Where to stay in Amsterdam? Check out our guide to the best areas to stay in the capital of the Netherlands, one of the most amazing European destinations
Do you want to discover the great capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam? This article gives you a picture about the best places to stay in Amsterdam, featuring a cost of travel analysis to the Dutch capital.
Tourism in Amsterdam: Overview
Amsterdam is not just the capital but also the most populous city in the Netherlands. It is located on the banks of the river Amstel int the western part of the Netherlands. Amsterdam has two sites on the UNESCO world heritage list: the canals of Amsterdam and the Defence Lines of Amsterdam.
It is easy to reach Amsterdam from all over the world. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is only 9 km far from the city center, and it is one of the biggest in Europe in passenger traffic.
If you are flying to Amsterdam you can find the cheapest flights on Jetradar.
For those coming by train, the Amsterdam Central Station is an international railway station has great domestic and international railway connections. You can also get to Amsterdam from many European countries by bus. Compare and buy train and bus tickets from and to Amsterdam on GoEuro.
Millions of tourists are coming to Amsterdam every year. They are interested in the cycling city’s extraordinary atmosphere, the canals, and last but not least the great beers and cheese.
Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam is a busy city. It offers exciting sites and programs to everyone. It is the perfect combination of architecture, culture and nature. You can find historical buildings, museums and parks everywhere. The two best areas to stay might be the City Centre and the Museum District.
City Centre
Probably the most renowned part of Amsterdam is the city cener (Centrum). It is the oldest district of the city, with its iconic canal ring. Its main square is the Dam, with its Royal Palace, The New Church (Nieuwekerk) and The National Monument.
The Central area has an exciting impression with its coffee shops and shopping centres. It is also the location of the notorious Red Light District. It is as much as a tourist spectacle as a place of pleasure.
There are different ways to explore this area. You can walk around or choose to cycle on one of the several routes. You can also decide to take a boat trip on the canals. But do not forget to visit the oldest house of Amsterdam which was built in the 15th century.
The Museum District
The Museum District (Museumkwartier) is located in the Southern part of the city. Three of the world’s most prominent museums can be found here. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. It has the largest collection of Dutch art on the globe among them, the painting of Rembrandt, the Night Watch.
Maybe the most popular museum is the Van Gogh Museum. It is special because its modern building which is rare in the area. You can find Van Gogh’s masterpieces here, such as the Sunflowers and the Self-portrait.
The third museum is the Museum of Modern Art. It gathers modern and contemporary art from all over world. And just for a stone’s throw stands the Vondelpark. It is the city’s largest park with an open air theater and other recreational possibilities.
Budget Accommodation in Amsterdam – €
The Flying Pig Uptown – an excellent choice close to the Van Gogh Museum.
St Christophers Inn at The Winston – a great option in a very central area of Amsterdam.
Reasonably Priced Accommodation in Amsterdam – €€
A-Train Hotel – located close to the Amsterdam Centraal Station, this is an excellent option if you are traveling by train in the Netherlands.
Hotel Fita – a great hotel in a privileged location in the city, just a short walk to the city’s most prestigious museums.
Luxurious Hotels in Amsterdam – €€€
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – one of the most luxurious hotels in the city center.
Hotel TwentySeven – an elegant hotel on the Dam Square, one of the best locations to stay in Amsterdam.
Cost of Travel in Amsterdam
The largest city in the Netherlands has a high cost of travel for its visitors, but you do get an unique experience. The price of the accommodation highly depends on your choice. From hostels to five star hotels every option is widely available.
A basic lunch menu costs 15-20 euros, a beer (5 dl or 1 pint) is around 5 euros. You can find cheaper options at the fast food chains. Of course at a la carte restaurants the prices can easily go higher.
Public transport is reasonably priced for its services. A day ticket costs 7.50 EUR a 7 day pass is 34.50 EUR. It is a good idea to cycle or walk around the city. The distances are short and the view is breathtaking. For those traveling to other cities in the Netherlands or other countries in Europe, renting a car might be a good option, check RentalCars.com for prices.
Buying an Amsterdam city card is a considerable option. It comprise public transport and free entrance to some of the city’s sights. The entrance fees of the most popular museums are around 18 EUR for an adult. You can buy the Amsterdam city card and tickets to the city’s museums on GetYourGuide.
Best Months to Visit the Netherlands
The Netherlands are amazing all over the year. The temperature is normally between 0 and 10 celsius degrees in the winter. During the summer the temperature moves between 15 and 25 celsius degrees. The autumn can be really rainy, while spring is usually more sunny.
Most of the tourists visit the country in the late spring and the summer because of the weather and the cultural events. At the very end of April the Dutch people celebrates the Queen’s birthday. At that time the whole city dresses up in orange, the national colour of the Netherlands.
The largest and oldest festival of the Netherlands is the Holland Festival. In every June all kind of musicians, performers and artists gather in Amsterdam. They show their artistry in locations ranging from open air parks to the most reputable buildings in the city.
Other Resources for Traveling in Benelux
Traveling to other cities in Europe? Check some of our other guides. Click here to see the best areas to stay in Brussels or where to stay in Luxembourg. You can also check the best places to stay in Maastricht.