Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the quirky capital of the Netherlands and is like no other city in Europe. Alongside fascinating history, quaint architecture, and a food scene to rival any leading global city, you’ll also find plenty of curious attractions that you won’t find elsewhere.

Whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting Amsterdam, it can be tricky to decide where to stay to get the most out of your time in the Netherlands. We’re here to help with that, let’s get into the best areas to stay in the “Venice of the North”.

Centrum

• Highlights: Centrum is the oldest area in the city and a major tourist magnet.
• Attractions: Red Light District, the Royal Palace, the canals, and the National Monument

Centrum, or Old Town, is the oldest area of Amsterdam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has remained mostly unchanged since the 17th century. It’s where many tourists (especially first-time visitors) stay during their visit to the city because of its central location and its proximity to the train station and also many of Amsterdam’s best attractions.

Here, you’ll find endless options to eat in Michelin-starred restaurants and at street food stands, shop in malls and boutiques, and party at some of the city’s best nightlife spots. And all among some incredible historic buildings.

On Centrum’s west, you’ll find Singel which is one of the most famous canals in Amsterdam. This is the kicking-off point for most canal ring boat trips.

On the east, you’ll also find the Red Light District, one of the most famous parts of the Dutch capital. Dam Square is also in this part of the city. It dates back to the 13th century and is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, Madame Tussauds, and other Amsterdam favorites.

You’ll also find Nine Streets in Centrum, which are some of the best shopping streets for designer and vintage pieces. If you’re an antique or art lover, check out Spiegelkwartier, and be sure to visit Nieuwmarkt, which is home to the city’s oldest buildings.

It might sound like an odd recommendation, but Spuistraat is a great place for sightseeing. Visitors that look past the derelict, boarded-up properties will be rewarded with fascinating street art and a glimpse into The Netherlands’ history of social revolutions.

Jordaan

• Highlights: An authentic working-class neighborhood, home to Rembrandt.
• Attractions: Boutique hotels, art galleries, the Anne Frank House, the Tulip Museum

Jordaan was originally built in the 17th century as a working-class neighborhood and was also home to the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt. Since its humble beginnings, it has transformed to be one of the most trendy and affluent areas in Amsterdam.

Located west of Prinsengracht and the Canal Belt, Jordaan almost feels like a separate village but is just a short walk from the main attractions in the heart of Amsterdam. Here, you’ll find gorgeous townhouses, boutique hotels, art galleries, stores, and high-end restaurants. If you’re looking for a slower pace within walking distance of Amsterdam’s city center, this is a great location for you.

One of the most famous attractions around Jordaan is a canal house known as the Anne Frank House: a somber and important museum that looks at the human side of the horrors of World War II.

Jordaan is also home to Noordermarkt, a historic, colorful market that’s perfect for strolling around when the weather is pleasant. Here, you’ll also find the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, Electric Ladyland – Museum of Fluorescent Art, the Houseboat Museum, and Westerstraat Market.

The Old Jewish Quarter and Plantage

• Highlights: A residential area that offers a snapshot of Dutch life.
• Attractions: The Jewish Museum, Waterlooplein Market, Artis Royal Zoo

This is a mostly residential area, so not many tourists stay here. However, if you’re planning a longer trip or you just want to guarantee a good night’s sleep, this is a great option for you. Positioned between the Amstel, Kloveniersburgwal, and the Nieuwe Herengracht, the Jewish Quarter was home to Amsterdam’s Jewish population up until WWII.

Although there aren’t any tourist attractions here as such, there are several moving reminders of the Jewish community that suffered greatly in the war. These include the Esnoga Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. Another of Rembrandt’s former homes can be found here, too.

Plantage is another safe and quiet residential area with Jewish heritage and is a great place for families with children to stay during a trip to Amsterdam. It’s a green, calm, and quiet area of Amsterdam, and at just a 20-minute walk or a short metro ride from the city center, it’s easy to reach most of the main tourist spots.

Waterlooplein Market is a fantastic local flea market in Plantage with almost 300 stalls. Here, you can buy fresh produce, pick up souvenirs, or simply wander around and take in Dutch life at its most authentic.

The 19th-century Artis Royal Zoo is also in this part of the city, as well as the NEMO Science Museum. Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the world, is located in Plantage, as well as the Dutch Resistance Museum, where visitors can learn about Nazi Germany and its occupation of The Netherlands. You’ll also find lots of cute cafes to enjoy lunch in, plus some delicious kosher bakeries and delis.

Oost

• Highlights: Economic accommodations in a hip neighborhood.
• Attractions: Dappermarkt, Tropenmuseum, Brouwerij ‘t IJ, the famous windmill brewery

Oost is an often overlooked part of Amsterdam but is actually a fantastic place to stay. This once-sleepy suburb is close to Centrum and is one of the best up-and-coming neighborhoods in the Dutch capital. And, because it’s outside of the city center, it’s one of the best neighborhoods to look for deals on accommodation.

Oost is a multicultural neighborhood that’s packed with independent restaurants, bars, and shops, so it’s popular with hipster crowds. Javastraat is the best street to get a taste of Oost’s charm. Here, you’ll find hip cocktail bars and global cuisine nestled next to greengrocers and bargain stores. It’s also a fun place to people watch from.

Check out the local market Dappermarkt, which has previously been named the best market in The Netherlands, then head to Brouwerij ‘t IJ, the famous windmill brewery, for a refreshing beverage. Museum fans will love Tropenmuseum and its exhibitions about world cultures set in one of the most stunning buildings in Amsterdam.

There’s a lot of great outdoor space to enjoy in Oost, and you won’t struggle to find a quiet green spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon. Oosterpark is a favorite with residents thanks to its interesting trails with hidden monuments, or you can head to Flevopark to enjoy watersports on the lake.

Amsterdam Noord

• Highlights: A family-friendly, quaint, and trendy neighborhood that blends into the countryside.
• Attractions: The A’Dam Toren entertainment building, EYE Film Institute, the D’Admiraal windmill

Amsterdam Noord, in the north of the city, has shaken off its old, run-down reputation to become one of the coolest parts of the city.

This safe area is a great place for families to stay and is popular with returning visitors because its hyper-industrial regeneration offers an alternative experience to the quaint Amsterdam that most people stick to on their first time visiting Amsterdam. Noord can be reached from Centraal Station via a free ferry, too, making it an even more appealing base for trips to Amsterdam.

Here in Noord, you’ll find trendy food halls and event spaces in industrial buildings and shipping containers.

One of the area’s newest attractions is the A’Dam Toren which is home to great restaurants and bars, a hotel, a co-working space, a spectacular observation deck, and Europe’s tallest ‘over the edge’ swing. Film buffs will love EYE Film Institute, which houses movie theaters and a fascinating library dedicated to film.

If you find yourself growing tired of the industrial vibe that Noord is famous for, you’ll be pleased to discover that this neighborhood extends into the Dutch countryside, giving visitors unbeatable access to both urban and rural living. For a fun and relaxing day trip, explore the D’Admiraal windmill and its surrounding canals by bicycle.

De Pijp

• Highlights: A bohemian nightlife-friendly modern area.
• Attractions: The Latin Quarter, the Heineken Experience, Albert Cuyp Market

De Pijp is in the south of Amsterdam and is a trendy part of the city but in a more bohemium way than industrial Noord. Known as the Latin Quarter, you’ll find creatives and students living here, and it’s a great place to base yourself if you’re eager to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here, you’ll find luxury hotels alongside budget hotels, so it’s an accessible neighborhood at any price range.

Some of the city’s best bars and restaurants can be found here, and the nightlife typically draws a younger crowd. There’s something for everyone, though, so families shouldn’t be put off staying here.

De Pijp is the perfect base for visiting the Heineken Experience, where you can learn about one of the world’s most famous beers and try one for yourself. If cocktails are more your thing, Twenty-Third Bar is a fantastic place for tasty drinks with views of the city from 78 meters up.

For people watching, head to Marie Heinekenplein Square, then continue to the nearby Albert Cuyp Market to bargain hunt and pick up some souvenirs.

If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the Kinderboerderij de Pijp petting zoo for a cute (and free) activity. This neighborhood is known for its global cuisine, so it’s a good spot for foodies, or alternatively, go al fresco by stocking up on Dutch cheese and heading to Sarphatipark for a picnic lunch.

Oud West

• Highlights: A radical and progressive tourist-friendly area.
• Attractions: The Lab 111 cinema, OT301 art collective, trendy cafes,

Oud West is a popular tourist area but is home to some of the cheaper Amsterdam hotels, making it a good option if you’re on a tight budget. This diverse area combines leafy parks, trendy bars, top restaurants, and quirky culture that you’ll love.

For a unique cinema experience, head to Lab 111, where you can watch independent art house films and documentaries in an uber-stylish setting. To see Amsterdam’s more radical progressive side, visit OT301, which started life as a squat and is now a not-for-profit collective that combines housing, workspaces, and cultural and arts events.

Vondelpark is on the outskirts of Oud West and is a must-visit. This sprawling 19th-century urban park is much loved by locals as a place to run, cycle, or relax away from the chaos of the city center. or, for a slow morning, head to one of the many trendy cafes for a coffee and simply watch the world go by.

Oud Zuid

• Highlights: An upscale, culturally rich area.
• Attractions: The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark

Upscale Oud Zuid is known as the museum quarter and is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Amsterdam for a culture-packed vacation. It’s also home to the best high-end shopping in the city and is the best place to find a 5-star hotel if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway.

Two of Amsterdam’s biggest and best museums are in Oud Zuid’s museum district, and both can be found around the pretty Museumplein public park.

At the Van Gogh Museum, you can see the world’s largest collection of his work, and the Rijksmuseum is where visitors can delve into The Netherlands’ rich art history and see some of the world’s most famous paintings in the flesh. If you prefer modern art and contemporary design, check out the Stedelijk gallery, if only to see the unique bathtub building that it’s housed in.

After a morning exploring the city’s best galleries, a stroll in Vondelpark is a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon. Vondelpark also has an open-air theater, so keep an eye out for events during your stay.

If you’re in the mood to party, the vibrant nightlife area of Leidseplein is just a short distance from Oud Zuid, and Centrum and its major attractions are also a short walk away. The Canal Belt is nearby, too.

Grachtengordel

• Highlights: A picturesque neighborhood with canals at its center.
• Attractions: Many famous canals including Keizersgracht, Singel, and Prinsengracht

Grachtengordel is also known as the Canal Belt and is a lively and picturesque area that sits along four of Amsterdam’s main canals: Keizersgracht, Singel, Herengracht, and Prinsengracht. This clean, upscale part of the city is central enough to have easy access to all the best sights but calm enough to feel peaceful, making it a great option for anyone looking for a fun but laid-back vacation.

If you’re planning a trip to enjoy some canal views, here’s what you need to know to help make the right selection:

Keizersgracht – this is the widest canal, and during winter, when the water freezes, it becomes a popular ice skating spot. Keizersgracht is also an important place for LGBTQ+ visitors to pay homage to the victims of the Nazi regime, thanks to the beautiful monument that can be found there.

Singel – this is the innermost canal and dates back to medieval times. The Bloemensingel daily flower market is found here, and floating stores sell Dutch tulips, among other souvenirs.

Herengracht – marvel at the narrow buildings and bike lanes that are synonymous with Amsterdam as you cruise along this picturesque canal. Golden Bend is a famous photo spot, so make sure you take a selfie here.

Prinsengracht – this is the last canal on the belt and is considered by many to be the prettiest. Keep your eye out for door number 7 as you head along the canal: it’s the narrowest house in the world. You’ll also be able to spot the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, Noorderkerk, and the Palace of Justice from the boat.

If you’re planning to party in the Dutch capital, Grachtengordel’s proximity to Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein puts you close enough to the best nightlife while ensuring you’re far enough away from the action to get a good night’s sleep.

Things to Know When Traveling to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a place like no other, so there are a few things to be aware of before your trip begins.

• Coffee Shops: The use of cannabis is legal in licensed coffee shops. Be sure to check that the vendor is licensed before buying to avoid any trouble with the police, and don’t buy from illegal street vendors.
• Red Light District: Amsterdam’s Red Light District in Centrum used to be known as a dangerous place but is now largely safe other than pickpockets. There’s no age restriction to walk through the area, but families should be aware of the erotic nature of this part of the city.
• Language in The Netherlands: The official language in The Netherlands is Dutch, but an estimated 95% of the population speaks English. This makes it an easy place to travel as there are no language barriers for English speakers.
• Book in Advance: Museums, restaurants, and accommodations all book up fast, especially in the summer months. Plan your itinerary ahead of time and make your reservations online.
• Beware of Bicycle Thieves: Cycling is one of the best ways to see the city, and there are dozens of bike rental places to choose from. Your bike will come with two locks: be sure to use them both because bicycle theft is a significant issue in the city.

Find Your Perfect Neighborhood in Amsterdam

So there you have it: the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic vacation, an action-packed family trip, or a weekend partying with friends, there’s a perfect neighborhood for you and your travel companions.