Amsterdam is a city of canals and narrow gabled canal houses, built around a ring of waterways that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycling is central to how the city moves, and biking paths and lanes run throughout. The main sights cluster around the historic canals, the Museum Quarter, Dam Square and the former working-class districts that now draw most visitors.
For a visitor, the practical question is which side of the canal ring to base yourself on. Most hotels and hostels sit in the Binnenstad, especially south of Centraal Station, and in Zuid around the Museum Quarter. Boutique places concentrate in the Canal District and the Jordaan, and cheaper hostels can be found in the Red Light District. This guide covers those areas and what each one suits.
Best areas to stay in Amsterdam
1. Binnenstad
The historic centre, immediately south of Centraal Station, is where the largest share of the city's hotels and hostels is found. It puts you within walking distance of Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the main canal ring, and it is the most convenient base if you want to reach the classic sights on foot.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the middle of things. Expect the widest range of standards, from budget hostels to expensive hotels, and expect to book ahead, particularly for weekends and holidays.
2. Zuid (Museum Quarter)
The Museum Quarter in Zuid is the other main concentration of accommodation, alongside the Binnenstad. It is the area to choose if the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum are high on your list, since you can stay within easy reach of them.
It suits visitors who prefer a slightly less cramped base than the old centre while still being well connected to the sights. As in the Binnenstad, most hotels and hostels here are found in this district, and advance booking is advised.
3. Canal District
The Canal District is the wealthy residential ring of the city, home to the rich and famous, and its squares are the prime nightlife spots. Charming boutique accommodation can be found here, in the historic canal houses the city is known for.
It suits travellers who want character and a central location and are willing to pay for it, as well as those who want nightlife on the doorstep. Boutique places here tend to be upmarket.
4. Jordaan
The Jordaan is another area for hip boutique accommodation. It is slightly upmarket but still available at mid-range prices, which makes it a useful middle option between the budget centre and the expensive canal ring.
It suits visitors who want a quieter, more residential feel with boutique places rather than large hotels, while staying within reach of the centre.
5. Red Light District
The Red Light District is part of the Binnenstad and is one of the few places in the centre where some cheaper hostels can be found. It is central and busy, and it puts you close to Dam Square and the canal ring.
It suits budget travellers who prioritise location and low cost over quiet. As with all budget accommodation in the city, do not expect a wide range of services.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels, including some cheaper ones in the Red Light District, and one- to two-star budget hotels. Expect few services, and note that many cheaper places have no elevator and the usual steep staircases.
- Mid-range: three- and four-star hotels, and the hip boutique accommodation of the Jordaan, which is slightly upmarket but still mid-range in price.
- Splurge: five-star hotels and the charming boutique accommodation of the wealthy Canal District.
Best area for a first visit
The Binnenstad is the best base for a first visit. It holds the largest concentration of hotels and hostels, sits just south of Centraal Station, and puts Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the canal ring within easy reach. Booking ahead matters here, especially for weekends and holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Where are most of Amsterdam's hotels and hostels?
Most are in the Binnenstad, notably south of Centraal Station, and in Zuid around the Museum Quarter.
Which area is best for boutique accommodation?
The wealthy residential Canal District has charming boutique places, and the Jordaan is another area for hip boutique accommodation at mid-range prices.
Where can I find cheaper hostels?
Some cheaper hostels can be found in the Red Light District. If you cannot find a reasonably priced hostel anywhere in Amsterdam, particularly on summer weekends, hostels in Purmerend and Zaandam lie outside the city borders and are not shown when searching for accommodation in "Amsterdam" on online travel agencies, though you can still reach the centre in about 30 minutes by public transport.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, and you should not expect to find an affordable bed once you arrive.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.