Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, attracting millions of tourists every year. Known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, this city has something for everyone. One of the biggest challenges for visitors is finding the right accommodation that meets their needs and budget.
In this article, we provide tips on how to choose the right accommodation in Amsterdam, whether you’re looking for a budget hostel or a luxurious Airbnb in one of the city’s most fashionable neighbourhoods.
Cheap accommodation in central Amsterdam
If you’re travelling to Amsterdam for the first time, we recommend that you stay in Central Amsterdam, also known as the Old Centre.
This area is ideal for first-time travellers for multiple reasons:
- It’s next to Amsterdam Centraal Station: if you’re coming by train, you will be arriving at Amsterdam Centraal, the biggest train station in Amsterdam. We recommend that you stay close by, as you won’t have to carry your luggage across the city.
- It’s close to lots of shopping and nightlife areas: the Old Centre is great because there’s a lot going on. You will be able to walk around and discover the city, taking in the culture during the day and partying at night!
- There’s lots of budget accommodation: despite being the centre of Amsterdam, this area is known for having lots of affordable accommodation. This includes hostels and cheap hotels.
Bear in mind, however, that the Old Centre is just by the Red Light District. If you want to avoid this area during your stay, we recommend that you find accommodation in less central parts of Amsterdam.
Accommodation options in central Amsterdam
The most affordable accommodation in central Amsterdam are hostels. They are ideal for younger travellers, who don’t mind sleeping in dormitories with other people.
Hostels usually have bunk beds and 6-8 people sleeping in the same room. The bathrooms are shared with the other guests.
There are private rooms in hostels. These can be more expensive, however.
A great affordable hostel is The White Tulip. It is a short walk away from Amsterdam Centraal Station, making it one of the most central hostels in Amsterdam.
The White Tulip has many sleeping options that include:
- Dormitories with shared facilities: there are multiple dormitory options, from 4 to 14 people per room. These rooms are mixed. Unsurprisingly, the cheapest option is the 14-person dormitory.
- Private rooms with ensuite facilities: these are the more expensive options, that range from a twin room to a 14-person private room.
You can expect to pay 50-60 € per night if you choose to sleep in a shared room. A private room will be more expensive, costing over 90 € per night.
You will find these prices if you book in advance, so we highly recommend that you don’t get accommodation at the last minute.
De Pijp – away from tourist hotspots
If you’re looking for an area that will make you feel like a local, without having to go to the suburbs, De Pijp is the perfect neighbourhood for you.
De Pijp is just south of central Amsterdam, still in the heart of the city. This means that it’s still a lively neighbourhood, with bars, shops, and restaurants.
The neighbourhood is most known for the Albert Cuyp Market, which is Amsterdam’s biggest street market. It’s a wonderful place with lots to see!
Living like a local in De Pijp
If you want to get the full authentic experience of living as a local in Amsterdam, we recommend that you book an Airbnb in De Pijp.
Airbnb is also great because it has a range of options, from small studios to spacious apartments. One of the advantages of staying in an Airbnb property is the flexibility it offers.
One thing to remember, however, is that the stairs in many houses in Amsterdam are very steep! This may make some accommodations inaccessible to some travellers. Make sure you check if the accommodation is the right fit for you before you book.
The Jordaan – a luxury experience in Amsterdam’s chic neighbourhood
If you’re looking to stay in one of Amsterdam’s coolest neighbourhoods, then the Jordaan is the perfect place for you.
The Jordaan is a neighbourhood just west of the centre of town. It’s just far enough from the tourist hotspots that it’s not too busy, without being too far from the centre of Amsterdam.
The Jordaan was originally a working-class neighbourhood that has now become one of the trendiest places in Amsterdam.
What we love about this area are the village-like feel and strong heritage. The fact that it feels like a village makes the Jordaan feel much less central than it actually is, which is perfect for those who are looking for a calm stay in Amsterdam.
This neighbourhood has a strong history. It is full of 17th-century houses that often have stone tablets above the doors. These tablets mark the profession of the person who originally lived in the building.
What is there to do in the Jordaan?
There is a lot to do in the Jordaan! This neighbourhood has tons of unique restaurants, vintage shops, cosy cafes, and trendy bars. You’ll have a lot to see during the day and night.
If you’re looking for culture, there are many art galleries and museums. Music lovers will also be happy to hear that there’s a strong local music scene in the Jordaan.
The Jordaan is really one of the loveliest places in Amsterdam. Although this neighbourhood is family-friendly, we think it’s ideal for young couples.
Luxury accommodation in the Jordaan
The Jordaan is a very popular spot in Amsterdam, so finding accommodation can sometimes be tricky. Finding accommodation at a lower price is especially difficult.
We recommend that you make the most of your stay in the Jordaan and go for a luxury hotel.
One of the loveliest hotels in the Jordaan (and in all Amsterdam, to be honest) is The Pulitzer. It’s a luxury five-star hotel that’s spread out over 25 canal houses. The canal houses are all from the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing the rich history and Dutch charm of the city.
Pulitzer Amsterdam focuses on providing guests with a peaceful and intimate experience. There’s a tranquil garden in the hotel, offering guests an oasis of calm in the heart of Amsterdam.
Jansz, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, serves modern Dutch cuisine, with its dinner menu featuring an array of fresh seafood options such as lobster, oysters, and caviar, as well as meat options for non-seafood enthusiasts.
Whichever side of the hotel you’re on, whether overlooking the canal or the secret courtyard, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Pulitzer Amsterdam is an unparalleled choice for those seeking a delicate blend of comfort, elegance, and tradition.
Amsterdam offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. By choosing the right neighbourhood and accommodation type, visitors can experience Amsterdam like a local, explore the city’s rich culture and history, and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or in a group, with a bit of planning and research, you can make the most of your stay in Amsterdam and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.
With Trazler, you can book your accommodation in Amsterdam on the same website that you use to book your plane tickets from Ireland. With our easy-to-use and accessible website, you will find tickets and accommodation at lower prices.
At Trazler, we look to make booking holidays as clear and hassle-free as possible.
We hope you have a lovely time in Amsterdam!
