Pick your base camp
Where to stay in Amsterdam
7 neighbourhoods compared, so you can choose the right base for your trip.
Photo: Michielverbeek / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Heads-up: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Amsterdam is small, so almost anywhere within the ring of canals or just outside it works. The Canal Ring is the dream (and the most expensive), the Jordaan is charming, De Pijp is for foodies, and Noord and Oost offer value with easy transport. Prices swing hard with events – compare live prices for your dates.
| Area | Best for | Price level | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) | First-timers and couples | $$$$ | Walk almost everywhere; trams nearby |
| Jordaan | Couples and repeat visitors | $$$ | Walkable; trams on the edges |
| De Pijp | Food lovers and nightlife | $$$ | Metro 52 (North–South line) and trams |
| Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid) | Museum lovers and families | $$$$ | Good trams; quick ride to the centre |
| Oud-West | Living like a local | $$$ | Trams to the centre in about 10–15 min |
| Amsterdam-Noord | Value and a different side of the city | $$ | Free ferries and metro 52 |
| Oost | Families and longer stays | $$ | Trams and metro |
1. Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
Our pick for first-timersClassic, romantic, central · Best for first-timers and couples · $$$$
Why stay here
- Postcard canals outside your door
- Walk to the Anne Frank House, Nine Streets and Dam Square
Watch out for
- Most expensive area
- Steep stairs in canal houses
Getting around: Walk almost everywhere; trams nearby
Hotels to look at
- Mid-rangeThe Hoxton, Amsterdam: Five canal houses on the Herengracht with a lively lobby. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
- SplurgePulitzer Amsterdam: A row of 17th-century canal houses with a hidden garden. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
2. Jordaan
Charming, village-like, brown cafés · Best for couples and repeat visitors · $$$
Why stay here
- Quiet streets with character
- Markets, cafés and galleries
Watch out for
- Fewer big hotels
- Rooms can be small
Getting around: Walkable; trams on the edges
Hotels to look at
- Mid-rangeMr. Jordaan: Small boutique hotel on the Jordaan’s edge. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
3. De Pijp
Lively, foodie, young · Best for food lovers and nightlife · $$$
Why stay here
- Albert Cuyp Market and great restaurants
- Walk to the museums
Watch out for
- Busy weekend nights
Getting around: Metro 52 (North–South line) and trams
Hotels to look at
- Mid-rangeSir Albert Hotel: Design hotel in a former diamond factory. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
4. Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid)
Elegant, calm, leafy · Best for museum lovers and families · $$$$
Why stay here
- Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh and Vondelpark on your doorstep
- Quiet nights
Watch out for
- Upscale prices
- Less nightlife
Getting around: Good trams; quick ride to the centre
Hotels to look at
- BudgetStayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark: Hostel with private rooms right by the park. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
- SplurgeConservatorium Hotel: Luxury in a converted music conservatory. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
5. Oud-West
Local, relaxed, cafés · Best for living like a local · $$$
Why stay here
- De Hallen food hall and cinema
- Close to Vondelpark
Watch out for
- Not on the canals
Getting around: Trams to the centre in about 10–15 min
Hotels to look at
- Mid-rangeHotel De Hallen: Inside the converted De Hallen tram depot. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
6. Amsterdam-Noord
Creative, spacious, industrial · Best for value and a different side of the city · $$
Why stay here
- Often cheaper
- NDSM, the A’DAM Tower and green space
Watch out for
- You’ll be on a ferry or metro to the centre
Getting around: Free ferries and metro 52
Hotels to look at
- BudgetClinkNOORD: Large hostel in a former lab building by the ferry. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
- Mid-rangeSir Adam Hotel: Inside the A’DAM Tower, with river views. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
7. Oost
Multicultural, green, residential · Best for families and longer stays · $$
Why stay here
- Oosterpark, Artis Zoo nearby
- Good value
Watch out for
- A tram ride to the canals
Getting around: Trams and metro
Hotels to look at
- BudgetGenerator Amsterdam: Hostel in a former university building by Oosterpark. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
- Mid-rangeVolkshotel: Creative hotel in a former newspaper building. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
Hotel names are suggestions to start your search, not paid placements. Always check recent reviews, the exact location and the cancellation terms before you book.
Get the free city map + checklist
A printable highlights map and 48-hour tick-off plan (Amsterdam, Porto, Prague and Edinburgh ready, more cities soon) plus our best money-saving tips, straight to your inbox. One useful email a week at most. Unsubscribe any time.
By signing up you agree to receive emails from us. See our privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Amsterdam for first-timers?
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel). Postcard canals outside your door. The trade-off: most expensive area.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam-Noord and Oost usually offer the best value with good transport. Prices change a lot by date, so compare live prices.
Do you list exact hotel prices?
No. Hotel prices change daily with demand and events, so instead we show a relative price level and link to live prices for your dates.
Plan your next step
Hotels in Canal Ring
Check prices (affiliate link, opens in new tab)