Where to Stay in Amsterdam

My Favorite Hotels in Amsterdam

5-star: Waldorf Astoria hotel
• 4-star: Kimpton De Witt
• 3-star: The hotel
• Boutique: Pulitzer hotel.
• For Families: Conservatorium
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• Near Train Station: art’otel
• Cruise Port: A downtown hotel
• Dam Square: TwentySeven
• Red Light District: Rosalia’s Menagerie

boats docked at a marina in a citya series of photos showing different types of remote controls 1. Kimpton De Witt • 2. art’otel • 3. Mövenpick • 4. Pulitzer • 5. TwentySeven • 6. Rosalia’s Menagerie • 7. Dylan • 8. Waldorf Astoria • 9. Owl Hotel • 10. Conservatorium

The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

Featuring charming waterways bordered by picturesque 17th-century homes with pitched roofs, Amsterdam stands as a premier European destination, captivating visitors with its unique charm and historic beauty. It is known for major sights like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, its infamous “coffee-shops” and Red Light District, and a famously dynamic nightlife; but above all it is a compact, easily navigable city on foot or by boat that brings great joy in exploration.

two men standing next to each other on a boat

There isn`t a single “best” area to stay in Amsterdam, though most sights are clustered in Old South (Oud-Zuid), the city center, and the UNESCO Canal Belt between them. Many highly-rated Amsterdam hotels are located here, but good value and mid-priced options outside the core are also feasible, with inexpensive trams and metros or bike rentals connecting you.

Neighborhoods in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s City Center of medieval significance is located to the south of the River IJ and the train station of Amsterdam Centraal, which is also a major transportation hub for ferries and trams connecting to other parts of the city. It consists of a maze of tiny lanes focused on the grand Dam Square housing the Royal Palace, De Nieuwe Kerk (the New Church) and the more unconventional Red Light District. With many pedestrian streets and a broad assortment of dining selections, the City Center attracts a huge number of visitors. Also within the City Center is Nieuwmarkt, one of the oldest sections of the city, with the identically named marketplace and the fifteenth-century, fortress-like De Waag at its core. Here you’ll discover Amsterdam’s compact Chinatown, numerous bars and restaurants, and some independent stores.

a large building with a clock on top of it

Immediately east of Nieuwmarkt and connected to the City Center by tram and subway and to the Southern Canal Belt by bridges and trams, peaceful De Plantage centers around Artis Zoo. It is home to Hortus Botanicus (a small botanical garden), various cultural venues, the Dutch branch of the Hermitage, and museums and memorials dedicated to Dutch Jewsmurdered during World War II. Further out, Amsterdam-Oost is a multicultural and mostly residential area, home to the family-friendly Tropenmuseum.

Straight east of Amsterdam Centraal train station are the Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Islands), the city’s most up-to-date, generally residential zones worked on man-made islands. There are a couple of superb open-air museums here (including the stunning NEMO Science Museum), plus a yacht port with some lively bars, and a couple of shorelines further out inIJburg.

Directly north of the City Center and across the River IJ lies Amsterdam Noord, a former industrial and dock region. While much of this rather spread-out neighborhood is residential, it`s also home to some fantastic craft beer breweries. NDSM, accessible from Amsterdam Centraal station by ferry, is a vast art hub with Amsterdam’s most distinctive hotels and trendy restaurants and bars. Closer to Amsterdam Centraal and in contrast to the medieval City Center, the futuristic Eye Film Museum and towering A’DAM Lookout (with “over-the-edge” swing) are symbols of contemporary Amsterdam.

people walking down a street next to tall buildings

Visitors to Amsterdam frequently explore areas extending from the city center, such as the historic Canal Belt most recognized with the city, generally split into southern and western segments. Just west of the central district and across the Singel canal, the Western Canal Belt stands as one of the photography-worthy parts of the municipality. Its four beautiful waterways are lined with elegant sloping houses, some converted to boutique lodging. Here you will find the Anne Frank House, along with a huge concentration of independent boutiques in the micro-neighborhood of De Negen Straatjes (9 Streets).

South of Amsterdam`s City Center, the Southern Canal Belt spans the area from the Amstel canal in the east to the Leidesgracht canal in the west. It is also delightfully picturesque and easy to explore on foot, with the streets bordering the city`s four most photographed canals lined with townhouses and grand stone structures. There’s a good selection of museums here and a lively vibe around the two squares – Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein – especially in the evenings.

Adjoining the Western Canal Belt to the west, the formerly working-class neighborhood of Jordaan retains an edgy vibe and is home to a few niche attractions as well as some excellent bars, music venues, and a lively farmers’ market.

Amsterdam-West is a sizable mostly residential section of the city further to the west than Jordaan. Its focal point is the vast green Westerpark containing craft beer bars and Westergas venues hosting cultural events. Museum Het Schip celebrates the architectural “Amsterdam School” design while De Hallen Amsterdam shopping center has trendy boutiques and a enormous international food court.

Oud-Zuid is one of the city’s most well known neighborhoods, renowned for its trio of heavyweight art galleries as well as Amsterdam’s most well liked green space, the Vondelpark. This can also be one of the most sought-after residential areas, its wide streets lined with trees and mansions.

Southeast of Oud-Zuid and linked to the City Center and the Southern Canal Belt by tram is De Pijp, a former working-class area that has gone through significant gentrification recently and is home to a youthful, multicultural, and artistic population. Besides Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam’s largest outdoor marketplace, attractions in De Pijp include many independent stores by up-and-coming local designers and a huge selection of eating places and bars. Visitors can also see the Heineken Experience here, which outlines the story of the world’s most familiar beer brand.

The most convenient way to navigate central Amsterdam is on foot or via bicycle, but the city has superb public transportation, run by GVB, comprising trains, trams, subway, buses, and ferries. You can pay for tickets with debit and credit cards on trams and buses (cash is no longer accepted), but it’s more practical to purchase a stored value public transportation chip card (OV-chipkaart) if you intend to travel frequently; day passes are valid for one to seven days, with pricing starting from €8.50 (you may also use the GVB travel app).

a large group of people walking down a street

The Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

a row of buildings on a city street

two people laying on a bed in a hotel room

Best Neighborhood in Amsterdam for…

  • Top Districts in Amsterdam for Sightseeing: Western Canal Belt, Southern Canal Belt, City Center, Oud-Zuid
    Public safety generally does not present an issue in New York, one of the country’s most secure major metropolitan areas. However, for people with concerns, considering selection accommodations in the Lincoln Center vicinity or the calm residential Upper East and Upper West sides. Among these regions, the Upper West Side offers more reasonable pricing levels. The neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville (in the farther eastern reaches of Brooklyn) still display relatively high rates of criminal activity compared to other parts of New York, but there exists no compelling reason for visitors to check out either locale.
  • Prime Neighborhoods in Amsterdam for Nightlife: Red Light District (City Center), Southern Canal Belt, De Pijp, Amsterdam Noord
    There isn’t a single best area in Amsterdam for nightlife. The traditional nightlife hubs are the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein squares in the Southern Canal Belt (there’s also concentration of LGBT-friendly venues along Reguliersdwarsstraat on the way to Rembrandtplein). Paradiso (a former church near Leidseplein) is probably the city’s most famous live venue, while Melkweg comprises a series of venues on the other side of Leidseplein. Escape is the biggest club on Rembrandtplein. There’s also the buzzing Red Light District in the City Center that combines a tourist vibe with a little seediness across several blocks filled with bars. For a more local scene try the bars in De Pijp. Good choices include old-school Mazzeltof, historic Pilsvogel near Albert Cuypmark, and plush Twenty Third Bar, offering cocktails and stellar views at the top of Hotel Okura. We also like the cocktails at Bar Mokum, wines at La Dilettante and no-frills Dutch vibe at Café Eddy Bar. There are some excellent craft beer breweries worth seeking out in Amsterdam Noord; try Oedipus Brewing or Walhalla Brewery & Taproom.

a large brick building with a clock on it

  • Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam for Food and Restaurants: City Center, Western Canal Belt, Southern Canal Belt, De Pijp
    While there is no single best area in Amsterdam for dining out, various neighborhoods offer excellent options. The City Center boasts a diverse array of affordable and upscale establishments, from Michelin-rated cuisine to quick spots selling Belgian fries and salt-cured herring like the Haring & Zo stall. Popular shops for gourmet goods include Van Stapele Koekmakerij for chocolate cookies. In Nieuwmarkt, many Asian restaurants are congregated in a small Chinatown area. The Southern Canal Belt sees cuisines from around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, including Spectrum for exceptional fine dining. The Western Canal Belt offers options from upscale bistros such as Café De Klepel to casual spots like Wil Graanstra Friteshuis focused on Dutch fries. De Negen Straatjes neighborhood has acclaimed establishments as Bar Brasserie OCCO and landmark Dutch restaurant ‘t Zwaantje famous for its wiener schnitzel, mussels and pie. De Pijp offers many affordable yet trendy brunch places and cafés like Bakers & Roasters and Coffee & Coconuts
  • Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam for Families: Oud-Zuid, De Plantage
    Both Oud-Zuid and Plantage offer decent options, with the latter providing a peaceful and mainly residential area with the extra perk of Artis Zoo and its affiliated museums. It’s also not far from the Tropenmuseum and waterfront attractions like NEMO Science Museum and the National Maritime Museum. Oud-Zuid also consists mostly of tranquil residential streets, with the massive Vondelpark nearby, featuring playground areas, lakes, and walking paths. Both neighborhoods have good connections to the center, though Oud-Zuid presents a better selection of dining choices and it`s simple to hop on a family-friendly Blue Boat cruise near the Rijksmuseum. In winter, the Museumplein is transformed into a huge ice skating rink.
  • Top Neighborhoods in Amsterdam for First Time Visitors: City Center, Western Canal Belt, Southern Canal Belt, Oud-Zuid
    It`s difficult to make a wrong decision by basing yourself in the City Center or nearby vicinity. The atmosphere in the City Center is unmatched: the Red Light District provides insight and the vast majority of attractions are easily reachable by foot or tram. Hotels in the Western Canal Belt and Southern Canal Belt make wonderful alternatives: the neighborhoods are more serene yet have that unmistakable Amsterdam essence (and the most beautiful canals) and are a short walk from the center. If visiting Amsterdam primarily for the museums, then Oud-Zuid is an ideal location.

a living room filled with furniture and a tv

  • Most Romantic Neighborhoods in Amsterdam: Western Canal Belt, City Center
    While pursuing romance with a significant other in Amsterdam, the Western Canal Belt offers various possibilities. You may opt for a private boat tour along one of Amsterdam`s most scenic canals, stay in one of the elegant townhouses-turned-boutique-hotels, and indulge in some of the city`s finest dining experiences. The City Center also has its fair share of intimate getaways and excellent restaurants, and exploring the subtly illuminated medieval lanes at night is sure to impress anyone.
  • Best Neighborhood in Amsterdam for a Local Atmosphere: De Pijp
    Originally an island separated from the rest of Amsterdam by 16 bridges, De Pijp retains an independent spirit and an artistic, bohemian atmosphere with a culturally diverse population. The walkable neighborhood hosts the city`s largest street market. Its narrow streets are also good places to find works by up-and-coming local designers and unique gifts. Residents enjoy relaxing at the dog-friendly cafe woof & me, Badeta Koffiebranders, and wine specialist Glouglou, among various other trendy spots.
  • Top Areas in Amsterdam for Shopping: The 9 Streets (Western Canal Belt), Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter), City Center, Southern Canal Belt
    The set of narrow lanes and paths in the Western Canal Belt known as De Negen Straatjes (9 Streets) is an excellent place to shop, home to art studios (like Arden), jewelry retailers (like Parisienne), fashion boutiques (like Catwalk Junkie and Laura Dols), and a few vintage shops. Renowned Dutch designer Marlies Dekkers also has her lingerie store here. West of Amsterdam Centraal, Haarlemmerdijk passes through the northern section of the Western Canal Belt featuring a more independent range of shops, vintage stores, pubs and cafés. For high-end fashion boutiques head to P.C. Hooftstraat in Oud-Zuid where you’ll find all the major brands, from Chanel to Ralph Lauren. Nearby Van Baerlestraat is younger and trendier, with establishments like Vanilia,Labfresh,Ace & Dik Jewelers, and Floris van Bommel shoes.

    For a more typical shopping experience, individuals can go to the City Center which attracts locals and visitors. De Bijenkorf on Dam Square is known as Amsterdam’s principal department store, while nearby Magna Plaza is an upmarket indoor shopping mall, as another one further south known as Kalverpassage. The two main shopping roadways are north-south traffic-free Kalverstraat (lined with regular main street brands like H&M) and Leidsestraat, in the Southern Canal Belt, which is a little more refined. Additionally down here, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat is Amsterdam’s antiquity street, with many stores for instance the excellent Kramer Kunst & Antiek.

a double decker bus parked in front of a large building

  • Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam without a Car: City Center, Western Canal Belt, Southern Canal Belt
    Much of Amsterdam provides enjoyment for walking around. Highlights include the complex network of tiny, cobbled streets in the City Center and Red Light District, many of which are pedestrian-only. For that quintessential Amsterdam experience, it`s difficult to surpass wandering along the highly photogenic canals in the Western Canal Belt and Southern Canal belt and appreciating the gabled townhouses and mansions lining the canals. Almost all areas of Amsterdam are fantastic for cycling. Bike rental shops are numerous but my favorite is Bike City in Jordaan
  • Safety in Amsterdam
    Amsterdam`s safest neighborhoods tend to be the more upscale ones, like the Western and Southern Canal Belts, Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter), and De Plantage, though the vast majority are safe to walk around at any time. In the Southern Canal Belt, things can get rather lively on weekend nights around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein squares. Although Amsterdam is a very safe city, the largely residential neighborhood of Zuid-Oost southeast of the city center has a higher crime rate than the rest (you are unlikely to end up down here). Parts of the Red Light District, City Center, and Nieuwmarkt can be a bit sketchy late at night, mostly because there are quite a few inebriated individuals about. Watch out for canals during a night out; several people drown every year after falling in while intoxicated. Also look out for cyclists along the many cycle lanes; they often appear suddenly at high speed.

Amsterdam Bridge Houses

Staying at one of the 28 bridge houses managed by Sweets Hotel provides a unique lodging experience. Originally used by bridge operators, these long abandoned one bedroom suites accommodating two have been transformed into tiny yet luxurious properties scattered across Amsterdam`s canals. Rates vary considerably depending on the selected house, generally earning a high price

• The building located near Westerdoksbrug – City Center
• Wiegbrug – Amsterdam-West
• The Van Hallbrug – Amsterdam-West • Overtoomsesluis – Amsterdam-West area • Kinkerbrug – Amsterdam-West
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• Beltbrug – Amsterdam-West
• Meeuwenpleinbrug – Amsterdam North
• The Buiksloterdraaibrug – is situated in Amsterdam North
• A building near Scharrebersluis – De Plantage
• The Hortusbrug inn is located in De Plantage area • Kortjewantsbrug – Eastern Islands

people on a boat in the middle of a river

The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam for Tourists

1. City Center

people standing in front of a large clock towera collage of street signs on a wall Florence is where gelato originated, a frozen treat similar to ice cream crafted with a creamy base and slowly churned with additions like chocolate, fruits, or nuts, and served in a cone or cup. Gelaterias (gelato shops) appear to populate every corner in Florence, though not all provide the authentic version. Look for gelaterias serving freshly made daily gelato (sometimes the word artiginale will be on a sign in the window) in natural occurring hues served from recessed tins (bonus if the gelato is covered by a metal lid). Avoid shops selling gelato in giant, brightly colored mounds. Among the best gelaterias in Florence are Perche No!,Gelateria della Passera, and Il Procopio

On the east side lies De Wallen, also known as the Red Light District, with its adult entertainment clubs and the famous “windows” attracting visitors day and night (prostitution is lawful in the Netherlands). Nearby is Nieuwmarkt (new market), one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam home to the medieval gatehouse-turned-restaurant De Waag, plus Amsterdam’s tiny Chinatown (most restaurants line Zeedijk street). Beyond here lies Jodenbuurt, the former Jewish Quarter housing the Rembrandt House,Dutch National Opera and Ballet, the Jewish Museum, and the beautiful Portuguese Synagogue, finished in 1675 and open for tours.

There’s a vast range of hotels here, with many boutique and luxury options, but prices are generally high. Budget hotels in the City Center tend to offer poor quality, but exceptions have been noted below.

a large brick building with a clock on it

2. Western Canal Belt (Grachtengordel-West)

a collage of street signs on a wall

This narrow grid of waterways and paths, situated between the City Center and Jordaan neighborhood, represents a particularly picturesque part of the city – as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It comprises four parallel, interconnecting canals – Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel – lined with historic gabled homes and home to some of Amsterdam’s best boutique hotels. In its northern reaches, you’ll find the Anne Frank House, one of Amsterdam’s biggest attractions, and the towering 17th-century Westerkerk, the final resting place of Rembrandt (Anne Frank’s statue stands outside in Westermarkt, as well as the Homomonument, dedicated to those persecuted for homosexuality). To the south, the picturesque ‘micro-neighborhood’ known as De Negen Straatjes (9 Streets) is packed with vintage and designer stores, trendy cafés, and all kinds of eateries. Other highlights include the illuminating Museum of the Canals and the quirky Embassy of the Free Mind, a museum and library dedicated to the history of “free thinking” created by US author Dan Brown. Most of the Western Canal Belt is within easy walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal station, even with luggage.

Staying in this area allows one to experience Amsterdam at its most refined – the historic buildings lining its canals are some of the most beautifully preserved in the city, and it`s generally tranquil at night. Some of Amsterdam`s most attractive boutique hotels are located here – rooms with canal views are common. Unsurprisingly, it`s a very expensive district but renting apartments and studios (through places like airbnb) can be more affordable.

  • Best Hotels in the Western Canal Belt
    Andaz Prinsengracht — Hotel contact number: +31 20 523 1234
    The Dylan • Hotel phone: +31 20 530 2010
    The Hoxton – Hotel phone number: +31 20 888 5555
    Pulitzer Hotel phone: +31 20 523 5235
    The Toren hotel – Hotel phone: +31 20 622 6033
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    The telephone number for the Nadia hotel in Amsterdam is +31 20 620 1550

a restaurant with tables, chairs, tables and umbrellas

3. Southern Canal Belt (Grachtengordel-Zuid)

a large building with a clock on it`s sidea sign that has a bunch of stickers on it

If one follows the canals south from the Western Canal Belt`s Negen Straatjes (9 Streets), they will find themselves in the Southern Canal Belt where the streets are wider and lined with grand mansions (particularly along Herengracht). This area contains numerous excellent museums and galleries (such as the foam photography museum, and the whimsical KattenKabinet, dedicated to cats), a few mansions that can be visited ( Museum Von Loon and Willet-Holthuysen Museum), plus two busy squares and tram hubs (Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein), and many bars (numerous of them LGBTQ-friendly) and restaurants. Another main attraction is the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam`s picturesque flower market along the south side of the Singel canal, lined with floating flower and bulb shops.

Leidsestraat is the primary thoroughfare connecting the neighborhood to the downtown area in the north and the Museum Quarter in the south. From Rembrandtplein, trams run east to De Plantage and south to De Pijp, along the Utrechtsestraat stretch featuring designer stores.

Similar to the Western Canal Belt, there are many apartment and studio rentals here, and it tends to be a little cheaper than the City Center, though the budget hotel and hostel accommodation in the Southern Canal Belt isn’t great value.

a large building with a clock on the side of it

4. Jordaan

bicycles are parked in front of a brick buildinga blurry picture of a street sign with words on it

Sandwiched between the Western Canal Belt and Amsterdam-West, the Jordaan has long been famous as a hard-drinking, functioning class neighborhood renowned for its radical politics. Over the past couple of decades, gentrification has lined its narrow streets and canal sides with art galleries, niche museums (such as the Houseboat Museum,Cheese Museum, and Tulip Museum), and plenty of restaurants and unique shops (line up early for the famed apple pie at Café Winkel 43), but there’s still a gritty vibe to it with several enduring legendary music venues as well as bars. Noordermarkt, a farmer’s market, is held on the square by the Noorderkerk, one of Amsterdam’s historic churches.

Jordaan can be an entertaining place to stay, outside the more tourist-centered neighborhoods, though lodging options are limited. Good deals are found at smaller inns and guesthouses on a budget, while apartment and studio rentals also appeal.

a large brick building with many windows

5. Oud-Zuid (Old South AKA Museum Quarter)

people walking in front of a large buildinga street sign with a cartoon character on it

With three of the world`s premier artistic institutes ( Rijksmuseum,Van Gogh Museum,Stedelijk Museum) arranged around the lush Museumplein park, in addition to a handful of lesser known museums and attractions, Oud-Zuid is one of Amsterdam`s grandest locales. Wide avenues are lined with stately mansions and numerous designer boutiques along P.C. Hooftstraat. Flanking Oud-Zuid to the north is the expansive green Vondelpark, while the nearby Moco Museum centers on modern and contemporary art and the Concertgebouw hosts prestigious performances. Beyond this attraction-heavy northeast section, much of Oud-Zuid remains tranquil and residential, with a scatter of hotels that provide quiet nights within walking distance of the art museums. There`s also a wide selection of dining choices, from upscale Dutch, Indonesian, and Japanese near the museums to a high density of Ethiopian eateries along the Vondelpark`s northern edge.

There’s a good mix of high-end hotels, reasonably priced mid-range accommodations, and budget hostels in Oud-Zuid, though you’ll need public transportation to/from Amsterdam Centraal station and other areas. Every winter (November–February), Ice*Amsterdam transforms the Museumplein into a giant ice-skating rink, with a Christmas Market held during the week prior to December 25.

a building that has a lot of windows in it

6. De Pijp

a glass of beer sitting on top of a tablea street sign with a cartoon character on it

Surrounded by the Amstel canal to the east, the Museum Quarter to the west, and the southern Canal Belt to the north, this is one of Amsterdam’s liveliest, most genuine neighborhoods. Multicultural and formerly working class, it`s home to the Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam’s largest street market (closed Sundays). This closely packed and walkable grid structure of roads has been attracting bohemian sorts, students, and inventors for decades, and this is where you’ll find the biggest concentration of eccentric gift outlets and boutiques by emerging designers, along with antique stores, conventional “brown cafés” (the term for old-fashioned Amsterdam café-bars), and a bewildering variety of ethnic eateries and specialty coffee roasters. Here you’ll also find the Heineken Experience (and learn how the famous lager is brewed), as well as several superb 5-star hotels and a few midrange options.

motorcycles are parked in front of a building

7. De Plantage and Amsterdam-Oost

people sitting around a picnic table in a parka street sign with a cartoon character on it

East of the City Center and Jodenbuurt, De Plantage is a peaceful region of the city containing verdant scenery and notable cultural attractions. Within its leafy boulevards and elegant squares lies one of Amsterdam’s largest parks, as well as the renowned Artis Zoo, freshly redesigned Groote Museum focusing on natural history, and the educational Micropia exhibition center for sciences. It also serves as a hub for culture, home to exhibitions from the Hermitage Amsterdam representing the collections of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Additionally, the temporary location of the Amsterdam Museum (at minimum until 2025), and the memory-preserving Verzetsmuseum chronicling WWII Dutch resistance are all within a brief walk. The delightful 19th-century Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam botanical garden provides additional scenic charm, while nearby sombre sites like the Auschwitz Monument and meaningful National Holocaust Names Monument offer grave reminders of the fate endured by Dutch Jews in World War II. A new nationwide Holocaust Museum is slated to open along Plantage Middenlaan sometime in 2024. A few excellent dining establishments, cafes and bars thrive here too, like Dignita Hoftuin, tucked privately in a miniature park behind the Hermitage.

Further towards the east, the extensive primarily residential Amsterdam-Oost district has its center around the beautiful Oosterpark (which contains the National Slavery Monument), with its wide streets lined with majestic 19th-century buildings. Other highlights include the vast and family-friendly Tropenmuseum ethnographic museum, and the well-known Brouwerij ‘t IJ craft brew pub, situated next to the iconic Gooyer windmill on the Nieuwevaart canal. It’s a cultural melting pot too, with Surinamese supermarkets, Turkish kebab joints, and an assortment of eateries (many excellent value), particularly along Javastraat in the Zeeburg neighborhood.

Staying out here you’ll be mixing with locals more than visitors. Though there’s much less choice regarding accommodation, some of Amsterdam’s best low-cost hostels are situated in De Plantage and Amsterdam-Oost.

a car is parked in front of a large building

8. Amsterdam Noord

a building with a lot of graffiti on the wallsa poster with a picture of a penguin on it

The former industrial region across the River IJ from the City Center is now one of Amsterdam’s most trendy and artistic areas. It’s a vast and sprawling neighborhood best explored using bicycles, and with intriguing restaurants and craft breweries scattered throughout. The biggest highlight here is the NDSM Wharf, accessible via direct ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal. A prior shipyard, its massive warehouses have been transformed into a huge cultural hotspot with art galleries and the STRAAT Museum, Amsterdam’s largest flea market ( IJ-Hallen), an urban beach in summer, the unusual Crane Hotel Faralda, and some excellent bars and restaurants. Right opposite Amsterdam Centraal, the Tolhuistuin hosts concerts and performances, the Eye Film Museum celebrates Dutch and European movie production, and the A’DAM Lookout offers a rooftop bar and a thrilling “over-the-edge” swing some 328ft (100 meters) above the river. Nearby “ This is Holland” offers 5D flight simulations over the Netherlands.

Free ferries depart behind Amsterdam Centraal station to Amsterdam Noord (to Buiksloterweg, for A’DAM Lookout and the Eye Film Museum) every few minutes throughout the night, as well as to NDSM Wharf further north.

Beyond the major sights, Amsterdam Noord is a fiercely independent local neighborhood offering the chance to experience real Dutch urban life. Hotel rates tend to be a bit cheaper here, reflecting the less convenient place for exploring the rest of the city.

an aerial view of a city with tall buildings

9. Amsterdam-West

bikes parked in front of a brick buildinga street sign with a cartoon character on it

The extensive Amsterdam-West district is situated adjacent to Jordaan, consisting primarily of expansive residential areas with a scattering of cafes, restaurants, and picturesque wooden drawbridges across the three Western Islands. The namesake park – one of the city`s largest green spaces – brings together expansive greenery with cultural events at Westergasfabriek, and the surrounding streets are home to a variety of conventional cafes, unique shops, street markets, and trendsetting new restaurants. Notable attractions include the Fabrique des Lumières art center within the park (part of the Westergas cultural complex), and the nearby Museum Het Schip, dedicated to the architectural style developed here between 1910 and 1930 that is characterized by red brick. Further south it`s worthwhile checking out the Foodhallen, a spacious food hall inside the renovated former tram depot of De Hallen Amsterdam shopping mall featuring its own boutique hotel and cinema. Nearby Ten Katemarkt is another prime spot for street cuisine.

Accommodation is quite spread throughout the area, but you’ll find some extremely affordable deals.

bicycles are parked in front of a building

10. Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Islands & Docklands) and IJburg

a large white boat sitting on top of a docka street sign with a cartoon character on it

East of Amsterdam Centraal train station and comprising gleaming modern engineering, one of Amsterdam’s youngest regions consists of three man-made islands (Kattenburg, Wittenburg and Oostenburg), with more being developed further to the southeast in the IJmeer. Highlights involve the National Maritime Museum inside repurposed ancient warehouses and a series of old sailing ships, the striking, boat-like NEMO Scientific Museum,ARCAM Structure Hub, and the Muziekgebouw harbor hallway concert venue. While the islands further east are mainly residential with few motels, there’s a lively set of bars by the yacht marina off IJburg West as nicely man-made beaches in Diemerpark and at Strand Blijburg. You skill also accept boat trips out to the fortress island Pampus and the medieval Fortress Muiderslot. The islands are an simple tram ride from Amsterdam Centraal alongside the leading IJburglaan artery, and are connected to each other, the City Center, De Plantage, and Amsterdam-Oost by bridges.

This location constitutes Amsterdam in its most contemporary form – there is little historical significance and everything is fairly novel, such as the lodging. More affordable rates can be found the farther east one travels into IJburg.

a large blue boat floating on top of a body of water

More Amsterdam Neighborhoods

Adobe Grand Villas • Amara Resort and Spa • L’Auberge de Sedona • Creekside Inn

Amsterdam Travel Tips

  • Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s most well-connected and efficient hubs, with everything located in a single terminal and the train station conveniently positioned underneath – frequent trains travel to Amsterdam Centraal station in 14–17 minutes. Taxis will be at a minimum cost of €25 into the city center (it’s about 10 miles distance to Centraal station from the airport). Given the ease of transport, there is not much purpose in remaining at the airport, but if staying here is needed, the best hotels are those conveniently positioned citizenM Schiphol Airport (the most inexpensive), Hilton Amsterdam Airport, and Sheraton Amsterdam Airport, all within walking distance of the terminal.
  • As with most of the Netherlands, anyone you are likely to interact with in Amsterdam has superb English skills, so language will not be a problem.
  • The I amsterdam City Card may prove a sensible investment, but just if planning on exploring many attractions: it allows free entrance to over 70 museums and places of interest (though notably NOT the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House), plus complimentary public transportation around Amsterdam and one canal cruise. Prices begin at €60 for 24 hours, but the 72-hour card (€100) presents much improved value as does an even longer period.
  • Bicycles are incredibly popular in Amsterdam, with many residents utilizing them for transportation on a daily basis. Renting two-wheelers is an affordable choice, starting at around €10 per day from local shops like MacBike or Bike City. The landscape is well-suited for cycling thanks to dedicated lanes, trails, and generally flat terrain, although some old streets with cobblestones can provide a bumpy ride. You`ll share narrow inner-city paths with both motor vehicles and pedestrians in large numbers
  • Free wireless internet access is provided at Schiphol Airport and across the city at cafés, museums, and public hotspots such as outside the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Centraal station, and parts of Westerpark and Oosterpark.
  • The city’s main visitor center is the I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Centraal station.
  • A reminder: in Amsterdam, cafés are for coffee while the now infamous “coffeeshops” are for marijuana. While smoking marijuana (up to 5 grams per day maximum, or around 1/5 of an ounce) in designated coffeeshops for over 18s is permitted (contrary to popular belief, cannabis/marijuana is NOT legal in the Netherlands), be aware that smoking it outside designated areas carries stiff penalties.

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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.

Join us on our journey!

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