What Is The Best Area For “Where To Stay In Amsterdam Tourism?”

Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam and wondering where to stay? SIXT.VN understands finding the perfect accommodation can make or break your travel experience, especially when exploring a vibrant city like Amsterdam. This guide provides insights into the best neighborhoods and lodging options, ensuring a memorable and comfortable visit while looking into Amsterdam tourism.

1. Where To Stay In Amsterdam: A Complete Guide

Our philosophy when it comes to deciding on a place to stay is to first choose the neighborhood, then move on to finding a great hotel, hostel, or apartment in that area. The reality is that, depending on what you’re looking for, there are other neighborhoods not included in this guide that might meet your needs. But these are the five that we think are the best for 99% of travelers, and we’ve shown our work, doing our best to explain why we think that.

Here’s a quick summary of this guide if you’re short on time (though we’d recommend reading the section of the place you end up staying for tips and places to add to your list!).

Here’s a map to help you visualize what we’re talking about.

Amsterdam Neighborhood Map

It’s absolutely worth noting here at the top that, because of their ongoing housing crisis, Airbnb as we know it in the states is essentially illegal in Amsterdam, which is why you won’t find many options if you search for them. According to insights from local sources, housing is prioritized for residents, reflecting Amsterdam’s laws around Airbnb.

Basically, you need an expensive permit (which are now heavily regulated and restricted) to offer a vacation rental, it must be your main residence, and you can only rent out an entire home for a maximum of 30 days per year.

Those regulations are why you generally find private rooms in Amsterdam,which have less stringent regulations (they’re considered a bed and breakfast) and while there are entire homes available, the majority of them are sketchy (at best).

If you’re looking for an apartment with more space and a kitchen, look at aparthotels, which offer the same amenities (and zoning, crucially) as hotels, like a front desk and baggage storage, but the rooms are apartments.

One note on the Red Light District: Known as “De Wallen” in Dutch, this is one of the oldest parts of the city. But it is somewhere we would never recommend staying because it is the epicenter of Amsterdam’s reputation for being one big party (which, for the record, we don’t think is particularly warranted in 2024).

And it’s also the epicenter of sex work in Amsterdam, so this is not a great place to stay for families.

We’d also avoid staying is the stretch of the city between Dam Square and Central Station. It’s all multinational chains and unbelievable traffic, and the area immediately adjacent to the train station isn’t particularly charming or nice.

1.1. Where We’ve Stayed In Amsterdam

As usual, we like to start these guides with our own experiences, and in this case, that means covering the places we’ve stayed in Amsterdam that we’d recommend.

Instead, we’ll focus exclusively on this past trip in the spring of 2024, when I (Matt here!) spent 10 full days in Amsterdam sandwiched around a broader trip to Europe, and I stayed in two different places over that period.

For my first stint in Amsterdam, I decided to stay as centrally as possible to make the most of my three days exploring.

I landed on Museumplein (the Museum Quarter near the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum), which turned out to be a perfect location for a short trip.

It’s within walking distance of the canal ring, De Pijp, and the museums, and it has excellent tram connections to the rest of the city.

I stayed at Jan Luyken, a brand new guesthouse one block from the museums, and I was enamored by the model they use. Instead of nickel-and-diming you for every little thing in the hotel, literally everything is included. Coffee and breakfast in the morning? Included. Happy hour wine and cheese? Included.

Complimentary Wine at Jan Luyken

Breakfast Spread at Jan Luyken

For my second stint in Amsterdam, I had seven days and wanted a little more space, so I started looking for a nice aparthotel in Amsterdam (I was doing this mid-trip because I realized that I was going to have trouble living out of a hotel room for a full week).

As I began looking, I pretty quickly narrowed down the list to three places: Wittenberg by Cove (I’ve stayed at a Cove property in London before and loved it), Zoku Amsterdam, and The July by Boat & Co.

Zoku and Wittenberg are within a few blocks of each other in Oost, a part of the city I was interested in exploring, so I narrowed it down to those two.

I chose Wittenberg by Cove because of my previous experience with them, and I’m glad I did.

1.2. Grachtengordel / De 9 Straatjes: Our Favorite Part Of Amsterdam

This is absolutely our favorite part of Amsterdam, and we should probably take a second to talk about the geography and difference between the two neighborhoods we’ve smooshed into one category here.

At a high level, Grachtengordel is the ring of canals that forms the half onion in central Amsterdam, and De 9 Straatjes (“Nine Streets”) is a very small piece of that broader neighborhood that refers to a block of three by three streets in the center of the Canal Belt.

Broadly speaking, the most romantic and charming piece of the neighborhood is the area on the northwest side of the city center, closest to Centraal Station and the Jordaan.

As you move south and east, this neighborhood gets a little less charming, but the plus side is that you’ll find more places to stay (especially in the area smushed between Museumplein, De Pijp, and Centrum).

The biggest challenge here is going to be the relative lack of hotels in this section of the city. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, so it’s very difficult to make updates and expansions of the historic buildings here.

All the charm and the central location is going to come at a price, but if you’re looking for a special experience, you can’t go wrong staying here (many of the best hotels in Amsterdam are in this part of the city).

Canals of Grachtengordel

1.2.1. Pros and Cons of Staying Along the Canals

Pros of Staying Along the Canals

• Charming Ambiance: Walking along the canals in the early morning or late evening is unparalleled.
• Culinary Delights: A plethora of dining and drinking options, from brown cafes to vegan bakeries.

Cons of Staying Along the Canals

• High Costs: One of the most expensive areas due to limited accommodation choices.
• Lack of Options: Fewer hotels, generally catering to the luxury market.
• Busy Environment: Can be very crowded, especially during the day.

click here to find the perfect place to stay in the canal belt

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Walking the Canal Belt

1.2.2. The Best Places to Stay in the Canal Belt

Here are some cool hotels in the neighborhood that caught our eye. A reminder that, in this part of the city, you’re looking at a very limited (and therefore, very expensive) collection of hotels and guesthouses.

• Hotel IX Streets: Modern Mid-Range Hotel in a Great Location

  This brand new boutique hotel in Amsterdam is in a restored 17th Century building that has been renovated, top to bottom, to create a modern oasis for your stay in Amsterdam.

• ‘t Hotel: Family Run Hotel In the Center of Everything

  This relatively small family-run hotel (eight rooms) is at the northern end of the Grachtengordel right on Leliegracht, which is a short walk from Dam Square, the Anne Frank House, and the Jordaan. The location is pretty unbeatable, we think, and you’ll be able to walk almost everywhere.

• The Hoxton: One of the Coolest Hotels in Amsterdam

  The Hoxton is as stylish as it gets, and the location is perfect. You’ll be right in the middle of all the action, in a super central area between the Anne Frank House and the Red Light District.

1.3. The Jordaan: A Hip Neighborhood In A Great Location

While the Canal Belt is where the rich people settled, they quickly came to the realization that they were going to need a place for all the workers they needed to maintain their easy lives to live.

Enter the Jordaan. It’s close to the rich people’s houses, but it was very much a working class neighborhood until very recently.

During the mid 20th Century, this area was one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city, and conditions here were dire in terms of sanitation and cleanliness. Which is hard to believe walking through the area now.

However, like many former working class neighborhoods around the world, a funny thing happened with the Jordaan over the past 20 years or so.

First came the artists and students, who moved there for the cheap housing.

Then came the businesses catering to (or opened by) the artists and students.

Then came the hipsters, looking for the next cool thing.

And, finally, the yuppies arrived. And now it’s one of the most expensive and desirable neighborhoods in the city.

The Jordaan still has those working class roots, and though many of the businesses in the neighborhood have been there for decades, it has gone through a transformation over the past few decades that places like Brooklyn and the Mission in San Francisco have also experienced.

Gentrification.

Still, it’s a nice place to be in the modern day, and while there aren’t very many hotel options here, there are some gems that will put you right in the middle of all the action (and within walking distance of both Amsterdam Centraal Station and the Anne Frank House).

1.3.1. Pros and Cons of Staying in Jordaan

Jordaan Heading Towards Westerpark

Pros of Staying in the Jordaan

• Charming Streets: Narrow cobblestone streets and canal views create a pleasant environment.
• Excellent Food and Drink: Home to some of Amsterdam’s best culinary spots.
• Walkable: Close to Anne Frank House, Centraal Station, and tram lines.

Cons of Staying in the Jordaan

• Limited Choices: Few hotel options due to UNESCO World Heritage status restrictions.
• High Cost: Desirable location with limited accommodations equals higher prices.
• Gentrification: The neighborhood has fully undergone gentrification, losing some of its original character.

click here to find the perfect place to stay in the jordaan

Street in Jordaan

1.3.2. The Best Places to Stay in the Jordaan

Here are a few places in the Jordaan that caught our eye.

• Morgan & Mees: A Cool Boutique Hotel in a Great Location

  This upscale boutique hotel is at the top of our list of the coolest hotels in Amsterdam. It’s right on the border between the Jordaan and Westerpark, which means the location is basically perfect.

• Mr. Jordaan: The Coolest Guesthouse in the Neighborhood

  Mr. Jordaan is a charming guesthouse in the heart of Jordaan that has been around since the 60’s, consistently expanding as more and more travelers have experienced their hospitality.

• The Blossom House: A Cozy Guesthouse in the Heart of Jordaan

  This small, cozy guesthouse only has two rooms, but they’re about as stylish as they come.

• Linden Hotel: A Good Mid-Range Option in Jordaan

  Tucked away at the northwest corner of Jordaan, the Linden Hotel is a solid value in a city of, well, pretty expensive hotels.

• Hotel Mercier: Boutique Hotel in Jordaan

  This boutique hotel, which is on the Jordaan side of the Prinsengracht – which means you’re across the street from being in the Canal Belt – will add a touch of style to your stay in Amsterdam.

1.4. Museumplein: A Great Location At A More Reasonable Price Point

Museumplein Amsterdam

On my last trip to Amsterdam, which was a 10 day stint split into two parts that bookended a broader European adventure, I spent my first few days staying near Museumplein because I found it to be as central as it gets and I wanted to make the most of my first few days.

From the Museumplein, there are trams running in all directions that will whisk you away to places like Amsterdam Centraal and Dam Square within 15 minutes.

Plus, there is a bus from the airport (bus 397) that will take you from the arrivals hall to Museumplein in roughly 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you’re looking for a central location but don’t want to shell out the extra money to stay right on the canals, this is a great option. It’s not the cheapest part of the city (though it is cheaper than the Grachtengordel or the Jordaan), but the central location will be very useful for exploring the city.

1.4.1. Pros and Cons of Staying near Museumplein

Pros of Staying near Museumplein

• Proximity to Museums: Walking distance to Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
• Excellent Walkability: Convenient access to Vondelpark, De Pijp, and Grachtengordel.
• Vondelpark Access: Close to Amsterdam’s largest park.
• Public Transportation: Easy tram and bus connections, including airport bus 397.

Cons of Staying near Museumplein

• Cost: Relatively expensive due to its central location.
• Dining Options: Limited variety of dining and drinking establishments in the immediate area.

click here to find the perfect place to stay near museumplein

Coffee District in Amsterdam

Museumplein Impressions

1.4.2. The Best Places to Stay in the Museum Quarter

Here are a few places near Museumplein that caught our eye.

• De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel: A Beautiful Guesthouse

  This beautiful boutique hotel was completely renovated in 2020, and is a few blocks southwest of Museumplein (and the associated attractions and tram lines you’ll find there). It’s also within 10-15 minutes (on foot) of both Vondelpark and De Pijp.

• Conscious Hotel Museum Square: An Eco-Friendly Hotel Right on the Square

  The Conscious Hotel near Museumplein is less than a block from the south end of the square, which is a great location.

1.5. De Pijp: The Best Blend Of Location + Local Vibes

Overall, De Pijp is probably my favorite part of Amsterdam. If I was moving to Amsterdam, it would likely be the first place I’d look to live.

After my first trip to Amsterdam, I viewed De Pijp as the place where the Albert Cuyp Market is, and didn’t think much beyond that. Yes, the Albert Cuyp Market is great, and is well worth a visit. But there’s A LOT more to De Pijp than that one delicious street.

I happened to be staying a few blocks east of De Pijp for part of my trip, and ended up spending a good amount of time walking through the neighborhood over the course of a week of exploring Amsterdam.

Essentially, De Pijp is a little manmade island just outside of the Singelgracht (one of the canals that makes up the Grachtengordel) that is adjacent to Museumplein.

Within that island, you basically have everything you need in terms of living; great food and drinks (see “highlights” below for my favorites), multiple nice shopping stretches (I particularly enjoyed Ceintuurbaan and Van Woustraat), and an unexpected park in Sarphatipark.

However, as far as whether or not it makes sense to stay here as a tourist goes, it suffers from one major drawback; it’s very residential with very few places to stay (which is most of the reason why it feels like such a local vibe).

1.5.1. Pros and Cons of Staying in De Pijp

De Pijp in Amsterdam

Pros of Staying in De Pijp

• Authentic Local Experience: Offers a genuine feel of Amsterdam, away from tourist crowds.
• Walkability: Centrally located with easy access to Museumplein, Vondelpark, and canals.
• Charming Atmosphere: Characterized by brick buildings and green spaces.
• Culinary Hotspot: Numerous excellent restaurants and bars.

Cons of Staying in De Pijp

• Limited Accommodations: Few lodging options due to its residential nature.

click here to find the perfect place to stay in de pijp

Craft Coffee and Pastry Amsterdam

1.5.2. The Best Places to Stay in De Pijp

Here are a few places to stay in (and within a few blocks of) De Pijp.

• CitizenM Amsterdam Amstel: A Modern, Mid-Range Hotel

  We love CitizenM Hotels, which are consistently one of our favorite hotel chains in the world (source: we’ve stayed in four of their hotels around the world in the past couple of years).

• Hotel Notting Hill: Nice Boutique Hotel in De Pijp

  Just across the canal to the north of De Pijp (which I think means it’s not technically in De Pijp, but is literally a block outside of the border), this boutique hotel is a stylish, mid-range option.

1.6. Oost / Plantage: A Low Key Option For Longer Stays

The Plantage in Amsterdam

This is another situation where I’m giving you two areas, one of which is a bigger area, and one of which is a specific neighborhood within that broader area.

In this case, Oost is the broader area, and refers to the whole area to the immediate east of the city center and the Amstel River.

Plantage is a small sliver of that broader neighborhood that takes up the area near the ARTIS Zoo and the historic Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam

This chunk of the city is green and leafy, with beautiful residential buildings lining its streets.

I stayed in Oost for the majority of my latest trip to Amsterdam, and found it to be a very pleasant, quieter, and relatively affordable area to stay.

With the tram routes running from Oost across the city through De Pijp and Museumplein, and other routes running to Dam Square and Amsterdam Centraal, you’re also well connected to the rest of the city (although it’s not as easy to get to and from the airport from here – it requires a transfer or a taxi).

1.6.1. Pros and Cons of Staying in Oost / Plantage

Pros of Staying in Oost / Plantage

• Green Spaces: Abundant parks and green spaces for relaxation and recreation.
• Public Transit: Solid public transportation connections via metro and tram lines.
• Proximity to De Pijp: Easy walk to De Pijp’s dining and entertainment options.

Cons of Staying in Oost / Plantage

• Distance to Center: Longer walk to the city center, such as Jordaan or Dam Square.
• Airport Connections: Less convenient airport access, requiring transfers or taxis.

click here to find the perfect place to stay in oost / plantage

Oosterpark in Amsterdam

2. Why Is SIXT.VN The Perfect Choice For Your Amsterdam Trip?

SIXT.VN enhances your Amsterdam adventure by offering tailored travel solutions:

• Custom Itineraries: Personalized travel plans to match your interests and schedule.
• Airport Transfers: Reliable and comfortable transportation services ensuring smooth arrivals and departures.
• Hotel Bookings: A curated selection of accommodations catering to various budgets and preferences.
• Guided Tours: Expert-led tours of Amsterdam’s iconic sites and hidden gems.
• Flight Bookings: Assistance with booking flights to Amsterdam with competitive pricing and convenient schedules.

3. What Services Does SIXT.VN Offer To International Tourists Visiting Hanoi?

SIXT.VN offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of international tourists visiting Hanoi, including:

• Tailored Travel Itineraries: Customized to suit individual interests, budgets, and time frames.
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• Flight Booking Service: Assistance with booking the best flights.
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Navigating a new country can be challenging, but SIXT.VN is here to make your experience seamless:

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• 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock assistance for any unexpected issues.

5. What Are The Key Considerations When Choosing Accommodation In Amsterdam?

Selecting the right accommodation in Amsterdam depends on several factors:

• Location: Choose a neighborhood that suits your travel style.
• Budget: Amsterdam offers options for all budgets.
• Amenities: Consider what amenities are important to you.
• Accessibility: Ensure easy access to public transportation.
• Reviews: Check reviews to ensure quality and reliability.

6. How Can SIXT.VN Help You Plan Your Trip To Amsterdam?

SIXT.VN is your ideal partner for planning a memorable trip to Amsterdam:

• Expert Advice: Benefit from our in-depth knowledge of Amsterdam.
• Personalized Service: Tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
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• Comprehensive Support: Assistance from planning to travel.

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SIXT.VN is perfect for:

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8. How Does SIXT.VN Cater To Travelers From Different Countries?

We understand that travelers from different countries have unique needs:

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9. How Can You Ensure A Safe And Enjoyable Trip To Amsterdam With SIXT.VN?

Safety is our priority:

• Local Insights: Stay informed with our up-to-date travel advice.
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• Travel Insurance: Options for travel insurance.

10. What Unique Experiences Can SIXT.VN Offer During Your Amsterdam Visit?

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With SIXT.VN, your Amsterdam trip will be stress-free, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

FAQ Section: Your Questions About Staying in Amsterdam, Answered

Q1: What is the best area to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors, the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) or Jordaan are excellent choices. These neighborhoods offer a central location, charming atmosphere, and easy access to major attractions.

Q2: Is it expensive to stay in Amsterdam?

Yes, Amsterdam can be an expensive city, especially in popular areas like the Canal Belt and Jordaan. However, you can find more affordable options in neighborhoods like Museumplein or Oost.

Q3: What are the advantages of staying in an aparthotel in Amsterdam?

Aparthotels offer more space and amenities like a kitchen, making them ideal for longer stays. They also provide the convenience of hotel services such as a front desk and baggage storage.

Q4: Is Airbnb a good option for accommodation in Amsterdam?

Due to strict regulations, Airbnb options are limited and often unreliable. Aparthotels or guesthouses are generally better alternatives.

Q5: How easy is it to get around Amsterdam from different neighborhoods?

Amsterdam has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around from most neighborhoods. Trams, buses, and metro lines connect different parts of the city.

Q6: Are there any areas in Amsterdam that I should avoid staying in?

It’s generally best to avoid staying in the Red Light District or the area between Dam Square and Central Station due to crowds and safety concerns.

Q7: How can I find a hotel with canal views in Amsterdam?

Hotels in the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) are most likely to offer canal views. However, these tend to be more expensive, so book in advance.

Q8: What is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is generally between April and May or September and October to avoid the peak summer crowds.

Q9: What are some good day trips from Amsterdam?

Popular day trips from Amsterdam include visiting Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, and Haarlem.

Q10: How can SIXT.VN help me plan my trip to Amsterdam?

SIXT.VN offers expert travel advice, personalized itineraries, convenient booking, and comprehensive support to ensure a memorable trip.

Contact Information:

• Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Hotline/WhatsApp: +84 986 244 358
• Website: SIXT.VN

By choosing SIXT.VN, you ensure a seamless, safe, and unforgettable travel experience in Hanoi.