Photo by Zxempire. A popular destination for young people in particular, who have always seen it as the epitome of transgression par excellence, the Dutch capital exerts a charm on everyone. Nicknamed 'theVenice of the North', Amsterdam is famous for its network of canals dating back to the 17th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ancient palaces and excellent museums, coffee shops and the Red Light District.
Are you planning a weekend in the city and looking for the perfect accommodation? Here is a handy guide to the best neighbourhoods to base yourself in in the Dutch capital: the best areas, neighbourhoods and accommodation for different types of travellers.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
When it comes to accommodation and areas in which to sleep, Amsterdam is spoilt for choice. The most convenient area is the Binnenstad district, which is the most central and close to the most important attractions. Here you will also find the famous red light district De Wallen, where the nightlife is concentrated in the evenings. However, there are many other neighbourhoods that are full of charm and where you can breathe in an authentic atmosphere; this is the case, for example, of Joordan, with its bohemian soul.
Outside the centre, there are also renovated residential areas where you can find slightly cheaper accommodation. Among these, we recommend the area of Oud Zuid, which includes the neighbourhood of De Pijp and the Museumkwartier. This is not too inconvenient thanks to theefficient transport network.
Remember that the demand for hotels in Amsterdam is always very high, especially during the summer, Easter and Christmas holidays. The advice is therefore to book well in advance of your travel dates.
Suggested areas tosave money: De Pijp, Plantage, Amsterdam Noord
Suggested areas forfamilies with children: Museumkwartier, Plantage
Recommended areas foryoung people: Binnenstadt red light district, Leidesplein, Jordaan
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Amsterdam. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
Amsterdam zone guide
Amsterdam is divided into seven districts. Within each of them you will find a dense network of narrow streets and alleyways. Because of its particular conformation, built practically on water, Amsterdam is furrowed by numerous canals arranged in a ring, so the easiest ways to get around are on foot, taking advantage of the numerous bridges and small bridges, by bike thanks to the abundant cycle paths and by water thanks to the frequent boat trips.
Areas to avoid: there are no particular dangerous or risky areas, however we recommend not going late at night to areas such as Zeedijk, Geldersekade, Nieuwendijk (near Centraal Station).
Binnenstad (Red Light District, Dam Square, Singel Canal)
Binnenstad is the best district for those visiting Amsterdam for the first time, i.e. it is the centre of the city. In a short time you can reach the main sights on foot, such as Dam Square, the shopping streets Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk or the Royal Palace.
This district is also convenient for nightlife, the De Wallen area along the Singel canal and the city's red light districts. Next to the very famous district that has become almost a symbol of Amsterdam itself, you will also find Chinatown, where you can find many oriental restaurants, temples and shops.
Here, there are many accommodations, from the most expensive to hostels and shared rooms. In fact, around the red light district there are many hostels and cheap hotels, which are noisy and quite noisy in the evenings and therefore not recommended for families.
Average prices in the district range from around €32.00 for low-cost accommodation to €680.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Located along the Herengracht canal, this 5-star hotel consists of 6 monumental buildings dating back to the 17th century and boasts the luxurious Guerlain Spa | |
Simple room with shared bathroom. Tea and coffee making facilities in the room. Takeaway breakfast service | |
Bed and breakfast offering garden views and free WiFi |
Jordaan (Anne Frank House, Marnixstraat and Rozengracht)
This is a very picturesque area that best portrays the image one has of Amsterdam, with its narrow alleys, small bridges crossing the canals and typical Dutch houses. Right here flows one of the city's most beautiful canals, the Bloemgracht.
The most important sights to see in Jordaan are the Tulip Museum, the Westerkerk, and the Anne Frank House. With its numerous shops, typical bars and restaurants, the district itself is a real must-see attraction.
Design and modern hotels are often found along the Marnixstraat and Rozengracht boulevards. Although central, the Jordaan is less chaotic and less overrun with tourists than other areas such as, for example, Dam Square.
Average prices in the district range from around €29.00 for low-cost accommodation to €950.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Series of flats with living area with sofa bed and flat screen TV, fully equipped kitchen. Ideal for couples | |
This 3-star hotel offers a communal lounge and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and a private bathroom. | |
Ideal for young people. Rooms with colourful interiors and private bathroom with shower. Access is via a steep staircase |
Museumkwartier (Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, Van Gogh Museum)
The Museumkwartier, or museum quarter, is part of the larger Oud Zuid district. It is the ideal area for those in search of art and culture. You can walk between museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Museum of Modern Art MOCO. It is not a district recommended for nightlife, but in a short time you can reach the nearby Leidseplein square, the centre of nightlife. Furthermore, the area is very well connected by public transport to the city centre (tram 12 to Amsterdam Dam stop, 12 min).
This is a perfect area for families with children, since one of the city's largest parks, the Vondelpark, is located right here. In addition to the famous museums, the district is also home to one of the world's most important concert halls, the Concertgebouw.
Average prices in the district range from around €29.00 for low-cost accommodation to €420.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
This hotel is located on the elegant PC Hooftstraat shopping street. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with park or street views | |
Set in a renovated mansion, it offers rooms for up to 5 guests and free Wi-Fi. | |
Overlooking the leafy Vondelpark, it offers free WiFi at the reception and free Wi-Fi. On-site parking and restaurant | |
The rooms have a garden or city view and a seating area. Free WiFi is available. Luggage storage and tea and coffee making facilities are available |
De Pijp (Heineken Experience, Albert Cuyp Market)
Photo by Steven Lek. The De Pijp district, together with the neighbouring Museumkwartier, is part of the Oud Zuid area. Located in the south of Amsterdam, it is the artistic but above all multi-ethnic district of the city, with many bars and restaurants, also known as the'Latin Quarter'. Without a doubt, the liveliest and most popular district for young people. Among the most popular attractions are the Albert Cuyp Market, one of the largest markets in Europe and the heart of the district, and the Heineken Experience, the famous beer museum located in the old Heineken factory.
De Pijp is the perfect neighbourhood for those who want to get away from the touristy areas and be in contact with the locals, but without being too far from the centre, which can be reached in just 15 min on foot (alternatively metro 52 from the neighbourhood to the Rokin stop, 3 min). It is also a fairly inexpensive district in which to stay, where you can find accommodation of various kinds, from flats to quality hotels.
Average prices in the district range from around €44.00 for low-cost accommodation to €214.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Luxurious 5-star hotel offering 154 sumptuous rooms and suites, as well as 16 self-catering studios | |
Free Wi-Fi in all areas, 24-hour reception, games room with 6 exclusive gaming PCs. Bike rental service, comic book library and a flower service. Organic breakfast. | |
Small but functional budget accommodation with private bathroom. 24-hour reception, free WiFi and possibility to book accommodation only. | |
3-star hotel offering tastefully decorated rooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Private parking on site subject to availability |
Leidseplein (Holland Casino, Hard Rock Cafe)
Photo by Dguendel. Leidseplein is a small neighbourhood not far from the Museumkwartier. It is a perfect neighbourhood for young people: it does not have the high costs of Binnenstad and at the same time has a lively nightlife! Here you will also find the Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American, the Holland Casino and numerous live music venues! The heart of the district is the Leidseplein square.
Staying in this district you can easily reach the historic centre and the main attractions. Trams 2 and 12 run from Leidseplein to the Amsterdam Dam stop (6 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €43.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Plantage (Botanical Garden, Zoo)
Photo by Zxempire. East of the centre of Amsterdam, it is a residential area where there are not many bars and restaurants. Peaceful and away from the hustle and bustle of the centre, it is the ideal place to spend a quiet night, and above all, it is an area where hotel rates are much cheaper.
Here you will also find many green areas, parks and interesting activities such as Oosterpark and Flevopark. In the area is the Waterlooplein, with its famous flea market, the Tropics Museum, the gigantic Artis Royal Zoo, the wonderful Botanical Garden and the Hermitage Museum. Of course, it is a long way from the city centre, to get there you have to use the tram (line 14 from Amsterdam-Mr. Visserplein to Dam, 8 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €49.00 for low-cost accommodation to €650.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
In a building that once served as an orphanage and nursing home, it offers individually designed rooms. | |
4-star hotel with fully equipped rooms. Facilities: restaurant, private parking, bar, gym, room service, business centre, free WiFi. Hammam and evening entertainment programme | |
Accommodations with flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and toiletries, and work desk |
Amsterdam Noord (EYE Museum, A'DAM Tower)
Photo by Thomas van Mens. The Amsterdam Noord district lies across the river Ij, behind the central station. It is the modern, innovative and trendy heart of the Dutch capital. This area is also home to the EYE museum and the A'DAM tower.
Due to the modern buildings, the hotels in this district have much larger rooms compared to those in the city centre and the services are state-of-the-art. The area is ideal for business travellers but also for anyone who prefers facilities with all comforts at affordable prices. There are excellent tram links connecting the docklands with the centre and frequent ferries connecting Amsterdam Noord with Central Station (journey time 5 min), from where you can then proceed on foot or by tram (tram line 2 or 12 to Binnenstad, 5 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €51.00 for low-cost accommodation to €406.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
All rooms are non-smoking. More luxurious accommodation is available. Continental breakfast buffet. There is a restaurant, a lounge and a computer in the lobby with internet access | |
4-star hotel with restaurant, fitness centre, bar, garden, 24-hour reception and luggage storage. Free WiFi and private parking available for a fee | |
Clean and modern hostel, private rooms or dorms, free WiFi. 24-hour reception | |
28 accommodations with a view of the lake. Each house includes a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom. Free WiFi, tablet with Neighbourhood guides, Netflix and digital newspapers |
Countries near Amsterdam where to stay
Sleeping in Amsterdam is definitely the best choice, especially if you are planning a trip entirely dedicated to discovering the Dutch capital, or if you have little time, for example a weekend. If, on the other hand, you have more time at your disposal and your aim is to also explore the areas around Amsterdam, discovering the more indigenous Holland, you could then also consider sleeping in one of the villages listed below.
Haarlem (33 km / 29 min): once surrounded by walls, today it retains its medieval character thanks to its cobbled streets and houses with sloping roofs. Perfect location to admire the tulip fields, art museums and hofjes. Ideal base as it is connected to Amsterdam by direct bus (line 80, 29 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €66.00 per room
Zaandam (18.7 km / 19 min): known for the famous mills of Zaanse Schans, the Zaan river and the annual Dam tot Dam running race. Ideal base as it is connected to Amsterdam by direct train (Sprinter or Intercity, 12 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €52.00 per room
Volendam (21 km / 25 min): a quaint fishing village with typical small green houses and one of the most beautiful and touristy villages in Holland. Marken and Edam are also close by. Ideal base as it is connected to Amsterdam by direct bus (line 316, 28 min) - Hotels and b&b from €55.00 per room
Lisse (38.7 km / 38 min): a town famous for its tulip fields and the Keukenhof botanical garden. The Black Tulip Museum is also located here. To reach Amsterdam, first bus line 162 to Nieuw-Vennep Station and then train to the city - Hotels and B&Bs from €62.00 per room
The Hague (64.4 km / 1 h 4 min): coastal city on the North Sea, famous for the UN International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. From here you can also easily reach Rotterdam. Ideal base as it is connected to Amsterdam by direct bus (Flixbus, 45 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €58.00 per room
If you are in Amsterdam on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
