Where to Stay in Amsterdam: 4 Amazing Places to Stay

Amsterdam is renowned for its networks of waterways, art galleries, and unique architectural designs. And flowers. And museums. Not to mention the rather substantial number of excellent restaurants and cute cafes. Essentially, there’s plenty of activities and sights to explore and see in Amsterdam, and it is one of our favorite cities globally.

When I, Matt, was planning my first of several trips to Amsterdam a few years ago, I found that I didn’t know as much about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods as I knew about places like Paris and Rome. Isn’t it just one big collection of canals?

Yes, I was aware of the Red Light District, partially because Ludacris has been one of my favorite rappers for over ten years now, but other than that, I wasn’t sure where to start. Now that I’ve visited Amsterdam a couple times, I`ve formed my own thoughts on where to stay.

Each of Amsterdam’s different neighborhoods has something unique about it, whether it’s an eclectic blend of bars and restaurants, or access to the best parks or museums in the city.

This guide will take you through the best areas to stay in Amsterdam, along with pros and cons and some things to check out in each neighborhood.

If you’re not quite certain where to stay in Amsterdam, we’ve got your back. Below, you’ll find five excellent places to stay in Amsterdam, along with their pros and cons, different activities and sights they have to offer visitors, and specific places to stay that have caught our eye.

a large clock tower in the middle of a city

a man standing next to a body of water

a woman standing next to a river with a bike

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: A Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is lovely, and you’re going to have a fantastic time. This guide is meant to help you determine where to stay in Amsterdam. Whether you’re looking for a stylish boutique hotel, or an inexpensive bed in a hostel, you’ll find a range of options below.

Generally, when considering where to reside, we keep two factors in mind.

First is the location. If we have anything less than a full week in a city, we’re seeking a central place that is within walking distance of many of the main attractions in the city. In this case, Amsterdam is EXCEEDINGLY walkable, so nearly every area in the city center is going to be “within walking distance” of basically anything.

Second is the atmosphere. Which is highly subjective, but we will try to explain it here. We strive to avoid areas catering solely to tourists – like the Red Light District in Amsterdam (more on that shortly). Instead, we tend to gravitate towards locations where there is a blend of visitors and actual residents.

In Amsterdam, among the most visited cities globally, nearly all neighborhoods within the city center experience heavy tourist traffic…but in differing volumes.

We’re looking for places where we can find a grocery store to briefly stop at for meal ingredients and an alcoholic beverage, a pleasant green location where crowds gather on a sunny day, and ideally a farmers market we can explore alongside locals to select fresh produce.

One place we’d avoid staying is Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. It’s worth a visit for the novelty, particularly in the evening, but it’s not really worth staying in because it’s absolutely packed with tourists at all hours of the day and night. And those tourists are loud at night, which isn’t great if you value your rest (we do).

We’d also avoid staying in the area directly surrounding Amsterdam Centraal Station, the central train station of Amsterdam. For essentially the same reason. It’s packed continuously with tourists, wall-to-wall, at any moment. And the bars and restaurants here tend to be more costly and less pleasant than other places in Amsterdam.

Short on time to read the more detailed guide below? Here are our top suggestions.

  • If it’s your first visit OR your trip is brief, remain in either Jordaan or Nine Streets. These charming heart areas of central Amsterdam, where you’ll find canal-side homes, an abundance (my favorite word!) of great food and drink choices, and the famous Anne Frank House, which we think is a must-see. Both neighborhoods – which are right beside each other – are central and beautiful, and that’s why we think they’re the best areas to remain in Amsterdam. We could wander around this area of the city for hours – day or night.
  • If you’re interested in a more lively and trendy location, stay in De Pijp. We think this is the coolest section of Amsterdam, and food lovers and trendsetters will find this zone of the city quite delightful. It’s slightly further out from the core, but it’s still just a 15 minute walk or 10 minute trip on public transit to the middle. Moreover, you`ll be close to the Albert Cuyp Market and the Heineken Experience (which is really just an extensive Heineken promotion, if you ask us). You’ll be only minutes away from the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark, which is an excellent spot to be.
  • If you’re on a budget OR desire an apartment, stay inWesterpark. This region to the western section of the primary tourist center of Amsterdam is relatively remote, and therefore, marginally cheaper. There are a couple of great aparthotels (hotel-style structures with apartment-style rooms) in this portion of Amsterdam, so if you’re searching for an apartment in Amsterdam, this may be your best option.

Ready to find the perfect home base for exploring Amsterdam? Continue reading for our more thorough recommendations on where to stay.

Where We’ve Stayed in Amsterdam

Sharing our personal experiences is probably a good starting point for this guide.

We`ve visited Amsterdam on two occasions in recent years, staying in diverse areas each time.

For a more charming and rustic resort experience, consider either the Doe Bay Resort or the West Beach Resort – both situated directly on the waterfront.

On our subsequent visit, we lodged in a charming abode in Oud Zuid. It’s more peaceful than residing in the metropolis hub, and corresponds to the types of neighborhoods we prefer when exploring an urban area. Near enough to access attractions within 10 or 15 minutes, but sufficiently remote to avoid disturbances from passersby late into the night.

If we were planning another trip to Amsterdam, our top choices would be either Jordaan, the most picturesque neighborhood in Amsterdam, De Pijp, the trendiest and most cosmopolitan neighborhood, or Westerpark, a less well-known alternative (which also means more affordable).

Jordaan: Our Top Pick – Quintessential Amsterdam with Endless Charm

a large body of water with buildings

Jordaan is a charming neighborhood nestled in the heart of Amsterdam

For us, it’s quintessential Amsterdam. If we were heading back to Amsterdam, we’d probably book one of the fantastic boutique hotels in Jordaan, at least for part of our trip.

Winding along the meandering canals of Jordaan is an adventure itself. I could spend all day and night wandering, enjoying the cool evening air and the dim orange glow that lights the waterways after dark.

If you`re wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, we think Jordaan is a great choice for many visitors.

Jordaan`s narrow roads and alleys burst with unique shops, pubs, and trendy restaurants, making it our top pick for places to stay in Amsterdam.

Whether you want to take a stroll down the cobbled streets, or simply sit in a cafe and watch the world go by, Jordaan has something for everyone.

This neighborhood boasts some of the finest restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops found anywhere in the city. It`s conveniently located, allowing you to walk to many popular places in Amsterdam.

bikes are parked in front of a clock tower

Pros and Cons of Staying in Jordaan

Pros:

  • It’s charming and romantic. There’s something unique about waking up, walking out of your hotel, and being face-to-face with Amsterdam’s most picturesque canals (and on your way to a great specialty coffee shop, which Jordaan also has plenty of).
  • It’s central. It’s within walking distance to Amsterdam Centraal – the main train station – which means you can walk from the train station to your hotel. And you’ll be able to walk to Westerpark, the museums, and Nine Streets.
  • It’s crammed of superb bars and restaurants. From the most famous apple pie in Amsterdam to some tremendous bars and coffee shops, you could commit an whole weekend in Amsterdam just in Jordaan, and not run out of places to eat and drink.

Cons

  • Parking is unavailable. Finding a place to leave your vehicle in the city center of Amsterdam, including the Jordaan neighborhood, is nearly impossible. We recommend storing your car outside the central area and taking public transportation like trains or trams into town. Trust us, this is the best approach.
  • It’s relatively expensive. Given the locale and desirability of this area, it should come as little astonishment that costs are a bit higher than some less famed, more distant accommodations elsewhere on this list. And that’s in addition to the already astronomical Amsterdam prices.

Jordaan Highlights

Jordaan is replete with excellent things to do, see, eat, and drink… and that doesn’t even account for the attractions in Amsterdam that will be within walking distance of your lodging thanks to the central location.

  • The Anne Frank House: One museum we find very meaningful from our latest visit to Amsterdam. Favorite isn`t precisely the right word for it, because it`s a somber facility dedicated to Anne Frank and other Jewish victims of the Nazis in the Netherlands. It’s exceptionally insightful. You’ll need to book months in advance for an entry time to potentially listen to her story.
  • This is a brief and uncomplicated hike departing from a trailhead across the road from Snoqualmie Pass at Denny Creek Campground.

  • Apples and Pears Craft Cider and Poiré: We’re big fans of cider, and this is the place to try some local ciders, and ciders brought from around Europe (mainly France and the UK).
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  • Noordermarkt: Don’t miss this well known farmers market in Noordemarkt square where you can select from things such as vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and organic produce but only on Saturdays and Mondays.
  • Koffiespot, and Rum Baba: Two eminent coffee shops situated in the core of Jordaan. Drupa Coffee Roastersis another respectable option, and they emphasize nearly solely on coffees originating from Colombia (read about our journey to Colombia here)!

The Best Places to Stay in Jordaan

A few places we noticed in Jordaan are as follows.

Mr. Jordaan: The Coolest Guesthouse in the Neighborhood

Mr. Jordaan is a charming inn located in the heart of Jordaan that has welcomed guests since the 1960s, continually expanding its hospitality as more travelers experience their accommodations. Mr. Jordaan is known for its welcoming atmosphere.

A wide range of room configurations are available to suit different needs, ranging from single quarters for solo travelers to triples accommodating families or friend groups.

They offer complimentary hot beverages in the lobby together with a selection of books that guests are welcome to browse through (though not take away). Perhaps the most useful amenity they provide is a collection of public transit cards – which can be used like a local resident – that visitors may borrow and load up so no ticket needs purchasing from drivers each time boarding transportation.

The Blossom House: A Cozy Guesthouse in the Heart of Jordaan

This small accommodation only has two bedrooms, but their design is very stylish. Situated inside a building with a facade from the 17th century, the bedrooms have been redone and redesigned to bring them firmly into the 21st century, with industrial-chic lighting fixtures, tile in the washroom, along with some nice modern touches like heated floors!

They have two rooms – the double room, and the deluxe double room, which is almost twice as big and has more of a seating area and room to spread out and relax. Both room types have mini fridges, water kettles, and Nespresso machines.

The Bloemstraat location is a block from Prinsengracht, one of the more picturesque canals in the city, and is right in the heart of Jordaan, just minutes away from bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping in the Nine Streets area.

Linden Hotel: A Good Mid-Range Option in Jordaan

Tucked away at the northwest corner of Jordaan, the Linden Hotel is a sound value in a city of, well, pretty expensive lodging.

Rooms are stylish, cozy and modern – no enormous suites here – but have everything you`ll need for a good night`s sleep after exploring Amsterdam all day.

After all, if you’re investing most of your day inside your room, you’re sort of doing the whole traveling thing incorrectly, aren’t you?

We appreciate that they’ve embraced the whole “tiny” motif – the initial text on the frontpage of their website reads “Where everything is tiny: tiny cafes, tiny shops, tiny restaurants and tiny gardens. You’ll feel the coziness of tiny everywhere you go”.

Two Seattle businessmen devised the idea of a Bavarian getaway, and they gradually and methodically transformed the town over decades to resemble a Bavarian mountain town, which is what can be seen today.

Breakfast is available (15 Euros a person), and there’s free coffee and tea in the lobby for those times you need a quick pick-me-up before hitting the streets of Amsterdam.

Hotel Mercier: Boutique Hotel in Jordaan

This uniquely designed lodging facility will lend an artistic touch to your stay in Amsterdam. It possesses a renowned bistro called “Ons Huis” which is a staple among locals. Its vintage style and brightly lit, airy spaces render it an ideal location to grab a beverage to begin your day, or a cocktail to conclude it.

Hotel Mercier is nearby everything needed in the Jordaan area. It’s a gathering place in the community and you’ll feel right at home with its cozy rooms and welcoming atmosphere.

De Pijp: The Coolest Place to Stay in Amsterdam

a woman standing in front of a food stand

De Pijp makes for an engaging neighborhood to explore in Amsterdam, whether staying there or elsewhere.

It is within easy walking distance of places like the Albert Cuyp Market, where visitors can search for souvenirs or sample mouthwatering warm stroopwafels fresh off the press. The streets are lined with eateries, coffee shops and bars without end.

This area stands out from others due to its varied cultural history and tendency for inventiveness. Many who live here appear rather young, and this vitality carries through into all parts of the neighborhood.

During the daytime, it’s full of individuals walking canines, shopping for groceries at the open air marketplace, and at nighttime, the area transforms into one of the best nightlife scenes in the entire city.

The nightlife of De Pijp overflows with energy. You might come across all kinds of events, music, and DJ sets. There are some great breweries and cocktail bars too, which is more our speed – a 9:00 pm bedtime isn’t very convenient for hitting the clubs (although I guess you could show up as they’re closing in the morning instead?).

If this wasn`t enough, the city`s best museums and the Red Light District are all easily reachable – within walking distance actually – from this vibrant area.

Pros and Cons of Staying in De Pijp

Pros:

  • It’s a cool place to spend time.De Pijp is one of the cooler neighborhoods in Amsterdam.
  • You’ll be located somewhat farther from the busy city center. Yes, tourists still make their way to De Pijp. In large numbers, in fact. But far fewer of them travel this far south compared to areas like the Red Light District or Museum Quarter. You’re more likely to encounter a local young professional walking their dog during their lunch break here than in most other neighborhoods covered in this guide.
  • It’s full of an eclectic mix of different people from diverse backgrounds. There are individuals from all around the world in De Pijp. It’s a slightly more affordable area than some of the closer in neighborhoods in Amsterdam. You’ll find cuisine options representing Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, and more. In addition to several upscale establishments for premium coffees and pastries.

Cons:

  • It’s a little further out. But not really that much – you’ll be 15-20 minutes (on foot) from just about everything you might want to see in Amsterdam. Except the train station, which you’ll need to take the tram to get to and from.

De Pijp Highlights

  • The Albert Cuyp Market: Over 300 stalls line the roadways of this open air marketplace, ranging from freshly pressed stroopwafels to discounted toiletries. The highlights for us were the numerous food stalls – cheese vendors, delis, farmers market produce, and more. It occurs six days per week (not on Sundays). Additional information is available here.
  • Glouglou: A great natural wine bar in the heart of De Pijp.
  • Undoubtedly, coffee aficionados will find Scandinavian Embassy to be top pick, as they import diverse roasts from Scandinavian roasters such as Koppi and Drop to pair with freshly baked pastries.
  • Breweries: While the Heineken Experience is near, and can be an entertaining time, if you’re seeking good beer, head to the south end of the neighborhood to Brouwerij Troost.

The Best Places to Stay in De Pijp

Here are some locations to stay in De Pijp that caught our attention.

If you’re looking for the opportunity to reside on a houseboat, this is a good location to do so. There are two really excellent options in the neighborhood – the Houseboat Familyhas flats on a houseboat at the southwest corner of De Pijp (near the museums), and Houseboat Little Amstel is on the opposing side, at the northeast corner closer to the Albert Cuyp Market.

CitizenM Amsterdam Amstel: A Modern, Mid-Range Hotel (We Love CitizenM!)

CitizenM Hotels are among our favorite hotel chains worldwide.

They`re a Dutch hotel chain that has essentially made lodging very easy and systematic, with all modern conveniences young travelers seek (USB charging, climate control via iPad, etc.) while also removing unnecessary extras (fluffy robes and slippers or sitting areas, for example) to provide excellent value.

The location of their accommodations in the central part of Amsterdam is excellent, though it’s technically just across the waterway from the border of De Pijp. We’re still including it, because it`s proximate enough, correct? It’s a 15 minute walk to Museum Square, and a 20 minute tram ride from Amsterdam Centraal (or a 30 minute walk).

Each accommodation comes with all the amenities we’re searching for – blackout blinds, showers with strong water pressure (which we’ve discovered is relatively uncommon, at least in Spain,Portugal, and Italy, where we invested a lot of time lately).

Another modern touch is that you can regulate the lights, climate, and blinds with either a tablet in the room, or an app on your phone.

Hotel Notting Hill: Nice Boutique Hotel in De Pijp

That being said, we’d recommend staying relatively near the river, either in the upscale Ribeira neighborhood along the river, or in one of the neighborhoods adjacent to it to the north.

Rooms are fairly spacious, starting at one hundred and eighty square feet and increasing from there. Some rooms are underground, which could seem dreary and depressing, but those rooms are also the most affordable options, so if you’re watching your budget, they may be a good choice. Some rooms also have canal views!

Since it’s on the northern end of the neighborhood, that means that you’re a few minutes closer to the action in Central Amsterdam, and tram #4 stops literally right outside the hotel, which gets you to Amsterdam Centraal in only 15 minutes.

Het Kabinet: A Charming Bed and Breakfast in De Pijp
  • An evening culinary tour through Trastevere: This expedition, covering the area north of the Vatican as well, involves sampling meats, cheeses and arguably the best prepared pizza in Rome (as mentioned earlier regarding the Vatican section…).

Canal Belt / Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)

a row of bicycles parked in front of a brick building

In our view, Jordaan and Nine Streets are the only two places you should even take into account staying in the center of Amsterdam because they offer an unmatched blend of charm and beauty that comes with somewhat (and we do mean somewhat) fewer tourists. Though, this area is still dominated by visitors and companies catering to said visitors.

Broadly covering the locations alongside three of Amsterdam’s most renowned canals – Singel, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht – this area is adjacent to Jordaan (to the east) and has a comparable feeling. It’s filled with excellent food, drinks, shopping, and, of course, an endless variety of canal scenes, full of boats and bicycles, that will stay with you well after leaving Amsterdam.

The Raadhuisstraat serves as the northern boundary, separating this area from the section closer to Centraal (which starts becoming significantly less charming quickly), and Leidsgracht defines the southern boundary, which is a short distance from the Rijksmuseum and the iAmsterdam sign.

This part of the city brings a nice blend of great location, charming architecture that is quintessential Amsterdam in our minds – tall, slender buildings alongside the canals – and a nice mix of shops, bars, and restaurants to explore.

a large clock tower in the middle of a city

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Canal Belt / Nine Streets

Pros

  • It’s beautiful. Truly one of the most beautiful areas of the city, the architecture here is quintessential Amsterdam with canals, tall slender houses and bicycles chained to bridges spanning the canals.
  • It’s central. Even more central than Jordaan, this area is within walking distance of everything, from the train station to the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark.
  • It’s packed with small companies. Cheese shops. Ramen spots. Specialty coffee. Homeware boutiques. You could spend a full day just browsing here.

Cons

  • It’s expensive. Given the pros we listed above, this probably shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. If you’re on a budget, look at De Pijp instead.
  • It’s full of visitors. This area is adjacent to the main center of Amsterdam (where we wouldn’t recommend staying), meaning many of those visitors make their way west and find themselves in the Nine Streets. Not necessarily an unfavorable thing, but something to know because it can get crowded and cramped, particularly around holidays.

Canal Belt / Nine Streets Highlights

boats docked at a marina in a city

Besides the wide range of locations that will be within walking distance of your hotel if you opt to remain there, there are some great spots within the boundaries of the neighborhood itself (and just outside – we stretched a little on a couple of spots, but appreciate them so much that we decided to include them anyway).

  • Excellent coffee:Hummingbird and Kaldi are two remarkable coffee establishments contained within this compact region of Amsterdam. But our top selection is Screaming Beans, conveniently situated on Keizersgracht.
  • Cheese shops in abundance! If you’re seeking to sample some Dutch cheeses, there may not be a better area to do it in all of the city. Reypenaer Proeflokaal,De Kaaskamer,Amsterdam Cheese Company,Henri Willig all have spots in this region, or directly on the outskirts of it. On our last trip, we brought home vacuum-packed cheese from Reypenaer Proeflokaal that was a huge hit with our families for Christmas.
  • Proeflokaal Arendsnest: An old-school beer bar with 50+ rotating taps dedicated entirely to Dutch beers. They also had ciders in bottles, last time we were there. We’ve been here three or four times now, and would go back again in an instant. 

bikes parked in front of a brick building

The Best Places to Stay in Nine Streets

Here are some cool lodgings in the neighborhood that caught our eye.

The Hoxton Hotel: One of the Coolest Hotels in Amsterdam

The Hoxton is among the most fashionable options available, and the place is ideal. You’ll be right in the center of all the activities, in a tremendously central area between the Anne Frank House and the Red Light District. It’s directly on the Herengracht, one of the most famous canals in the city.

It additionally proves to be a fairly cost-effective option considering the setting and amenities provided, though it certainly does not qualify as the most affordable hotel in Amsterdam.

The Hoxton hotel group is one of our favorite boutique hotel brands, catering to people who desire style, simplicity, and authenticity, which aligns perfectly with our interests. Every time you enter a Hoxton Hotel, it feels like a natural extension of the surrounding neighborhood, which is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the place you’re visiting.

They have a variety of room styles and sizes, from their “cozy” rooms (180 sq. ft.) to their “spacious” rooms (300+ sq. ft.), and some have canal views.

They also have an onsite restaurant – Lotti’s – that operates as an all-day spot for coffee, cocktails, and bites.

Hotel IX Streets: Modern Mid-Range Hotel in a Great Location

This newly developed boutique hotel in Amsterdam is in a renovated 17th Century building that has been transformed throughout, to create a modern oasis for your stay in Amsterdam.

The lodging has a small building containing just five rooms, and they employ a completely digital check-in process, which some may see as beneficial or inconvenient depending on individual preferences (we find digital check-in preferable).

There’s no onsite restaurant, bar, or cafe, but there is a nice selection of those things within a few blocks, so it doesn’t really matter too much.

Each sleeping area – referred to as “suites” – includes a Nespresso coffee maker and tea kettle, plus a stocked mini refrigerator (free of charge!).

You’ll be in the heart of the Nine Streets, and the Royal Palace is a few blocks eastward.

Westerpark: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to Jordaan & Nine Streets

a river filled with lots of bushes and trees

Westerpark is a neighborhood that wasn’t truly on our radar until our last visit, when we spent an afternoon exploring it mostly by happenstance.

From the northern end, where you’ll find the Foodhallen, a food court that could easily have been in Brooklyn, to the southern end where the park that lends its name to the neighborhood is situated, there’s multiple cool things to see, eat, and drink in this part of the city.

The area extends somewhat farther to the northeast, and there are some truly unique lodging options along the waterway that, while less convenient than options closer in, can provide a distinctive experience for your stay in Amsterdam.

Another aspect of this part of the city that caught our attention is the large number of legal (we believe, at least) apartment options available, which is unlike most other areas of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is trying to address overtourism (worth looking at this piece and this piece if you’re interested in the issue of overtourism in Amsterdam) and the effects of Airbnb by basically prohibiting most Airbnb listings with few exceptions.

In Westerpark, there are a few hotels that provide apartment-style rooms and kitchen facilities, which we try to find when traveling because I have Celiac Disease – no gluten for me! – and I often need to prepare my own meals.

Note aside: Do not utilize Airbnb in Amsterdam, or your reservation risks getting terminated at the final moment leaving you unattended and without lodging. Additionally, we think Airbnb is detrimental to cities according to our experiences in Seattle and San Francisco, and would motivate you to pick hotels or hostels instead.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Westerpark

Pros

  • It’s more affordable. It receives less recognition and lies farther from major attractions, so prices are somewhat lower. While still Amsterdam, you won`t find lodging for 50 Euros a night here, but it`s more affordable than staying right in the center.
  • Fewer tourists visit. Most visitors do not make it to this Amsterdam area, and those who do tend to just go to Foodhallen in the southwest corner. Therefore, feeling slightly less like a tourist and immersing oneself in the everyday local life is possible.
  • There are some nice places to stay. From roomy apartments to trendy boutique hotels, there’s a variety of high quality options here (and they’re generally quite affordable). Especially for apartments.

Cons:

  • It’s further away.Especially at the corners of the neighborhood along the water on the north end. That’s not necessarily a huge problem though, because public transportation in Amsterdam is excellent.

Westerpark Highlights

a building with a clock on the front of it

The following highlights a few elements in the neighborhood.

  • Foodhallen: Directly from Brooklyn (or select your choice of essentially any other trendy / affluent area in any major city around the world), this food hall has an eclectic collection of 21 magnificent food stalls highlighting food from all over the world, all centered around a central bar where you can get drinks.
  • At LOT61 Coffee Roasters: Right near the Foodhallen, this is one of our favorite coffee shops in Amsterdam, having visited twice in two trips. They have the roaster on the bottom floor of their small, two story space across the street from the canal.
  • Ten Katemarkt: A cool outdoor market that takes place daily except Sunday on a street just southwest of the Foodhallen. Various vendors sell items there – such as fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and deli items – along with local artisans and food carts offering international cuisine.
  • Back to Black Coffee: Another cozy cafe, this is another one of the numerous great coffee roasters in Amsterdam. They provide specialized training for local baristas, and roast their coffee at their roastery on the western edge of the city.
  • Westerpark: A pleasant green area at the northern end of the neighborhood. Be sure to enjoy drinks at Bar Kantoor right in the heart of the park (inside the Conscious Hotel)!
  • Westergas: Located within Westerpark, there is an industrial building that has been transformed into a cultural center with various vendors. It houses a brewery ( Troost), a bakery, a hotel, and other establishments.

The Best Places to Stay in Westerpark

As we mentioned above, there are some great places to reside in Westerpark, though some of them might be a little further away than you’d want for a short trip.

In a city where finding an apartment rental can be relatively difficult (because Airbnb is severely limited to protect housing prices – though they’re still exorbitant), this is an area where there are a couple of quality “aparthotels,” which have apartment-style lodgings in a hotel format.

Morgan & Mees: A Cool Boutique Hotel in a Great Location

This high-end boutique lodging is at the peak of our list of the coolest hotels in Amsterdam. It’s right on the border between Jordaan and Westerpark, meaning the place is basically perfect. It is a brief distance away from the Anne Frank Museum, so you’re right in the heart of all the action, and the style is precisely what we were searching for.

It’s set in a cool brick building, and has a restaurant with huge windows and plenty of light on the ground floor.

The accommodations themselves provide relatively spacious quarters, especially for Amsterdam. It’s a bit amusing to us that their smallest rooms still earn the designation of “deluxe,” though we’ll overlook that classification.

They feature “deluxe” double rooms that are spacious and full of natural light, suites that are exceptionally large with separate living areas and balconies, and split level rooms that, while relatively small, feel more spacious because the bedroom is on a different floor. Each room has a mini fridge and coffee maker.

Hotel BOAT&CO: Stylish & Spacious Apartments

If you’re searching for an apartment in Amsterdam, this is one of our prime selections. It’s a bit further out than some of the other choices on this list, but we’d say that the spacious, stylish apartments here merit the extra 10-15 minutes spent on public transit to reach the city center.

It’s on the water to the northwest of Amsterdam Central, which is a 30 minute walk to the Anne Frank House and a 30 minute ride on public transit to the Rijksmusem and Van Gogh Museum.

Accommodations were offered in a variety of formats and sizes, like studios, dwellings with one sleeping chamber, and those with two. All lodging were extraordinarily spacious (their two bedroom and family units comprised a truly generous 61 square meters!), with food preparation amenities (all except the studios even incorporated an oven, which is truly a convenience), dining and seating zones, and a distinct work area.

We were incredibly thankful for their understanding that attempting to be productive on the bed in a compact hotel room isn’t always the most comfortable experience, and sometimes more room is appreciated.

All rooms have panoramas of the water, which is an added benefit. Plus Nespresso machines, tea kettles, a rainfall shower, and all the other modern comforts you’d anticipate in a place like this.

Other amenities in the building include a gym, barbershop service, and underground parking. Plus, a bar/cafe on the ground floor, which has a waterside patio for those warm summer days.

Conscious Hotel Westerpark: Eco-Friendly, Mid-Range Hotel Literally IN the Park

This eco-friendly hotelis literally inside Westerpark. Like, inside the recreation area that the district is named after. There’s something inherently appealing about a hotel inside a park, at minimum to us. The hotel is 100% electric, which means they utilize exactly zero gas (natural or otherwise) in an endeavor to decrease their carbon footprint.

The company also offers on-location bike rentals, though it`s worth noting they require payment – so you can take advantage of Amsterdam`s bike-friendly streets.

Bar Kantoor is situated on the ground level, along with the adjoining Conscious Cafe eatery where one can pick up a quick morning meal prior to exploring more of the city.

Room dimensions are about average, but prices are surprisingly affordable given the location and amenities.

They also offer lodging near Museum Square and at the western extremity of Vondelpark, which is the farther extremity from the city center.


The Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam: A Map

The guide above is also presented in a handy map format to help visualize the layout of the city.


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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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