StayAreasOld Centre or Jordaan: where should you stay in Amsterdam?
- Old Centre is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $255 a night, against $280 in Jordaan.
- Old Centre is closer to 6 of the 12 big sights we timed; Jordaan wins on 5.
- Old Centre has more nightlife.
- Jordaan has quieter nights.
- Jordaan has an easier time with kids.
Old CentreDam Square, Centraal & the old canalsPick Old Centre if
- First-time visitors on a short trip
- Nightlife lovers
- Travellers arriving and leaving by train
JordaanQuiet canals, brown cafés & marketsPick Jordaan if
- Couples and return visitors
- Families who want calm streets
- Travellers who like local life
Old Centre vs Jordaan, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Old Centre | Jordaan |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $140 (better) | $150 |
| Mid-range double | $255 (better) | $280 |
| Luxury double | $525 | $525 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Dam Square | 5 min (better) | 10 min |
| De Waag | 6 min walk (better) | 26 min walk |
| Anne Frank House | 17 min walk | 7 min walk (better) |
| Westerkerk | 17 min walk | 8 min walk (better) |
| Royal Palace | 9 min walk (better) | 16 min walk |
| Noordermarkt | 20 min walk | 11 min walk (better) |
| Amsterdam Centraal | 13 min walk (better) | 26 min walk |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport | 433 min (better) | 438 min |
| What it's like · crime: Politie / CBS; ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Above the city average | Around the city average (better) |
| Sights on foot | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Nightlife | Excellent (better) | Good |
| Quiet at night | Poor | Very good (better) |
| Food | Very good | Very good |
| Families | Limited | Very good (better) |
| Transport | Excellent (better) | Good |
Hotels in Old Centre and Jordaan
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Old Centre or Jordaan: questions
Is Old Centre or Jordaan better to stay in?
Old Centre is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $255 a night, against $280 in Jordaan. Old Centre is closer to 6 of the 12 big sights we timed; Jordaan wins on 5. Old Centre has more nightlife. Jordaan has quieter nights. Jordaan has an easier time with kids. Old Centre suits first-time visitors on a short trip and nightlife lovers; Jordaan suits couples and return visitors and families who want calm streets.
Which is cheaper, Old Centre or Jordaan?
Typical doubles in Old Centre: $140 budget, $255 mid-range, $525 luxury. In Jordaan: $150, $280 and $525. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Is Old Centre or Jordaan safer?
Street crime in Old Centre is above the city average; in Jordaan it is around the city average. Based on Politie / CBS.
Which is closer to the sights, Old Centre or Jordaan?
Door to door: De Waag is 6 min walk from Old Centre and 26 min walk from Jordaan; Anne Frank House is 17 min walk from Old Centre and 7 min walk from Jordaan; Westerkerk is 17 min walk from Old Centre and 8 min walk from Jordaan; Royal Palace is 9 min walk from Old Centre and 16 min walk from Jordaan.
How far is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from Old Centre and Jordaan?
433 min to Old Centre and 438 min to Jordaan, door to door by public transport.