Where you stay in Amsterdam matters more than you might think. Get it right, and you can walk everywhere. Get it wrong, and you’ll end up spending half your trip on the tram. That’s why I put together this guide to where to stay in Amsterdam. I’ll take you through the best neighbourhoods, where to base yourself for the tulip fields, and my hotel recommendations in each area.
My favourite hotel in Amsterdam
I personally struggled with choosing a hotel. The main reason was that I wanted to stay central, but avoid the party crowds in the Red Light District, which is right in the middle of everything.
Finally, I went for a hotel right on the canals and requested a room facing the inner courtyard. The location was already quiet, but I still like to be on the safe side when it comes to a good night’s sleep. If you’re a light sleeper like me, I’d definitely recommend choosing a room that doesn’t face the street. Otherwise, a canal-view room is absolutely worth it.
💖 My favourite hotel in Amsterdam: Ambassade Hotel
Location: right on the Herengracht canal, walkable to everything
What I loved: quiet boutique rooms, great wine bar with canal views
Check details & availability: Booking.com | Expedia
For me, the Ambassade Hotel was the perfect base for exploring Amsterdam. I was about a 10-minute walk from the Anne Frank House and around 15 minutes from the Rijksmuseum. Plus, the hotel is right in the heart of De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets), one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods. The room was compact but very stylish, with a gorgeous chandelier, and I got the top floor as requested. They even left a box of chocolates (which were really tasty), such a lovely touch.
I also love the hotel bar, where you can enjoy a glass of wine with views right over the canals. Breakfast is just as good, especially if you manage to grab one of the window seats overlooking the water. And in the lobby, there’s a beautiful library with a unique collection of over 5,000 books!
Where to stay in Amsterdam (My best hotel picks)
Most booked by our readers – NH Collection Flower Market
8.7 | 5,330+ reviews – right on the Canal Ring, within walking distance of the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum
Best mid-range stay – Hotel Estheréa
9.1 | 3,650+ reviews – boutique canal-view rooms in a 17th-century townhouse, just steps from Dam Square
Best luxury stay – Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
9.0 | 6,080+ reviews – grand 19th-century hotel right on Dam Square, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and rooms with canal views
Best budget-friendly stay – Boutique Hotel des Arts
8.6 | 1,940+ reviews – great-value canal-view rooms just steps from Kalverstraat, the city’s main shopping street
Dam Square – where to stay in Amsterdam first time
Amsterdam is officially divided into eight districts (known as stadsdelen), but as a visitor, there’s really only one you need to know – Centrum. This is the heart of the city, home to the historic old town, Dam Square, the iconic canal belt, and popular neighbourhoods like Jordaan and Nieuwmarkt. Most of Amsterdam’s top attractions are located here, making it the area where you’ll likely spend most of your time.
Another neighbourhood you’ll probably visit is Museumkwartier, part of Amsterdam-Zuid (South Amsterdam). This is where you’ll find some of the city’s biggest attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
That said, I wouldn’t choose Museumkwartier as a base. Apart from the museums, most of Amsterdam’s must-see sights are in the historic centre. If you stay here, you’ll end up walking a lot or taking the tram every time you want to explore the rest of the city. Unless you’re planning to spend most of your trip visiting museums, staying in Centrum is simply more convenient.
Best Amsterdam Tours & Experiences
Heineken Experience – explore the original Heineken brewery (+ 2 free beer tastings) and learn all about the brewing process
Saloon Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine – canal cruise on a 19th-century saloon boat with a local skipper-guide and unlimited cheese and wine
Anne Frank Walking Tour – if you can’t get tickets to the Anne Frank House, this tour is a great alternative, bringing Anne’s story to life as you explore the Jewish Quarter
If it’s your first time in Amsterdam, I highly recommend staying around Dam Square, as it puts you right in the middle of everything. This is the city’s most central location, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the Royal Palace, and just a short walk from the famous canal belt (Grachtengordel). It’s super convenient if you want to explore on foot and not waste time getting around. It’s also a great base for day trips, as it’s just steps away from Amsterdam Centraal, the city’s main train station.
Best hotels near Dam Square
Hotel Die Port van Cleve – Most popular 4-star
Perfectly placed just behind Dam Square and the Nieuwe Kerk, and right next to the Magna Plaza shopping mall – you couldn’t ask for a better location. The hotel itself is set in a beautiful old building, that used to be a brewery back in the 19th century. The rooms are modern and surprisingly quiet for such a central spot. Don’t miss the restaurant downstairs, especially their famous numbered steak, which has been served at De Port van Cleve since 1874!
Hotel V Nesplein – Best-rated 4-star
Tucked away on a quiet street right in the middle of everything, this hotel is just a few steps from Dam Square. Breakfast is freshly cooked and really good. And I’d definitely recommend checking out their restaurant, The Lobby, serving seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – Most popular 5-star
For a special getaway, Anantara is hard to beat. Set right on Dam Square, the hotel overlooks the Royal Palace and the beautiful canals. You can enjoy breakfast in the beautiful Wintergarden with its glass roof, or stop for afternoon tea at the Grand Café Krasnapolsky. The hotel’s restaurant, The White Room, even holds a Michelin star. The spa is on the smaller side, but it’s lovely and has a few different saunas, including traditional, steam, and infrared.
Visiting the city for the first time? My itinerary for 2 days in Amsterdam covers everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems and the city’s best food stops.
Hotel TwentySeven – Best-rated 5-star
If you’re after a truly unique stay, Hotel TwentySeven is the place. This luxury 5-star hotel offers individually designed boutique suites, each with incredible views over Dam Square. Inside, you’ll find everything you could want for a lavish stay – your own bubble bath, a steam shower, super comfortable beds, and even silk carpets. For dining, you’re spoiled for choice – either the Michelin-starred Bougainville, or Bo By Bougainville for the same great cooking in a more casual setting.
Boutique Hotel des Arts – Best 3-star
Just around the corner from the Kalverstraat shopping area, this family-run hotel is a great budget-friendly stay. It’s set in a historic building from 1733, and you can still see some of the original details in its lounge. For the best experience, make sure to book a room with a canal view.
Hapimag Apartments – Best apartments
If you need a bit more space, this aparthotel offers cosy apartments with small kitchenettes. The location is great – set on a quiet canal, right between the Central Station and Dam Square. There’s no noise at night, making it especially good for families.
Dam Square isn’t the most budget-friendly area to stay in Amsterdam, but in my opinion, it’s worth the splurge. You’ll be within easy walking distance of all the main attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House. Just a heads-up on prices: hotel rates in Amsterdam are some of the highest I’ve come across in Europe. So be prepared to pay a bit more than you might expect.
My best advice is to skip Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms for short-stay rentals in Amsterdam. Recent regulations have really tightened things up, and private homes can now only be rented out for a maximum of 30 nights per year. Because of this, cancellations are more common than you might expect, even last-minute ones.
I’ve seen it happen quite a few times, so I wouldn’t rely on being safe just because you booked with a Superhost or paid months in advance. If you want more space and flexibility, your safest option is to go for an aparthotel instead.
Another thing to be a bit careful about is the Red Light District, also known as De Wallen. This historic neighbourhood is right in the heart of the city centre, between Amsterdam Central Station and Nieuwmarkt. When you’re booking a hotel, I’d double-check that it isn’t right next to De Wallen. It’s not about safety – it’s just that it can get really noisy at night, and the party crowds might make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.
Grachtengordel – best area to stay in Amsterdam for tourists
No matter how central and convenient Dam Square is, nothing quite beats the Grachtengordel. If you’re after that postcard-perfect side of Amsterdam, this is the place to stay. This historic neighbourhood is exactly what most people picture when they think of Amsterdam. Imagine charming canals lined with elegant houses, small bridges, and plenty of cafés with waterside terraces.
Grachtengordel consists of three main canals – Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht – and it’s part of Amsterdam’s city centre. The name literally means canal belt, which fits perfectly since it wraps around the historic centre (today’s Red Light District and Dam Square area) like a ring of water. It was built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century as an expansion of the original city centre. On Google Maps, it’s easy to spot the three parallel canals curving just southwest of the old town.
Grachtengordel is home to the Anne Frank House, one of the city’s most popular attractions. From here, it’s also about a 20-minute walk to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. You’re pretty much right in the middle of everything, with most of the main sights within easy walking distance.
Best hotels in Grachtengordel (Canal District)
Hotel Estheréa – Most popular 4-star
Perfect location, set along the Singel canal, right between the Grachtengordel and the historic city centre. The rooms are lavish, and all are accessible by lift, which is quite rare in the canal houses of the Grachtengordel. I’d definitely recommend opting for a canal-view room if your budget allows it. Plus, there are free cakes, cookies, espresso, and hot chocolate in the lounge, overlooking the canals. And to top it off, they even have resident hotel cats!
Dikker & Thijs Hotel – Another top-rated 4-star
This hotel occupies an 18th-century canal house right on the beautiful Prinsengracht Canal. The rooms are surprisingly spacious (a rare find in Amsterdam), and most come with lovely canal views. Breakfast is fabulous with plenty of local options like Dutch cheeses and freshly prepared farm eggs. Plus, there are complimentary pastries and really good Spanish coffee in the lounge throughout the day.
Hotel 717 – Best 5-star
This luxury hotel is right in the heart of Grachtengordel, within easy walking distance of the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and Dam Square. It’s set inside a beautiful 17th-century canal house overlooking the Prinsengracht Canal. If your budget allows, I’d definitely recommend booking a room with a canal view. Breakfast is also excellent, with a great selection of organic and locally sourced products.
‘t Hotel – Best 3-star
Located on the beautiful Leliegracht, this budget-friendly hotel is a real hidden gem. It’s a small, family-run hotel with stylish, spacious rooms, and some even come with lovely canal views. The location is central yet quiet, making it a great base for exploring Amsterdam. Plus, breakfast is simple but tasty, with a selection of fresh local products.
Dutch Masters Luxury Apartments – Best apartments
Tucked away in a quiet area of the Keizersgracht canal, Dutch Masters is a great option if you’re looking for a bit more space. Set in a beautifully restored canal house dating back to 1687, each apartment is individually themed around a famous Dutch painter. Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need, plus a combined washer-dryer.
Compared to Dam Square, Grachtengordel is just as central and convenient, but a lot more relaxed and quiet. Not to mention how scenic it is, especially around the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes). That’s why I chose to stay here on my first trip to Amsterdam, and it was totally worth the splurge. Nothing beats heading out early in the morning for a walk along the quiet canals with barely anyone around.
Best hotels in Amsterdam on the canals
Staying on Amsterdam’s canals is honestly one of the best ways to experience the city. You get those classic postcard views right outside your window, with narrow canal houses and passing boats. There’s something special about sitting by the window with a coffee and just enjoying the view. If your budget allows, it’s definitely worth booking at least one night on the canals.
As I mentioned earlier, Amsterdam has three main canals – Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. This area, known as the Grachtengordel (the canal belt or canal district), is the best place to stay for iconic canal views. Most of the hotels here are in old historic buildings, which really adds to the charm. You’ll often find original wooden beams, tall windows, and the occasional quirky layout – but with all the modern comforts you’d expect.
If you’re booking a room with a canal view, don’t assume that just because the hotel sits on the canal, every room comes with a view. You’ll need to specifically pick a room category, for example, a Double Room with Canal View. Otherwise, there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get it.
Here are the best hotels in Amsterdam with canal views that are actually worth booking.
Ambassade Hotel – Best-rated 4-star
Ambassade Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam for those classic canal views right from your window. The hotel occupies sixteen historic townhouses in the heart of the charming De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets). Most rooms come with beautiful views over the Herengracht canal. And their wine bar (which is great, by the way) also has some pretty canal views.
The Toren – Most popular 4-star
Fantastic location in a historic townhouse, just around the corner from the Anne Frank House. From the room, you can enjoy beautiful views of the iconic Keizersgracht canal, one of the city’s three main canals. Breakfast is excellent, with a good selection of made-to-order options, and it also comes with a canal view.
Waldorf Astoria – Best 5-star
For a special holiday, a canal-view room at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is hard to beat. The hotel is spread across six beautifully restored 17th- and 18th-century canal houses right on the Herengracht. The Guerlain Spa is a real treat too, with an indoor swimming pool and sauna. For dining, you’ve got a few options – Goldfinch Brasserie, the Peacock Alley lounge (don’t miss the Botanical Afternoon Tea), and the Vault Bar.
Amsterdam Centraal – where to stay for one night
If you’re only spending one night in Amsterdam, staying near Amsterdam Centraal is one of the best choices. It’s incredibly convenient, especially if you’re arriving by train or catching an early flight the next day, as the airport is just a short train ride away.
The location is also perfect for sightseeing. Dam Square is just a short walk away, and the canals are right on your doorstep. Plus, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars nearby if you want to make the most of your evening. Even with just 24 hours in Amsterdam, you can see many of the city’s highlights on foot, without spending much time on public transport. Only the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are a little further out, but the blue metro line gets you there in just 15 minutes.
Yes, it’s one of the busiest parts of the city, but for a one-night stay, I think the convenience is well worth it. Being able to walk to so many of the city’s highlights means you can spend less time getting around and more time enjoying the city. When you’re short on time, that ease really makes a difference.
Best hotels near Amsterdam Centraal
Art’otel – Best 4-star
Fantastic location, right opposite the central train station. The soundproof rooms are very spacious, with comfortable beds, and some even offer incredible canal views. There’s also a lovely spa area with an indoor pool and sauna. The hotel’s ARCA Restaurant is definitely worth a visit too, serving Portuguese dishes with an Asian twist.
Kimpton De Witt by IHG – Best 5-star
A great luxury hotel with spacious rooms, just steps away from Amsterdam Central. It’s super well connected, with tram stops right outside, so getting around the city is really easy. You’ll also find the modern American restaurant Celia on-site, inspired by California. If you’re staying over the weekend, definitely try the bottomless brunch.
A-Train Hotel – Best 3-star
Great budget-friendly option just a short walk from the train station. The hotel has a fun, quirky train-themed design, and while the rooms are on the smaller side, they’re cosy and comfortable. The breakfast buffet is complimentary, and you can also enjoy free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the lobby. Plus, there’s a supermarket right next door for anything you might need.
I usually don’t recommend staying near central train stations, but Amsterdam Centraal is an exception. Unlike in many other European cities, the area is perfectly safe. The area is actually quite pretty too – the station building is stunning, and the Damrak waterfront is one of the city’s best spots for photos.
Haarlem – where to stay in Amsterdam to see the tulips
If your main goal is seeing the tulips, the key thing to know is that the famous flower fields aren’t in Amsterdam at all. They’re in the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region), the countryside between Haarlem and Leiden, about 30-45 minutes away.
The good news is that you don’t need to stay right next to the flower fields to enjoy them. Amsterdam’s public transport gets you to the best-known town, Lisse (home to Keukenhof Gardens), in under an hour. Surrounding Lisse are vast commercial flower fields stretching for miles. These aren’t just for tourists – they’re working farms, where growers cultivate flower bulbs that are exported all over the world.
To make the most of your trip, check out my guide on the best time to visit Amsterdam for tulips.
One of the best ways to experience the tulip fields is by bike. The Netherlands is made for cycling, and there are plenty of dedicated bike paths that take you through the colourful bulb-growing region. Just keep in mind that the flower fields are working farms and private property. So be sure to stay on the marked paths unless you’re visiting a field that’s open to the public.
With that in mind, you really have two options. You can stay in Amsterdam and visit the tulip fields as a day trip from there. This usually means taking a shuttle bus to Keukenhof Gardens and then renting a bike to explore the surrounding area. Or you can stay a bit closer – Haarlem is a great option. From Haarlem, you can actually bike to the tulip fields and farms in under an hour. From Amsterdam, you’re looking at around a two-hour ride one way. Here are the pros and cons of both options, plus my recommended hotels.
Haarlem
If you’re visiting Amsterdam to see the tulips, Haarlem is one of the best places to base yourself. This charming Dutch city sits right between Amsterdam and the famous tulip fields around Lisse. This means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the flowers.
Getting around is also incredibly easy. You can reach Keukenhof Gardens in about an hour by bike, or take bus line 850 from Haarlem Centraal Station. There are plenty of bike rental options in Haarlem, and you can also rent a bike once you arrive at Keukenhof. Plus, Amsterdam is only about 20 minutes away by train.
This option works best if you’re planning to spend a few days exploring the tulip fields and farms. But if it’s your first time in Amsterdam, I wouldn’t really recommend staying in Haarlem for the whole trip. A better idea is to spend a night or two in Amsterdam, either before or after Haarlem, so you can actually see and enjoy the city properly.
I wouldn’t suggest staying in Leiden as a base for the tulip fields. It’s not quite as charming as Haarlem, it’s a bit further from Amsterdam, and there are fewer hotel options. The same goes for Lisse, home to the famous Keukenhof Gardens. You’ll barely find a decent hotel around there.
Hotel Lion D’Or – Best hotel in Haarlem
A great base in Haarlem – central but still nice and quiet. It’s right across from the central train station and bus station, which makes getting to Keukenhof Gardens really easy. The rooms are spacious, and there’s even a free bike garage if you’re cycling. If you’re coming by car, there’s also a parking lot just a short walk away.
Rokin (Amsterdam)
If you’re only planning a day out at the tulip fields and spending the rest of your time in Amsterdam, I’d personally skip Haarlem and just stay in Amsterdam itself. It makes things a lot easier.
A really convenient base is around Rokin, one of the main streets running from Dam Square down toward Muntplein. You’re right in the centre here, with everything within easy reach. And from Rokin metro station, you can take a direct ride to Amsterdam RAI (Europaplein), where you’ll find bus 852 straight to Keukenhof.
NH Collection Flower Market – Best hotel near Rokin
Great location, just steps away from the famous Flower Market, Kalverstraat shopping street, and Rokin metro station. The rooms are spacious with really comfy beds. Make sure to check out their fantastic bar, Ter Marsch & Co Amsterdam, inspired by flowers and botanicals.
Best hotels in Amsterdam near Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport (AMS) is the biggest airport in the Netherlands and one of the busiest in Europe. It’s located about 18 km (11 miles) from Amsterdam’s city centre.
Getting into town is super easy. There’s a direct train from the station right underneath the airport that gets you to Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 minutes. Trains run very often during the day (up to eight an hour) and about once an hour at night. If you prefer a taxi, expect to pay around €80 to reach the city centre.
If you don’t have an early flight, I’d skip staying near the airport. It’s really only worth it when you want that extra bit of sleep before a very early departure. Even then, I’d personally go for a hotel near Amsterdam Centraal instead. You can just hop on the train and be at the airport in about 15 minutes. That said, you’d still prefer to stay overnight near the airport, here are the best hotels near Schiphol.
Sheraton Airport Hotel – Nearest to the airport
Right opposite Schiphol Airport, the Sheraton is probably the closest hotel you can stay at. It’s just a 2-minute walk from Arrivals via a covered walkway, so you barely have to step outside. There are two good on-site dining spots – Commune Restaurant and Gate Restaurant & Bar. And if you’re checking out early, they also put out free coffee, juice, and croissants in the lobby before breakfast hours.
citizenM Schiphol Airport – Most popular
Perfect spot for an overnight stay, just a 5-minute walk from the airport terminals. The rooms are compact, but modern, with really comfy king-size beds. There’s also a 24/7 restaurant and bar on-site, if you need a late-night bite or drink.
FAQs about where to stay in Amsterdam
The best place to stay is the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring). It’s part of the historic city centre, with postcard-perfect canals, beautiful 17th-century houses, and most of the main sights within easy walking distance. You’ll be close to places like the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and the Nine Streets.
Amsterdam is very safe overall. For a quieter stay away from party crowds, go for Grachtengordel (Canal Ring), Jordaan, or the Museumkwartier. They’re central, beautiful, and much quieter in the evenings compared to the area around Dam Square or De Wallen.
The hotels are pricey because demand is high and space is limited, especially in the historic centre. The city is super popular year-round, but there aren’t many new hotels due to the canal layout and protected old buildings.
Zaandam is only a good option if you’re on a very tight budget. It’s cheaper, but lacks the charm and central location of Amsterdam. However, it’s well connected, with direct trains to Amsterdam Central in about 10–15 minutes.
The best area is around Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), right on the IJ river next to Amsterdam Centraal. It’s super convenient since you can easily walk to your cruise ship, and you’re still close to the city if you have time to explore. A great option nearby is Mövenpick Hotel, perfectly located right on the waterfront.
The best places to stay are the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring) and Jordaan, where you’ll be right in the middle of the celebrations. Just make sure to book early, as hotels sell out fast.
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