solid loyalty program.
Where To Stay and Best Hotels in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a beautiful and clean city with so much more to offer than brownies and the red-light district, which is why we recommend staying outside those areas. There’s an amazing international feel to the city, which draws millions of visitors each year.
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!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide.
Jordaan
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!
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
The accommodations listed below are our picks for the 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!
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
Hotel Seven one Seven
€€€€ | 5 Star | Leidseplein | Classic Look and Feel
Hotel Seven one Seven is a five-star hotel with refined northern European design and large living spaces. The hotel is located along the Prinsengracht Canal, in the heart of Amsterdam and it’s close to many top museums. You’ll have everything you need here and more!
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 | Grachtengordel | 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.
Check Out Our Best Amsterdam Tours
Top Rated Tour
Amsterdam “Locals” 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)
Starting at €49
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)
Starting at €59
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide for more info.
De Pijp
De Pijip is located in the South 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—it’s a youthful and trendy area to explore.
De Pijp has recently become the new place to be and has a very competitive nightlife compared to the city center. 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
Here are some recommendations for the best hotels in De Pijp for when you want to escape the city madness.
Ibis Styles Amsterdam
€-€€ | 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.
(4)
Starting at €30
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)
Starting at €59
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide for more resources.
Oud-West
Right on the border of the center city, 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.
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
The accommodation options listed below are our picks for the 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 “Locals” 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)
Starting at €49
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)
Starting at €59
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Amsterdam Guide for more resources.
Binnenstad
To be clear, we do NOT recommend staying in the Red Light District. The area comes with a lot of seediness and craziness that we simply don’t recommend to people looking for a culturally immersive trip. 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.
That said, if you’re going to Amsterdam to party and eat brownies, you probably do want to stay here. Again, we don’t recommend it since you can easily walk in from nice areas, but if you do choose it here are some options.
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
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
Here are our top picks for the best hotels in Amsterdam’s Binnenstad
Andaz Amsterdam
€€€-€€€€ | 5 Star | Unique Dutch Design | Garden | Spa | In-house Restaurant and Bar
What was formerly Amsterdam’s Public Library is now a unique and creative five-star hotel located right in the heart of the city. Overlooking the famous Amsterdam canals, Andaz Amsterdam offers the ultimate local experience with Dutch-inspired interior design by the famous Marcel Wonders. The hotel offers a beautiful secret Alice in Wonderland-themed garden and is right next to the charming Nine Streets of Amsterdam.
The W Hotel
€€€-€€€€ | 5 Star | Rooftop Pool | In-house Restaurant and Bar
Located right next to Dam Square, W hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel with a rooftop pool! Split into two unique buildings, the hotel offers 238 luxurious guest rooms with unique designs. You’ll be close enough to easily access the vibrant city life, shopping, and dining. The rooftop lounge and pool provide a breathtaking view over the city lights and the Royal Palace.
NH Collection Amsterdam
€€-€€€ | 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!
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam
€€-€€€ | Modern | Ideal location | Skybar
Located right next to Amsterdam’s central station, DoubleTree Hilton offers the ideal stay for a city trip. DoubleTree by Hilton is a modern and ideal place if it’s your first time in Amsterdam. However, if you want to explore other cities in the Netherlands, this hotel is right next to the train station, which makes it the perfect stay!
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam
€-€€ | 3 Star | Great Location
Stay in the heart of Amsterdam for a more affordable price! Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam has a prime location in city center and is just minutes away from Dam Square. Perfect for anyone on a budget wanting to be in the thick of things.
This Ho(s)tel
€-€€ | Canal Views | Couples | Affordable Stay
Enjoy the wonderful views of the Amsterdam canals at an affordable price! With a simple and minimalist design, this Ho(s)tel is located right in the city center. Each room is perfectly designed with a double bed. It’s ideal for a couple, offering a very comfortable stay.
Leave a Comment