Where to Stay in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is the city of canals and bicycles. I’ve visited Amsterdam in the high heat of summer and the low temps of winter. After every visit to Amsterdam I can confidently say it’s a unique, cultural city that I feel so lucky to have seen with my own eyes! There are so many highlights of Amsterdam that I love. When you start planning your trip and are wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, I’ve got you covered.

I am fortunate enough to have friends that live in Amsterdam, and they’ve taught me a lot about the best places to stay and provide recommendations. With that along with my own research, I have ideas of the best places on where to stay in Amsterdam. If you also are working on what do to while you’re in Amsterdam, consider this two day Amsterdam itinerary as your starting point.

When to visit Amsterdam

• Summer (June–August): The weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. There’s open-air concerts, festivals and floating on the canal is in full swing during summer.
• Fall (September–October): I personally love traveling anywhere in Europe in the fall. There are less crowds, but weather can be unpredictable.
• Winter (November–January): Amsterdam in the winter means off-season prices, and the chance to explore more of the muesums and indoor activities.
• Spring (April–May): The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and everyone in Amsterdam is waking up from the dark winter.

What to know before you visit Amsterdam

• Transportation: Public transportation is the way to get around. What’s really unique about the tram system is you don’t need to buy a ticket, you can tap to pay when you get on the tram. The cost is very inexpensive too.
• Language: Dutch is the official language, but english is widely spoken. I always recommend learning a few phrases of the local language.
• Cash: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but sometimes cash is nice to have. The currency in Amsterdam is the Euro.
• Look out for bikes: I was more worried about being run over by a bike than a car. It’s true what they say about Amsterdam and their bikes!

I was fortunate enough to have friends that live in Amsterdam, and she taught me a lot about the best places to stay and provide recommendations. With that along with my own research, I have ideas of the best places in Amsterdam to stay

Traveling to Amsterdam

The Amsterdam airport is named Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS.) Unfortunately for me, there are no direct flights from Denver but there are direct flights from the United States to the Amsterdam airport daily. The flights land very early local time to give you a full first day. 

Daily flight options direct from the United States: 

• Delta flies non-stop to Amsterdam (AMS) from New York (JFK)
• United operates direct flights from Newark (EWR) 
• Flights directly from Chicago (ORD) are available with United and KLM

Once you land at the airport, I recommend using public transportation over a taxi service to be cost efficient.  You can use your credit card or apple pay when you jump on the tram – no ticket required. 

Traveling to Amsterdam by train

If Amsterdam is one of the stops along your European vacation, you’re in luck. The railway system in Europe is incredibly connected and fast. Amsterdam is easily accessible from other European cities within a decent amount of time 

Distance on train from other European cities:

• From Paris: ~ 3 to 3.5 hours 
• From Brussels: ~ 1.5 to 2 hours
• From London: ~ 4 to 4.5 hours. 
• From Berlin: ~ 6 hours

Amsterdam Neighborhoods

Learning about the Amsterdam neighborhoods can help you decide where to stay in Amsterdam.

Jordaan

Originally a working-class neighborhood, Jordaan is now one of Amsterdam’s most desirable areas. Think leafy streets, indie galleries, stylish boutiques, and cafés perfect for people-watching. Jordaan is a neighborhood that may be more expensive than others, but it’s central to everything you’d like to see in Amsterdam. The Anne Frank Museum is in Jordaan, and so are lush hotels.

Hotel Recommendations for Jordaan:

• Budget: Amsterdam Lily apartment – this apartment books up so quickly, so book in advance!
• Solo: Eden Hotel Amsterdam – another budget friendly choice.
• Mid-Range: Villa360 – live like a local in a traditional Amsterdam apartment
• Splurge: Hotel Mercier – highly rated, and for good reason.

City Center

The historic heart of the city is where you’ll find the iconic canal rings, Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and the Red Light District. It’s beautiful and bustling – but also the most tourist-saturated part of town. City Center is best for first-time visitors, proximity to major landmarks, and for the classic Amsterdam feel.

Good to know: Restaurants and shops here cater to tourists, so prices are higher and authenticity can vary.

Hotel Recommendations for City Center:

• Budget: NH City Centre – Great location and spacious rooms.
• Solo: This Ho(S)tel – on average $75 a night, a hostel is an excellent way to meet other travelers. This is also a great way to save a few dollars on your accommodations.
• Mid-Range: Max Brown hotel – high ratings, LGTBQ friendly, and excellent proximity to the museums.
• Splurge: Hotel V Nesplein – a four-star hotel with modern rooms and excellent ratings.

Binnenstad

I’d consider Binnenstad a specific neighborhood within the city center. We stayed here in December and it was the absolute best location – we are able to walk everywhere on our two day itinerary without the use of any public transportation.

Hotel Recommendations for Binnenstad:

• Budget: Hotel Pagi – A place where you still are excellently located, but saving money. This place would be perfect if you just want a place to sleep at night and explore all during the day.
• Hostel: Hostel the Veteran – I absolutely love saving money with a hostel and this was is within five minutes walking distance to a beautiful flower market.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Estheréa – An eclectic hotel that’s in a perfect location.
• Splurge: Tivoli Doelen Hotel – This is where we stayed for my husband’s birthday. The attention to detail at our stay was incredible. The hour of free happy hour drinks was also a plus.

Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier)

The Museum Quarter is perfect if you’re a museum lover, traveling with families, or want to stay in a quieter neighborhood. If you stay in the Museum Quarter, you’ll be in a calmer area but still well connected to the rest of the city with transportation

• Hostel: Flying Pig – The bar on-site for guests only make it a perfect place to make friends as you backpack solo through Europe.
• Mid-Range: Avani Museum Quarter: Only a seven minute walk from the Van Gogh Museum and five minute walk to the Heineken Brewery. This would be an ideal stay in winter!
• Splurge: Conservatorium Hotel – This hotel looks like it could be a museum. The design and attention to detail makes this hotel a luxury stay – not to mention it was voted world’s Best Luxury Spa & Stay 2024.

Honorable Mention: House Boat

Amsterdam is famously known for its canals; how unique would it be to stay on one of them via house boat?! Adding this to travel list immediately.

Ready to plan the rest of your trip to Amsterdam? Stay tuned for my blog posts releasing this month.