Best areas to stay in Amsterdam

Staying in the Jordaan puts you among the locals, well away from the prime tourist areas. There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants here either, and some of the city’s prettiest canals thread through the district, but you’ll be at least a 15min walk from the bright lights. Be aware when looking for a place to stay that Marnixstraat and Rozengracht are busy main roads. For a trendy part of the city, the Jordaan really is the best neighbourhood to stay in Amsterdam.

The city’s smartest quarter centres around the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum - although the buzzy nightlife around Leidseplein is also within easy striking distance. There are no canals, and two of the main drags, Overtoom and 1e Constantijn Huygensstraat, constantly rumble with traffic, but several good hotels are to be found here, plus the leafy Vondelpark. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam for the city centre atmosphere.

If you choose to stay here, you’ll be a short walk from the main sights, and the principal shopping and nightlife areas. Cheap hotels are plentiful and this is the first place to start looking if money is tight, although some may find the proximity of the Red Light District off-putting.

Not many tourists stay in this area as it’s largely residential, with very few bars or restaurants. Consequently, you’re pretty much guaranteed a quiet night’s sleep here, and you’re only a tram ride away from the leading sights.

Ideally positioned for the plethora of clubs, bars and restaurants on and around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, this area is on the rise: Waldorf Astoria decided to locate their new hotel here. There are plenty of options for those on a budget too, including a number of very appealing - and occasionally stylish - hotels along the surrounding canals.

These up-and-coming districts have some excellent, avant-garde accommodation options, and though their industrial architecture and open expanses might feel a world away from the Old Centre’s medieval lanes, they’re just a short hop away by ferry or tram.

Exciting accommodation options are cropping up in areas such as Amsterdam Oost, offering the opportunity of top-notch digs for less cash - and thanks to reliable and frequent trams, staying here doesn’t place you too far from the action.