Where to Stay in Amsterdam (14 Best Places, By A Local)

14 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is centered around the river Het IJ, from which water flows through the Canal Belt, the city’s beating heart. The other districts, Noord, West, Oost, and Zuid, fan out from this monumental city center and form the main living areas. 

Despite its relatively small size, navigating Amsterdam can be tricky, as these districts can be divided in over 100 neighborhoods and 500 blocks. A good rule of thumb, therefore, is to stay within the Ring — the highway circling the city — where most of the city’s hotspots can be found.

De Jordaan

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Jordaan Hotels: Hotel Mercier • Mr Jordaan • Bed & Breakfast WestViolet

De Jordaan is exactly what you would picture when you think of Amsterdam. Part of the Canal Belt, the water and its bridges are the main features of this area. But the real star is the authentic Amsterdam culture you can find here. 

De Jordaan is the area for first-time visitors with its traditional brown cafés (Café Nol) where you can hear Ramses Shaffy blasting from the speakers, to the newest food experiences. As it is located in the city center, most major sights are walkable from here, but the area is quieter than the busy Dam Square or Red Light District, for example. 

Staying at my #1 choice hotel, Mr Jordaan is a must to fully immerse yourself in city life. Here, you get to experience what it is like to live in one of the canal houses, but with a little more luxury than the usual resident. If you prefer grand hotels with a history and splendid design, then the former community center Hotel Mercier is a great pick in an ideal location.

Pros of Staying in De Jordaan:

• Located in the city center
• Quieter than most areas in the center
• Real “Amsterdam culture” around every corner
• Close to most major sights 

Cons of Staying in De Jordaan:

• Some streets, like de Rozengracht or Westergracht, can be noisy due to popular bars
• Hotels can be pricey because of its location 

Westerparkbuurt

👉 Best Area For Families and Culture | ✨ Best Westerparkbuurt Hotels: The July – Boat & Co • Conscious Hotel Westerpark • Eric Vökel Boutique Hotel • Sweets Kattenslootbrug

The Westerparkbuurt is a hidden gem among tourists, but a favorite among locals. The main feature of the area is the former 19th-century gasworks: the Westergasfabriek, which forms the heart of Westerpark. Built in the Dutch neo-renaissance style, it is a type of architecture you won’t find anywhere else in the city. 

This area is now a cultural hub that has multiple museums, delicious restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. You will feel right at home here if you are an art lover, music enthusiast, or architecture connoisseur. You can attend a concert or techno party in the Gashouder, or cross the train tracks into Museum Het Schip, where you can explore the Amsterdamse School architectural style. 

To be close to all of these attractions, consider staying at the Conscious Hotel which is located in the park itself.

Additionally, the Westerparkbuurt is the place to stay with kids. The neighborhood is largely residential and with wide and quiet streets, playing outside is no issue. Visit Het Woeste Westen Nature Playground to take outdoor games to the next level. The July – Boat & Co hotel is one of the most kid-friendly accommodations in the city, as they offer roomy apartments with top-notch facilities. 

Pros of Staying in the Westerparkbuurt:

• Beautiful in spring because of its green environment 
• Live music and other cultural events at the Westergasterrein
• Lots of bars and restaurants in Westerpark
• Kid-friendly due to its wide and relatively quiet streets 

Cons of Staying in the Westerparkbuurt:

• Relatively little and slow public transport to the city center 
• Most bars and restaurants are centered around Westerpark

Oud-West

👉 Best Area For Foodies | ✨ Best Oud-West Hotels: Hotel De Hallen • Boutique B&B Bovien • Maison Elle

If the sound of Mediterranean fusion restaurants like Gitane or seasonal bistros like Gertrude makes your heart beat faster, then Oud-West is the neighborhood for you. This area of Amsterdam is the best place to stay for foodies with a unique restaurant on every corner.

Of all the restaurants, the Foodhallen takes the cake if you want to eat your way around the world. With over 40 stands, this tram-depot-turned-food-court offers everything from bitterballen to quesadillas. 

Stay at Hotel de Hallen so you can visit the court anytime you are craving a snack, or book a room at Maison Elle, which is one of the best boutique hotels in the city. 

Apart from food, this neighborhood’s proximity to Vondelpark and mix of boutique fashion and concept stores make Oud-West popular among locals as well. It is a great place to mingle with Amsterdam’s residents and bring home a unique souvenir. 

Stay at Boutique B&B Bovien close to the lively J.P Heijestraat for some great shopping at Following Lucy and food at Gitane.

Pros of Staying in Oud-West:

• Good public transport to the city center
• Borders Vondelpark, so you can walk to the center through the park as well
• Many great restaurants and cafés 

Cons of Staying in Oud-West:

• Hotels near Vondelpark tend to be pricey
• The Overtoom or other big streets can be noisy due to heavy traffic in peak hours

Willemspark & Museumkwartier

👉 Best Area For Museum Lovers & Couples | ✨ Best Willemspark & Museumkwartier Hotels: Park Plaza Hotel • Hotel Omega • Conservatorium Hotel

Amsterdam has over 50 museums scattered around the city, but the most notable ones are centered around the Museumplein. It comes as no surprise that the area around the square is the best place to stay for museum lovers.

You could easily fill a day here with Dutch history and art at the Rijksmuseum, modern art at the Stedelijk Museum, or Van Gogh’s life and best pieces in his namesake museum. 

Within walking distance from the iconic Concertgebouw and Rijksmuseum, you find the equally iconic Conservatorium Hotel, which is a landmark all on its own. Even if you do not stay here, you should get a drink at their bar Taiko.

Although Museumkwartier can get really crowded with tourists, staying in Willemspark offers quieter streets with villas that resemble small castles. The area is perfect for couples looking for a romantic stay with views on the willow-lined lakes in Vondelpark. Book a couple of nights at the Park Plaza, right on the edge of the park.

Pros of Staying in Willemspark and Museumkwartier:

• Many public transport options from here
• Easy to walk to the city center
• Close to the major museums and Vondelpark

Cons of Staying in Willemspark and Museumkwartier:

• Hotels can be pricey
• The area around Museumplein can be extremely crowded
• Cycling without a lot of experience can be quite overwhelming here

Apollobuurt & Stadionbuurt

👉 Best Area For A Luxury Stay | ✨ Best Apollobuurt & Stadionbuurt Hotels: The July Twenty-Eight • Apollo Hotel • The Delphi • Hilton Amsterdam

The largely residential Apollobuurt and neighboring Stadionbuurt might not be on your radar. However, it did host one of the most famous protests of the 20th century: John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s first Bed-In. In 1969, they spent their entire honeymoon in bed at the Hilton Hotel to rally against the Vietnam War. To this day, you can still stay in their suite and recreate the famous scene.

Nevertheless, few tourists tend to find these neighborhoods. Those that do come for views of its stately villas on the Apollolaan, its green and spacious environment, and its luxury hotels. Consider a stay at the Apollo Hotel overlooking the Kom and Amstel Canal if you are looking for luxury in one of Amsterdam’s richest neighborhoods. 

If you are a sports fan, however, then I recommend staying at The July Twenty-Eight. This hotel is located opposite of the Olympic Stadium where the 1928 games were held. You can still visit the stadium with a guided tour.

Pros of Staying in Apollobuurt & Stadionbuurt:

• Quiet streets mean a good night’s sleep
• Beautiful cycle route to the city center
• Not many tourists around

Cons of Staying in Apollobuurt & Stadionbuurt:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Public transport to the city center tends to take around 30 minutes
• Besides the Olympic Stadium, there are few attractions

De Pijp

👉 Best Area For Vibrant Atmosphere & Returning Visitors | ✨ Best De Pijp Hotels: Sir Albert • Hotel Okura • Pestana Amsterdam Riverside • The Market Retreat

Hip, lively, and slightly chaotic: De Pijp is a favorite among students and young professionals. At its heart is the Albert Cuyp Market, which is great for grocery shopping and trying Dutch foods as a tourist. The streets fanning out from the market are where social life flourishes. 

De Pijp has it all, whether you are looking for a brunch spot, the best place to shop, or a nightclub. Check out Gerard Douplein for brunch, lunch, or dinner, browse the racks of sustainable fashion store Verse or cult brand Anna + Nina, and have a drink at De Groene Vlinder to fully immerse yourself in local life.

De Pijp is also one of the best places to stay as a returning visitor. Its proximity to the city center brings you close to all the highlights, while still allowing you to dive deeper into young professional life in Amsterdam. 

To make the experience complete, stay at the Sir Albert, just around the corner of the Albert Cuyp Market, or bask in luxury at Hotel Okura where you can have the best Japanese food at Yamazato.

Pros of Staying in De Pijp:

• Close to the city center
• Vibrant social scene with great restaurants and bars
• The best stores in Amsterdam, where the cool folk get their clothes
• Good mix of hotels at different price points

Cons of Staying in De Pijp:

• Can be chaotic and crowded, especially during weekends
• Can be dirty around the Albert Cuyp Market due to forgotten trash
• Bars and restaurants tend to be pricey

Rivierenbuurt

👉 Best Area For Local Life & WWII History | ✨ Best Rivierenbuurt Hotels: Beautiful Amstel Houseboat • Apartment Sandra • Boutique Studio

With De Pijp as its neighbor, De Rivierenbuurt is the most popular place to live in Amsterdam and is therefore the best area to experience local life. 

You can reach the city center with a 15-minute bicycle ride, or just enjoy coffee at one of the lowkey cafés. Stay at Apartment Sandra to fully experience what it is like living in an Amsterdam apartment.

While de Rivierenbuurt is not a place to look for epic attractions, it is a good spot for those interested in World War II history. This area was the home of Anne Frank and her family before they moved to their now famous shelter. You can find her statue on the Merwedeplein, where her house used to be. 

But many more Jews lived in the neighborhood before the war, which is why you will find many bronze tiles called Stolpersteine or Struikelstenen. These engraved tiles demarcate where Jewish people lived before they were taken by the Nazis. On the 4th of May, the day of the Remembrance of the Dead, relatives lay flowers on their stones. 

Pros of Staying in Rivierenbuurt:

• Lots of ‘quiet’ history, for those willing to do some research
• The streets are quiet and relaxed
• Feels like a village inside of Amsterdam

Cons of Staying in Rivierenbuurt:

• Public transport options are limited
• Not a large choice of a hotels 
• To find the best bars and restaurants, you need to cycle further

Oud-Oost

👉 Best Area For Students | ✨ Best Oud-Oost Hotels: Generator Hostel • Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel • Volkshotel • CASA

Relatively close to the University’s Science Park and sports center, Oud-Oost is where students go for drinks and food after their games and classes. Its stunning houses surrounding the quaint Oosterpark harbor many bars that turn into nightclubs during the weekend, like brewery Eeuwige Jeugd’s Café de Jeugd. 

If you are a student looking to make friends, then stay at CASA, a hotel also offering student housing.

But Oud-Oost is a great place to stay for travelers looking for history, too. The neighborhood is home to the Wereldmuseum, the former and now decolonized Colonial Institute, and the National Monument of the Past of Slavery. 

Oud-Oost is a perfect place to stay if you want to educate yourself and know more about the Dutch colonial past. Stay at Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel, located in the former university building next to the museum, to add some luxury to your trip.

Pros of Staying in the Oud-Oost:

• Lots of green spaces around
• Easy to walk to downtown
• Many great bars to relax after a day of exploring
• Borders the Amstel, where you can find great views and restaurants
• The Wereldmuseum gives you a more nuanced look at the Netherlands’ past

Cons of Staying in the Oud-Oost:

• Hotels, and even the hostels, can be pricey
• Feels far away from the city even though it is not

Weesperbuurt & Plantage

👉 Best Area for Backpackers & Nature Lovers  | ✨ Best Weesperbuurt & Plantage Hotels: Zoku • Wittenberg by Cove • Hyatt Regency • InterContinental Amstel

Another area where you can find many students, but this time intermingled with wildlife and flora, are the Weesperbuurt and the Plantage. The Weesperbuurt is home to Roeterseiland, the University of Amsterdam gamma campus, and extremely close to the city center. 

With its high-rise buildings and work-cafés, it draws students, backpackers, and digital nomads alike. Stay at Zoku for their rooftop restaurant, or mingle with other travelers at two amazing hostels: the Bee Hostel and the Elephant Hostel.

Where the Weesperbuurt gives off modern vibes, de Plantage is full of romantic greenery. The eclectic 19th-century zoo Artis, together with the neighboring botanical garden Hortus Botanicus, is perfect to visit with kids, a good book, or a date. 

If you want the hustle and bustle of the university within walking distance, but with a view of the Plantage, then stay at Wittenberg by Cove, a hotel offering apartments for longer stays.with

Pros of Staying in the Weesperbuurt and Plantage:

• On walking distance from the city center
• Students and digital nomads will fit right in
• Good mix of luxe hotels and earthy hostels
• Strong contrast of lush greenery with metropolis vibes

Cons of Staying in the Weesperbuurt and Plantage:

• Lots of traffic on the Weesperstraat
• Some student cafés can get noisy

Amsterdam Noord

👉 Best Area For Skyline Views | ✨ Best Amsterdam Noord Hotels: Sir Adam • Maritim Hotel • Asile Flotant

Amsterdam Noord — specifically the neighborhoods of IJplein, Overhoeks, and Van der Pekbuurt — does not get the love it deserves. With the Eye Cinema and Film Museum, the concert hall Tolhuistuin, and the multipurpose A’DAM Tower, there are enough attractions to keep you entertained. The true showstopper, however, is the view of Amsterdam’s skyline.

The skyline view is best from the A’DAM Tower, where you can observe it from the rooftop and its swings, or, from the Sir Adam Hotel located in the tower. Their hotel rooms have funky art and large windows, which ensure you get unobstructed views of the city before breakfast.

To get to IJplein and its two neighboring areas, you should take the quick five minute ferry, which is also a great way to see Amsterdam from the water. If you want to take the Dutch love of water and boating even further, you should stay at the Asile Flotant, where the hotel rooms are located in docked boats. 

Pros of Staying in Amsterdam Noord:

• Splendid views of the city
• Two great hostels: Cabin Hotel and Bunk Hotel

Cons of Staying in Amsterdam Noord:

• You will need to take the ferry into town, no matter the weather
• Besides the main attractions, restaurants and bars tend to be spread out

NDSM-werf

👉 Best Area For Urban Art Lovers | ✨ Best NDSM-Werf Hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton • Botel • Crane Hotel Faralda

The NDSM-Werf (also known as “Little Berlin” in Amsterdam) is an edgy place for street art, extreme thrifting, and great coffee. The IJ-hallen hosts the largest flea market in Europe about twice a month and the waterfront is full of good restaurants and bars. 

This is the place to stay if you are into urban art, with the museum STRAAT offering larger than life street art. During the summer, Pllek (a bar, club, and restaurant) organizes outdoor cinema nights on their city beach, and the wharf itself hosts numerous festivals and the best parties during ADE. 

If you are into unique hotels, then this is the place for you. Consider staying at the Crane Hotel (fear of heights is not recommended), which is a hotel built into the top part of a crane. 

Prefer to stay closer to the ground? Then book a room at the Botel, a real boat hotel where you can experience life on the water.

Pros of Staying at the NDSM-Werf:

• Unique stays all around
• Edgy atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else in Amsterdam
• Deep dive into local social life
• Urban art is omnipresent

Cons of Staying at the NDSM-Werf:

• Far removed from the city center with few transportation options
• Can get moody and grey with bad weather

Amstelveen

👉 Best Area For Budget Hotels | ✨ Best Amstelveen Hotels: Hotel Station Amstelveen • Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South • NH Amsterdam Zuid • Cityden Stadshart

The best affordable hotels can be found throughout Amstelveen. Technically, this is not Amsterdam, but a separate city with its own center that’s connected to Amsterdam. Still, there are multiple buses and trams going into the city, which makes it a great place for budget travelers.

Amstelveen itself is worth checking out, too. Its Cobra Museum has a wonderful collection of modern art, the town borders the Amsterdamse Bos where you can go for a run, and the neighboring village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is truly idyllic. Go for dinner at Ron Gastrobar Indonesia if you get the chance.

I recommend staying at the Radisson Hotel & Suites, as it is relatively close to the city and still gives you that luxury hotel feeling without breaking the bank. If you prefer to stay in the center of Amstelveen, I suggest Cityden Stadshart. It’s right next to tram 5, which takes you into the center of Amsterdam in just 20 minutes.

Pros of Staying in Amstelveen:

• Great budget hotels
• Close to the Amsterdamse Bos
• Relaxed residential areas without a lot of traffic

Cons of Staying in Amstelveen:

• Far away from the city center with few public transportation options
• Can feel unsafe at night due to little light

Zuid-Oost

👉 Best Area For Football Lovers & Music Fans | ✨ Best Zuid-Oost Hotels: Jaz in the City • Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Arena Atlas • Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Arena Boulevard

Zuid-Oost is the best place to stay if you are visiting Amsterdam for a soccer game or one of your favorite artist’s concerts. There are plenty of hotel options around the famous Johan Cruijff Arena and Ziggo Dome. Plus, there are buses, metros, and trains that will take you to the city center every couple of minutes.

While the area around the arena offers some great budget hotels like the Hampton by Hilton, I would not recommend staying here if you are not visiting a match or concert during your stay. The ambiance of the Arena Boulevard is non-existent compared to the rest of Amsterdam, so staying here should be a practical or budget move. 

Pros of Staying in Zuid-Oost:

• Relatively cheap hotels
• Train and metro connections to the city center
• Perfect for event travel

Cons of Staying in Zuid-Oost:

• Although the PT connection is good, it is still far removed from the city center
• Can be noisy due to concerts and soccer matches
• Lots of trash on the street after events

Zuidas

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Zuidas Hotels: nhow Amsterdam Rai • Olympic Hotel • Hotel & Wellness Zuiver • Premier Suites Amsterdam

The Zuidas is where you will find the major law firms and banks of the Netherlands. Anyone traveling for work will probably find themselves here at some point, which is why staying here is perfect for business travelers. 

The area has a couple of good brunch spots, formal restaurants, and great bars where you can relax after a long day of meetings. But, besides being a professional hub, the Zuidas has some extraordinary architecture, like The Valley building (pictured above), which was named Best New Architecture Worldwide in 2022. 

If you are looking for a more zen environment, you should make your way to the north of the Amsterdamse Bos, where business makes space for relaxation at Hotel & Wellness Zuiver. This is one of the best spas I ever visited, and nothing sounds better than ending your work-cation at a wellness resort. 

Pros of Staying in the Zuidas:

• Clean, no-nonsense hotels
• Metropolis allure for those into modern architecture
• Good public transport connections to the city center
• Amsterdam Zuid Station will take you to Schiphol Airport in no-time

Cons of Staying in the Zuidas:

• Can feel boring and monotonous outside of working hours
• Not many attractions within the area

Tips for Staying in Amsterdam

Book A Couple of Nights Outside of Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s surroundings are beautiful: with windmills dotted around the countryside, the coast only a stone’s throw away, and charming villages around every body of water. 

Rent a car and stay at Bistrotel ‘t Amsterdammetje in Nieuwersluis, where you can explore the idyllic Vecht river and castles lining the water.

Pack an Umbrella and Raincoat

It rains for approximately 197 days a year in the Netherlands, which means there is over a 50% percent chance that it will rain during your visit. Packing an umbrella and a good raincoat is strongly recommended. Do not wear suede shoes either, as the puddles will ruin them.

Only Rent a Bike if You Are Experienced

Although cycling is one of the best ways to see the city, it is a mode of transportation, not recreation. Meaning there are strict unwritten rules on how to behave while commuting. Only ride a bike if you are a confident cyclist and never block the cycling path with your bike to take pictures.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

While there is good public transportation in Amsterdam, almost every sight in the city is doable by foot. This means you will definitely get your 10,000 steps in! Comfortable, water-resistant shoes should be included in your packing list. 

Always Leave a Tip

Although tipping in The Netherlands does not have the same status as in the U.S., tipping is expected at most restaurants and cafés where you are being served. A good rule of thumb is to round up. Tip more if the service is excellent, and keep it to a euro if you just have some drinks. 

Be Respectful to Locals and Their Environment

Parts of Amsterdam suffer from mass tourism, with some tourists only visiting the city for the coffee shops, red light district, and Heineken beer. But the city is not an amusement park, and even though partying is allowed, don’t litter, be loud at night, or enter people’s homes without permission. Behave like a respectful guest, and you will be welcomed with open arms.

If being a responsible and respectful traveler is important to you, too, you’ll like my Amsterdam itinerary. It will take you to the highlights as well as off-the-beaten-path places to experience the heart of the Dutch capital.

Don’t Walk on the Cycling Path

Most cycling paths in the city are easy to spot and usually have red tarmac or red brick. When they are not, they look like a separate sidewalk. Obstructing these cycling paths or crossing without looking is dangerous. Also, be mindful that pedestrian crossings do not mean cyclists will give you priority, even though they have to. 

📚 Related Reading: Where to Stay in Rotterdam

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Amsterdam for first-timers?

De Jordaan, Willemspark and Museumkwartier are the best places to stay for first-timers. They are close to most of the main attractions and will allow you to explore most of the city on foot. 

If you are a first-timer, but prefer to stay out of the tourist areas and experience vibrant local social life, then I suggest you stay in De Pijp. This area has the best bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping area, and chilling here will make you feel like a local.

What are safe areas to stay in Amsterdam?

Generally, Amsterdam is very safe, so where you stay does not really matter. However, to lower your chances of being somewhere without a lot of social control, I suggest staying within the Ring. 

Residential areas like the Rivierenbuurt, and even De Pijp, can feel safer. Even though there are fewer people around, these areas tend to have neighbors looking out for each other and draw fewer phoney types that might be up to no good. The city center is not unsafe, but chances of something happening here are higher as there are more people.

What safety precautions should I take in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam does not have a very high crime rate, meaning general street smarts are enough for you to get around safely. There are a couple of specific safety precautions, however, that might make your stay more pleasant. 

Firstly, like most capital cities, Amsterdam does suffer from pickpockets in busy areas. Wearing your bag cross-body and storing your valuables in a pick-pocket proof compartment is essential.

Secondly, the most common crime in the city is bike theft. So always lock your bike with both your regular lock and an additional chain. 

Thirdly, as a woman traveling solo, or even with friends, try not to walk into dark alleys at night. Also always keep an eye on your drink when going out, as drugging unfortunately still happens in nightclubs and bars.

Lastly, avoid walking or cycling through parks at night, as they tend to be unlit and incidents have happened in the past. The only exception is Vondelpark, which I cycled through every night for years after going out. Especially during summer, the park is lively in the evenings, with friends staying out late picnicking and drinking. 

What are the best parts of Amsterdam for a long stay? 

The best areas for a longer stay in Amsterdam would be residential areas like the Rivierenbuurt, Westerparkbuurt, or Oud-West. These areas tend to have a larger offering of long-term apartments and can be a quiet haven away from the chaotic city center.

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Amsterdam is stunning and diverse, meaning there is a perfect place to stay for everyone. Which area you choose will thus strongly depend on your desires for your trip. After you have booked your hotel, check out my guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam so you can start crafting your itinerary.