The best areas in Amsterdam for first-timers are the Old City Centrum (Oud Centrum), Canal Belt (Grachtengordel), the Jordaan and Plantage & Jewish Quarter as these neighbourhoods are located in the city centre and close to the city’s highlights.
There are, however, alternative and definitely interesting places you should consider, namely De Pijp, Vondelpark, Westerpark, and Oosterdok Island.
Those on a very strict budget or those who need to catch a flight the next day can consider staying near Schiphol Airport.
This might be an overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Amsterdam first time.
But don’t worry, as in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Amsterdam, regarding the type of traveller you are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, simply tap on the following button.
Or just continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Amsterdam.
The capital city of the Netherlands is an ideal travel destination for tourists for a multitude of reasons.
Known for its rich history, picturesque canals, cultural diversity, and vibrant atmosphere, Amsterdam offers a unique and memorable experience to visitors from around the world.
One of Amsterdam’s most iconic features is its extensive canal system, often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
These serene waterways wind through the city, lined with charming historic buildings, creating a postcard-perfect scene.
You can take leisurely canal cruises to explore the city from a different perspective, passing by notable landmarks such as Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
The city’s cultural scene is another major draw.
Amsterdam is home to world-class museums and galleries.
The Rijksmuseum houses an extensive collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, while the Van Gogh Museum showcases the works of the famous Dutch painter.
The Anne Frank House provides a poignant glimpse into the life of Anne Frank during World War II.
Amsterdam is also renowned for its open and liberal culture.
The city is famous for its historic coffee shops, where visitors can legally enjoy cannabis products, and its vibrant Red Light District, known for its unique approach to sex work.
Amsterdam is a bicycle-friendly city with an extensive network of bike lanes, making it easy for you to explore the city like a local.
The city’s parks, such as Vondelpark, offer green spaces for relaxation and picnics.
In terms of culinary experiences, Amsterdam boasts a diverse food scene, from traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine found in its many restaurants and street markets.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply exploring a unique and vibrant city, Amsterdam has something to offer every traveler.
But with so many things to offer, it’s a bit challenging to pick the right area for you.
We’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.
Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
Where to stay in Amsterdam first time? Keep reading!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam for the first time?
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Amsterdam first time | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Old City Center | The tourist epicenter of Amsterdam with great access to the main attractions, although it also attracts the hedonistic traveller who love the enjoy Amsterdam’s liberal policies. |
| 2. Canal Belt | Prime location surrounded by the beautiful canals with excellent hotels within its vicinity, although this comes with a premium price as well. |
| 3. Jordaan |
Picturesque and somewhat romantic area close to the tourist epicenter, unique neighborhood but hotel rooms are relatively small. |
| 4. Plantage & Jewish Quarter | A quieter option while you’re located near the Wallen (Red Light District), but there are not many attractions in this area itself. |
| 5. De Pijp | Authentic area in Amsterdam where many citizens of different cultures live, just keep in mind that you’re located further away from the tourist epicenter and renting a bike is highly recommended. |
| Great area away from the tourist epicenter, but still a bustling part of Amsterdam, access to the Vondelpark, but located further away from the Old City Center. | |
| 7. Westerpark | This area is located west of the Old City Center and offer far spacious hotels, although it’s not as bustling as the old city center itself. |
| 8. Oosterdok Island | Area close to Amsterdam’s central station with a variety of unique hotels, including sleeping in a large crane or at one of the boats that are docked here. |
| 9. Schiphol Airport | Hotel prices are much lower compared to the prices in the city, ideal for those who are on a strict budget or those who need to catch a flight the next day. |
How to get around Amsterdam when visiting the city for the first time?
Getting around Amsterdam as a tourist is relatively easy and convenient thanks to the city’s well-developed transportation network and bicycle-friendly infrastructure.
Here are some of the primary modes of transportation you can use:
Walking
Amsterdam is a compact city with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of each other.
Walking is an excellent way to explore the historic streets, canals, and neighborhoods, such as the Jordaan or the Red Light District.
Most tourists solely walk around the city, but there are quite some alternatives.
Bicycles
Biking is a quintessential Amsterdam experience, and the city is known for its extensive network of bike lanes and bike-friendly culture.
You can rent bicycles from various shops and rental stations throughout the city.
Be sure to follow local cycling rules and watch out for pedestrians and other cyclists (people from Amsterdam cycle recklessly in the eyes of tourists)
Trams
Amsterdam has an efficient tram system that covers most parts of the city.
Trams are a convenient way to travel longer distances or when you want to visit attractions located further from the city center.
You can purchase tram tickets at tram stops or use an OV-chipkaart (public transport card) for multiple journeys.
Buses
Buses complement the tram system and can take you to areas not covered by trams.
They are also handy for reaching destinations in the suburbs and nearby towns.
Like trams, you can buy bus tickets at stops or use an OV-chipkaart.
Metro
Amsterdam has a limited metro system, primarily serving the outskirts of the city.
The metro is useful for reaching places like Amsterdam Arena or Schiphol Airport.
Ferries
Amsterdam is a city of canals, and several free ferries operate across the IJ River, connecting the city center to northern neighborhoods like Amsterdam-Noord.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are available throughout the city, but they can be relatively expensive.
Ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in Amsterdam.
Boat Tours
Given Amsterdam’s extensive canal network, taking a boat tour is a delightful way to see the city.
Many tour operators offer canal cruises, which provide a unique perspective on Amsterdam’s architecture and history.
Public Transport Cards
Consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart if you plan to use public transportation frequently.
This card can be loaded with credit and used on trams, buses, metros, and some ferries.
It provides convenience and often offers discounted fares for multiple journeys.
If you want to use public transportation, always use the handy 9292ov.nl website, where you can enter two addresses and it gives you the best options including bus, metro, and tram.
What is the best time of the year to visit Amsterdam?
The best time to visit Amsterdam for the first time largely depends on your personal preferences and what you want to experience.
Each season has its own charm, and the best time for you may differ based on your interests and tolerance for weather conditions. Here’s an overview of the different seasons in Amsterdam:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a popular time to visit Amsterdam as the city comes to life with blooming flowers, particularly the famous Dutch tulips.
The weather is generally mild, with temperatures gradually warming up.
You can enjoy outdoor activities, visit parks like Keukenhof, and explore the city’s canals on boat tours.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is peak tourist season in Amsterdam, with warm and pleasant weather.
Expect longer daylight hours, festivals, and plenty of outdoor events.
Be prepared for larger crowds at popular attractions.
Autumn (September to November)
Early autumn (September) is still a good time to visit with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
You can experience the changing colors of the trees along the canals.
Later in autumn, the weather becomes cooler and wetter, but you can enjoy cultural events and indoor activities.
Winter (December to February)
Amsterdam in winter is charming, with festive decorations and markets.
If you enjoy a winter wonderland atmosphere and don’t mind cold weather, this can be a magical time to visit.
Museums and indoor attractions are popular choices during this season.
The best areas to stay in Amsterdam for the first time are:
1. Oud Centrum
Oud Centrum, or Old City Centre, is for many tourists the best place to stay in Amsterdam. The Central Train Station is just a few minutes away and many of the city’s highlights are within reach. There is an abundance of great restaurants, shops and cafes.
You can also find a lot of coffee shops in this area, for which people don’t come for a cup of coffee.
As mentioned in the introduction, Amsterdam attracts many weekend tourists who visit the city for its liberal soft-drugs policy and red-light district. Amsterdam’s red-light district, the Wallen, is located in the Old City Center.
Then there are other parts that are more sightseeing-friendly such as the Rembrandtplein, named after the famous painter, and the Leidseplein, for local nightlife.
Those who absolutely want to avoid the nightlife-minded, hedonistic tourists should stay in a different area than Oud Centrum, but for the majority of the tourist, it’s the perfect area.
The architecture, the canals, the food, the business, it’s all typical Amsterdam.
The Old City Center can be pricy, so connecting neighbourhoods that are located slightly further from the highlights of Amsterdam can be a better option for those who are looking for slightly more affordable accommodation.
Many hedonistic tourists tend to stay near or on The Wallen, the Red Light District of Amsterdam. These hotels are cheap. The majority of the tourists who want to stay in Old Centrum should pick a hotel closer to the Spuistraat where the atmosphere is much nicer than in the Red Light District.
This area which includes iconic buildings such as Damrak, Dam, Rokin, Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg and Nieuwendijk is commonly known as the Paleiskwartier and is suitable for most tourists as well as those who are visiting Amsterdam for shopping.
In and around the so-called Kalverstraat, there is an abundance of shops from all the big brands you can possibly imagine.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Grachtengordel
The Grachtengordel, which translates as the Canal Belt, is the area around the Old Centrum with the iconic, slightly tilted houses that are built close to the canals. These historical buildings, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2010, are tilted as rich merchants back in the days used these houses to store trading goods that came in by boat.
At the top of the roof, a pulley was placed so that the goods could be lifted from the boats. If the houses were perfectly straight, it would impossible to lift crates from the boat into their houses. So, these houses are tilted on purpose.
As you can imagine, these historical houses are in high demand and the rich and famous all (want to) live here.
Contrary to cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam was not affected by World War Two bombings and the old buildings are in perfect shape.
Many of these old buildings are restored and some of the finest craftsmen are hired all over the country so that the authenticity stays unspoiled.
Wandering through these streets with canals on your side is what you as a tourist want to do.
You can find unique restaurants and shops that let every foodie’s heart beat faster.
Staying in this neighbourhood is pricy, but you will stay exactly in the area where many billboard pictures of Amsterdam are taken.
And almost all the highlights of Amsterdam are nearby.
Tip: one of the highlights of the Grachtengordel is the Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets). Here you can find all sorts of charming and trendy shops and restaurants including Van Stapele Koekmakerij, which makes the best cookies in Amsterdam!
Note: In August, there is a festival called the Grachtenfestival, which is definitely worth the visit! For those visiting Amsterdam during the winter, the Keizersgracht is suitable for ice skating if the temperature allows it.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Jordaan
The Jordaan, which is located northwest of the Old Centre, was built during the Golden Age in the 17th century to function as a working-class neighbourhood.
Over the years, this iconic neighbourhood changed into a slightly upscale neighbourhood but is still home to typical local bars where they play typical Dutch songs that originated from this area.
Wandering through these iconic streets is a tourist attraction on its own.
There are still working-class people living in the Jordaan who is unique in many ways, but among the Dutch, people from the Jordaan are the ones that tell you exactly what they think without even considering it rude or inappropriate in a certain good sense.
The people from one of Amsterdam’s most famous neighbourhoods are always in for fun and laughter, which makes it such an interesting area to stay in Amsterdam for first-timers.
You can enjoy these typical characteristics along with its central location: you’re near the Old City Center and the previously recommended Canal Belt.
Fun fact: it’s not only the working class who end up living to hear during the Golden Age. Rembrandt van Rijn, the most famous painter of the Netherlands, lived here as well.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Plantage & Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter (Jodenbuurt) is located behind the Old Centre on the east side of Amsterdam. This area is much quieter compared to all the previously recommended areas.
Connected to this neighbourhood with some of the most important city highlights lays the Plantage.
As the name of the first neighbourhood suggests, the Jewish Museum, the Holocaust Monument and the Resistance Museum are all located in this part of Amsterdam.
During the Second World War, the dark period was perfectly documented by Anne Frank in her famous diary.
What most people don’t know is that similar to the Jordaan, life in the Jewish Quarter was tough, even before the Second World War.
But nowadays, this area is bustling with tourists who want to know more about the history of the Jews.
The Anne Frank House, however, is located on the Westermarkt, which is located on the Canal Belt (Grachtengordel).
The Plantage is a neighbourhood full of exciting architecture, greenery and of course the Zoo of Amsterdam named Artis. It’s home to the Waterlooppleinmarkt, which is the most famous flea market in the Netherlands. The Hermitage Amsterdam and National Opera & Ballet are proof that this neighbourhood is full of culture.
The Plantagebuurt is a renovated area with iconic buildings surrounded by trees and bushes and is perfect to wander around. Those who are looking for a quieter stay surrounded by beautiful and important buildings should definitely stay in this area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. De Pijp
De Pijp is the area where most students and people with all sorts of cultures and origins live as it’s relatively cheap. We have to emphasize the word relatively because the prices per square meter in Amsterdam are of exorbitant measures.
But a neighbourhood full of students and people from all over the world means one thing: there is a ton of local things to do and eat and it’s away from mass tourism.
Similar to other recommenced areas in this article, De Pijp used to be a working-class neighbourhood which was mostly occupied by workers from the Heineken Factory.
One of the highlights is the Albert Cuyp Market, which offers a huge variety of food.
If you want to eat typical Dutch snacks such as a Broodje Bal (meatball bun), raw herring with raw onions, or the delicious Stroopwafel (a thin waffle with caramel in between), this is the place to go.
De Pijp is excellent for tourists who want to witness the daily lives of the people from Amsterdam where cultures have mixed into something unique, but unfortunately, it’s located a bit away from common highlights.
But then again, public transport gets you there smoothly.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Vondelpark
This iconic park called the Vondelpark is surrounded by some of the top brands in the hospitality industry. Walking through this large park is a no-brainer if you’re staying near it, but this park is incredibly important for the people from Amsterdam.
As soon as the sun shines and temperatures are comfortable, the citizens flock to this park, bring food and drinks with them and enjoy top-notch quality time with friends and family.
Close to the Vondelpark is perhaps the most important museum in the Netherlands, namely the Rijksmuseum with paintings of Van Gogh, Rembrandt and many other famous Dutch painters.
Food lovers should be excited as The Hallen, which is a large food hall with an abundance of insane finger and comfort food is located nearby.
Similar to the previously recommended De Pijp, staying around the Vondelpark does require you to travel a bit in order to see the highlights of Amsterdam.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Westerpark
The last recommended area in Amsterdam for first-timers is Westerpark. This area still has the charm of the typical, old, working-class neighbourhood but with a modern twist.
Westerpark is located on the west side of the Old Center and is much quieter than other neighbourhoods while you’re still close to the epicentre.
It’s home to some cultural venues including the Westergasfabriek, where even concerts take place.
Staying near this park gives you the ability to walk around through greenery but there is also plenty of things to do and discover.
Like most parts of Amsterdam, you can discover the iconic architecture from the Golden Age as well as nice little bars where you can catch up with open-minded, laid-back people from Amsterdam.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Oosterdok Island
In Amsterdam, most hotels are not particularly spacious. If you’re looking for a spacious hotel close to the city centre, you often pay a hefty price for your room.
But just next to the central station is a quay where you find a few hotels that are spacious and not extremely expensive.
If you want to see the city’s highlights, you have to walk a bit in order to get there.
In return, you’re staying in a relatively quiet area with the central station right next to you.
As said in the introduction, you need to make some compromises, but it’s definitely a recommended area to stay in.
But one of the most unique features of staying in this area is that you can find unique accommodations here. For example, it’s possible to sleep inside a crane. This gives you a stunning panoramic view. You can also sleep in boats. Both options are selected by us and listed below.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
9. Schiphol Airport
Staying near Amsterdam Airport comes with a few benefits that you might want to consider staying here.
First of all, the hotel prices are substantially lower than staying in the city centre.
Secondly, the public transportation in the Netherlands is of excellent quality and getting from the airport to Amsterdam is a piece of cake.
Lastly, if you have to catch a flight early, you don’t have to rush compared to when you’re staying in the city centre.
The only sensible reason to stay here is when you have to catch a flight after visiting Amsterdam.
Or when you really want to stay in a hotel but are on a strict budget.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Places to avoid when staying in Amsterdam for the first time
Amsterdam is an amazing city with iconic neighbourhoods as well as hidden gems that you can discover. But for the majority of its visitors, Amsterdam is about the iconic buildings, the typical architecture, a stroll over the red-light district, witnessing the liberal drug policies and enjoying all those fantastic restaurants.
You experience that all in and near the Old City Center.
Staying in areas far away from the epicentre can maybe save you some bucks, but it will also cost you valuable travel time and most tourists tend to stay just a few days anyway.
We would not recommend you stay at Amsterdam Noord, even though other websites might recommend it.
Map of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam for first-timers
The next image is a map of the best areas in Amsterdam for the first time including the city highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
If you’re interested in visiting more cities in the Netherlands, have a look at one of the following articles. Note, these cities are far less touristy and often offer a historical city centre worth visiting.
Other relevant articles regarding where to stay in Amsterdam:
Where to stay in Amsterdam for couples
Where to stay in Amsterdam with family
Where to stay in Amsterdam on a budget
Where to stay in Amsterdam for one night
There you have it, all our recommendations to your question about the best areas to stay in Amsterdam for first-timers. We hope you enjoyed it and hopefully, you can make a good decision and have the time of your life in this amazing city!