StayAreas

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's centre is compact and most of it is walkable or a short tram ride apart, so the choice is about mood. Stay in the Old Centre to be by Centraal station and the Dam; on the Canal Ring for 17th-century canal houses; in the Jordaan for quiet canals, cafés and markets; in the Museum Quarter by the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark; in De Pijp for food and a local feel; or across the IJ in Noord for lower prices and a free ferry ride. Hotels are expensive and book up early for spring and summer.

6 neighbourhoods compared · Typical mid-range hotel ~$265/night · Prices updated Oct 2026

Our recommendations

Compare Amsterdam neighbourhoods

Pick what matters to you and we'll rank the areas.

What matters most to you?
Typical price per night

  • Old Centre

    ~$255/night · 5 min to centre

    Best for First visit, Nightlife

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    5/5
    Transport
    5/5
    Quiet
    1/5
    View Old Centre →

  • Canal Ring

    ~$315/night · 10 min to centre

    Best for First visit, Upscale

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    4/5
    Transport
    4/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Canal Ring →

  • Jordaan

    ~$280/night · 10 min to centre

    Best for First visit, Families

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    3/5
    Transport
    3/5
    Quiet
    4/5
    View Jordaan →

  • Museum Quarter

    ~$295/night · 15 min to centre

    Best for Families, Upscale

    Food
    3/5
    Nightlife
    2/5
    Transport
    4/5
    Quiet
    4/5
    View Museum Quarter →

  • De Pijp

    ~$235/night · 15 min to centre

    Best for Nightlife, Budget

    Food
    5/5
    Nightlife
    4/5
    Transport
    4/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View De Pijp →

  • Amsterdam Noord

    ~$200/night · 15 min to centre

    Best for Budget

    Food
    3/5
    Nightlife
    3/5
    Transport
    4/5
    Quiet
    4/5
    View Amsterdam Noord →

Typical mid-range double room per night, not live prices · Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas

Amsterdam neighbourhoods on the map

Typical hotel prices in Amsterdam

A typical mid-range double costs about $265 a night across the areas we cover. Budget hotels start around $145; luxury hotels average $540.

Canal Ring, Museum Quarter cost the most. Amsterdam Noord, De Pijp are the cheapest, around $115 a night less than Canal Ring.

These are typical rates outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026.

AreaBudgetMid-rangeLuxury
Amsterdam Noord~$105~$200~$375
De Pijp~$130~$235~$445
Old Centre~$140~$255~$525
Jordaan~$150~$280~$525
Museum Quarter~$165~$295~$645
Canal Ring~$175~$315~$700

Amsterdam FAQs

What is the best area to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors?

Old Centre, followed by Canal Ring, Jordaan. The medieval heart of the city between Centraal station and the Dam, including the Red Light District, Nieuwmarkt and the busy shopping streets.

How much does a hotel in Amsterdam cost per night?

Across the areas we cover, a typical mid-range double costs about $265 a night, from around $145 for budget hotels to $540 for luxury. Amsterdam Noord (~$200) is the cheapest area and Canal Ring (~$315) the most expensive. These are typical rates, not live prices.

Where should I stay in Amsterdam on a budget?

Amsterdam Noord, followed by De Pijp, Old Centre.

Which Amsterdam neighbourhood is best for nightlife?

De Pijp, followed by Old Centre.

Where is the best area to stay in Amsterdam with kids?

Museum Quarter, followed by Jordaan.

Which area is quickest to reach from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

Old Centre: about 20 minutes (train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal, every few minutes). Museum Quarter is next at about 25 minutes.