Where to Stay in Amsterdam: A Personal Guide to the Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
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Amsterdam will always be a city that I hold near and dear to my heart. Not only is my background Dutch, but it’s truly one of the most amazing cities that I have ever visited. I have always been captivated by the canals, the colorful leaning buildings, the millions of bikers. This city is charming, unique, and the people are equally as such. Every time I visit and stay somewhere different, I get such a unique and captivating experience. Amsterdam has many different neighborhoods, each offering a different vibe for every traveler type. In this guide, I will be sharing my personal insights and recommendations on where to stay in Amsterdam!
Introduction: Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Trying to find a neighborhood in Amsterdam that checks all of the boxes can be hard. Amsterdam has many charming and diverse neighborhoods, all with a different vibe and energy. Because of Amsterdam’s diversity, there is honestly a neighborhood for everyone. I am here to share with you all of the best neighborhoods and hotels so that you know where to stay in Amsterdam!
1. Jordaan – The Quintessential Amsterdam Experience
When you think about Amsterdam, you think of the canals, and these picturesque buildings in your head. That vision is the charming neighborhood of Jordaan. This neighborhood is home to many various art galleries, cute designer shops, and wonderful cafes. My favorite part of the cafes is seeing the locals having espresso and apple pie and just enjoying the city.
If you are looking for a neighborhood that is quiet and has a charming vibe, then this is your vibe. It’s a super chic area and you will feel like you are staying in a canal home. This area is perfect for solo travelers and couples.
One of my favorite hotels in this area are Mr Jordaan which is a cute boutique hotel right off the canal. This hotel has great coffee and lots of local artwork on display. My second favorite hotel is Hotel Mercier. This hotel has an art deco vibe with the red velvet, lush furniture, and feels more on the trendier side.
2. De Pijp – Vibrant, Hip & Multicultural
If you are coming to Amsterdam and are looking for an energetic vibe, then De Pijp is for you. Referred to as the Latin Quarter, it is energetic and busy and full of amazing flower shops, street food, and cafes. You have access to pretty much everything and it has a multicultural kind of vibe.
This neighborhood is perfect for the foodies and artsy people looking for a fun and energetic area. Two of my favorite hotels in this area are the Sir Albert Hotel and the Hotel Okura Amsterdam. Sir Albert has more of a boutique vibe with a Japanese restaurant onsite. Whereas Hotel Okura is a luxury resort with a Michelin-star restaurant on site. Both hotels are great for solo travelers, couples, and any travelers looking for luxury, great food, and amazing nightlife.
3. Oud-West – Local Life Meets Trendy Vibes
If less tourists and more locals are your vibe, then Oud-West may your neighborhood. This area is much more relaxed, and filled with bohemian cafes andlots of open green spaces. This is a great area for digital nomads, long-term travellers, and those looking for less touristy places and wanting to expereince more of a local vibe.
My two favorite hotels in this area are the Pillows Anna van den Vondel and the Hotel De Hallen. Both hotels have a boutique style, but De Hallen has more of a chic-industrial feel, whereas Pillows feels more charming and peaceful.
4. Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid) – Culture, Class & Green Spaces
One of the most elegant neighborhoods in Amsterdam in my opinion is the Museum Quarter. All of the amazing museums are located here, which I love. There are also tons of luxury shopping options, and the streets are lined with trees. My favorite part about this neighborhood (it’s quiet).
This is a great neighborhood for luxury travelers, families, those who love visiting museums, and getting lost in the city during the day, and having a quiet night. One of my favorite things to do in this area was just walking the streets and admiring all of the works of art in the museums.
My favorite hotels in this area are the Conservatorium Hotel and Max Brown Museum Square. The Conservatorium Hotel is more about luxury with their pool and spas and Max Brown is more laid-back, cozy, and artsy.
5. Amsterdam Centrum – Historic, Bustling, and Convenient
If you want to be in the center of the action, then your ideal neighborhood is Amsterdam Centum. This area is considered the heart of Amsterdam, and even though it’s touristy, you will have easy access to Amsterdam’s most popular attractions and sites. From here, you can very easily get to Anne Frank’s House, the Royal Palace, and Dam Square. You will also find lots of nightlife, canal tours, tons of shopping, but also, more crowds.
If this is your first time to Amsterdam, or if you want to be in walkable distance to the most attractions, or are only here for a few days, then this is the ideal area for you to stay in while in Amsterdam.
My favorite hotels here are the Hotel Esthera, which is a family owned and ran hotel and considered a hidden gem, and the NH Collection Amsterdam, which is more luxurious and has an onsite Michelin restaurant.
6. Amsterdam Noord – Modern, Creative, and Unexpected
If you have been to Amsterdam before and maybe don’t want to stay in the city center, but still want a great fun vibe, then Amsterdam Noord may be for you. This artsy neighborhood is a short (and free) ferry ride from the city center is often called the Brooklyn of Amsterdam. This is a great area to explore on a bike and enjoy all of the street art, festivals, and cafes that are on every corner.
My two favorite hotels in this area are the Sir Adam Hotel, which is a fun, edgy, music-inspired hotel, with a rooftop. And the second is the DoubleTree Amsterdam, which is a moderately priced hotel, that is quieter in the evenings and has amazing waterfront views.
Conclusion: Where to Stay in Amsterdam
As you start to plan your trip to Amsterdam (or have me help you plan it) deciding on where to stay in Amsterdam greatly depends on your vibe, interests, and what you want to get out of your trip. All of the various neighborhoods that the city has to offer has something unique and special for everyone. When I look back on my own experiences in Amsterdam, I loved some many things about each area and had a different experience each time I visited. I truly hope this guide has helped you narrow down where to stay in Amsterdam and that your Dutch Adeventure is absolutely incredible.