Amsterdam Hotels

Best places to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s city centre starts in front of Amsterdam Centraal train station, so stays in the central district are very well-connected. Here, you’ll find the Royal Palace, Rembrandt’s House and the Red Light District. To the east of the centre (near Kadijken and ARTIS), there are similarly good transport connections and myriad hotels. Top attractions included the Shipping Museum, the huge Amsterdam Zoo and NEMO, an interactive science museum that’s ideal for rainy days with kids.

For quintessential Amsterdam vibes, head right for the Grachtengordel – a maze of canals, bridges and tall, wonky canal houses. You’re within touching distance of the Anne Frank House and the Tulip Museum. Bordering the canal quarter, Jordaan is a residential but trendy district, home to independent boutiques, eateries and pubs and the popular locals’ hangout, Westerpark. Oud West is a well-heeled area home to Vondelpark and the city’s top museums. You’ll find the Rijksmuseum (national museum), the Van Gogh Museum, the Modern Art Museum and the Diamond Museum, to name but a few. Head to De Pijp to be close to these museums and the canal quarter, but for a more local and laid-back vibe.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Amsterdam

For the classic museums and main attractions, opt for Oud-West, the Grachtengordel or central Amsterdam. You’re well-connected by tram if you want to head further afield but within easy walking distance of places like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s house. You’re also spoilt for a choice of fun shops and places to eat. Central also boasts de Bijenkorf, one of the Netherlands’ largest department stores and a must-visit for designer shopping.

Where to stay with your family in Amsterdam

Families visiting the Dutch capital might wish to avoid the clamour of central and the nightlife centring on the Red Light district. If so, head to Oud West or de Pijp. The eastern area is also perfect for families with children of any age, thanks to the zoo and the NEMO Science Museum. It has a pleasant atmosphere, with wide, tree-lined streets, pleasant canals and plenty of options to eat. Alternatively, to get some of that city-centre bustle without being overwhelmed, seek a hotel inside the Grachtengordel and introduce your family to Amsterdam's life in full swing.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Solo travellers looking for cosy vibes and lively evenings should make a beeline for Joordan. It’s a bit cooler than the city-centre districts, home to many independent shops and venues, with a higher chance of rubbing shoulders with locals. First-time visitors may head right for the Oud-West area for front-row access to the museums. If you’ve been to Amsterdam before and feel au fait with the Grachtengoordel and the best-known museums, try de Pijp or Oost. Both more residential areas offer budget-friendly accommodation and different parks, as well as the World Museum and the Heineken Experience.

Find cheap hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is awash with budget-friendly hotels. The Flying Pig has two hostel locations, Downtown – literally steps from Amsterdam central station – and Uptown – right next to Vondelpark and the main museums. Both hostels have a kitchen, secure lockers, a bar and run city bike tours. Dormitory beds are around £25–30/night. For something more upscale but still budget-friendly, try the Ibis Amsterdam Centre. There are comfortable, modern rooms for as little as £90–100/night. In peaceful De Pijp, the Ibis Styles Amsterdam City also has rooms for under £100/night and offers bike rental so you can see the city like a local. For four-star luxury without the four-star price tag, book Hotel Arena in leafy Amsterdam Oost. The classic Amsterdam exterior, complete with a cool terrace bar, gives way to an elegant interior, where ultra-modern furnishings meet original features (just over £100/night).

Going Out in Amsterdam

Vibrant Nightlife Scene

Amsterdam's nightlife is diverse and vibrant, catering to all tastes. The city is renowned for its lively club scene, with venues like Paradiso and Melkweg offering a range of music from electronic to indie rock. For a more upscale experience, clubs like Jimmy Woo and Escape draw a chic crowd with their stylish interiors and international DJs.

Cozy Brown Cafes

For a more laid-back evening, the traditional Dutch 'brown cafes', named for their wooden interiors and tobacco-stained walls, offer a cozy atmosphere. Café Hoppe and Café ‘t Smalle are popular choices, providing an authentic Dutch experience with a selection of local beers and snacks.

Cultural and Live Music Venues

Amsterdam is also home to a thriving cultural scene. The Concertgebouw is one of the world's leading classical music venues, while Bimhuis is a mecca for jazz enthusiasts. The city also hosts various live music bars like Bourbon Street and The Waterhole, where you can enjoy live bands and a lively atmosphere.

Trendy Bars and Speakeasies

For those who enjoy craft cocktails, Amsterdam's trendy bars and hidden speakeasies like Door 74 and Hiding in Plain Sight offer creative drinks in chic settings. These spots are perfect for a sophisticated night out with a touch of mystery and exclusivity.

Theatres and Comedy Clubs

Amsterdam also boasts an array of theatres and comedy clubs for an evening of entertainment. The Royal Theatre Carré and the DeLaMar Theater host a variety of performances, from plays to musicals. Comedy lovers can head to Boom Chicago for a night of laughs in an energetic and interactive setting.

Each of these experiences encapsulates the unique spirit of Amsterdam's nightlife, offering memorable nights out for every type of visitor.

Shopping in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam offers a delightful mix of luxury, creativity, and tradition, making it an ideal destination for all types of shoppers. Whether you're after designer brands, unique local designs, or typical Dutch souvenirs, Amsterdam's shopping scene has it all.

Explore the Nine Streets

"The Nine Streets" or "De Negen Straatjes" is a charming neighbourhood known for its quaint boutiques, vintage shops, and artisanal stores. It's the perfect place for finding unique clothing, accessories, and home decor, offering a more personalized shopping experience compared to mainstream retail outlets.

Luxury Brands at P.C. Hooftstraat

For high-end shopping, P.C. Hooftstraat is Amsterdam's most famous and exclusive shopping street. Lined with luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more, it's a haven for fashion enthusiasts looking for the latest in designer wear.

Visit the Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market is a bustling street market offering a variety of goods, from fresh produce to clothing and electronics. It's a great place to experience local culture and find some bargains.

Concept Stores and Dutch Design

Amsterdam is home to several concept stores and design shops showcasing Dutch creativity. Stores like Droog Design and Moooi offer innovative and stylish Dutch-designed products, from furniture to quirky home accessories.

Department Stores and Shopping Centers

For a more traditional shopping experience, department stores like De Bijenkorf offer a range of brands under one roof. Magna Plaza and Kalvertoren are popular shopping centres with a mix of local and international stores.

Vintage and Second-Hand Shops

Amsterdam is also known for its vintage and second-hand shops. Areas like the Jordaan and the Pijp have numerous stores where you can find vintage clothes, retro furniture, and unique collectables.

Shop for Tulip Bulbs and Dutch Cheese

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without buying traditional Dutch souvenirs like tulip bulbs and Gouda cheese. There are numerous shops around the city where you can find these and other typical Dutch products to take home.

Hotels with rooftop bars

Think hotels rooftop views break the bank? Think again. In Amsterdam, you can get hotels with rooftop access at under £200/night, and, since the city is reasonably low-rise, you’re basically guaranteed a good view. Hotel Casa is in the heart of Oost, with cosy rooms at around £100–150/night and a spacious rooftop terrace with a lovely canal view. Close by, the eco-focussed Volkshotel offers similar prices. It has a fun interior design and a large workspace and cafe that transforms into a bar and live music venue in the evenings. As well as a vibrant rooftop bar with stunning views, there’s also a rooftop spa zone offering massages, a sauna, and a hot tub with a view.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants in Amsterdam

Situated in a quintessentially Amsterdam row of Grachtenhuizen (or canal houses), you’ll find the cosy and refined Ambassade Hotel (rooms around £300/night). Restaurant Ambassade focuses on French haute cuisine with an international twist, serving up exquisitely presented dishes in a room filled with artworks and with a view of the canal. The library bar is also popular for its intimate ambience – a perfect setting for sophisticated cocktails.

Spa hotels in Amsterdam

Situated next to the Van Gogh Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, the Conservatorium is a five-star hotel with a distinctly refined and peaceful air. The architecture, decor and restaurant are all exceptional, but the spa takes the stay to the next level. The Akasha wellbeing spa offers a pool, hammam, sauna and jacuzzi, as well as myriad facial and body treatments and massages.

Exceptional hotels in Amsterdam

The four-star premium Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American is exceptional for its architecture and its impeccable service. The iconic art-deco building dates back to 1902, featuring glorious orange-and-white awnings and a jaw-dropping art-deco bar in its Café Americain. As you might expect, the decor of the rooms is equally stunning. The five-star Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam occupies the impressive Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House), the starting point of the first Dutch voyage to the East Indies in 1595. It’s a national monument and is considered the first example of the Amsterdam School style of architecture. The interior is the epitome of vintage opulence, and the hotel has a pool and a grand restaurant.

Luxury hotels in Amsterdam

Hotel Jakarta emerged as an exciting, eco-concept hotel and has been the hottest ticket on Amsterdam’s hotel scene for a while. It’s a design sensation, resembling a sleek, glass ship situated on Java Island, where ships used to depart for Jakarta. The interior is a thought-out creation of wood and glass, with a series of enchanting indoor subtropical gardens. Choose from spacious, modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows or opt for the WOW suite, named for its stunning position at the ‘ship’s’ prow. Enjoy Cafe Jakarta for three meals a day, nip into Westers Bakery for a delectable treat, or spend your evening in the Malabar Skybar for cocktails with an exceptional view.