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Amsterdam Hotel Map: Where to Stay for Canals, Museums, & First-Timers

Updated: December 12, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Amsterdam

• 5-star: Waldorf Astoria
• 4-star: Kimpton De Witt
• 3-star: Linden
• Boutique: Pulitzer
• For Families: Conservatorium
• For Couples: Dylan
• Near Train Station: art’otel
• Cruise Port: Mövenpick
• Dam Square: TwentySeven
• Red Light District: Rosalia’s Menagerie

Amsterdam Maps – My Tips

Me and my son in Amsterdam.

My son and I in Amsterdam.

  • 1. Download Offline Google Maps Before You Arrive
    This is the single most important thing you can do before your trip. Amsterdam’s city center is a spiderweb of canals and twisting medieval streets that can look identical to the untrained eye. An offline map works with your phone’s GPS even when you have no data, which is essential when you are trying to figure out which side of the canal you need to be on.

    Here’s the simple process:
    • Search for “Amsterdam” in the Google Maps app.
    • Tap the info panel for “Amsterdam” at the bottom of the screen, then tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right and select “Download offline map.”
    • Adjust the map frame. I recommend zooming out to include Central Station (North), The RAI (South), and Schiphol Airport (Southwest).
    • Tap “Download.”

    But don’t just download the map; turn it into your personalized travel guide. Before you leave home, while you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, open the Google Maps app and “star” (save) all your key locations. This should include:
    • Your hotel.
    • The major museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank House).
    • Key squares (Dam Square, Leidseplein).
    • Central Station (the absolute hub for all trains and most trams).

  • 2. Understand the “Horseshoe” to Orient Yourself
    Amsterdam is built like a horseshoe or a half-onion, with Central Station at the very top (North). The famous Canal Ring radiates out from the station in concentric semi-circles. If you get lost, just look for the signs pointing to “Centraal Station” – that is always North. If you are walking away from the station, you are heading South into the city. The further out you go, the wider the ring gets.
  • 3. Learn the “Big Three” Squares
    While the canals define the layout, three major squares act as the social anchors. Dam Square is the historic heart, connected to the station by the busy Damrak street. Leidseplein is the bustling nightlife and entertainment hub to the Southwest, bordering the Vondelpark. Museumplein is the cultural anchor to the South, home to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
  • 4. Master the Tram Map (Not Just the Metro)
    In London or Paris, you take the Metro underground. In Amsterdam, you take the Tram above ground. It’s the best way to see the city while moving around. Most key lines (1, 2, 5, 13, 17) start at Central Station (or loop nearby) and fan out through the city like spokes on a wheel. If your hotel is near a tram stop on Lines 1, 2, or 5, you have a direct “golden line” to almost every major site in the city without ever changing trains.

Map of best hotels in Amsterdam.
Best Hotels: • 1. Crane Faralda • 2. Linden • 3. The Toren • 4. Pulitzer • 5. The Hoxton • 6. The Dylan • 7. Andaz Prinsengracht • 8. art’otel • 9. Kimpton De Witt • 10. W Amsterdam • 11. TwentySeven • 12. Sofitel • 13. Rosalia’s Menagerie • 14. Estheréa • 15. De L’Europe • 16. Seven One Seven • 17. Waldorf Astoria • 18. Seven Bridges • 19. Zoku • 20. InterContinental • 21. Conservatorium • 22. Sir Albert • 23. Okura

Affordable Hotels: 24. Nadia • 25. Hotel De Hallen • 26. CityHub • 27. Owl • 28. Social Hub

My Tips for Staying in Amsterdam

Our hotel room in Amsterdam.

Our room at the Ambassade Hotel.

1. Dam Square & Central Station
• Why Stay: You’re at the city’s heart: royal palace views, top museums a stroll away, and fast transit connections to the airport or other Dutch towns. Ideal for first-timers looking to explore central highlights.
• Hotel Vibe: Large chain hotels and classic Dutch establishments. The Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky offers luxury with Dam Square at your doorstep, while Kimpton De Witt is a stylish boutique option near Centraal Station.

2. The Jordaan
• Why Stay: My favorite area of Amsterdam. A postcard-perfect neighborhood of narrow streets, charming canals, and indie shops. Close to the Anne Frank House and famous for its cozy “brown cafés.”
• Hotel Vibe: Quaint canal houses turned boutique hotels. The Toren exudes romantic flair, and Mr. Jordaan provides modern comfort in an authentic setting.

3. Canal Belt (Grachtengordel)
• Why Stay: The UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals define Amsterdam’s Golden Age heritage. Quiet strolls along elegant canal homes, but still central enough to walk to major sights.
• Hotel Vibe: Elegant townhouses with designer twists. The Pulitzer spans canal houses with stylish interiors and courtyard gardens; Hotel Estheréa is equally charming, known for its vintage-luxe décor. Equally luxurious Ambassade Hotel lines the Herengracht.

4. De Pijp
• Why Stay: Trendy, multicultural area south of the city center. Famous for the Albert Cuyp Market, hip brunch spots, and lively bars. Younger crowd, bohemian vibe.
• Hotel Vibe: Mix of boutique hotels and budget-friendly stays. Sir Albert near the market exudes contemporary chic, while the easyHotel Amsterdam City Centre is a straightforward wallet-saver.

5. Museum Quarter (Museumplein)
• Why Stay: Art-lovers’ heaven—Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk all within a few minutes’ stroll. Upscale yet serene vibe.
• Hotel Vibe: Luxury residences and high-end boutiques. Conservatorium Hotel marries modern design with a former music conservatory setting; Hotel Van Gogh is a simpler option near the action.

6. Oud-West
• Why Stay: Diverse dining scene (Foodhallen is a must), indie boutiques, and easy tram links to the center. An emerging local favorite for a more authentic, less touristy stay.
• Hotel Vibe: Hip conversions in old school buildings or industrial spaces. Conscious Hotel Vondelpark champions eco-friendly design, while De Hallen Hotel pairs airy loft vibes with artful touches.

7. Oud-Zuid
• Why Stay: Polished, family-friendly residential streets, close to Museumplein but quieter than the tourist core. Great if you want a local feel with easy cultural access.
• Hotel Vibe: Mid-range to luxury, often in stately mansions. Hilton Amsterdam has canal views and a classic reputation, while Hotel JL No76 offers a trendy twist in a traditional townhouse.

8. Leidseplein
• Why Stay: One of Amsterdam’s prime nightlife hubs, with theaters, clubs, and easy access to Vondelpark and Museum Quarter. Expect late-night energy.
• Hotel Vibe: Livelier atmosphere, chain hotels mingle with classic Dutch properties. Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American combines Art Nouveau heritage with modern swagger; Dikker & Thijs overlooks the canal at a bustling intersection.

9. Rembrandtplein
• Why Stay: Another nightlife center, chock-full of bars, dance clubs, and restaurants. Vibrant social scene, plus a short walk to the Flower Market and canals.
• Hotel Vibe: Party-central options and classic inns. NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market pairs a prime location with contemporary rooms, while Eden Hotel offers canal vistas and a lively bar scene on-site.

10. Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
• Why Stay: Boutique shopping at its finest: vintage clothing, indie design stores, and unique cafés. Perfect for those craving a canal-centric, quintessentially Dutch experience.
• Hotel Vibe: Small-scale, design-forward hotels in historic row houses. The Hoxton stands out for hip décor, and Hotel IX charms with just five stylish suites.

11. Amsterdam-Centrum (Red Light District)
• Why Stay: If you want to be right in the historic core, near medieval architecture, chinatown eateries, and the infamous night scene. Great for short stays to see “old Amsterdam.”
• Hotel Vibe: Budget to upscale, sometimes squeezed into centuries-old canal houses. Hotel TwentySeven near Dam Square exudes opulence.

12. Plantage & Artis Zoo
• Why Stay: Leafy, less commercial area with botanical gardens, a city zoo, and relaxed streets. Ideal for families or those wanting calm near the center.
• Hotel Vibe: Generally mid-range, quieter properties. The Lancaster Amsterdam sits across from Artis Zoo; Quentin Zoo Hotel offers modern styling in a historic building.

13. Amsterdam-Noord (NDSM Wharf)
• Why Stay: Industrial-chic vibes, street art, creative events, plus a free ferry from Centraal Station. Trendsetting locals flock here for festivals and edgy nightlife.
• Hotel Vibe: Converted warehouses, bold design. DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf offers modern comfort, while Crane Hotel Faralda is a quirky splurge for thrill-seekers (rooms in a crane!).

14. Overhoeks (near A’DAM Tower)
• Why Stay: Contemporary architecture, panoramic city views, and cultural hotspots like the EYE Film Museum. Short ferry ride to the old center.
• Hotel Vibe: Futuristic high-rises and boutique meets modern. Sir Adam Hotel sits in the A’DAM Tower with music-inspired decor; BUNK Hotel merges shared and private rooms in a repurposed church.

The Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

Great hotel on Amsterdam canal.

The marvelous Sofitel Legend The Grand – one of my favorite hotels in Amsterdam.

TripAdvisor Hotels (Best Value)

TripAdvisor Hotels in Amsterdam

*Note: The top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor are selected by an algorithm based on location, price, cleanliness, service, and amenities. This produces good-value, safe, and reliable hotels but often not the most interesting or unique places to stay in Amsterdam.

TripAdvisor Hotels on Map: 1. Ambassade • 2. Jakarta • 3. Mr. Jordaan • 4. Hoxton • 5. Pulitzer • 6. Craftsmen • 7. NH Collection Barbizon Palace • 8. Anantara Grand Krasnapolsky • 9. Banks Mansion • 10. Estherea • 11. Hendrick’s • 12. Hotel Aalders • 13. NH City Centre • 14. Mövenpick City Centre • 15. DoubleTree Centraal Station • 16. Ibis Centre • 17. Tivoli Doelen • 18. NH Collection Flower Market • 19. Nova • 20. Inntel Centre

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.