Where to Stay in Amsterdam – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

The capital and the most populated city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam originated sometime during the 12^th century as a small fishing village and has now become one of the most visited tourist places in the world. Reportedly, the city derives its name from a dam that was built along the River Amstel.

Welcoming over 7 million international visitors every year, Amsterdam has it all – museums, historic buildings, shopping avenues, red-light district, art galleries, and nightlife. Known as the “Venice of the North” due to its network of remarkable canals that spread across the entire city, Amsterdam is home to a rich history and culture and over 1,500 bridges!

With millions of European and international tourists visiting annually, finding good accommodation here is serious business. Let’s take a look at some of the popular neighborhoods to find where to stay in Amsterdam during your visit.

Jordaan

Recognized for its picturesque houses, the neighborhood of Jordaan dates back to the 17^th century when the area was used to provide residence to immigrants and the working class. Today, it is filled with trendy stores, fine-dining restaurants, and lively bars. Stroll around the beautiful canals and discover the hidden streets scattered around the neighborhood. Now ranked among the most upscale areas in Amsterdam, Jordaan also houses several art galleries and is a platform for many talented folk singers and street musicians. Anne Frank House, undoubtedly the most significant highlight in central Amsterdam, is a historical landmark.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Woonbootmuseum, Lindengracht Market, Galerie Buuf, Westerstraat, and Amsterdam Tulip Museum.

Hotel Recommendations:

Linden Hotel – Situated inside an 18^th century historic building, Linden Hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms with amenities such as flat-screen TV with cable channels, safety deposit box, electric kettle, and an ensuite bathroom. An optional breakfast is available daily. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Jordaan – Set in the heart of Jordaan, the elegant hotel offers comfy rooms with cozy beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, safety deposit box, wardrobe, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. An optional full English/Irish breakfast is available daily. Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel – The wonderful Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel offers guestrooms decorated with antique furnishing, comfortable beds, flat-screen TV with cable channels, leaded windows, safety deposit box, wardrobe, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Great for all kinds of travelers.

City Center

Ringed with canals and packed with restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues, the City Center is where you should stay if you want to be close to everything that happens in Amsterdam and don’t mind the little chaos and crowd. Dam Square is arguably the most famous attraction here, especially with the imposing Royal Palace Amsterdam as its centerpiece. For shopping enthusiasts, a visit to Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk market streets are a must. Anne Frank House and the floating flower market is located within walking distance.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: National Monument, Sherlocked Escape Rooms, Beurs van Berlage, The Oude Church, English Reformed Church, and Arti et Amicitiae.

Hotel Recommendations:

The Hoxton, Amsterdam – Constructed out of 5 canal houses, The Hoxton, Amsterdam provides luxurious accommodation with a flat-screen TV, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, refrigerator, seating area (in selected rooms), and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
Tulip of Amsterdam B&B – Located on Kloveniersburgwal, one of the oldest canals in the city, the stylish hotel offers comfortable guestrooms with a minibar, coffee machine, electric kettle, flat-screen TV, DVD Player, wardrobe, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Additional facilities at the hotel include a communal patio, free Wi-Fi, and daily complimentary breakfast. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam – A few minutes’ walking distance from the Central Station, this splendid hotel offers luxurious rooms with state-of-the-art amenities, on-site private parking, a bar and restaurant, complimentary tea, an indoor boutique garden, a 24-hour front desk, and free use of bicycles. Basilica of St. Nicholas and Royal Palace Amsterdam are located within a few hundred meters from the property. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Oud-West

Slightly more urban and upscale, the neighborhood of Oud-West is a fine mix of family-friendly vibe along with a younger, more dynamic crowd. At a convenient walking distance from the center of the city, the area is home to several stylish restaurants and bars, plush hotels, markets, and plenty of nightlife. Noordermarkt flea market and Westerkerk are located within a short distance. Vegetarians will especially find a lot of vegan and vegetarian restaurants scattered around the neighborhood. Lab 111, a cinema, diner, and exhibition space within a former pathological anatomy lab, is the hub of interesting events that take place almost daily.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Vondelpark, Makers Market, and Kinkerstraat.

Hotel Recommendations:

Pillows Anna van den Vondel Amsterdam – The beautiful 19^th century property features luxurious rooms and suites fitted with queen-size beds, HD TV, wireless sound system, coffee machine, laptop safe, closet, and a walk-in shower with free toiletries. The property also houses a well-manicured garden, a couple of dining options, and a bar. An exceptionally delightful breakfast is served daily at no extra cost. Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
Conscious Hotel The Tire Station – A stone’s throw away from Vondelpark, the eco-hotel offers comfortable guestrooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and ensuite bathroom. The property is also equipped with solar panels, a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a pastry shop, and offers bike rentals. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Hotel De Hallen – 5 minutes’ away from Ten Katestraat’s market, Hotel De Hallen provides cozy guestrooms with a flat-screen TV, minibar, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, soundproofing, ironing facilities, and an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Guests can enjoy at the on-site bar and restaurant. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Westerpark

Coined after the namesake park established in 1891, the Westerpark area is known for its green space, iconic architecture, and a bustling nightlife. The neighborhood is divided into two parts – the old and the new. While the old neighborhood feels like a regular neighborhood with a family-friendly park and a few monuments away, the new part, Westergasfabriek, houses several indie shops, an art-house cinema, great restaurants, and also a dance club. Museum Het Schip, an apartment building known for its architectural brilliance inspired by Amsterdam School of Expressionist architecture, is the most prominent attraction in the area. While here, explore the many shops and cafes surrounding the old gasworks in Zuiveringshal West area.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Amsterdam Theater, Anne Frank House, Noorderkerk Church, and St Barbara Cemetery.

Hotel Recommendations:

Morgan & Mees – A short distance from the famous Anne Frank House, Morgan & Mees offers well-appointed guestrooms fitted with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safety deposit box, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. The property also features an on-site restaurant and bar, a terrace, ticket service, and luggage storage facilities. Great for solo travelers and couples.
WestCord Art Hotel Amsterdam 4 stars – This charming 4-star property located by the historic center of Amsterdam features plush guestrooms with air-conditioning, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, seating area, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Extra amenities and service include an outdoor swimming pool, on-site parking, a terrace bar, a brasserie, and bike rentals. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Esperanza Guest House – The wonderful guest house offers well-appointed guestrooms equipped with facilities such as flat-screen TV, minibar, air-conditioning, work desk, wardrobe, tea/coffee maker, electric kettle, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. The property also features free Wi-Fi and parking. Great for solo travelers and couples.

Negen Straatjes (a.k.a. The 9 Streets)

Popularly known as “The 9 Streets,” the sub-neighborhood comprises three main parallel streets which are intersected by Keizersgracht and Herengracht, making nine smaller sections. The area is part of the larger neighborhood of Grachtengordel, also known as the “Canal Belt”. Best known for shopping, Negen Straatjes neighborhood is filled with cute boutiques, chic fashion and accessory shops, and upscale European and international stores. There are also a number of vintage clothing and furniture stores in the vicinity. Cromhouthuis, a charming restored house, is home to a peaceful garden and the Bijbels Museum that shouldn’t be missed. Museum Het Grachtenhuis is dedicated to Amsterdam’s canals and the canal houses.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: The Brillen Museum, The European Center for Art, Culture and Science, Het Paleis, Westerkerk, and Houseboat Museum.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel IX Nine Streets Amsterdam – Located within close proximity to the well-known 9 Straatjes shopping district, the hotel features fully-furnished suites with free Wi-Fi, seating area, flat-screen TV with cable channels, electric kettle, coffee machine, ensuite bathroom, and a pleasant view of the city. Royal Palace Amsterdam, Dam Square, and the Flower Market are all nearby. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Ambassade Hotel – Made of ten 17^th century canal mansions, Ambassade Hotel features lavish guestrooms equipped with avant-garde facilities and services, free Wi-Fi, a floatation center, a Library-bar with over 4,000 books, a brasserie, private parking, airport shuttle, and room service. An optional breakfast is available daily. Perfect for all kinds of luxury travelers.
Canal Boutique Rooms & Apartments – This 1680 townhouse overlooks the Keizersgracht canal and offers well-appointed rooms and apartments fitted with a fully-equipped kitchen (in apartments), flat-screen TV, iPod dock, electric kettle, wardrobe, and ensuite bathroom with shower/bathtub. Dam Square and the Royal Palace are a few minutes’ walk away. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

The Museum Quarter

Museum Quarter, Amsterdam — Museum Quarter

Amsterdam’s melting pot of art, history, and culture, the Museum Quarter is undeniably the landmark of sophistication in the city. Home to the finest museums of Amsterdam, including Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, the neighborhood is a haven for art and culture lovers. Also in this neighborhood is the Royal Concertgebouw, a concert hall which has been in existence since 1888 and is home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. A stroll down the Van Baerlestraat or the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat will take you through some of the finest chic couture houses – think diamonds, leather shoes, designer wear! When you are tired of all the walking and shopping, relax in a peaceful corner at Vondelpark, unless it’s King’s Day in which case the park will be loaded with visitors.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially art and culture lovers.
Other Highlights: House of Bols, Diamant Museum, Canal Boat Tours, Museumplein Park, Poetry Museum, and Moco Museum.

Hotel Recommendations:

The Muse Amsterdam – Boutique Hotel – A gentle 10 minutes’ stroll from Van Gogh Museum, the Muse Amsterdam – Boutique Hotel offers comfortable guestrooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibar, TV with satellite channels, coffee machine, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. The property also has a 24-hour front desk and parking facility. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Hotel Aalders – Within a walking distance of famous attractions such as Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum, Hotel Aalders comes with well-appointed guestrooms equipped with beautiful garden/city view, flat-screen TV with cable channels, wardrobe, a desk, and ensuite bathroom. An optional breakfast is available daily. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Apollofirst Boutique Hotel – The 4-star boutique property features comfortable guestrooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit box, refrigerator, ironing facilities, flat-screen TV with cable channels, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Optional hot and bold breakfast is available daily in the breakfast room. Guests can also enjoy the on-site library bar and the garden. Great for all kinds of travelers.

De Pijp

This bohemian neighborhood is a place where you can easily lose yourself for hours without getting bored or exhausted. Home to several old-school pubs, sidewalk cafes, Middle-eastern diners, and hip shops. One of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant neighborhoods in Amsterdam, De Pijp is a former working-class quarter buzzing with students, artists, families, and of course, tourists. The area is your best bet for trying some delightfully authentic Moroccan, Syrian, and Turkish delicacies. If you are a beer lover (or not), you can’t miss a visit to The Heineken Experience, a former brewery transformed into a museum that is dedicated to the brand’s 244-year history. Of course, at the end of it, you could grab a pint or two to quench your thirst. For a thriving nightlife, visit Quartier Latin (de Pijp).

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially the young.
Other Highlights: Albert Cuypmarkt, Sarpahti Park, Kinderboerderij de Pijp, and Amsterdam Canal Cruise.

Hotel Recommendations:

Sir Albert Hotel – A few hundred meters from the famous Museum Square, Sir Albert Hotel provides well-appointed guestrooms with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with pay-per-view channels, safety deposit box, iPod dock, wardrobe/closet, ironing facilities, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Additional facilities include an on-site bar and restaurant, a library, valet parking, and bike rental facility. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam – The Leading Hotels of the World – Set in the trendy neighborhood of De Pijp, the 5-star luxurious hotel comes with state-of-the-art facilities and services, 300 spacious guestrooms, 4 supreme-quality restaurants, an indoor pool, a gymnasium, a spa and wellness center, and private parking. Perfect for all kinds of luxury travelers.
ibis Styles Amsterdam City – Within walking distance from the Amstel River, the 3-star hotel offers cozy guestrooms fitted with flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, safety deposit box, and ensuite bathroom. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily at the property. Private parking is available on site. Great for all kinds of travelers.

Canal Belt

The city of Amsterdam is home to over 100 kilometers of canals (or grachten), 1,500 bridges, and around 90 islands. Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, the three main canals in the city, have been in existence since the Dutch Golden edge and essentially form the Canal Belt, also known as Grachtengordel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these canals are encircled by around 1,500 monumental structures, including Anne Frank House, Museum Van Loon, Museum Geelvinck-Hinlopen, and Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam. Events and activities take place around the canals throughout the year. The best and the most surreal way of exploring the belt is via a canal cruise. The shopping district of De 9 straatjes is located within a short distance and so are some of the best restaurants and bars of Amsterdam. For something a little luxurious, spend a day at one of the houseboats and enjoy the view of the city from its very own waters.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Museum of the Canals, Museum of Bags and Purses, KattenKabinet, Westerkerk, and Homomonument.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Sebastians – Featuring boutique-style guestrooms and modern facilities, Hotel Sebastians is within 10 minutes’ walking distance from the Central Station, Anne Frank House, and Dam Square. Amenities and services at the property include a fully-stocked bar, airport shuttle service, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and sumptuous breakfast (at an additional cost). Great for all kinds of travelers.
Hotel Clemens – A few minutes’ walk from the Royal Palace, Hotel Clemens offers well-furnished guestrooms with facilities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safety deposit box, wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Dikker en Thijs Fenice Hotel – Set in an 18^th century warehouse, this luxurious hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safety deposit box, seating area, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. A handy smartphone is provided in every room. An optional breakfast is available daily. Great for solo travelers and couples.

De Wallen

The largest and the best-renowned red-light district in Amsterdam, De Wallen is much more than brothels and adult-oriented businesses. While there may be hundreds of cabins occupied by sex workers who offer their services from behind a glass window, prostitution itself is limited to specific areas and streets in the neighborhood. Surprisingly, De Wallen is a residential district with several restaurants, bars, museums, and historic buildings. Considered among the oldest part of Amsterdam, De Wallen is home to Netherlands-gothic Oude Kerk, the oldest church in the city.

Good for: All kind of families, except families with young children.
Other Highlights: Church of Saint Nicholas, Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, The Oude Church, Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, and Allard Pierson Museum.

Hotel Recommendations:

Manikomio – A couple of hundred meters from Dam Square, Manikomio offers well-furnished guestroom with features such as private entrance, hardwood/parquet floors, free Wi-Fi, coffee machine, and a closet. Rembrandt Square is only around a kilometer from the property. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
Hotel Luxer – Located in one of the most famous districts of Amsterdam, Hotel Luxer features comfortable guestrooms fitted with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, safety deposit box, ironing facilities, wardrobe/closet, and an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. A 24-hour front desk, luggage storage facility, and a bar are available for guests. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Hotel Royal Taste – Set in the heart of the city’s historic district, Hotel Royal Taste offers wonderful single, double, triple, and quadruple guestrooms with comfortable beds, TV, and an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. The property observes a retro décor. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Jordaan

City Center

Oud-West

Westerpark

Negen Straatjes (a.k.a. The 9 Streets)

The Museum Quarter

De Pijp

Canal Belt

De Wallen

Where to Stay in Amsterdam – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: