Amsterdam caters to all types of travelers, providing something for everyone. Whether you're on a brief weekend getaway or using it as a central location for week-long excursions to neighboring European countries such as Germany or Belgium, selecting the appropriate neighborhood to stay in is crucial for maximizing your Amsterdam experience.
In this guide, I’ll rank the top neighborhoods you should consider based on their appeal, cost, noise levels, and local vibe to help you find the perfect fit for your upcoming trip.
Visiting Amsterdam three times now, I have spent days in each of these neighborhoods at length, and while I love them all, picking the right spot for you may make or break your opinion of my favorite city - and we don't want to break it!
Amsterdam has something to offer everyone, from convenience to rich history and culture. We will start with the Amsterdam Central Neighborhood area as it is the easiest to get to from the airport and is the most popular destination for the majority of tourists who visit.
Getting to Amsterdam Central Station from Schiphol Airport is very easy by train, please do not take a car; it will be expensive and take much longer.
From SchipholAirport, hop on a direct NS train to Amsterdam Central Station. The ride takes just 15-20 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day (about every 15 minutes). Tickets can be purchased from machines inside the airport by the train entry gate or online in advance and cost around €5.60.
Once you arrive at Central Station and exit to the city, you can easily reach the other neighborhoods on foot or by a short tram ride.
1. Best for Convenience: Amsterdam Central Neighborhood
Amsterdam Central is the bustling core of the city and a perfect starting point for excursions to nearby neighboring European countries like Germany and Belgium. These countries can be accessed in as little as 2 hours by rail. Being situated in the city center right next to the train station offers convenient access to Amsterdam's public transportation network, including trams, buses, and ferries that all connect in front of the station.
For many visitors, this area represents their initial (and sometimes only) experience of Amsterdam. Do not let this be where you form your only memories; it is dirtier and louder than any other part of the city. While booking a hotel here may mean dealing with noise, crowds, and the smell of smoke, it is an excellent choice for those with a brief stay, a tight layover, or a desire to make the most of the European rail system.
Average Cost of Accommodation: Expect to pay around €150-€250 per night for mid-range hotels or apartments
Nearby Attractions: Anne Frank House, Dam Square, Canal Boat Tours
Noise Level: High, especially near the station and busy Damrak street
Local Insight: If you're here for convenience and quick access to everything, this is your spot, but don’t expect too much of a “local” vibe, and food is expensive here
Weed & Tourist Activity: HIGH (no pun intended) You’ll find plenty of coffeeshops and a dense crowd of tourists smoking openly here
2. Best for Charming Canals and Boutique Stays: Jordaan Neighborhood
Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods. Known for its picturesque canals, boutique shops, and cozy cafés, it offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to the bustling city center.
This is by far my favorite neighborhood in the city. The unique restaurants, shops, and homes give hipster vibes and offer something local and unique at every turn. This neighborhood is quiet and has a local culture all it's own.
While it is a short 15 minute walk from the other surrounding areas, staying here will allow you to feel more like a local day to day, although it can come with a high price in busier tourist seasons.
Average Cost of Accommodation: Around €130-€250 per night for boutique hotels or Airbnb apartments
Nearby Attractions: Westerkerk, Anne Frank House
Noise Level: Low to medium—quiet during the day, with some evening buzz from nearby restaurants and cafés
Local Insight: Jordaan is where you’ll find locals going about their day. Perfect for soaking in that true Amsterdam vibe
Weed & Tourist Activity: Moderate, there is less weed tourism compared to Central and De Wallen, in this neighborhood you will find local coffee shops without the crowds
3. Best for Green Spaces and Relaxation: Vondelpark Neighborhood
For those who enjoy a morning run or a relaxing picnic in the park, being close to Vondelpark provides a serene escape from the busier parts of Amsterdam.
I often refer to this area as the Central Park of Amsterdam offering those that stay in this area a unique look into local life of the people who call Amsterdam home. This distinctive city park has attractions in every corner and is home to my preferred brew pub in the city.
Average Cost of Accommodation: €120-€280 per night, with several mid-range hotels and B&Bs
Nearby Attractions: Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum
Noise Level: Low. The area around the park is calm and residential, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet
Local Insight: This is where locals go for relaxation; stay here if you want access to green spaces and a laid-back vibe
Weed & Tourist Activity: Low, you’ll find fewer coffeeshops and tourists here compared to the city center
4. Best for Culture Lovers: The Amsterdam Museum District Neighborhood
The Museum District is the cultural heart of Amsterdam, home to world-class museums and galleries. It’s perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in art and history.
The area is quiet, upscale, and less touristy, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration. Plus, its central location makes it easy to reach other parts of the city while staying in a refined and relaxed environment, ideal for travelers seeking culture and history.
Average Cost of Accommodation: €250-€320 per night for mid-range to luxury hotels
Nearby Attractions: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Concertgebouw
Noise Level: Low. It’s a quiet, upscale area, particularly around Museumplein
Local Insight: Perfect for art lovers, but the area is more residential and less lively after dark
Weed & Tourist Activity: Low. You’ll encounter fewer tourists and coffeeshops here. In my experience in the city, this is the place that you will find the least amount of marijuana.
5. Best for First-Time Visitors: Amsterdam De Wallen Neighborhood
De Wallen is Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. While it may have a reputation for its adult entertainment, it’s also steeped in history and features beautiful canals.
De Wallen also has beautiful 14th-century architecture, such as Oude Kerk (Old Church), and scenic canals that reflect Amsterdam's rich history. The area is bustling with tourists, offering a unique blend of Amsterdam's progressive culture, history, and nightlife all together in one spot make it a must-see for first time visitors.
Average Cost of Accommodation: Around €100-€160 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
Nearby Attractions: Oude Kerk, Red Light District, Canal Cruises
Noise Level: High. Expect noise throughout the night, especially from party-goers
Local Insight: This area is heavily tourist-centric, so you won't experience much of local life, but it’s great if you want to be in the thick of things
Weed & Tourist Activity: Very high. The Red Light District located in De Wallen is one of the epicenters of Amsterdam's coffeeshop culture and nightlife.
6. Best for Nightlife Seekers: De Wallen's Red Light District
Although technically part of De Wallen, the Red Light District has its own distinct vibe. If you're coming to Amsterdam for the nightlife or are curious about its infamous side, this area will offer you a memorable experience.
The Red Light District is the cheapest place to stay because it’s a high-traffic, tourist-centric area with a reputation for nightlife and adult entertainment, which can deter some travelers. The abundance of budget hotels and hostels catering to short-term visitors also keeps prices lower compared to quieter, more residential neighborhoods.
Average Cost of Accommodation: €40-€100 per night for budget to mid-range hotels. You will also find a lot of hostels here
Nearby Attractions: Prostitution Information Centre, Erotic Museum, and plenty of bars and clubs
Noise Level: Very high. This area is known for its 24-hour party scene, so if you’re a light sleeper, you might want to avoid it
Local Insight: While it’s a must-see for many visitors, it’s not where locals tend to hang out
Weed & Tourist Activity: Extremely high, this is one of the busiest and most tourist-packed areas in all Amsterdam
Helpful Tips Choosing the Right Neighborhood for You
Taking the time to carefully choose where to stay in Amsterdam can significantly impact your trip experience. Each neighborhood offers a distinct atmosphere and electing the right area based on your preferences will ensure you feel comfortable and connected to what matters most to you during your stay.
A well-chosen location can turn a good trip into a seamless and memorable adventure.
Here are some considerations when choosing your Amsterdam Stay:
Noise Level: If you're sensitive to noise, avoid areas like Amsterdam Central, De Wallen, and the Red Light District. Instead, opt for Jordaan or Vondelpark, which offer quieter surroundings.
Weed Culture: For travelers who prefer not to be surrounded by marijuana clouds, avoid De Wallen and the Red Light District. These areas are well-known for their coffeeshops and weed tourism. Vondelpark and the Museum District are much more subdued in this regard, offering a peaceful stay with little exposure to the weed scene.
Cultural Experience vs. Tourist-Centric Areas: If you want to experience the local culture and avoid areas overwhelmed by tourists, choose Jordaan or the Museum District. Jordaan provides a mix of local charm and easy access to top attractions, while the Museum District is perfect for art lovers wanting a quieter, more refined stay.
Budget: Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the area. If you’re on a budget, consider staying in the Red Light District or De Wallen. For mid-range options with a local vibe, Jordaan or Vondelpark are excellent choices. The Museum district is not a budget friendly option.
Where Will You Decide to Stay in Amsterdam: Pick the Fit for You
With this guide, you can easily navigate Amsterdam’s various neighborhoods and find the perfect spot to match your travel style. This guide is meant to help you find the best area to stay the night, but I encourage you to visit each neighborhood to get a feel for the entire city.
For first-time visitors, considering noise levels, budget, proximity to attractions, and even exposure to the city’s famous weed culture will ensure you choose the best place to stay that aligns with your needs.
Whether you’re visiting the city for art, nightlife, history, or simply to relax by the canals, Amsterdam has a neighborhood tailored to your preferences ready to welcome you.
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