Amsterdam is a very large city and the accommodation offer is very large, so it is important to know a few things before deciding where to stay. Here you will find information about the different areas and neighborhoods of the city so that you can choose the best place to stay in Amsterdam, which suits your needs and the idea of your trip.
If you are planning to travel to Amsterdam and don't know where to sleep, here we will try to help you find the best place to stay.
Hotels in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a super tourist city. To accommodate so many people, the most central areas have a huge number of hotels.
However, despite such a large number of hotels, those in the center fill up quickly, especially in the high season. In the warmer months it is necessary to book as soon as possible if you want to find accommodation in a more or less central area.
Unfortunately, Amsterdam hotels are considered to be the most expensive inEurope. Furthermore, their value for money is quite negative. The simpler accommodations in the center cost around 80 euros per night, and if you want something minimally comfortable, you have to pay more than 100 euros per night.
On the other hand, the prices of hotels located in districts further away from the center offer much lower prices, especially in the low season months. Staying here is an option to consider as some of these neighborhoods have excellent tram and metro connections to the center.
The best areas to sleep in Amsterdam
The most popular area to stay in Amsterdam is the city center, close to Dam Square and Central Station. You will pass these two places many times during your trip, so having the hotel here will save you time traveling.
Two other good areas to sleep in Amsterdam are the district of Say and the area of Leidseplein, as they are equally central. Staying in the historic center is ideal for visiting the city during the day (avoiding transport) and going out for a drink at night (the area has numerous restaurants and pubs).
Most tourists try to stay in these areas and the huge demand drives the prices skyrocketing. It is imperative to book in advance if you want to stay here.
In addition to this area, which is the most expensive, there are others that are connected to it such as Museumplein o Pipj which are another excellent option.
In the neighborhoods a little further away you can find much more competitive prices. The city has very efficient public transport which allows you to move quickly and comfortably in the center.
Central Station
Amsterdam central station is the main transport hub of the city. This station connects by train all points of the country and from it the main international lines depart as well as all buses and trams. From the station it is possible to move to any part of the city by public transport.
Central Station is just ten minutes from Dam Square along Damrak Street, one of the busiest and most touristy, and right next to Chinatown and its delicious Asian restaurants.
Having your accommodation in this area has many advantages: it is a very central point, it is excellently connected to the rest of the city and to the airport, the neighborhood is very lively and is full of shops, bars and restaurants of all kinds. In addition, it offers a wide range of hotels, from the most luxurious to the most affordable options.
Find a hotel near the central station
Dam square
This square whose origin dates back to the 13th century is located in the historic center of Amsterdam. It is the most central point of the city and probably the most touristic of all. Dam Square is home to major tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace, National Monument New Church or the famous wax museum of Madame Tussauds.
Nowhere else will you find so many tourists with the exception of the red light district on weekends. For this reason the prices in this area are the highest in the city.
In the square itself are some expensive luxury hotels, while in the surrounding streets there are cheaper mid-range and high-end options. It is the most central area of Amsterdam and the best to visit the city, but also the most expensive.
Find a Dam Square hotelLeidseplein
Beyond Rembrandplein and the Red light district, Leidseplein is the area where the largest nightlife offer in the city is concentrated. If one of the main reasons you visit the city is to go out at night, Ledseplein is the best place to sleep in Amsterdam.
The entire area is super animated and is haunted by bars, night clubs, restaurants, fast food restaurants and various small shops. There is a good amount of accommodation available, from luxurious hotels to more modest ones. This area is very popular and one of the most sought after among people who come to party at night. It is essential to book in advance.
Find a hotel in LeidsepleinThe red light district
Il Red light district is one of the main tourist attractions in Amsterdam. It is a small area made up of several streets full of shop windows and clubs with girls, sex shops, coffee-shops and bars. The whole area revolves around the sex and leisure industry for adults. At night it is a very busy area, especially on weekends when it gets really busy.
In the Red Light District itself there is hardly any hotel offer and what you find is of low quality. As you move away a little from its streets you will find more accommodation options.
Find a hotel in the Red Light DistrictRembrandtplein
This is another good area to sleep in Amsterdam, favorite for nightlife lovers. Here you will find some of the biggest nightclubs in the Dutch capital.
Rembrandtplein is a lively area both day and night, like Leidseplein, but it is a more elegant spot than the latter, and its hotels are a bit more expensive. The vast majority are luxury hotels, four-star hotels and some three-star hotels.
Find a hotel on RembrandtpleinMuseumplein
This is the most interesting area for visiting museums in Amsterdam. It houses authentic gems like the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum . It is a residential and commercial district and although it is very close to the Leidseplein, it is one very quiet area, especially at night.
The neighborhood has a good supply of accommodation. There are high-budget hotels (some of the more upscale hotels are in this neighborhood) and more modest options too. If you can find a hotel that suits your needs, you won't regret choosing this area.
Find a hotel on MuseumpleinJordan
It is a residential district very nice that is gaining more and more popularity. It can be considered central, so its location is quite comfortable. It is located in the western part of the city, just 10 or 15 minutes walk from the most central areas.
The pleasure that one feels walking through its streets with typical Dutch houses, the beauty of its canals, the artistic and bohemian air of its boutiques and art galleries, the excellent cafes and restaurants have given it so much popularity among tourists.
Unlike the rest of the central areas, it has a rather small number of hotels. There are more tourist apartments for rent, and to a lesser extent Bed & Breakfasts and pensions.
Find a Jordaan hotelThe pipe
This district is located in the southeast of the center, immediately outside the ring formed by the internal canals. It is one of the most recommended areas to stay in Amsterdam when you cannot find a hotel that meets your needs and budget in the more central areas.
Here you won't find the hordes of tourists that flock to the other areas. In De Pijp you can live an authentically local experience and at the same time being close to the center, especially areas like Leidseplein. One of the best things about this neighborhood is the great variety of cuisines from different countries in its restaurants.
If you find a hotel in the southern part of the neighborhood, you are still very close to everything. From this area you can go to Museumplein and Leidseplein in 10 minutes on foot or less.
Find a hotel in De PijpSouth station - Zuideramstel
Zuideramstel is a business district located in the south of Amsterdam, beyond De Pipj. It is not one of the favorite places for tourists to stay in Amsterdam as it is a bit far from the center. However hotels are much cheaper.
In this area you will often get great deals and it is very well connected to the center by metro and tram (it takes about 10 - 15 minutes).
The neighborhood is business-focused and fairly quiet. It has a good offer of hotels in different categories and you get a lot more for what you pay than in the center. It is an area chosen by many people who are willing to spend some time in public transport to save some money.
If you choose this neighborhood to book your hotel, the best area is around the south train station, which is the best communicated.
Find a hotel in Zuideramstel