It is not surprising that Amsterdam is one of the most sought-after city destinations worldwide. The Dutch city offers something for everyone, from distinctive neighborhoods with their own special offerings to stylish coffee shops. The vibrant, cosmopolitan city is "small but perfectly formed," with many lovely neighborhoods to explore. We're here to help you find the best places to stay while visiting.
The city exudes every mood you could desire. There is a neighborhood for every kind of traveler, from the busy tourist center to the hipper and more relaxed Jordaan. Discover the best places to eat, drink, and sightseeing in Amsterdam's many neighborhoods before making that crucial hotel reservation at one of the city's top hotels, the best Airbnbs, or the best cheap hotels. Amsterdam has it all.
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| Your essential guide to the best places to stay in Amsterdam |
1. The Jordaan
This neighborhood, which was first developed in the 17th century to house working-class and immigrant residents, is now the priciest in the city. Jordaan is dotted with upscale eateries, pricey boutiques, and art galleries. It is also filled with graceful townhouses and roomy apartments. However, it's not all opulence and luxury; there are lots of quaint little shops and eateries that draw in younger patrons from further west. This is the place to be if you want a refined lifestyle at a leisurely pace.
EAT
The closest thing the Dutch have to a national dish is stamppot, which you can try at Moeders, a quirky restaurant where the walls are covered with pictures of the customers' real mothers. A plateful of mashed potato, cabbage, bacon, and sausage can be found here, and although there is a lot of other hearty, traditional fare to choose from, the portions are large, so be sure to pack an appetite.
DRINK
It may not seem like the ideal location for a bar to be a multi-story parking lot, but Waterkant shows us differently. They have a beautiful, large terrace that is illuminated with fairy lights and is best enjoyed in the warmer months. It's the ideal spot to observe canal traffic in peace during the day, but at night, when a trendy young crowd arrives for the celebration, things get wild.
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The poignant and solemn Anne Frank Museum serves as a powerful reminder of both the unwavering human will to survive and the atrocities of World War II. Together with the "secret annex" that Anne lived in for two years, the 17th-century canal house where her family worked, lived, and eventually fled has been exquisitely preserved. Today, it serves as an educational center and museum. The only way to purchase tickets is in advance and online.
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The opulence and prestige of the Pulitzer are unmatched by many hotels in Amsterdam. The opulent rooms and suites are ultra-modern and comfortable, arranged across a complex network of twenty-five canal houses. One of the best restaurants in the city is the on-site Jansz, but if you want to venture out, use the concierge services or reserve a ride in the hotel's vintage 1909 wooden boat.
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The delicious apple pie at Winkel 43, a bustling café at the top of Jordaan, is well-known. There's nowhere better to experience this indulgent Dutch treat—the chefs have perfected the contrast between the rich, crumbly crust and chunks of succulent apple—with hefty slices served with a dollop of cream.
2. Oost
There is a strong working-class and industrial history on Amsterdam's eastern side. Once upon a time, the docks near Zeeburg drew in a multitude of immigrants and a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds as tradespeople, warehouses, and all the necessities for their support. Even now, the area is still a heady mix of old and new, with Turkish greengrocers and spit-and-sawdust shawarma joints coexisting with achingly hip bars and boutiques. This ethnic diversity has persisted over the past ten years. A new business or development appears virtually every week, bringing life to Amsterdam's emerging epicenter of cool.
EAT
The "Wild Boar" is a hip (and getting more and more popular) hangout in Oost thanks to its industrial, shabby-chic interior and constantly-evolving daily menu featuring modern Dutch cuisine. The concept is straightforward: select three or four dishes, request a glass of wine, and let the chef prepare a feast of seasonal, fresh produce (don't miss the boar!). And if you're in the mood for something a little lighter, stop by their Eetbar next door, where they serve delightfully priced smaller, individual plates.
DRINK
Charles Bukowski cherished alcohol. His motto was "There is always a reason to drink!" Bar Bukowski, a trendy corner hangout, honors his passion for booze, books, and having a good time. It's not the largest venue, but at night it attracts a chic crowd looking to have a good time, and most evenings DJs pump up the energy. unquestionably a location to be seen.
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It makes sense that the vast ethnographic museum Tropenmuseum would be found in the diverse neighborhood of Oost. Housed in one of the most exquisite and striking buildings in the city, The Tropen is home to numerous smaller, transient exhibitions of contemporary and visual art in addition to eight permanent exhibitions.
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The Lloyd is not your typical hotel, despite its billing as an "unconventional hotel." Now a 117-room boutique hotel with unique rooms throughout, this historic building has been used as a juvenile detention center, a prison, and a shelter for Jewish refugees. This is a unique place that's ideal for the well-traveled and style-conscious, offering accommodations ranging from affordable twins to suites with beds that sleep seven. With plans to reopen in 2023, The Lloyd is presently undergoing extensive renovations, so stay tuned for more updates.
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Take a stroll down Javastraat; no other street quite captures the essence of Oosts character and personality. Cocktail lounges and stylish shops vie for space with greengrocers, Turkish bakeries, and cheap shops offering a wide range of household products and trinkets. It's an amazing site to witness, where modern and traditional collide.
3. De Pijp
Known as the Latin Quarter, this vibrant neighborhood to the south of the city center has long been a haven for artists, students, and free spirits of all stripes. Many guides mention "Beatnik flair," and they're not incorrect; there's a feeling of defying convention here because De Pijp likes to set its own guidelines. It's smart without being pretentious and trendy without being too cool for school. The wide streets of Amsterdam house some of the best places to eat, drink, and shop in the city, making for an exciting night out every time. De Pijp is a great option if you're someone who thrives on crowds.
EAT
Cannibale Royale, a hidden gem at the base of De Pijp, is a haven for anyone who enjoys chargrilled food. Delicious dishes like jerk-style roast chicken, the best ribs in town, and flawless burgers (try the house specialty with pulled pork added) are just a few of the offerings. Love steak but hungry too? You're covered with their 1kg Absurde, which needs to be ordered 24 hours in advance.
DRINK
Bar Mokum fulfills so many of our expectations for a cocktail bar that we are unsure of where to begin. It is probably best to start with the cocktails, you know, properly mixed but with just enough edge to keep things from becoming too perfect. You're on to a real winner when you add some upscale vintage decor and a drinks menu that is resolutely local.
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Nothing says "De Pijp" like lounging around, and Sarphatipark, a compact but well-designed park, is the ideal setting for it. Scoop up a spot in this peaceful inner-city sanctuary with some food and coffee to go (try Little Collins, CT Coffee & Coconuts, or Scandinavian Embassy); on a nice day, there's nothing better. Take a look around some of the adorable little boutiques that line the nearby streets while you're here.
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Relocating from a former diamond factory, the 90-room Sir Albert exudes a subtle sophistication. The decor is "modern aristocratic," with bright, airy rooms adorned with wacky artwork and a useful goodie box full of necessities for traveling. For some of the best sushi in the city, head to the ground floor restaurant Izakaya and try to get Deluxe Room 19, which has large windows overlooking the street.
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The best market in the city is Albert Cuyp, which is loved by the Dutch. Nothing is missing from this place, but most people come for the excellent fish, meat, and produce. It's the ideal spot to take in the ambiance, mingle with real locals, and find some unique trinkets.
4. Oud-West
Are you looking for a place that blends a little bit of urban chaos with a refined Amsterdammer sophistication? Oud-West, which is lush and green but is changing quickly, is the place for you. There are countless amazing things to see and do in Vondelpark, which is a large open space surrounded by hip bars and boutiques, as well as some of the best restaurants in the area. Today, a thriving community of chefs, creatives, and entrepreneurs call Overtoom and the busy De Clercqstraat home; Oud-West as a whole is second only to Oost for those looking to explore the city's food and drink scene. So grab a day or two, rent a bike, and enjoy everything that this fantastic neighborhood has to offer.
EAT
While Oud-West is home to many excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines, Café Panache stands out as one of the best. This expansive area housed in a former warehouse offers classic dishes like jerk chicken and seafood that are chargrilled. The banquets' dark wood and leather décor epitomize modern industrial chic. This is a great place to spend a few hours watching modern Amsterdam wine and dine, with killer cocktails and a stylish, youthful crowd.
DRINK
Although elegant cocktails and craft beer are widely available in this area, The Golden Brown Bar—named after a Stranglers song—stands out for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors. While the Thai food is good, ignore it and enjoy their wide selection of beers, wines, and creative mixed drinks instead. Head upstairs to the small balcony and find a pew against the wall for the best people-watching.
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Oud-West is just as rich as any other neighborhood in terms of culture, and not just in terms of its abundance of museums and art galleries. Here are located some of the city's most interesting establishments: OT301, a former legal squat that is now a live music venue, cultural center, and volunteer-run, pay-what-you-can vegan restaurant; De Nieuwe Anita, a retro living room/bar/basement space that hosts events ranging from taco tasting to live music; and LAB111, a cinema and exhibition space that serves quirky independent films and documentaries.
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While many establishments in Amsterdam make grand claims about their commitment to sustainability, The Tire Station, an eco-designer hotel with 112 rooms, actually lives up to its ideals. Their credentials are impeccable: they use renewable energy, have an eco-garden with beehives on the roof, and recycle yogurt pots to make tables. The hip and funky rooms ensure that comfort and style are unaffected, making this an excellent starting point for exploring the West and beyond.
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Vondelpark is nearly as closely associated with Amsterdam as weed and tulips are. Amsterdammers come to this expansive city center park to run, cycle, rollerblade, have a barbecue, go on a picnic, or just unwind. There are several play parks for kids to explore, and if you want to engage in some culture, there's even an outdoor theater. In short, spending a couple of hours here is a must-do.
5. Center
There are plenty of other things to see and do in the center of Amsterdam, so don't be put off by the throngs of people attending stag and hen dos and those looking to indulge in revelry. While a stroll through the Red Light District is undoubtedly appealing, other attractions include the historic Canal Ring, the Nine Streets, Spiegelkwartier (a haven for art and antique enthusiasts), and Nieuwmarkt, which has the city's oldest buildings. If you avoid the tourist traps and tacky attractions, there are plenty of charming back streets and hidden gems to discover.
EAT
The Canal Ring is home to some of the greatest and most opulent restaurants in the city, but nothing compares to The Duchess for sheer opulence mixed with modern cool. With great fanfare, it opened with opulent décor that is surpassed only by the delectable cuisine. Snacky (foie gras doughnuts) and classic (Dover sole) are both highly recommended under the stained-glass dome. Although dinner is pricey, they also serve breakfast, lunch, and bar snacks, which are all equally delicious but less expensive.
DRINK
Visit De Engelse Reet, formally known as De Pilsener Club, to travel back in time. This bar has been run by the same family for four generations, including all of their first-born sons. Drinks are served in a cozy, vintage wood-paneled parlour (the last remaining parlour of its kind in Amsterdam) and are dispensed in a small back room. Tradition dictates that this place is all about the jenever (Dutch gin); sample a drink from the nearby brewery De Ooievaar, which has been producing the alcoholic beverage since 1782.
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Avoid the flashy, commercial attractions near Dam Square and instead go to Oude Kerk, which is not only Amsterdam's oldest church but also the city's oldest structure. Situated in the center of the Red Light District in De Wallen, it was established circa 1213. Admire the exquisite stained-glass windows and the largest wooden roof in Europe.
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The W Hotel is definitely worth checking out, even though it is a part of a worldwide chain. The rooms are spacious, have subdued colors, and are casually elegant. However, the real treat is located on the roof, six stories above ground level. The longest part of the building is an outdoor heated pool, but the restaurant, lounge, and cocktail bar all have stunning views of the city. Since it's exclusive to guests, the hoi polloi with their selfie sticks never take over.
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Proceed to the A'dam Toren. Granted, it's not exactly in the middle, but it's close. For the best views of the entire city, head to the back of Centraal, ride the free ferry across the River IJ, and visit the observation deck of the tower that dominates the skyline. Additionally, if you're daring enough, try Europe's highest swing, Over the Edge, which hangs 100 meters above the ground.