Where to stay in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a really popular tourist destination. The central section of the city, also called the ‘inner canal belt,’ is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its gorgeous architecture and compact size. One can take a 10-minute train ride or walk for about ten minutes to go from one end of the central area to another.

There is no shortage of great places to stay in Amsterdam. You can select between posh and sleek boutique B&Bs, beautifully renovated old canal homes, houseboats, deluxe short-stay houses, campsites, hostels, and many more accommodation options.

It may however be noted that accommodation costs spike during the peak seasons, during Christmas, Easter, and between July and August. Hence, it is a good option to book your hotels in advance and not wait until the last moment.

Some of the best places to stay in Amsterdam are mentioned below.

1. The City Centre

The city centre is choc-o-bloc with bars and restaurant. The central train station is located towards the north and it is connected to the Schiphol airport. The area is enclosed by canals; Dam Square is the hub and the main attraction is the majestic Royal Palace. The Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat shopping streets are located next to Dam Square. The lively restaurants of Chinatown can be found near Nieuwmarkt.

Waterlooplein square is situated towards the south-east of City Centre; it is home to the house of Rembrandt (now converted into a museum) and a daily flea market where stallholders sell antique stuff and second hand apparels. The globally known Red Light District is located towards the east next to the Old Church/Oude Kerk.

2. The Old Centre

The Old Centre is located at a short walking distance from all the popular tourist attractions. It is also the main area for nightlife and shopping. There are lots of inexpensive hotels and budget travelers can choose to stay here when in Amsterdam. It may however be noted that the red light district is located really close by, and families with kids may want to avoid it!

• Hotel de l’Europe is a luxurious, charming, and stylish hotel that has been hosting guests for decades. Located centrally next to the river, the hotel has posh and big rooms as well as a 2-Michelin Star restaurant, a lavish Freddy’s Bar, and a spa.
• The Flying Pig Downtown hostel is big, clean, and efficiently run by former travelers who are aware about the requirements of backpackers. The hostel is quite popular and features mixed dorms, a few of which come with large beds that can sleep two people.

3. The Canal Loop

The City Centre is ringed by the canal loop of Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Prinsengracht as well as the Singel canal. The area between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsestraat consists of 9 Streets which are a mecca for vintage trends and Dutch fine designs.

The Canal Loop region is lined by charming homes which have been converted into great places to stay in Amsterdam. It also features ancient canals and bicycle-friendly roads. Towards the south are the colorful and eye soothing Bloemenmarkt flower market and the Muntplein and Rembrandtplein squares known for their numerous cafes.

4. Grachtengordel South

Grachtengordel South is home to a glut of bars, clubs, and restaurants spread out all the way across Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Such ideal location of the area has helped it increasing grow in popularity of late. The area has many budget places to stay in Amsterdam along the nearby canals; most accommodations are quite pleasing while some are also elegant.

• Prinsenhof is a one-star, small place that provides bed and boarding. Launched in 1813, the hotel features 11 large rooms with tasteful interiors. It is one of the top budget places to stay in Amsterdam; due to the high demand, it is essential for travelers to book in advance.
• In 2014, the Waldorf Astoria decided that their new hotel will be located in this area, adjacent to a series of connected 17^th century beautiful canal houses. The luxury and rather expensive hotel features over 90 tastefully decorated rooms and chic suites.

5. Grachtengordel West

Located towards the west of Amsterdam’s Old Centre, Grachtengordel West streets are lined with canals. It has several quiet hotels by the waterside. However, the cheapest accommodations are mostly located along one of the busiest streets in the city, i.e. the Raadhuisstraat.

• The Dylan hotel is a trendy hotel, but not ostentatious. It is located in a 17^th century building, in the middle of a striking patio and terrace. It even has an onsite 1-Michelin Star restaurant. If you stay once at this place, you are most likely to become a repeat customer like many others before!
• The Herengracht offers a snug bed for travelers, but no breakfast. It has 3 double rooms with a yawning bolt-hole that offers either a garden view or a canal view.

6. The Plantage and Old Jewish Quarter

It is primarily a residential area, with just a few restaurants and bars. Hence, it is not frequented by many tourists. However, if you select this place to stay in Amsterdam, then you will definitely have no problems sleeping. Another point to note is the fact that most tourist hot spots are located just a short distance away.

• Arena hotel is a trendy and modern 4 star hotel located somewhat farther east of the city centre. It features split-level accommodations, a vibrant night club (open till the wee hours) situated inside a former church, a romantic restaurant with a terrace garden, and a bar with a comfortable and joyous ambiance.
• Located near Waterlooplein, Adolesce is a welcoming, simple, and popular hotel. The old canal house is four-storied and does not feature a lift/elevator. It features a communal seating section and 10 kinda-old but clean rooms.

7. Amsterdam Noord and the Eastern Docklands

These promising and fast rising districts are home to some exceptional, modern, and innovative places to stay in Amsterdam. One can easily travel from here to other places via tram or ferry. The wide expanses and industrial era architecture can often come as a surprise (for tourists) in a city known for its medieval streets and buildings.

• Faralda Crane is the planet’s first hotel located in a crane. It features 3 super modern suites, 50 meters high up in the air, with jaw-dropping views of the city. It is no wonder that it has a huge waiting list of would-be guests!
• The building which is now Lloyd Hotel was formerly a hostel for refugee workers and a prison. It has undergone extensive renovation and turned into some kind of culture and heritage embassy, featuring an art library and an arts centre. Located in the eastern docklands/ Oosterdok, this hotel caters to all types of visitors. It has 5 star deluxe suites as well as 1-star accommodations with shared bathrooms.

8. The Jordaan

Located towards west of canal loop and city centre, Jordaan district is a little far from the main attractions. Formerly a working class locality, it has now been transformed into a lively meeting place with lots of diverse restaurants, peculiar shops, and lively bars. It is also home to top-of-the-line art galleries such as Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam, situated on Rozenstraat. The very famous ‘Anne Frank’s House’ is situated on the district’s northern border. Most of the houses are conventional Dutch residences and hence will be a great place to stay in Amsterdam. It is important to note that Rozengracht and Marnixstraat are busy main roads and hence avoid accommodations near them.

• Formerly an art gallery, the Maison Rika is a boutique hotel with stunning furnishings. The 2^nd and 3^rd floors of the building house exquisitely decorated large bedrooms.
• Originally a 1900s tram depot, the place was converted into the spectacular De Hallen hotel. A lot of the original characteristics of the depot, like vaulted glass roof and rails on floor of dining room, have remained intact. The inventively designed hotel has 55 rooms which appear to be suspended inside the former train depot.

9. The Museum Quarter

Located towards southwest of city center, the Museum Quarter features no canals. It is however known for being home to popular tourist attractions like the Rijksmuseum (the biggest art gallery in the country) and the Van Gogh museum with the largest collection of Van Gogh artworks located on Museumplein, as well as exclusive stores and shops. The diverse neighborhood of De Pijp with a high concentration of bars and diners is located towards the east; it is visited by all, from artists to students. Leidseplein and its lively nightlife is a short walk away from Museum Quarter. Most of the accommodations in this district are high-end and boutique hotels. The main negative of this place is that the two main roads nearby feature near continuous traffic.

• The Conservatorium is one of the most impressive and eye-catching hotels in Amsterdam. Formerly a heritage structure, it has now been converted into a modern design wondrous work of architecture. The main attraction is Akasha, the most luxurious and biggest spa in the city.
• The College boutique hotel was formerly a 19^th century schoolhouse. Run by students from hotel schools, it features a top-notch eatery, appealing and contemporary rooms, a posh terrace, and a classy bar.

10. Vondelpark

Regarded as the lungs of the city, leafy and lush Vondelpark is located on the southern border of Jordaan district. The posh locality is known for its varied designer and haute shopping streets like Jacob Obrechtstraat and Cornelis Schuytstraat.

Tourists can relax and mix with the locals at this fabulous park. It is a favorite place for bike rides, picnics, free concerts, and in-line skating. The park also features an open-air theatre and a Film Museum. Leidseplein square, lined with beautiful terraces and vibrant cafes, and Museumplein are located nearby.

11. The outer districts

Amsterdam Oost and other regions in the outer districts are fast becoming hubs of exciting new places to stay in Amsterdam. Travelers can expect to get high-end accommodations at affordable rates in these areas. The outer districts are well connected by frequent and reliable trams and hence tourists do not need to worry about being too far away from real action.

• The Stayokay Zeeburg hostel is situated within a former school on the city’s eastern suburbs in a residential area. It is wheelchair friendly and features laundry and bike rental services, and an owned restaurant/bar.
• The Hilton Amsterdam hotel is located in the distinctly posh district of nieuw Zuid. It is armed with all the amenities that you expect of an upmarket hotel. Most of the guests here are business-based clients. This hotel is known for its magnificent ‘John Lennon and Yoko’ suite, where in 1969, the couple held the well-known ‘bed-in’ for world peace.