Where to Stay in Amsterdam

If you have decided to visit Amsterdam, you are surely trying to figure out which is the best area to stay.

You will surely have noticed that the costs are quite high, but by booking in time it will be possible to find structures at prices that are not too prohibitive.

The expense depends above all on the area you choose where to sleep in Amsterdam, centrally located hotels are generally more expensive but have the advantage of being close to everything.

In this guide on the Dutch city, let's just find out which are the best areas to stay overnight, analyzing every aspect to help you find the solution that best suits your needs, whether they are budget or logistic.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Compared to other European metropolises, Amsterdam is so small that you can easily and quickly reach all the tourist areas even if you are staying far away.

The most convenient area to visit the city is the center, in particular staying in the area between the central station and the Museum Quarter you can walk around the city and visit most of the attractions without having to use public transport.

A great advantage for all those who wish to discover the city by walking in the best part of Amsterdam discovering its hidden beauties.

One of the most beautiful and most popular neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam is definitely the Jordan, located in the canal area and full of traditional shops, restaurants and cafes, but the Museums area is fine too.

Keep in mind that the quality / price ratio of the hotels is not very convenient and it is not easy to find cheap and nice structures at the same time. I recommend that you read the reviews and rate the hotel well not only for the location but also for the quality and services offered.

Alternatively, if you cannot find a solution in line with your budget, you can evaluate some semi-central and less touristy areas such as the De Pijp o l'Old South.

Consider that public transport in Amsterdam is very efficient. The important thing is to choose a structure close to the metro and tram lines to reach the center.

Finally, it can be convenient to stay near Amsterdam, in cities well connected to the Dutch capital, such as Haarlem or Zaandam., where the structures offer a better value for money.

However, keep in mind the inconvenience of taking the train every day and the disadvantage of not fully enjoying the magic of Amsterdam, especially if you have few days available.

Let's see in detail the best neighborhoods for a holiday in Amsterdam.

Canal Ring - Grachtengordel

One of the great attractions of Amsterdam are its famous canals, which form a ring around the historic center where all the wonders of the city are concentrated.

The canal district, known as Canal Order, it is beautiful, with the elegant buildings, the houses overlooking the canals and the characteristic house-boats, in short, the typical postcard image of the Dutch city.

It is no coincidence that the Grachtengordel has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. A perfect place for anyone: for lovers of history, art, photography but also shopping and nightlife.

Jordan

Among the most beautiful, charming and central districts of Amsterdam is the Jordaan; located in an excellent position for visiting the city, from here you can walk to the main points of interest. The central station is a 20-minute walk away and in 15 minutes you arrive at Dam square.

Once a popular area, today the Jordaan is an area full of clubs, restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries, a quaint place ideal for pleasant strolls among historic buildings, pretty alleys and canals.

Despite being central, the Jordaan is less chaotic and less crowded with tourists than other areas such as Dam Square. Among the things not to be missed in the neighborhood is the Anne Frank House Museum.

In general it is a quiet area at any time of day or night, ideal for those looking for a quaint place away from the most touristy places, convenient to relax and enjoy your stay in Amsterdam.

Museums area

Another recommended area to stay overnight in Amsterdam is the Museum Quarter, the area where the most important museums of the city are located, all concentrated in a single district. Just to name a few: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the MOCO Museum of Modern Art.

In addition to the famous museums in the district there is one of the most important concert halls in the world, the Concertgebouw.

But the Museum Quarter is not only the historic and artistic center of the city, it also hosts exclusive shops, restaurants and cafes.

The area is perfectly connected by public transport with the rest of the city and with the airport.

In the large museum square (Museumplein) there is a pleasant air, a green park with fountains and sculptures where the many tourists take a break after visiting the museums. This is where the famous I Amsterdam lettering was located, recently removed.

If you are passionate about history and culture and are looking for a convenient place to walk around the city and visit the main attractions, the Museum Quarter is a great choice.

Central Station / Centrum

The central station is located in the heart of the city, just a few minutes walk from the famous Dam square, from the canals and main attractions.

Central Station is the point of arrival and departure of the city, from here you can take the means to reach any area or to visit the surroundings of Amsterdam.

The long avenue leading to Dam square, Damrak, is full of cafes and shops and is always a bustle of tourists.

Compared to other large European cities, the station area is not infamous or dangerous. A few meters from the station exit is the de Wallen, the famous red light district of Amsterdam, still a safe place and very lively in the evening.

If you want to visit the city in comfort and reach the main places of interest on foot, the area around the central station is for you.

Leidseplein

Area located south of the historic center, full of coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and clubs; always full of people and life, especially near Leiden Square.

Leidseplein is one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam, close to the center and within easy reach of everything from Dam Square to museums and shopping streets.

In any case, the Leidseplein area is well served by public transport, to reach the airport or other areas of the city, if you don't feel like walking.

The pipe

De Pijp, located in the southern part of Amsterdam, is the artistic and multi-ethnic area of ​​the city, full of bars and restaurants, known as the "Latin Quarter".

The area is also known for the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest market in Europe and the heart of the neighborhood.

Do not miss l’Heineken Experience, the beer museum located in the old Heineken factory.

If you are looking for a lively area, less touristy and fairly inexpensive, but within easy reach of the city center, De Pijp is the perfect solution to stay in Amsterdam.

Old south

An elegant neighborhood located just outside the center, but close to the main points of interest in the city, such as the Museumplein, easily reachable on foot.

This is where the Vondelpark, the green lung of the city and this is the area considered by many to be one of the best places to live in Amsterdam.

Conclusions

 If you have a limited budget and do not want to give up visiting the Dutch capital, you can opt for the more peripheral districts but still well connected to the center. However, if your wallet allows it then it is better to choose one of the many areas that I have recommended, so that you can enjoy every corner of the center comfortably on foot.

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