Looking for a hotel or Airbnb in Amsterdam. In this guide, we have short-listed our top places to stay in Amsterdam to help you settle on something that looks good for you.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated:
Amsterdam is an easy city to explore on foot, bike or public transport, so you don’t necessarily need to stay right in the middle of the historic centre.
In fact, last time we were in Amsterdam we picked a quieter street just outside the centre and loved it.
We were still able to walk everywhere but managed to keep the prices down. The trip coincided with World Pride so that was even more important than ever.
We’ve picked just a few neighbourhoods in Amsterdam that we think most visitors will want to stay in. All the hotels and Airbnbs we recommend here are in a central location and the main sights are easily accessible.
Which Amsterdam Neighbourhoods Should You Stay in?
We would stick to four main areas, all of which make a good base for exploring Amsterdam.
Canal Ring – Four main canals curve around the old centre. This is where you’ll find narrow townhouses, bridges and some of Amsterdam’s most recognisable streets. Stay here if it’s your first time in Amsterdam.
Jordaan – Narrow canals, independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants. Jordaan has a more residential feel than the historic centre, but it’s still close to the main sights. Stay here for the more local neighbourhood atmosphere.
De Pijp – South of the Canal Ring, De Pijp is livelier and more packed with cafés, restaurants, and bars. Stay here if nightlife will be your main focus in Amsterdam.
Museum Quarter – This area has the main art galleries, including Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Stay here if you have been to Amsterdam before and art is your main focus.
To help you decide where to base yourself, our things to do in Amsterdam guide has everything we got up to on our last visit to the city.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Rather than doing a detailed breakdown by area, we’ve shortlisted some of the best hotels and Airbnbs in Amsterdam. The reason for this approach is that central Amsterdam is not massive and getting between the areas is quick and easy.
So picking a neighbourhood is slightly less important in Amsterdam than in many other cities. Each of these hotels or Airbnbs are in a good central location.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
If you are looking for a luxury stay, it’s hard to go past the Pulitzer Amsterdam.
The hotel comprises 25 interconnected canal houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring traditional Dutch craftsmanship and historic details, combined with contemporary interiors.
Rooms and suites vary slightly in size, layout, and views, and the property has several inner gardens. There are also several places to eat and drink in the hotel.
The location is great for a first-time visit, with The Anne Frank House only a few minutes away on foot. Dam Square and the Nine Streets are also close by.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam
Continuing the theme of combining historical houses, The Hoxton occupies five interconnected 17th-century canal houses on the Herengracht.
The interiors combine the original character of the buildings with Hoxton’s contemporary style, featuring timber floors and vintage furniture. There are communal spaces designed to feel more like a neighbourhood living room, places to work, and a few cool dining options.
The rooms range from compact ‘Shoebox’ to much larger options, so we’d recommend being clear on the room size before you book.
The location on the Herengracht is excellent for exploring the Canal Ring, with both the Anne Frank House and Royal Palace within easy walking distance.
Hotel Estheréa
Hotel Estheréa is one of the most eccentric hotels on our list. It’s made up of eight historic buildings along the Singel canal, creating a homely layout in a central location.
The decoration is bold with rich colours, patterned fabrics, dark wood, chandeliers and ornate details. Rooms are individually styled, and some have views directly over the Singel.
There is also a library, a fitness centre, and a lounge overlooking the canal, with complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
It’s located about 300 metres from Dam Square but on a relatively quiet stretch of the canal.
Boutique Hotel Notting Hill
This is a good option if you want to combine central sightseeing with the restaurants and cafés of De Pijp in a slightly quieter location outside the busiest part of the centre.
The four-star hotel has individually styled rooms with air conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, modern bathrooms, bathrobes, and slippers. There is also a restaurant, cosy bar and fitness centre.
The hotel is good, but its location is one of its main attractions. Albert Cuyp Market is around a five-minute walk away, and Museumplein is easily reached on foot. We spent more time in Jordaan than we did in De Pijp, but if you prefer a slightly edgier vibe, this is probably it.
If you want to cut down your walking a little, there is a tram stop directly outside the hotel.
Ink Hotel Amsterdam
INK Hotel building was once the headquarters and printing works of the Dutch newspaper De Tijd, and the hotel’s design capitalises on that history. There are typewriters, cameras and blueprints incorporated into the interiors.
The PRESSROOM restaurant and bar is a great place to eat, and there’s also a leafy inner courtyard inspired by the private gardens found behind the houses of the Jordaan.
The hotel is within easy walking distance of Dam Square, the canals and Amsterdam Centraal.
Mr Jordaan
Mr Jordaan is a three-star hotel in the heart of the Jordaan with a more intimate feel than the larger canal-house hotels. It has individually styled rooms, private bathrooms and a simple, contemporary design.
Location-wise, it’s about five minutes from the Anne Frank Museum and surrounded by the canals, cafés, independent shops, and restaurants of the Jordaan.
It also has an excellent reputation with guests, currently scoring 9.1 on Booking.com, with particularly strong scores for location, staff, cleanliness and comfort. Breakfast is buffet-style, and there is a coffee shop and a 24-hour reception.
Charming Canal Apartment in the Jordaan
This small ground-floor apartment is set within a canal house in the Jordaan, on a quiet stretch of canal. It sleeps two in a king-size bed and has a private bedroom, a sitting area with canal views, a kitchenette, and a bathroom.
The location is excellent for exploring the Jordaan on foot, with restaurants, bars, independent shops and the Nine Streets nearby. It’s part of the owner’s canal house, but the bedroom, living area and bathroom are private.
It is also one of the better-reviewed properties on our list, with a 4.99 rating from more than 300 reviews and an Airbnb Guest Favourite designation.
Boutique Houseboat in Central Amsterdam
For a memorable Amsterdam stay, this renovated houseboat is in the centre of Amsterdam, just above the Jordaan. It feels more like a small boutique hotel than a traditional boat accommodation.
Inside there is cosy wood panelling, a lounge with a gas fireplace and a separate bedroom. Large sliding doors open onto the terrace, where you can sit beside the canal. There is also an open kitchen and private bathroom with a walk-in shower.
The accommodation is designed for two people and currently has a 4.96 rating from more than 200 reviews.
Luxury Apartment in Green Amsterdam Noord
This cosy one-bedroom apartment in a particularly green part of Amsterdam Noord is a peaceful alternative to staying in the busy centre.
The apartment is designed for two people and has a comfortable living space, private bathroom and everything you need for a self-contained stay. Free bikes are also available.
Despite the peaceful setting, you’re only around 10 minutes from central Amsterdam.
The property currently has a 4.97 rating from 175 reviews and is in Airbnb’s top 10% of homes.
Amstel River Garden Apartment
This ground-floor studio apartment is tucked behind a canal house on the Amstel, giving you a remarkably central location.
The private studio has its own entrance, kitchen, marble bathroom and washing machine/dryer, along with access to a private garden.
There are two beds and space for up to four guests. Importantly, the apartment is on the ground floor with no steep stairs, making it one of the more accessible options on our list.
The location is particularly convenient for public transport. Waterlooplein metro station is only a couple of minutes away on foot, while the Amstel and the surrounding museums and shops are close by.
The property has a 4.88 rating from more than 860 reviews and is hosted by a Superhost with more than a decade of hosting experience.
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Thanks for your support // Paul & Mark