The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam for Any Budget

Amsterdam is so much more than tulips, bicycles and the Red Light District, though it does have those things in abundance. This city built on canals has diverse neighbourhoods, sated in culture and history.

Whether you’re in search of the bohemian, free-thinking Amsterdam or a perfect destination for book-lovers, you’ll find a district here to suit you. The compact centre is easy to navigate, whether by bike, on foot or on the water – and each area has a good range of budget accommodation to choose from.

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The Old Centre

The main tourist destination, the central area of Amsterdam attracts tourists to its main squares – Dam and Nieuwmarkt. Dam has the best of the historic buildings, whilst Nieuwmarkt offers Holland’s take on Chinatown. The Old Centre is also where the Red Light District can be found, but the bars, cafes and restaurants of the area nowadays attract a wider range of visitors than the traditional stag party gangs. The so-called ‘New Side’ of Amsterdam’s centre is relative to the ancient history of this place – it is still full of buildings dating back to the medieval times. However, it provides a quieter and more intellectual pace of life compared to the Old Side and is a book-lover’s paradise. It’s home to the Amsterdam Museum and Spui Square, which boasts three large bookstores. Plenty of budget accommodation can be found here.

Jordaan

Once a traditional, working-class neighbourhood, Jordaan has been completely regenerated and is now a very popular district with young, trendy things. It still retains a bohemian spirit, attracting artists of all types and keeping up a long tradition of folk music. It is the perfect place to explore art galleries, boutique restaurants and quirky markets - and it is just a five-minute walk to the main sights of the Old Centre. Hostel and budget accommodation can be found here, as well as mid-range hotels.

The Canal Ring

This upmarket area surrounding the Old Centre boasts some impressive architecture and is also home to the Anne Frank Museum, so it’s the perfect neighbourhood for those seeking to soak up the history of Amsterdam. The Negen Straatjes – nine streets sandwiched between two canals – provide an alternative shopping destination with plenty of independent fashion boutiques to choose from. By night, this is a main clubbing area, and with plenty of well-priced hotels, you won’t have far to stumble back to in the wee hours of the morning.

On the Water

Why not make the most of Amsterdam’s canals and choose a houseboat stay? Providing easy access to just about any district you choose, houseboats offer competitive prices compared with mid-range and budget hotels – as well as a unique experience. Some houseboats are on a B&B basis, suitable for solo travellers or couples, whilst others are available as self-catering ‘apartment’ boats, good for larger groups.