8 Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam: Find Your Perfect Stay

Surrounding the central Canal Ring, Amsterdam's charming neighborhoods feature a maze of streets filled with unique boutiques, inviting restaurants and cafes, lively bars, and open green spaces.

Each of these connected districts boasts its own unique character and attractions. No matter where you decide to stay, Amsterdam's compact design and extensive network of bike paths, trams, buses, and trains make it easy to explore the city in one visit.

From premier shopping areas to ideal spots for first-time visitors, here’s our guide to Amsterdam’s top neighborhoods.

1. City Center

Ideal Neighborhood for First-Time Visitors

Amsterdam's impressive Centraal Station stands on an artificial island in the expansive IJ River. With trains arriving from the airport, across the country, and from international locations, this Gothic-style structure is likely your first encounter with the city.

Heading south from the station immerses you in the Medieval Center, bustling with tourists, shopping streets, and iconic landmarks. Founded in the 13th century, Amsterdam's heart is located at Dam, a large square dominated by the Royal Palace. Damrak, the original entry point of the Amstel River, serves as the starting point for numerous canal sightseeing cruises.

On the eastern side of Damrak lies the Red Light District, known locally as De Wallen. Although city officials are working to tame its more unruly aspects, the area remains notorious for its canal-side brothels and concentration of 'coffeeshops' (cannabis cafes), nestled among souvenir shops and bustling bars. At its center stands Amsterdam's oldest building, the 1306 Oude Kerk (Old Church).

Eastward on Nieuwmarkt (New Market), the Waag, built in 1488, began as a city-wall gate and evolved into the city's weigh house. Nearby, Rembrandt lived and created art; his former residence and studio are now home to the enlightening Museum het Rembrandthuis.

The city center offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and hotels to luxurious five-star establishments.

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2. Plantage and the Eastern District

Ideal neighborhood for families

Just a short stroll from the city center, the tranquil Plantage neighborhood offers a serene retreat. If you're visiting with kids, this area has numerous attractions to engage the entire family. The Amsterdam Museum on the Amstel River presents a glimpse into the city’s history, while the 17th-century Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens are nearby. Also, the Artis Royal Zoo, which is mainland Europe's oldest zoo, features the unique Micropia, the only museum dedicated to microbes.

Curious young explorers will enjoy NEMO, an interactive science museum housed in a striking green-copper boat-shaped building that offers stunning views from its rooftop deck. The nearby eastern docklands, with their transformed shipping warehouses, connect to Amsterdam's maritime heritage showcased at the family-friendly Het Scheepvaartmuseum.

The Plantage area features well-equipped mid-range hotels that cater to families. Self-catering options are also available, such as YAYS' Maritime location within a historic steam-engine factory. For adventurous families, Camping Zeeburg Amsterdam provides a delightful outdoor experience with vibrant cabins.

3. Southern Canal Ring

Top neighborhood for nightlife

Just south of the city center, the Southern Canal Ring stands out as a vibrant entertainment hub. The bustling areas of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are lined with energetic bars, clubs, and eateries. For a more upscale vibe, Utrechtsestraat offers sophisticated spots, while Reguliersdwarsstraat is celebrated as Amsterdam's main LGBTIQ+ street, proudly flying the rainbow flag.

This section of the Canal Ring features some of the city’s most beautiful waterways, including the Golden Bend, bordered by magnificent Golden Age mansions, and Reguliersgracht, famous for its picturesque 'seven bridges.'

In the vicinity of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, numerous hostels provide convenient access to the nightlife. Many charming boutique and design hotels are housed in lovely canal-side mansions.

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4. Vondelpark and the south

Top neighborhood for culture

Just steps away from the lively Leidseplein, Vondelpark offers a beautiful expanse of English-style gardens, cafes, and an outdoor theater, perfect for a refreshing escape. Nearby, the expansive lawns of Museumplein are home to Amsterdam's premier museums: the national treasure trove of the Rijksmuseum, the renowned Van Gogh Museum, and the contemporary art hub of the Stedelijk Museum. Across from Museumplein, the Concertgebouw showcases classical music in its stunning 19th-century setting.

Surrounding Vondelpark are some of Amsterdam's most affordable accommodations across a range of prices, including several eco-friendly options like Conscious Hotels. To the south, residential neighborhoods transition into modern glass-and-steel structures in the rapidly growing business area of Zuid ('South'). With its sleek new hotels, this district is a favorite for business travelers, but excellent transport links make it an appealing option for tourists as well.

5. De Pijp

Best neighborhood for experiencing local life

De Pijp exudes a charming, village-like atmosphere, nestled between Museumplein, the Southern Canal Ring, and the Amstel River. It hosts the historic brewery that is now home to the interactive Heineken Experience, but the true draw of this lively neighborhood lies in its array of creative cafes, all-day brunch spots, restaurants, bars, and boutiques, as well as the city's largest street market, the Albert Cuypmarkt.

Join locals as they shop for everything from bike locks to fabrics, flowers, and fresh produce, and consider packing a picnic for a relaxing day in De Pijp's tranquil Sarphatipark. While accommodation options are somewhat limited in this primarily residential area, you can find a selection of attractive mid-range hotels, B&Bs, and a few upscale properties on the southern edges.

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6. The West

Best neighborhood for dining

To the west of Jordaan and just north of Vondelpark lies Oud West, a vibrant neighborhood that's rapidly evolving and boasts some of the finest dining in the city. A must-visit is the Foodhallen, featuring a variety of innovative Dutch and international food stalls arranged around a communal eating area within the converted tram sheds of De Hallen. Don't miss the culinary gems along De Clercqstraat, Bilderdijkstraat, and Jan Pieter Heijestraat for more restaurant options and excellent coffee.

Further north in Amsterdam's west, connected to the city center by Haarlemmerstraat and its extension Haarlemmerdijk—both bustling with eateries and shops—lies the lush Westerpark. Adjacent to the park, the old gasworks have been transformed into the Westergasfabriek cultural complex, home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and the craft brewery Brouwerij Troost. This area often hosts food markets and festivals.

The west of the city is dotted with trendy hostels and hotels, as well as charming accommodations like houseboat B&Bs and historic bridge-keepers' houses. Modern hotels also line the scenic IJ riverfront.

7. Western Canal Ring and Jordaan

Best neighborhood for shopping

As you move from the bustling city center to the western side of Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, the pace slows down. This charming area is under the watchful gaze of the stunning 17th-century bell tower of Westerkerk. Adjacent to the Westerkerk is a significant historical site, the Anne Frank Huis, where Anne and her family sought refuge from the Nazis during WWII.

The Western Canal Ring is home to some of Amsterdam's most appealing shopping, particularly in Negen Straatjes, a delightful grid of 'nine little streets' filled with unique, specialized boutiques.

Crossing Prinsengracht from this point takes you into the Jordaan, a historic workers' neighborhood characterized by narrow streets and charming homes. The Jordaan is packed with captivating shops—especially for fashion, antiques, and Dutch design—as well as vibrant weekly markets like the Lindengracht market. To unwind from shopping, consider relaxing in one of the Jordaan's cozy bruin cafés (traditional Dutch pubs).

The Western Canal Ring is known for its exclusive boutique hotels, while the Jordaan offers a few more budget-friendly options, though accommodations in these sought-after areas are relatively limited.

8. Amsterdam Noord

Best neighborhood for urban art and architecture

Just across the IJ River from the city center, easily reachable via a short, complimentary ferry ride from Centraal Station, Amsterdam Noord (Amsterdam North) stands out as one of the city's most captivating neighborhoods.

At the NDSM former shipyards, you'll encounter vibrant street art, trendy cafes constructed from recycled materials, and the expansive NDSM Loods, home to active artist studios. Key attractions on this side of the river include the striking angular EYE Film Institute and the A'DAM Tower, once an oil company office, featuring a virtual-reality roller coaster, a dizzying swing that dangles over the observation deck, a hotel, and breathtaking views of Amsterdam.

The neighborhood offers a variety of distinctive accommodations, ranging from a hostel housed in a 1920s laboratory to pods located in a repurposed church and luxurious suites within an industrial crane, along with floating hotels.