Abundant activity reigns in the Batavian capital, heir to the Dutch Golden Age and the city's port dynamism. In some neighborhoods, tourists are omnipresent and squat for long hours in the typical brown, dark and welcoming cafes, or the famous misty coffee-shops that dot the quays, while others are almost exclusively frequented by locals.
Amsterdam is a place of celebration, culture and stroll. Like a people firmly rooted in its history, looking to the future, the city offers multiple drop points, as different as the expectations of its visitors. Crowded youth hostels, supercharged party hotels or charming hotels for lovers, Amsterdam is open to all tastes and offers, despite an overall cost of accommodation among the highest in Europe, neighborhoods with very varied atmospheres. So where to sleep in Amsterdam? Detailed review of the neighborhoods to find accommodation and explore the city in peace.
Find a selection of hostels at the best prices on Expedia.com
Inner city
The historic center of Amsterdam brings together most of the most interesting monuments to visit. Of the famous dam square, you will be able to shine towards the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds museum or the famous flower market. Very central, this district benefits from the presence of the station and a real public transport hub that will take you where you want in a few minutes. A practical neighborhood for staying and visiting the capital in all directions.
The Red Light District
Falling point for most revelers from all walks of life, the Red Light District is as famous for its full window displays as it is for its crowded coffee-shops. Its streets animated by multiple bars and restaurants at night plunge the traveler into a colorful and warm world where adventure is within reach. During the day, the district recalls its historical aspect by the presence of numerous churches which attract a completely different type of visitors. Accommodation here is cheap (with a good number of hostels) but beware of the nightlife, and often noisy, of the area. If you are a light sleeper, we do not recommend that you sleep in this area.
Waterlooplein et Le Plantage
Here, the visit is draped in the garb of history. The old Jewish quarter of Amsterdam saw the birth of one of the greatest philosophers of our civilization in the person of Spinoza and welcomed other illustrious figures of art and thought such as Descartes or Rembrandt. Ideal for strollers in search of greenery, the district has a famous flea market, a botanical garden and a zoo very popular with tourists. Recommended for romantics.
The Canals Loop
This concentric district encircles the old town of Amsterdam and enjoys a little less bubbling activity. By following the most typical canals and alleys of the city, you can enjoy, on foot or by bike, the charm of the city's brick architecture. Side visits, the Anne Frank Museum ou the Villet Holthuysen museum will delight history buffs. Finally, this dynamic district offers many possibilities for shopping or eating out: an asset for getting back to your accommodation quickly in the evening.
Jordan
Jordaan is one of Amsterdam's most desirable upper-middle-class neighborhoods. This former working-class district in a phase of advanced boboisation combines the beauty of traditional houses with access to the latest fashionable consumer products. You will easily find organic grocery stores, eclectic restaurants and art galleries for an invigorating and sensual visit of the city.
Jordaan, our favorite neighborhood
Leidseplein
To the south of the city, the district of Leidseplein also enjoys an abundant and festive activity. Five minutes from Vondelpark and next to Amsterdam's most lively square, this prolific area is home to many bars and restaurants and attracts many acrobats who operate directly in the street. Staying in this district guarantees you a festive atmosphere, but here again, be careful with the noise level at night: your sleep will surely not be the best!
The museum district
For those who yearn for nothing but tranquility, the Museum Quarter is surely the ideal place to find your accommodation and put down your suitcases in the Batavian capital. Very green, the district hosts within it the most famous museums of the city such as the Van Gogh museum ou the Rijksmuseum. The peaceful atmosphere of the district is counterbalanced by the presence of one of the most famous concert halls in the city, le Concertgebouw. Do not hesitate to take a tour or look for accommodation for your stay.
The pipe
De Pijp is renowned for its charm and the tranquility of its streets (perfect for sleeping well after a long day of sightseeing). Its bobo spirit has not yet attracted the masses of tourists to it and it retains a popular aspect, a legacy of its working-class past. Yet there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment here. Art galleries, coffee-shops including the famous Green House and traditional bars form the fabric of a lively but still authentic district. We therefore recommend this place to find your accommodation in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam shines with its protean charm
If Amsterdam is so popular, it's because it allows every traveler to meet their expectations, no matter how eclectic. From the endless party in the red light districts to the serene promenade along the canals steeped in history, Amsterdam shines with its protean charm, its glorious past and its illustrious inhabitants. Art or party, culture or pleasure, Amsterdam poses as a hedonistic philosopher and guarantees everyone an unforgettable trip ...
