Where To Stay In Amsterdam

Amsterdam is laid out in a ‘ring’ form, with the city centre in the middle, surrounded by a series of canals that outline the various neighbourhoods. Where to stay in Amsterdam? Each neighbourhood is unique in its own way, with plenty to see and do in every area of the city and generally, all areas are safe and comfortable for tourists to enjoy this beautiful city and all that it has to offer.

The city is very walkable and of course, cycling is the most popular form of transportation. You can also easily make use of Amsterdam’s well-connected public transportation system which consists of a combination of multiple metro lines, trams, buses and trains (should you want to take a day trip outside of the city).

As with any destination, every neighbourhood has its own pros and cons and the ‘right choice’ greatly depends on your own preferences and what you would like to see and do during your visit to Amsterdam. Use this guide to help choose the perfect location for your trip to Amsterdam.

Where To Stay In Amsterdam

DE PIJP

De Pijp is a lively neighbourhood in the centre of Amsterdam which offers easy access to many of the main attractions in the city, like the Heineken Experience and an abundance of cosy cafes, bars and popular outdoor terraces.

It’s a very popular area with locals and tourists and is most famous for being home to the Albert Cuyp street market.

This iconic market has been open for over a century and never disappoints with its wide variety of vendors selling everything from fresh fruit, veggies, fish, meat and cheese.

You’ll also find many other items like clothing, books, fabric and more to browse and purchase as fun souvenirs.

The side streets lining the Gerard Doustraat are home to unique local boutiques. In the middle of the bustling cityscape, you’ll stumble upon the green Sarphatipark, where locals enjoy time outdoors, exercise and take their kids to the playground.

De Pijp offers a fantastic mix of the typical local Amsterdam city life experience right near the main tourist attractions, making it an ideal place to select when deciding where to stay in Amsterdam to hit the highlights and nightlife!

However, if you prefer a quieter area and are bothered by busy streets or a bit of noise, this may not be the right location option for you.

Where to stay in De Pijp

Sir Albert Hotel

This lovely 4-star hotel used to be a diamond factory and is located very centrally in De Pijp neighbourhood, just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Albert Cuyp Market and Amsterdam’s Museum Square.

Relax in the elegantly designed rooms and enjoy the cosy fireplace in this elegant hotel’s shared study and library space or enjoy a drink outside on the terrace if you visit in the warmer months.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam – The Leading Hotels of the World

Looking to really treat yourself while in Amsterdam?

Hotel Okura is a luxurious 5-star hotel that is famous for its two Michelin-star restaurants and cocktail bar on the 23rd floor which offers fantastic views of the city.

This fabulous hotel provides guests with top-of-the-line service and plenty of exceptional amenities, including access to the Nagomi Gym and Wellness centre and indoor swimming pool.

The location is fantastic, at the south end of the Pijp, making most highlights within walking distance and with easy access to public transportation.

Ibis Styles Amsterdam City

This 3-star hotel is in a fantastic location and offers clean, comfortable rooms for an affordable price.

It offers ultimate convenience being so central, making most places easily walkable and just 150m from the hotel you can also catch various trams to explore other areas of Amsterdam.

You won’t need to travel far to find a good meal, though, as this neighbourhood offers plenty of tasty cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of the hotel.

AMSTERDAM EAST (OOST)

Amsterdam East is a fairly residential area with plenty of spunk that offers visitors a unique Amsterdam experience.

The area has changed significantly over the past few decades.

It is now a hotspot for locals and tourists alike who enjoy this area’s many cultural offerings, bustling markets, hip micro-breweries and trendy restaurants.

It’s a very diverse neighbourhood which is reflected in the up-and-coming food scene and excellent selection of restaurants in this area.

Amsterdam East is also home to plenty of green areas that act as an outdoor oasis amongst the bustling city streets.

The Amsterdam Artis Zoo is in this area, and the beloved Oosterpark and Park Frankendael host many cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Though lesser known than the museums in Amsterdam’s Museum Square, the Tropen Museum in East is actually the city’s largest museum and features wonderful exhibits (both for adults and children) about people and world cultures.

This eclectic neighbourhood is an excellent location to stay if you would like to get to know Amsterdam on a deeper level and visit more than just the typical touristy highlights.

It’s a wonderful area to stay with children and enjoy its green spaces and kid-friendly attractions.

Similar to Amsterdam West, it can be a bit far to walk to other neighbourhoods (especially if you stay further East) and may require you to brave hopping on a bicycle or utilizing the city’s public transportation system to see other areas more easily.

Where to stay in Amsterdam East

Hyatt Regency Amsterdam

This upscale 5-star hotel in Amsterdam East strongly focuses on sustainability and offers its guests relaxing and spacious botanical-inspired rooms.

It’s a short walk from Artis Zoo and Hortus Botanical Gardens and is a great location to explore all that Amsterdam East has to offer while still being close to the action of the city centre.

It also features a tasty Indonesian restaurant, fitness centre and its own bar with an outdoor terrace.

Hotel Arena

In the Oosterpark, this unique 4-star hotel is housed in a monumental building with stunning architecture and one-of-a-kind cosy rooms.

As an iconic part of the Amsterdam East neighbourhood, Hotel Arena also often hosts cultural events and exhibitions right in the venue.

The area is residential but still close by many of the top things to see and do in Amsterdam and has easy access to public transport.

The park-side location of this hotel also makes it very family friendly and kids will love cooling off at the local splashpad in the Oosterpark on warm days.

Zoku Amsterdam

This unique gem in Amsterdam East is a hotel specifically designed for professionals, business travellers and remote workers who are in need of a stylish and sustainable place to stay for anywhere from one day to one year.

Zoku Amsterdam features private loft-style rooms with a kitchen, private bathroom and larger dining area.

Zoku is also a popular place to socialize and features plenty of areas to work or meet other guests or locals who use their amazing facilities.

Enjoy the extra amenities like the Rooftop Social Spaces on the 6th floor, complete with a Living Room, Kindred Spirits Bar, Living Kitchen restaurant, Coworking Spaces, Meeting Rooms, Event Space, and a spacious terrace.

WESTERPARK

On the west side of Amsterdam and still very near the city centre, you’ll find the Westerpark neighbourhood.

This unique area is near the IJ waterway and centred around a large public park that features many nice restaurants, cafes and bars and often hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

It’s a lively neighbourhood and offers an abundant selection of unique local shops, vibrant street markets, traditional cafes and pubs, as well as trendy new restaurants and diverse cuisine.

The Westerpark itself houses Amsterdam’s Westergas cultural complex, which offers a variety of art expos, cultural events and musical performances.

On the first Sunday of each month, you can also visit the Sunday Market Westergas and browse various stalls, grab a tasty snack at one of the many food trucks, and enjoy live music.

During the Christmas season, Westergasterrien is also home to one of the city’s best Christmas Markets.

Westerpark is a perfect location to stay if you are interested in visiting the main highlights in the city centre and is just a short walk from the quaint Jordaan neighbourhood and ‘9 Streets’ shopping area.

It’s a great alternative to staying in the busy, much less charming city centre area.

While Amsterdam is not a huge city, if you stay on the West side, you will notice that some neighbourhoods are a bit further away and require a longer walk or bike ride to reach them.

If you are comfortable using public transport during your visit to Amsterdam, though, you can get around to any area easily from Westerpark, as it’s also within walking distance from Amsterdam Central Station.

Where to stay in Westerpark

Conscious Hotel Westerpark

This 4-star eco-hotel is within the Westerpark grounds, making it a perfect place to enjoy all that park and the Amsterdam West neighbourhood has to offer – while also just a 10-minute walk away from the Amsterdam Central Station.

The hotel is modern and minimalistic, with a strong focus on sustainability.

It features a popular restaurant and bar with a large outdoor terrace. It’s a popular local hangout in the warmer months.

WesterVilla

This fabulous boutique hotel is at the edge of the centre of Westerpark and features beautifully decorated rooms in a unique and relaxed setting.

Guests love the friendly staff and the delicious food at the hotel’s own restaurant.

The location is extremely convenient, just a 10-minute walk from the Amsterdam Central Station, and a bus stop is also right outside the hotel.

XO Hotels Park West

At the far west side of Westerpark, XO Hotels Park West is a 4-star hotel with spacious (air-conditioned) rooms, a shared lounge and a business centre.

Walk out the door to enjoy all that Westerpark has to offer while also being close to the city’s main attractions (The Anne Frank House is 3.6km away and the Royal Palace Amsterdam is 4.1km away).

A tram stop is conveniently outside the hotel offering easy public transportation access to explore other areas of Amsterdam.

This comfortable hotel is also family-friendly and kids will love playing outdoors in the spacious Westerpark.

OUD-ZUID

South of Amsterdam’s famous Museum Square, Oud-Zuid is one of the most upscale areas of the city and oozes elegance with plenty of designer boutiques and some of the most stunning homes in the area lining its picturesque streets.

It’s well located for visitors as it’s within walking distance from the most popular museums and the lovely Vondelpark and is well-connected by public transportation.

This location offers convenient access to Amsterdam’s most famous museums right at your (hotel’s) doorstep.

The iconic Rijksmuseum towers over the green Museum Square, which is also home to the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and the Moco Museum.

Amsterdam’s Concert Hall is also at the south end of the Museum Square, with a fantastic musical program featuring some of the world’s best symphonies and orchestras.

Oud-Zuid is also famous for being home to the city’s swankiest shopping street.

The PC Hoofdstraat features famous designer shops, including Chanel, Gucci, Hermés, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Cartier, Mont Blanc and Armani.

Whether you’re buying or just window shopping, this area isn’t only for the rich and famous but also runs into the side entrance of the beautiful Vondelpark, which is a hang-out for locals.

Enjoy a homemade picnic in the grass or grab a bite at a cosy cafe within the park grounds.

Oud-Zuid is a high-end neighbourhood and, because of its central location, is also in high demand with tourists so the prices to stay in this area are usually on the higher end.

Should it fit your budget, rest assured that this location is extremely central, safe and will deliver a high-class Amsterdam experience.

Where To Stay In Oud-Zuid

Bilderberg Garden Hotel

This charming 5-star hotel is in a quiet area of Oud-Zuid, is close to top attractions like Museum Square and Vondelpark, and is well-connected to all areas of the city.

The spacious rooms are comfortable and quiet as the nearby streets are very residential.

The hotel features a popular French restaurant (De Kersentuin) and allows guests to rent bikes via the hotel for easy transportation around Amsterdam.

The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection

This 4-star boutique hotel is a historical building from the 19th century and offers guests a unique stay in this gorgeous location.

The rooms are beautifully designed and offer a sense of elegance with touches of both old and new to reflect the building’s rich history.

The excellent location offers access to lovely shops, tasty cafes, and restaurants on the lively Van Baerlestraat.

The hotel is conveniently situated at the crossroads leading to De Pijp, Museum Square and Vondelpark, making it a perfect home base while visiting Amsterdam’s highlights.

Park Plaza Vondelpark

Near the lovely Vondelpark, this stylish hotel offers a serene experience for its guests in a stylish hotel with beautifully designed rooms and a stunning garden.

Step outside the hotel and enjoy exploring the chic neighbourhood and its wide variety of shops, restaurants and bars.

The famous Museumplein is also within walking distance, and you’ll have easy access to more of the top ‘must-see’ attractions in Amsterdam when staying at this very central location.

NORTH

Looking for an especially unique stay in Amsterdam close to the city centre but also one that gives you the sense that you may be somewhere else entirely?

Then Amsterdam North may be for you.

Directly across from the city centre, on the opposite side of the IJ River, Amsterdam North is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that offers easy access to the city with a completely different, laid-back vibe and plenty of green spaces and a small village-like feel.

Near the water, you’ll find plenty of trendy restaurants and bars and the edgy NDSM yard, where colourful containers surround industrial terrains used for everything from flea markets to festivals.

A free ferry from behind Central Station runs between multiple stops in Amsterdam North every few minutes.

The new North-South Metro line also runs from North to the city centre, making it a very convenient place to visit Amsterdam.

Where to stay in Amsterdam North

Sir Adam Hotel

This trendy 4-star hotel is located in the iconic A’DAM tower in Amsterdam North.

The building has become a popular hotspot to visit in Amsterdam because of its rooftop observation deck and open-air swings that offer visitors the chance to get strapped in and enjoy the beautiful views of the IJ River and Amsterdam while suspended in the open air.

This unique boutique hotel was designed with music as the main inspiration for both the layout and interior.

It’s now known as a ‘mecca for music and culture lovers’ and features a special music library complete with a huge vinyl selection.

The hotel and its bar and restaurants also act as a popular meeting spot for creatives to co-work or network.

DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf

This 4-star hotel in the funky NDSM wharf of Amsterdam north offers spacious modern rooms, some of which also feature unique street art interiors.

This hotel is a perfect choice if you are visiting Amsterdam with an interest to visit a festival or other cultural event in this area.

The ferry to the city is just 100 meters from the hotel and it takes just 10 minutes on the ferry to get to Amsterdam Central Station, making it a very convenient location with an eclectic vibe.

Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside, an IHG Hotel

This comfortable modern 3-star hotel is located on a small canal in Amsterdam North in a quiet neighbourhood with views of the IJ River.

Guests love the very comfy beds and modern rooms and laid-back vibe of this quiet neighbourhood.

It is a short walk to the Northpark metro station, which easily connects to the city centre and neighbourhoods like Amsterdam Zuid.