Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas & Hotels 2026
Amsterdam is easily one of my favorite places on the planet. I went for the first time back in 2013 because I really wanted to visit the Anne Frank House, and somehow that trip turned into a full-on love affair with the city.
My husband and I were hooked right away — the canals, the cafés, almost getting run over by bikes, we loved all of it.
Since then, I’ve been back almost every year, sometimes with my students and sometimes just for myself. I usually stay in the same few hotels because I already know they’re comfy, have a delicious breakfast, and are in safe neighborhoods with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
If you’re planning your first trip and wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, this guide will make it easy. I’ve broken down the best neighborhoods, what each one feels like, and my favorite hotels that are actually worth the money.
1. Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre– Very central and convenient
2. Eden Hotel Amsterdam– canal view and tons around!
3. Boutique Hotel The Craftsmen– upscale boutique hotel in great location!
Where I’ve Stayed in Amsterdam
Over the years, I’ve tried a few different spots around Amsterdam — some more central, some a bit outside the center — and I’ve figured out which ones really work for an amazing trip. I’m all about finding a hotel that’s clean, quiet, and close to everything, but also has a great breakfast and is affordable.
Here are a few places I’ve stayed and would recommend:
🛎️ Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre
📍 Location: Just a short walk from Dam Square
💰 Price range: US $149-$190 per night
⭐ Rating: 9/10 on Booking
This one’s hard to beat for convenience, and it’s one of my favorites. I’ve stayed here 5+ times and keep going back! It’s tucked just far enough from the busiest streets to stay quiet at night, but close enough that you can walk almost anywhere in under 10 minutes. The rooms are modern, the beds are comfy, and the breakfast is seriously good.
⭐ Check Availability for Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre Here!
🛎️ Eden Hotel Amsterdam
📍 Location: Right on the Amstel River, next to Rembrandtplein
💰 Price range: US $143- $195 per night
⭐ Rating: 9/10 on Booking
I really like Eden Hotel. It has a cozy-but-classy feel I love, and the location’s perfect for exploring on foot, with tons of bars and restaurants right outside in Rembrandtplein. That’s why I’ve stayed here so many times. I also love that it’s close to the canal belt. You literally can head outside the front of the hotel and walk along the water early in the morning when the city’s still quiet. I would really recommend it for first-timers.
🛎️ Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West
📍 Location: Sloterdijk (5 minutes by train to Central Station)
💰 Price range: US$90-US$150 per night
⭐ Rating: 9/10 on Booking
If you’re looking for an affordable Amsterdam option, this is it! One year I went to Amsterdam for Christmas, and hotel prices were astronomical inside the city center, so I was looking for a cheaper option. This hotel was the perfect solution. It’s outside the main tourist zone, but the train ride to the center is super quick and easy.
The hotel itself is bright, modern, and a really great value for Amsterdam, which can get pricey fast. Plus, it’s quieter here, so it’s ideal if you like a bit of calm after a busy day of sightseeing.
⭐ Click Here to Check Pricing for Park Inn By Radisson Amsterdam City West!
My Favorite Place to Stay in Amsterdam
Out of all the neighborhoods in Amsterdam, Jordaan is by far my favorite. It’s where I always end up, even when I’m staying somewhere else. It’s central, easy to get around from, and feels more local than touristy.
The area is full of small cafés, local shops, and great restaurants, all tucked along quiet canals. It’s also home to the Anne Frank House, which is still my favorite museum of all time. I’ve been a few times, and it never stops being powerful.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, I think the Jordaan really is one of the best places to stay. You can walk almost anywhere — Dam Square, the Nine Streets, and Centraal Station are all close by. It’s safe, easy to navigate, and has plenty going on without feeling crowded.
⭐ Top Two Jordaan Hotels: Hotel IX Nine Streets Amsterdam or The Toren Amsterdam! Both are AMAZING!
Map of Amsterdam Neighborhoods
My Favorite Neighborhoods in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s neighborhoods all have their own personality, and where you stay really changes the kind of trip you’ll have. Some areas are busy and full of nightlife, while others feel quieter and more local. Here are my top picks for first-timers, plus a few hotels I’ve personally stayed in or have on my list of places to stay next.
The Jordaan
Like I said, if you want charm, easy access to the city’s main sights, and that classic Amsterdam canal atmosphere, the Jordaan is your go-to. It’s central without being crazy packed with tourists, and you’ll find great cafés, adorable vintage stores, bars, and shops on every corner. I love walking here in the mornings. You’ll pass locals biking to work, tiny bridges over canals, and flower boxes everywhere…plus, they have tons of amazing local markets!
Getting around is simple. You can walk to Dam Square or Centraal Station in about 15 minutes, or hop on a tram if it’s raining. It’s very much still central.
Pros of Jordaan Neighborhood
⭐ Central location with plenty within walking distance
⭐ Safe and quiet at night
⭐ Great café and restaurant scene, known for vintage stores and independent bakeries
⭐ Close to major attractions like the Anne Frank House
⭐ Amazing local markets
Cons of Jordaan Neighborhood
⭐ Hotels can be pricey
⭐ Parking is limited (and expensive)
⭐ Can get crowded on weekends
Where to Stay in Jordaan
🛎️ Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre
📍 Location: Just off Dam Square, an easy 10-minute walk from the Jordaan
💰 Price range: Around $149–190 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9/10
As I’ve already said, Inntel is one of my go-to hotels in Amsterdam. The rooms are comfortable, the breakfast is always excellent, and the location makes sightseeing super easy. It’s close enough to walk everywhere but far enough from the noise that you can actually sleep.
⭐ Check Availability for Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre Here!
🛎️ Boutique Hotel The Craftsmen
📍 Location: Singel Canal, Jordaan area
💰 Price range: Around $230–260 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9.3/10
This is where I want to stay on my next trip to Amsterdam. It’s just beautiful inside — every room is different, with handcrafted details and canal views. It feels personal and welcoming, and it’s right on the edge of the Jordaan, so you can walk out your door and be right in the middle of all the local cafés and shops.
⭐ Click Here to Check Pricing for Boutique Hotel the Crafstmen!
Oud-Zuid – The Museum Quarter
If you love art, culture, and quieter evenings, Oud-Zuid, also known as the Museum Quarter, is a fantastic area to stay in. It’s home to Amsterdam’s big three museums — the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. They’re all sitting around Museumplein, a big open square that’s so nice to walk through.
This part of the city feels a bit more upscale. It’s got tree-lined streets, local bakeries, and designer shops. You won’t find as many bachelor parties here, which means a more relaxed base. Public transport is easy — trams run straight into the center in under 15 minutes, or you can walk there in about half an hour if the weather’s nice.
Pros of Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter)
⭐ Close to the city’s top museums
⭐ Quiet, safe, and family-friendly
⭐ Easy public transport connections
⭐ Beautiful, wide streets and parks nearby
Cons of Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter)
⭐ More residential and less nightlife
⭐ Can feel pricey in peak season
⭐ Not as central as the Jordaan or Canal Belt
Where to Stay in the Museum Quarter
🛎️ Hotel Aalders
📍 Location: Roemer Visscherstraat, steps from the Van Gogh Museum
💰 Price range: Around $150–190 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9.1/10
Hotel Aalders is a small, family-run hotel in a great location if you love museums. The decor and color scheme scream high-class Dutch family, and the staff and breakfast get great reviews. It’s on a quiet street but only minutes from all the major sights in Oud-Zuid.
⭐ Click Here to Check Pricing for Hotel Aalders!
🛎️ Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Hotel
📍 Location: Van Baerlestraat, across from the Rijksmuseum
💰 Price range: Around $750–850 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10
This is an expensive option, but I had to include it because it’s just so stunning. It’s in a former music conservatory with high ceilings, modern rooms, and one of the best spas in Amsterdam. Even if you don’t stay here, go for afternoon tea or a drink at the bar. You won’t regret it!
⭐ Book a Night at the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Hotel!
Canal Belt
The Canal Belt is one of the best areas to stay if you want to be right in the center of Amsterdam. It’s easy to walk everywhere, and the area is full of great cafés, restaurants, and shops. You’ll see boats passing on the canals all day and locals biking to work.
Inside the Canal Belt, you’ll find the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), a small area packed with local boutiques, vintage stores, and some of the best brunch spots in the city. It’s one of my favorite places to spend a morning when I have no plans.
You can walk to almost anywhere from here — the Jordaan, the Museum Quarter, and Centraal Station are all close.
Pros of the Canal Belt
⭐ Super central and walkable
⭐ Great cafés and restaurants nearby
⭐ Easy to get to all the main attractions
⭐ Feels safe, even at night
Cons of the Canal Belt
⭐ Hotels can be expensive
⭐ Gets busy during the day
⭐ Parking is limited
Where to Stay in the Canal Belt
🛎️ Eden Hotel Amsterdam
📍 Location: Amstel River, near Rembrandtplein
💰 Price range: Around $143–195 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9/10
Eden Hotel is one of my favorites in Amsterdam; it’s so well located that I’ve stayed here several times. The rooms are comfortable, the hotel is clean and updated, and you can’t beat the location right in the heart of Rembrandtplein.
⭐ Book a Night at the Eden Hotel Amsterdam!
🛎️ The Hoxton, Amsterdam
📍 Location: Herengracht Canal, near the Nine Streets
💰 Price range: Around $300–350 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10
The Hoxton has a great location, right between the Jordaan and the Nine Streets. The rooms are really well-designed, and the restaurant downstairs makes it easy to grab dinner if you’re too tired to go out after a long day.
De Pijp
If you want to stay somewhere fun, full of food, and a bit more local, De Pijp is a great pick. It’s just south of the Canal Belt and easy to reach by tram or metro. The area has a younger crowd, a mix of international restaurants, and plenty of small bars that stay open late.
It’s also where you’ll find the Albert Cuyp Market, one of the oldest street markets in the city. You can grab fresh stroopwafels, cheese, or flowers here, and it’s open six days a week. The market alone is one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam and is also worth a visit, even if you’re staying somewhere else.
De Pijp is also close to the Heineken Experience and Sarphatipark, a nice green spot for a quick break when you’ve been walking all day.
Pros of De Pijp
⭐ Great food scene and lots of cafés
⭐ Easy tram and metro access to the center
⭐ Lively but still feels local
⭐ Good prices compared to central Amsterdam
Cons of De Pijp
⭐ Noisy on weekend nights
⭐ Fewer canal views
⭐ Some hotels are in older buildings with small rooms
Where to Stay in De Pijp
🛎️ Sir Albert Hotel
📍 Location: Albert Cuypstraat area
💰 Price range: Around $210–250 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9.1/10
Sir Albert is a boutique hotel with clean, modern rooms and a great location near the market. You can walk to most of De Pijp’s restaurants and bars in minutes, and trams stop right outside for easy access to the rest of the city.
⭐ Check Prices at Sir Albert Boutique Hotel!
🛎️ Hotel Okura Amsterdam
📍 Location: Ferdinand Bolstraat
💰 Price range: Around $270–320 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10
This one’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth it if you like comfort. The rooms are bigger than most in Amsterdam, and the views from the upper floors are great. It also has a few restaurants on-site, so you don’t need to go far if you’re tired after a long day.
🔥 Hot Tip: Even though De Pijp has tons of great food options, I’d tell you to book a table ahead on weekends. Locals love this area, so popular spots fill up fast.
Sloterdijk
Sloterdijk isn’t the first place most people think of when booking a trip to Amsterdam, but I’ve stayed here and really enjoyed it. It’s not right in the center, but it’s only a five-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal, which makes it a smart choice if you want to save money.
The area itself feels more modern, with newer hotels and office buildings, but it’s clean, safe, and has everything you need — cafés, grocery stores, and direct trains to other parts of the Netherlands if you’re planning a few day trips. It’s also easy to get to the airport from here, which is a big plus if you have an early flight.
Although some might be reluctant to stay outside of the official city center in case they miss out, staying in Sloterdijk was actually incredibly peaceful. And we didn’t feel like there was any added hassle or downtime being outside the city.
Pros of Sloterdijk
⭐ Much cheaper than staying in the city center
⭐ Quick, direct train to Centraal Station
⭐ Quiet at night
⭐ Good access to the airport
Cons of Sloterdijk
⭐ Not a traditional “Amsterdam” vibe
⭐ Limited restaurant and bar options (but you’ll be mostly in the city anyway)
⭐ Mostly modern buildings, no canals
Where to Stay in Sloterdijk
🛎️ Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West
📍 Location: Near Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station
💰 Price range: Around $90–150 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 8.4/10
This is where I stayed the last time I was in Amsterdam, and I loved it! The rooms are spacious and sleek, the beds are super comfortable, and the train station is just a few minutes’ walk away. You can be in the center of Amsterdam faster than most trams would take you, and it was a steal.
⭐ Check Availability at Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West!
🛎️ MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West
📍 Location: Orlyplein, right by Sloterdijk Station
💰 Price range: Around $100–140 USD per night
⭐ Rating: 8.7/10
This hotel is simple, but it’s a great value for your money. It’s clean, modern, and has an upscale hostel feel. It’s the perfect place to stay in Amsterdam if you’re traveling on a budget or with family. There’s also a really nice modern shared kitchen, which is handy if you’d like to prep a few meals yourself and save a little more.
🔥 Hot Tip: If you’re staying in Sloterdijk, grab an OV-chipkaart (public transport card) when you arrive. You’ll use it on trains, trams, and buses, and it makes getting around super easy.
Read my full guide on traveling between Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Centraal here!
What About AirBnBs?
I hate to say this, but Airbnbs in Amsterdam aren’t always worth the hassle. The city has cracked down hard on short-term rentals, and many listings don’t follow the current rules.
Locals are frustrated by rising rents and the impact tourism has had on housing, so Amsterdam now has strict limits and has cracked down on how often people can rent out their homes.
Because of that, legal and reliable listings are harder to find, and prices aren’t any cheaper than hotels anymore. In fact, they’re often more expensive.
That doesn’t mean you can’t stay in one. It just means that you need to be careful about which one you book. If you find a legit listing, it can still be a really nice way to experience the city.
But if your goal is an easy, stress-free stay, and you don’t want to risk a last minute cancelation, a hotel is the safer bet.
Here’s what to keep in mind if you decide to go the Airbnb route:
🏠 Check for a registration number. Every legal Airbnb in Amsterdam must show this in the listing. If it’s missing, skip it.
🏠 Read recent reviews. Look for mentions of cancellations, legal issues, or noise complaints — all red flags.
🏠 Book early and cross-check prices. Hotels are often about the same price now, especially outside the Canal Belt.
🏠 Avoid listings that offer full homes for long stays. Many of these go against city rules, and you risk last-minute cancellations if the host gets flagged.
🏠 Stay outside the most touristy zones. Areas like Sloterdijk or De Pijp tend to have more legitimate, affordable options.
🏠 Have a backup plan. Even well-rated Airbnbs sometimes get pulled for rule violations, so know which hotel you’d switch to if needed.
Tips for Booking a Hotel in Amsterdam
Finding a good hotel in Amsterdam isnt that hard, but choosing the right one can make your trip so much better. Prices change a lot depending on the time of year, and the location makes a big difference in how easy your trip feels. Here are a few tips that have saved me time (and money) over the years:
⭐ Choose your area first. Each neighborhood has its own feel. Jordaan and De Pijp are great if you want something more local, the Canal Belt is ideal if you like being in the middle of everything, and Sloterdijk is perfect if you want to save money but still be close enough.
⭐ Check transport connections. Even if you stay outside the center, you’ll want a tram or train stop nearby. It makes getting around the city simple, and you won’t waste time on long walks or confusing transfers.
⭐ Always read recent reviews. Check what people actually say. Reviews usually mention how noisy it is, how comfortable the beds are, cleanliness, and whether the breakfast is worth it.
⭐ Watch out for extra costs. City taxes and breakfast aren’t always included, and prices jump fast in spring and summer. If you find a place you like at a fair price, book it before it disappears. Check out this post on Amsterdam in spring for more.
⭐ Think of staying just outside the center. You’ll get better prices and quieter nights, and with Amsterdam’s public transport, you’re never far from the main sights. Sloterdijk is my favorite because its so well connected.
⭐ Check the room size before you book. Rooms in Amsterdam are often smaller than what you’d expect, especially in older buildings. Double-check square footage, especially if you’ll have lots of luggage or are traveling with kids.
Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam FAQ
Where to stay in Amsterdam for first timers?
The Jordaan or Canal Belt are great for first-timers. They’re central, safe, and packed with cafés, shops, and things to do. You can walk almost everywhere from either area.
Where Should You Avoid Staying in Amsterdam?
Avoid staying right in the Red Light District if you want quiet nights or are traveling with kids. It’s fine to visit, but the area can get loud and crowded.
Is 3 Nights in Amsterdam Too Much?
Not at all! Three nights is actually a great amount of time. It’s enough to see the highlights, take a canal cruise, visit a few museums, and still have time to get outside the city.
What is the Main Part of Amsterdam for Tourists?
The city center around Dam Square, the Canal Belt, and the Jordaan are where most people spend their time. You’ll find the big sights, canals, and restaurants all within walking distance.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam for First Timers: Conclusion
Amsterdam has a neighborhood for every kind of traveler, and once you find your spot, the rest will just fall into place.
Pick an area that fits your pace, grab a hotel with a great breakfast and comfy beds, and you’ll be set. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
