If you are looking for where to stay in Amsterdam, you've come to the right place. Whether you are looking for a hostel, hotel or the new trend of self catering hotels and aparthotels in Amsterdam, we've got a hand-picked list of places just for you.
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Amsterdam is one of the top travel destinations in Europe, known for its picturesque canals, beautiful old buildings, and near the best tulip fields in the world, Keukenhof park. Amsterdam should be on your bucket list of European travel.
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If you are looking where to stay in Amsterdam close to everything, it is not as hard as you think. It is a relatively small city compared to a city like Paris. There are 825,000 people in this popular European city. Most of the things to do in Amsterdam are within five of the most central neighbourhoods.
If it's your first time visiting Amsterdam, let's start off getting to know some of the best neighbourhoods of Amsterdam and what they have to offer.
By the end of this post, you'll get the answer to "Where is the best place to stay in Amsterdam?" You'll find your place here amongst one of the 15 hand-picked places here. There is something here to fit every budget and travel style.
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Some people just want to say thanks by buying me a coffee. I do love coffee. Like a lot. I have seven different ways to make coffee at home....okay maybe it's an obsession.
Booking Accommodations
Depending on where you are from, you may have a preferred website you like to use. Visitors from North America often like sites like Booking.com, Expedia or Travelocity.
Many people in North America aren't familiar with Agoda yet. I've found that Agoda consistently has lower prices (let's keep that our little secret).
Look for their Agoda EasyCancel badge. It gives you flexibility by providing FREE cancellation right up to the day before check-in.
I always price check for all my stays and so should you. I've included a link to Booking.com also so you can compare prices yourself.
Map of Amsterdam
The city is made up of eight boroughs. The Google Map below shows the eight boroughs of Amsterdam.
You can grab and drag around the map and zoom in. Click on the red pins and see popular things to do in Amsterdam. The blue pins are the Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central Station.
As you can see, most of the best places to go see are in Amsterdam Centre. Are you are asking yourself, "Where should I stay in Amsterdam?" Most of the places selected below are close to the Amsterdam city centre or with quick access to it.
The best area to stay in Amsterdam for first time visitors would be in the city centre. You'll find that most things to do are in the city centre but others, like the Van Gogh Museum and Albert Cuyp Market, are in Amsterdam's Oud Zuid, just south of the city centre.
Changes to Airbnbs in Amsterdam
I thought I'd take a bit of time to address some recent changes in the vacation home industry. Over tourism in cities like Amsterdam and the recent pandemic have forced some changes.
Vacation homes in Amsterdam for rent are plentiful. You can find them all over the city, providing a more local experience compared to that of hotels and hostels.
In the past, I was a big fan of Airbnbs and other companies like Airbnb, such as VRBO and Wimdu. That was what I looked for and where I stayed.
The Pushback
There has been a pushback from many European cities and locals against Airbnbs and other vacation homes. People are renting out properties to tourists for a profit. This means locals are having trouble finding houses and apartments to live in their own city.
Sometimes it has led to Airbnb owners asking their guests to tell neighbours they are family visiting. It has created some tense moments between renters and the locals. I don't want to recommend an Airbnb and then you have an uncomfortable stay.
Banned Airbnbs in Amsterdam
As of July 1, 2020, the city of Amsterdam has banned Airbnb rentals in the historic centre areas of Burgwallen-Oude Zijde, Burgwallen-Nieuwe Zijde, and Grachtengordel-Zuid.
Unfortunately, with the recent pandemic, prices have gone up on these sites. The cleaning and owners' fees that have become commonplace often double the price of the accommodation from what you initially see.
The price increase, coupled with the banned area, makes finding affordable, legal Airbnbs in Amsterdam close to the city centre harder.
I really hope that Airbnb rentals, locals and cities can work this out. I've had fantastic experiences with all of the places I have stayed but we need to understand the impact it has on the locals and be responsible travellers.
The New Trend - Aparthotels and Self Catering Hotels
Forget all the doom and gloom about vacation homes. There is a positive!
There is a new trend now starting across Europe. My love of vacation homes was because I had access to a kitchen. This allowed me to cook my meals saving me a lot of money while travelling.
Hotels are now looking to compete with sites like Airbnb and VRBO. They have started to offer kitchens and kitchenettes in many of their hotels to capture some of this market.
They go by different names, like aparthotels or self catering hotels.
Pros of Aparthotels and Self-Catering Hotels
Check out some of these cool Aparthotels in Amsterdam!
Stay connected with a pay-as-you-go SIM card for much less than your Roam Like Home plan. See the 5 best options here.
Best Holiday Apartments in Amsterdam
Daniël-Stalperstraat Café de Pijp Terrace
Anna Houseboat in Amsterdam
Houseboat in Amsterdam Centrum
Welcome to the 100-year-old Anna Houseboat. This is a unique vacation rental and so classic Amsterdam. There are shared facilities, but you save a lot of money here because of it.
You are 500m from public transportation and 620m from Amsterdam's red-light district. Most sites in Amsterdam are within walking distance from here, making it so convenient.
Compare prices
Cityden Up Amsterdam South
Vacation home near the Amsterdam airport
The Cityden Up Amsterdam South aparthotels are a super affordable option when staying in Amsterdam. This is truly a mix of hotel and apartment with both a kitchenette in the suites and a restaurant and bar for those nights you don't want to cook.
They are located near the airport which is on the outskirts of the city. This gives you a good location to explore the countryside of Holland while easily accessing the city by public transport, which is a short 5-minute walk away.
If you are looking where to stay in Amsterdam with a family, then look here because it is so reasonably priced. They even have bike rentals which is a fantastic way to see Amsterdam. You can also enjoy the fitness centre and sauna which is a bonus.
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Yays Oostenburgergracht Concierged Boutique Apartments
Family-friendly apartments by the water, with kitchens
If you are looking for a great family aparthotel with some extra pluses, this is it. These Amsterdam apartment rentals are more than an average hotel room. There are a few different options to choose from here.
You can choose an apartment with a kitchenette or a full kitchen. Save money from feeding your whole family at restaurants every meal. Have breakfast in your dining room and pack a lunch for the day. That alone can save a family of four €80-€100 a day (to be conservative).
Trams are out your front door or explore the waterfront of the IJ River on foot. Here you will find the NEMO Science Museum and Het Scheepvaartmuseum, which the kids will love. You can also rent bikes here!
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Eden Studios and Apartments
Apartments on the Amstel in the Canal District
The Eden Studios and Apartments in Amsterdam are located in the place everyone wants to be, the Canal Belt. The Amstel River is out your front door. You can explore the heart of Amsterdam on foot.
Even though you can get a kitchen with your apartment, you can even upgrade for breakfast to be included each morning if you wish.
Some rooms available have the classic sloped ceilings you'd expect in Amsterdam Centrum. There's isn't parking close by, but with its location, you don't need a car to explore Amsterdam.
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Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments
Amazing boutique apartments right by the IJ River
Here is your home away from home. You have everything you need at Eric Vökel. With the recent pandemic, many people have been working remotely. These boutique apartments are fantastic for a working holiday.
Located 0.3km away from Amsterdam Centrum, you can access almost everything on foot. With this convenient location, you can experience Amsterdam by day and relax in your spacious apartment at night.
You have a washing machine available, meaning you can bring fewer clothes because you have more room in your suitcase to bring home souvenirs!
These self catering apartments can be expensive, but I have seen huge discounts regularly. This makes them the same price as a regular hotel but with way more to offer. It's worth checking the prices.
Compare prices
The I Amsterdam City Card gives you free admissions for many of Amsterdam's attractions, including discounts at restaurants and museums, unlimited public transport, a free canal cruise and much more!
You can even check out things outside of the city. Definitely worth it when you visit.
Best Hostels in Amsterdam
ClinkNoord Amsterdam
If you are looking for where to stay in Amsterdam on a budget or travelling by yourself, then you may want to opt for a hostel.
Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet fellow travellers. Each of these hostels has unique things that others don't. We aren't just talking cool stuff like a teepee and buffet breakfasts (those too), but other things that will make your visit to Amsterdam easier. You'll find two that have bike rentals, two that have kitchens, two have laundry facilities, and all have great social atmospheres!
The great thing about these hostels is that they are in the Amsterdam city center. Two of them are an easy walk from the central train station, while the other is a quick five-minute ferry ride away. If you are looking for where to stay in Amsterdam for nightlife, then this is it.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of these hostels now have enhanced cleaning protocols.
CityHub Amsterdam
Hotel-type stay with the social atmosphere of a hostel
Are you new to hostelling? Nervous about trying one? Then Cityhub Amsterdam is for you. This hostel is a new concept when it comes to hostelling. It's a hybrid hotel/hostel. This means it has the privacy of a hotel with private rooms only, and the social areas and interaction of a hostel.
All visitors share the same bathrooms and showers. Experience the social atmosphere of hostelling in Cityhub's cafe and bar, then retreat for a quiet sleep in the security of your very own private pod with a double bed.
This best-rated hostel in Amsterdam may not be located centrally (in Oud West) like the other hostels on this list, but it is only a two-minute walk to the metro and 15-minutes to the heart of the city.
Bonus: bike rentals - the best way to experience Amsterdam!
ClinkNOORD
Highest-rated hostel with laundry facilities and more!
Won awards in 2019, 2018 (2), 2017
ClinkNOORD, as the name implies, is in Amsterdam Noord. Even though it is across the IJ River, it is only 5-10 minutes away from the Central Train Station. Just follow the signs to the free ferry. It runs every seven minutes and only takes five minutes to cross.
From there, it's a 400-metre walk to the ClinkNOORD hostel.
There is an all-you-can-eat buffet available for €8, or you can use the kitchen facilities.
It has 24-hour security and reception with lockers available for your luggage. Included is free Wi-Fi. Even though Clinknoord is not as central as the other hostels, it has a lot to offer and is one of the top-rated hostels in Amsterdam.
The Flying Pig Downtown
5-minutes from Centraal Station in the heart of de Wallen
Won awards in 2019 (3), 2016, 2015, 2014 (2), 2011, 2010, 2009 (2), 2008, 2006
The Flying Pig Downtown is probably one of the best-known hostels in Amsterdam. It is only a five-minute walk from the Central Train Station. It is in the heart of De Wallen, which is the famous Amsterdam Red Light District.
There are lots of pubs and restaurants in the area. Meaning you are within walking distance of many things to see and do in the Amsterdam city centre.
The hostel has a bar and cafe in it, which is great for socializing and meeting travellers from around the world. It has 24-hour security and reception with lockers available for your luggage.
Free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen will help you save a few dollars, which you can now spend on beer.
Ecomama
A small eco-friendly hostel with a unique vibe
Won an award in 2015
Ecomama hostel in Amsterdam is a small hostel with a lot to offer. This quirky hostel focused on fun. Nicely decorated, Ecomama offers many common spaces, a teepee, movie lounge, book exchange, and bike rentals are just a few things that set this hostel apart from others.
Ecomama's environment is fantastic for getting to know fellow travellers along with so many amenities that you'll want to stay longer.
With it located in the centre of Amsterdam, and your bike rental, you'll be able to explore the city easily.
Durty Nelly's Inn & Irish Pub
Breakfast and bike rentals available
Won award in 2012
Durty Nelly's Inn is just around the corner from the Flying Pig Downtown in the old centre. It is only a few minutes walk from the Central Train Station also. It is in the heart of De Wallen famous for the Red Light District and a two-minute walk to Dam Square.
It has a great Irish Pub (of the same name) attached, which you get 20% off food and drink if you stay at Durty Nelly's Inn. Unfortunately, no kitchen is available, but they do have a great buffet breakfast available every morning for €5.
It has 24-hour security and reception with lockers available for your luggage. Free W-Fi is part of your stay.
Bonus: Flippin' bike rentals! Sweet!
Best Hotels in Amsterdam
With so many hotels in Amsterdam, what do you choose? Here are five of the best hotels in Amsterdam, all with something different to offer but won't break the bank. These hotels keep you in the centre of the city and allow you to walk everywhere or grab a quick metro.
Whether you want that Instagramable hotel, an Airbnb alternative with a kitchen, or want to be in the heart of the canals, there is something here for everyone.
If you missed the new hybrid/hostel idea above, it's worth a view. It's could be a perfect fit if you are on a budget.
Motel One Amsterdam - Waterloopein
Chic hotel close to the action of Centrum
Motel one is a well-known and trusted hotel brand in Europe. It is modern but pays respect to the past by fusing the two looks in their stylish hotels. This is one of the best Amsterdam hotels for couples looking for luxury hotels without the cost of luxury.
Motel One - Waterloopein is located conveniently in Plantage, one of the best areas in the city. The hotel is less than 2km from and only 20 minutes from the airport by public transport.