Where to Stay in Amsterdam: 4 Areas for First-Time Visitors
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Figuring out where to stay in Amsterdam can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are so many neighborhoods to choose from, and when you’ve never been to the city before, it’s hard to know which area will actually make the most sense for your trip.
I’ll be honest, sometimes when I read guides about where to stay in a new city, I end up feeling even more torn than when I started. When every blog recommends eight or ten different neighborhoods, it can be hard to figure out which one is actually best for your trip.
Amsterdam is made up of several unique neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, from historic canal-lined streets to trendy areas full of cafes, markets, and wine bars. If you’re planning your trip and wondering where to stay in Amsterdam for the first time, choosing the right neighborhood can make exploring much easier.
To keep things simple, I’m focusing on four of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. There are certainly more neighborhoods you could consider, but I know how overwhelming it can be when every travel guide lists ten different options. These four areas give you a great mix of location, atmosphere, and easy access to the city’s top attractions.
Quick breakdown on the best areas to stay in Amsterdam if you’re short on time:
Each of these neighborhoods offers something a little different, so the best choice ultimately depends on the type of trip you want to have in Amsterdam.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
1. Historic Center (Centrum)
Why Stay Here
If you’re visiting for the first time, the Historic Center (Centrum) is one of the easiest and most convenient places to stay in Amsterdam. This area puts you right in the middle of the city’s canals, historic streets, restaurants, and major attractions.
Another big advantage of staying here is how well-connected it is. Amsterdam Central Station sits right in this part of the city, giving you easy access to trains, trams, ferries, and buses. It’s also where many canal cruises depart from, making it a really practical base for exploring.
For travelers with limited time in Amsterdam, this area makes it easy to walk to many of the highlights without needing to constantly rely on transportation.
Hotel Recommendations
- Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam – This is where we stayed, and it ended up being the perfect home base for our trip. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station, which made getting to and from the airport really easy. There’s also a tram stop right out front, and it’s a short walk to the free ferries that cross to Amsterdam Noord. The hotel itself is super stylish, the staff were amazing, and they have a cafe, bar, and the complimentary Kimpton wine happy hour, which is always a nice bonus.
- art’otel Amsterdam – A modern hotel located directly across from Central Station with contemporary design and easy access to transportation.
- Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam – A large historic hotel near the station that’s known for its convenience and stunning rooms.
For all available hotel options in this area and pricing for your travel dates, check here.
Best For
First-time visitors, short trips, and travelers who want easy access to transportation.
2. Dam Square
Why Stay Here
If you want to be as central as possible, staying near Dam Square is another great option. This area sits right in the middle of the city and is surrounded by some of Amsterdam’s most well-known landmarks, including the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. Because of its location, you’re also within walking distance of places like the Nine Streets, Jordaan, and the canal belt.
Even though we didn’t stay here, we found ourselves passing through Dam Square almost every day while exploring because it connects so many parts of the city.
Hotel Recommendations
- Hotel Luxer – A well-rated boutique hotel just a short walk from Dam Square and Amsterdam Centraal. It’s a great option if you want something comfortable, central, and a bit more affordable than many of the luxury properties nearby.
- Hotel CC – A stylish canal-side hotel set inside several historic buildings. The rooms are modern and compact, and the location puts you within easy walking distance of Dam Square and many of the city’s main sights.
- NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – A historic hotel located directly on Dam Square with beautiful views and an extremely central location.
For all available hotel options in this area and pricing for your travel dates, check here.
Best For
Travelers who want to stay in the heart of the action and be within walking distance of many of the best things to do in Amsterdam.
3. Jordaan
Why Stay Here
The Jordaan neighborhood is one of the most charming areas in Amsterdam and came highly recommended during my research while planning our trip, and we did love exploring it when we were there. Known for its beautiful canals, narrow streets, and boutique shops, Jordaan has a quieter and more romantic feel compared to some of the busier parts of the city.
This area is also home to some notable sights, including the Anne Frank House, and it sits just a short walk from the canal belt and the Nine Streets shopping area. Jordaan is filled with cozy cafes, wine bars, and small restaurants, making it a really lovely place to wander.
While it still feels central, Jordaan tends to be a little calmer and more local-feeling than areas like Dam Square or the Historic Center, which is part of what makes it so appealing.
Hotel Recommendations
- Mr. Jordaan – A charming, well-rated boutique hotel known for its cozy feel, friendly staff, and great location.
- Adam Suites Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with modern rooms and a quieter atmosphere. Great location, and one of the more affordable options in the area.
- Hotel Mercier – A boutique hotel with a unique Art Deco design located right in the heart of Jordaan.
For all available hotel options in this area and pricing for your travel dates, check here.
Best For
Couples, boutique hotel lovers, and travelers who want a charming canalside neighborhood that still feels close to everything.
Note: This area tends to book up quickly since there aren’t quite as many hotel options as in other parts of the city. If you’re planning to stay here, I recommend booking your accommodation early.
4. De Pijp
Why Stay Here
De Pijp ended up being our favorite neighborhood that we explored in Amsterdam. It has a really fun, energetic vibe and is known for its incredible food scene, wine bars, cafes, and local markets.
The neighborhood is home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market, one of the largest street markets in the Netherlands, where you’ll find everything from fresh stroopwafels to clothing and souvenirs. It’s also where you’ll find the Heineken Experience, located inside the brand’s original brewery.
De Pijp feels a little more local and trendy compared to the historic center, and it’s packed with great restaurants and places to grab a drink.
That said, while we absolutely loved exploring this neighborhood, I’d probably recommend the Historic Center or Dam Square for first-time visitors or shorter trips, simply because they make it easier to get around and see the main sights.
Hotel Recommendations
- Sir Albert Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel located in a former diamond factory with a great location in the neighborhood.
- Hotel Okura Amsterdam – A luxury hotel known for its incredible restaurants, including Michelin-star dining.
- Hotel Asterisk – A charming, family-run boutique hotel. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something comfortable, well-located, and a bit more affordable than many of the larger hotels nearby.
For all available hotel options in this area and pricing for your travel dates, check here.
Note: Similar to Jordaan, this area also tends to book up quickly, so if you’re planning to stay here, lock in your accommodation early.
Best For
Food lovers, travelers looking for a more local experience, and anyone who wants to stay in one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Tips for Deciding Where to Stay in Amsterdam
- Stay central if it’s your first visit – Neighborhoods like the Historic Center or near Dam Square make it much easier to walk to major sights and maximize your time in the city.
- Think about how long you’re staying – If you only have a couple of days in Amsterdam, staying somewhere very central will save you time traveling between neighborhoods.
- Consider proximity to Amsterdam Central Station – Staying near the station is especially convenient if you’re arriving by train, taking day trips, or want easy airport access.
- Look for nearby tram stops – Amsterdam’s tram system makes getting around incredibly easy, so being close to a tram stop can be really helpful.
- Book early during peak seasons – Tulip season (spring) and summer are especially popular times to visit Amsterdam, so hotels can fill up quickly. And keep in mind, rates are often quite a bit more during this time. So the sooner you book and lock in a price, the better.
- Think about the vibe you want – Some areas feel lively and busy while others are quieter and more residential.
- Prioritize what matters most to you – Whether that’s canal views, nightlife, boutique hotels, or easy transportation access.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Amsterdam
Choosing where to stay in Amsterdam really comes down to the type of experience you want during your trip. For first-time visitors or shorter stays, areas like the Historic Center or near Amsterdam Central Station are incredibly convenient and make it easy to get around the city.
At the same time, neighborhoods along the canal belt and areas like the Nine Streets or Jordaan offer a more atmospheric side of Amsterdam with charming canals, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. They’re just as central for sightseeing but feel a little quieter and more scenic.
No matter where you choose to stay, Amsterdam is a city that’s easy to explore, and you’ll likely find yourself wandering through several neighborhoods along the way! Let me know in the comments which area sounds the most like your vibe!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Europe blog posts:
How to Spend 2 Days in Budapest
Must-Try Food Italy is Famous For
Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on the Couchsurfing App
