Where to stay in Amsterdam?

To stay in old Amsterdam, the ideal location

Old Amsterdam, or “Nieuwe Zijde”, is Amsterdam's must-see area, the one you're bound to pass through, whether by tourist interest or necessity.

It's the historic center, with its narrow streets and old houses stuck together. Stroll through this typically Dutch neighborhood and discover its many points of interest, including the Church of St. Nicholas, the Beurpassage, the Bloemenmarkt (flower market) and the Berlage stock exchange. On the other side of the river, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole area from the A'DAM Lookout.

A must-see, Dam Square, home to the Royal Palace, is bustlingday and night. While it's crowded with tourists during the summer season, it's also the venue for a wide range of concerts and events all year round. The streets are lined with souvenir stores and coffee-shops, where you can buy cannabis.

An important point to know: this is where you'll arrive if you've opted for the train, as Centraal Station is located in this area. This state-of-the-art station, one of the largest in the country, is always bustling with activity: travelers and locals alike use its platforms every day. So you've got nothing to worry about, as all public transport lines are connected to it. Dam Square is a little further down the street, a ten-minute walk away.

As for accommodation, you'll be close to the station, so there are plenty of hotel chains nearby. If you choose to stay in the historic area, you'll also find plenty of accommodation, more hotels than apartments. This is where you'll find the most establishments in Amsterdam.

To be housed in the “Canal Loop”.

Full of charm, this district is undoubtedly a favorite of touristsand locals alike. These canals are a must-see for Amsterdam's reputation. That's why it's worth staying here.

It's one of the most popular spots for travelers, as it's home to the city's main tourist attractions, including the Anne Frank House. But the main attraction of this area is the beauty of the canals. Long streams of water drifting between old buildings, you can take a stroll along them. In fact, there are a number of sightseeing boat trips that will take you past the most beautiful bridges and typical houses in the area.

But staying here also means enjoying thefriendly atmosphere during the day. Stores, cafés and more await you here. Although rather quiet in the evening, you'll easily find bars and restaurants to enjoy your evening.

It's worth noting that most of the traffic here is on foot. The roads are narrow and so crowded in summer that it's best to opt for a bicycle if you want to get around quickly. Indeed, the Dutch capital is well known for its impressive number of two-wheeled vehicles, and you'll have no trouble finding daily rentals and dedicated parking facilities.

In terms of accommodation, you'll find traditional Dutch buildings and hotels in abundance. The district is quite quiet at night, and you'll sometimes enjoy a nice view from your room. Beware, though, that prices are very high, especially at the height of the summer season, when this is the most popular area! We advise you to plan ahead several months in advance to reserve a quality room.

Jordaan, in the heart of Amsterdam's bohemian ambience

A rather residential area, Jordaan is located in the northwest, right next to the canal loop. It has a bohemian atmosphere, with trendy restaurants and other casual spots. Tourists come here above all for a leisurely stroll and a quiet night's sleep.

This trendy area is home to ceramics and jewelry boutiques, friendly pubs and art galleries. It's a place where you can eat healthy, sit back and relax in friendly cafés and bars. This is exactly the postcard image of Amsterdam you'll find here! Nearby is the Anne Frank House, the area's main attraction.

Located close to the canals, Jordaan is fairly well served, as the streetcar linecrosses it in its entire length. Walking is another option. To give you an idea, Dam Square is about 15 minutes from the furthest point of the district.

Jordaan is also an interesting place to stay in the metropolis, as it offers a wide range of accommodation. These are mostly apartments for rent, in Dutch style. Far from large hotel complexes, these are comfortable apartments. Make sure you book well in advance to take advantage of the best offers.

In short, this is one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam. The advantage is that you'll be close to all the must-see sights while staying in a quiet environment.

To stay at Leidseplein, for its lively atmosphere

If you're wondering where to stay in Amsterdam to enjoy your evenings out, Leidseplein is the place to stay. Lively and festive, this district has the advantage of being close to points of interest while offering reasonable accommodation. This makes it a good place to stay.

Here you'll find bars, cinemas, restaurants, discos, theaters and casinos. The atmosphere is just right for entertainment. People come here for its nightlife and culture, as many musicians perform here. You'll also see plenty ofstreet performers, from singers and jugglers to mimes.

Just below is the entrance to Vondelpark, the green lung of the Dutch capital with its 48 hectares of greenery. Strolling, jogging and relaxing in the sun are the order of the day here.

Numerous hotels are available here, to suit all budgets. Hotel chains and prestigious buildings mix together. So you're bound to find what you're looking for. And if you choose to stay close to the park, you'll be all the quieter after dark.

It's only a twenty-minute streetcar ride from Amsterdam-Central station. And if you decide to stay here, you'll find the metro line 52 very useful, whether you're travelling to the main square or to the center of town.

If you decide to stay here, we recommend that you plan ahead, as it's a very popular area.

Accommodation in the south of Amsterdam city center, close to the main museums

The southern part of the center is also very popular, with its many must-sees and interesting museums. It's a different atmosphere from Old Amsterdam or Leidseplein: this is the cultural corner.

Let's start with one of the capital's most famous museums: the Rijksmuseum, dedicated to the fine arts, will introduce you to the country's history. Tourists will also appreciate the other museums in this district, such as the one dedicated toVan Gogh and the Stedelijk Museum.

De Pijp, meanwhile, has a bohemian atmosphere: don't miss the Albert Cuypmarkt market and sample local specialties. There's also an English-style park: Sarphatipark, ideal for a stroll in nature. The atmosphere is different from that of other districts, as the many green spaces provide a relaxing atmosphere that you won't find elsewhere.

In terms of transport, the metro is a must: it takes less than ten minutes to get from the Rijksmuseum to Central Station. To reach the various museums, it's very easy to get around on foot. To give you an idea, there are 6 within a 500-meter radius. A great area to visit if you're an art lover with a strong cultural bent.

As far as places to stay in Amsterdam are concerned, there are more accommodations near cultural sites than near De Pijp. Naturally, there are also more apartments to rent in the latter area. Good-value accommodation and close proximity to must-see museums make this a great place to stay.

To stay in the eastern part of the old town, further away but more peaceful

Another area to consider when looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam is the eastern part of the old town. It comprises the Plantage and Jodenbuurt areas.

In Plantage, you'll find the Artis Zoo and the Botanical Gardens, both of which are great places for a stroll. Mainly residential, Plantage is quite quiet and has the advantage of being close to the canals.

In Jodenbuurt, the former Jewish quarter, you'll find the Portuguese Synagogue, as well as various other cultural institutions such as the Rembrandt House Museum and the Stopera Opera House. Tourists usually take the opportunity to visit the Waterlooplein Market, a flea market ideal for shopping for local produce.

You can reach the historic center in just ten minutes by bike. The streetcar line 14 is also very convenient, serving the entire area before dropping off passengers at Centraal Station. If you're feeling brave, you can get there on foot in less than 30 minutes. It's worth bearing in mind that you'll usually need some form of transport to get to the center.

If you're planning to stay here, note that you'll be a little far from all the must-see places like the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum. However, it's worth it for the price: the budget for accommodation is generally lower than in the more popular parts of Amsterdam.

Lodging in de wallen: a good idea?

De Wallen, also known as “Oude Zijde”, is located right next to Old Amsterdam in the heart of the city. It's also well known as the Dutch capital's red light district. Canals line the avenues, and it's at nightfall that the neon lights come on.

Because of its central location and the beauty of its buildings, it's a very busy area with bars and restaurants. People come here for the lively atmosphere. During the day, the area is home to theOude Kerk, the oldest church in the metropolis, numerous museums such as the Erotic Museum, and the Nieuwmark, a pretty square where you'll find the Waag. This beautiful gateway to the city has been transformed into a restaurant/bar.

A lively nightlife, De Wallen is also known as the “Red Light District”. Sex shopsand brothels abound here. So, be warned, there's a very special atmosphere in some parts of the city...

As far as transport is concerned, you're just a few minutes away from all the must-sees. If you'd like to get around a bit more, the metro line is accessible from Nieuwmark. We also recommend bicycles, which are a great way to get around the narrow streets.

As far as places to stay are concerned, Nieuwmark is a fairly sparse area, with only a handful of reasonably-priced hotels. If you're budget-conscious when it comes to choosing your accommodation, you'll need to think ahead to find what suits you best. However, tourists generally opt for another, quieter area than this one, and above all to benefit from a wider range of accommodation.