Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Choosing the Right Hotel for Your Trip
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Jan 22, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, offering world-class museums, picturesque canals, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a perfect city-break destination. Choosing the right hotel can make all the difference in your travel experience—especially if you value comfort, location, and cultural immersion.
In this guide, I’ll share what to consider when booking a hotel in Amsterdam, highlight the best areas of the city, and give you tips on selecting accommodations that match your style. Along the way, you’ll find curated opportunities to book recommended hotels through affiliate links.
What to Consider When Booking a Hotel in Amsterdam
When choosing your Amsterdam hotel, think beyond the star rating. A few key points can help you make the best decision:
Location matters most: Staying in the right neighborhood saves you time on transport and enhances your overall experience.
Accessibility: Some historic canal houses lack elevators—important to note if you prefer step-free access.
Room size: Dutch hotel rooms can be smaller than American standards, so check square footage before booking.
Breakfast options: A hearty Dutch breakfast at your hotel can save you time before starting your day.
Canal views: Many hotels advertise canal views, but not all are created equal—read reviews and check photos before booking.
.
Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam
1. The Canal Belt (Grachtengordel)
Perfect for first-time visitors. You’ll be in the heart of UNESCO’s World Heritage canal district, surrounded by boutique hotels and historic charm. Great for walking to museums, shops, and restaurants.
👉 Recommended hotel: Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam (affiliate link) – luxury rooms spread across 25 restored canal houses.
2. Museum Quarter (Museumplein)
Ideal for art and culture lovers. Within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Concertgebouw. Upscale, quieter atmosphere.
👉 Recommended hotel: Conservatorium Hotel (affiliate link) – a stunning blend of history and modern design.
3. Jordaan District
A charming neighborhood with narrow streets, trendy cafés, and art galleries. Perfect if you prefer a more local, residential feel.
👉 Recommended hotel: Mr. Jordaan (affiliate link) – cozy boutique stay with a homelike atmosphere.
4. De Pijp
Vibrant, multicultural area with the famous Albert Cuyp Market and excellent restaurants. Great for foodies and those who want a lively vibe.
👉 Recommended hotel: Sir Albert Hotel (affiliate link) – boutique style with artistic flair.
5. Amsterdam North (Noord)
Trendy and upcoming, just across the IJ River with a free ferry ride from Central Station. Known for its creative scene, architecture, and panoramic views.
👉 Recommended hotel: Sir Adam Hotel (affiliate link) – located in the A’DAM Tower, with views of the city skyline.
Tips for Getting Around from Your Hotel
Public transport in Amsterdam is efficient and easy to use. Whether you’re staying near Central Station or further out, trams, buses, and ferries connect the entire city.
📌 Read my full guide: How to Use Public Transport in Amsterdam
If you prefer comfort, taxis and private transfers are available but a bit less common than in American cities. Bicycles are also a fantastic way to explore—many hotels even offer rentals.
Making the Most of Your Weekend
A well-located hotel allows you to explore more with less travel time. Depending on your interests, you can pair your stay with:
📖 Three Perfect Weekend Itineraries in Amsterdam
🎨 Cultural Tours: Amsterdam for Art and History Lovers
🍽️ Street Food and Market Tasting Tours
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam offers a wide variety of hotels for every taste—whether you want luxury canal-side elegance, boutique design, or vibrant local neighborhoods. Choosing the right area and accommodation sets the tone for your entire trip, ensuring a meaningful and memorable experience.
✨ Ready to start planning? Explore the hotel links above, and if you’d like a fully customized itinerary or private cultural tour in Amsterdam, get in touch here.
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
🧳 Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Let’s plan your perfect vacation!
© All rights reserved. No part of this post may be copied, modified, shared, or used in any form—commercial or otherwise—without written permission from the authors. Sharing a direct link to the post or this website is encouraged and appreciated.
Disclosure: If you book through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission—usually at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even get a discount!
