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Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Updated: October 27, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Amsterdam

Park Plaza Victoria and art'otel opposite Amsterdam Centraal station.

The Park Plaza Victoria and art’otel, directly opposite Amsterdam Centraal station. Frequent trains connect Centraal with Schiphol Airport.

The Western Canal Belt is my favorite area to stay in Amsterdam. Beautiful canals, historic townhouses, excellent restaurants, and some of the city’s best boutique hotels. It’s central enough to walk to most major sights but quieter and more attractive than the busiest parts of the City Center. The Pulitzer is my favorite hotel in Amsterdam.

The City Center is best for convenience. Stay here for easy access to Amsterdam Centraal station, Dam Square, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Most major attractions are within walking distance or a short tram ride. The streets around Dam Square and the Red Light District can be crowded and noisy, especially at night. My favorite central hotels are Kimpton De Witt and art’otel.

Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter) is best for museums, families, and quieter surroundings. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Vondelpark are all nearby. It’s an excellent area for luxury hotels and a good choice for travelers who prefer residential streets over nightlife. The Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium is the standout luxury hotel.

Jordaan and De Pijp are my favorite alternatives. Jordaan has narrow streets, canals, traditional pubs, and excellent neighborhood restaurants. De Pijp is livelier, with the Albert Cuyp Market, independent shops, cafés, and some of Amsterdam’s best casual dining. Both are good choices for travelers who prefer staying outside the busiest tourist areas.

My advice: For a first visit, stay in the Western Canal Belt, City Center, or Museum Quarter. Amsterdam is compact, but a central hotel makes a difference, especially for a short stay. You don’t need a car. Walk for short trips; use trams, the metro, or a bike for longer distances.

Map of recommended hotels in Amsterdam.
1. Kimpton De Witt • 2. art’otel • 3. Mövenpick • 4. Pulitzer • 5. TwentySeven • 6. Rosalia’s Menagerie • 7. The Dylan • 8. Waldorf Astoria • 9. Owl Hotel • 10. Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium

The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

  • Western Canal Belt: Best overall neighborhood, especially for couples and first-time visitors. Beautiful canals, excellent boutique hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the Nine Streets.
  • City Center: Best for convenience, nightlife, shopping, and proximity to Amsterdam Centraal station. Busy and touristy, with some noisy streets.
  • Southern Canal Belt: Best for upscale hotels, restaurants, and nightlife around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Quieter streets are only a few blocks from the busiest squares.
  • Jordaan: Best for neighborhood character, traditional pubs, cafés, and smaller hotels. One of my favorite areas for walking.
  • Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter): Best for museums, families, luxury hotels, and quieter streets. Vondelpark is nearby.
  • De Pijp: Best for restaurants, bars, cafés, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere. Good metro connections.
  • De Plantage and Amsterdam-Oost: Best for families seeking quieter surroundings, parks, and good-value accommodation outside the busiest center.
  • Amsterdam Noord: Best for unusual hotels, contemporary art, breweries, and waterfront restaurants. Stay near the ferry or metro for convenient access to the center.
  • Amsterdam-West: Best for Foodhallen, Westerpark, neighborhood restaurants, and some good-value hotels. The exact location matters.
  • Eastern Docklands and IJburg: Best for modern waterfront hotels and travelers who don’t mind using public transport to reach the main sights.
Canal boat tour in Amsterdam.

My son and I on a boat tour of Amsterdam’s canals.

Amsterdam Hotel Booking Tips

  • Avoid noisy nightlife areas. Hotels near Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and the Red Light District can be loud late at night, especially on weekends. For a quieter stay, I prefer the Western Canal Belt, Jordaan, or Museum Quarter.
  • Check for elevators and steep stairs. Many smaller hotels occupy historic canal houses with narrow staircases and no elevator. Upper-floor rooms can be difficult with heavy luggage.
  • Book a canal-view room if you want the view. Even hotels directly on a canal will have rooms facing courtyards or neighboring buildings.
  • Book early for spring and summer. Hotel prices and demand are high during tulip season (mid-March to mid-May), King’s Day (April 27), Easter, and the summer months (June to August).

The Best Hotels in Amsterdam

Family room at Linden Hotel in Amsterdam.

Our family room at the Linden Hotel in Jordaan.

Best Amsterdam Neighborhoods for Sightseeing, Families, Nightlife, and More

  • Best for First-Time Visitors: Western Canal Belt and City Center
    The Western Canal Belt is my first choice for its beautiful canals, restaurants, and boutique hotels. The City Center is better for staying near Amsterdam Centraal, Dam Square, and nightlife. Both are convenient for sightseeing without a car.
  • Best for Sightseeing: Western Canal Belt, City Center, and Museum Quarter
    The Western Canal Belt and City Center are best for walking to the historic sights, Anne Frank House, and canal cruises. Stay in the Museum Quarter if the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum are your priorities.
  • Best for Families: Museum Quarter and De Plantage
    The Museum Quarter has Vondelpark, major museums, quieter streets, and good restaurants. De Plantage is another excellent choice, especially with younger children, thanks to Artis Zoo, Micropia, and its parks. Both have good public transport connections. The Blue Boat canal cruises near the Museum Quarter are a good family activity.
  • Best for Nightlife: Southern Canal Belt, City Center, and De Pijp
    Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are Amsterdam’s main nightlife hubs. Paradiso and Melkweg are two of the city’s best-known live music venues, while Escape is a popular club on Rembrandtplein. Reguliersdwarsstraat has a concentration of LGBTQ+ bars. The Red Light District is crowded and touristy, with bars open late. De Pijp is better for neighborhood bars, restaurants, and cocktails. For craft beer, Amsterdam Noord has breweries including Walhalla Brewery & Taproom.
  • Best for Food and Restaurants: De Pijp, Western Canal Belt, and City Center
    De Pijp is my favorite for casual dining, brunch, and cafés. Good choices include Bakers & Roasters, Coffee & Coconuts, Little Collins, Leeman Döner, and Massimo Gelato. The Western Canal Belt has excellent restaurants around the Nine Streets, including Café De Klepel and Chocolaterie Pompadour. The City Center has everything from fine dining to fries, herring stalls, and Chinatown restaurants around Nieuwmarkt.
  • Best for Couples: Western Canal Belt
    The Western Canal Belt has Amsterdam’s most romantic hotels, including the Pulitzer, The Dylan, and The Toren. Stay here for canal views, excellent restaurants, and quieter evenings. The Southern Canal Belt is another good choice, especially around the Waldorf Astoria.
  • Best for a Local Neighborhood Atmosphere: De Pijp and Jordaan
    De Pijp is livelier, with independent shops, restaurants, cafés, and the Albert Cuyp Market. Jordaan is quieter and more traditional, with canals, small galleries, neighborhood pubs, and the Noordermarkt. Both are excellent for walking and eating out.
  • Best for Shopping: Nine Streets, Museum Quarter, and City Center
    The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) in the Western Canal Belt are my favorite shopping area, with independent boutiques, vintage stores, galleries, and cafés. P.C. Hooftstraat near the Museum Quarter has luxury fashion brands. Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat have mainstream shopping, while Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk are good for smaller independent shops. Nieuwe Spiegelstraat is the place for antiques.
Lounge with fireplace at The Dylan hotel in Amsterdam.

The lounge at The Dylan, one of my favorite boutique hotels in the Western Canal Belt.

Safety in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is generally safe for visitors, including at night. The main concerns are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, intoxicated crowds around the Red Light District and nightlife squares, and bicycle traffic. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein can get particularly rowdy on weekends. Watch for cyclists before stepping into a bike lane. They move quickly and won’t necessarily stop for pedestrians.

For a quieter hotel location, I prefer the Western Canal Belt, Museum Quarter, Jordaan, or De Plantage over the streets immediately around the Red Light District and major nightlife squares.

Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel on the canal.

The Pulitzer is my favorite hotel in Amsterdam, with a beautiful location on Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht in the Western Canal Belt.

The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam for Tourists

1. City Center

People walking outside the Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam.
Map of Amsterdam City Center.

Best for convenience, nightlife, shopping, and access to Amsterdam Centraal station.

The City Center is Amsterdam’s historic core, immediately south of Centraal station. Its narrow streets contain cafés, traditional pubs, shops, and major attractions, including the Royal Palace on Dam Square, Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk, and the medieval Begijnhof courtyard.

East of Dam Square is De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red Light District. The area is busy with visitors, bars, and nightlife, especially after dark. Nearby Nieuwmarkt has a large square, the historic De Waag building, and Amsterdam’s small Chinatown along Zeedijk.

Farther east, the historic Jewish Quarter contains the Rembrandt House, Jewish Museum, and Portuguese Synagogue.

The City Center has Amsterdam’s widest selection of hotels, from luxury properties to hostels. Prices are high, and cheap hotels can be disappointing. I would pay more for a good central hotel rather than book a poorly reviewed budget property near the Red Light District.

For easy airport connections, stay near Amsterdam Centraal. For a quieter central location, look toward the western edge of the City Center or along the canals.

Courtyard entrance at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.

The Sofitel Legend The Grand is one of Amsterdam’s best luxury hotels, with a central location near Dam Square.

2. Western Canal Belt (Grachtengordel-West)

Tree-lined canal with historic townhouses in Amsterdam.
Map of Amsterdam's Western Canal Belt.

My favorite neighborhood in Amsterdam, especially for first-time visitors and couples.

The Western Canal Belt lies between the City Center and Jordaan. Its historic canals, including Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel, are lined with gabled townhouses, independent shops, restaurants, and some of Amsterdam’s best boutique hotels. The seventeenth-century canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The northern part of the neighborhood contains the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, where Rembrandt was buried. His exact grave location is unknown. Nearby Westermarkt has the Anne Frank statue and Homomonument, a memorial to people persecuted for their sexuality.

Farther south, De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) is one of Amsterdam’s best areas for independent boutiques, vintage shopping, cafés, and restaurants. Other attractions include the Museum of the Canals and Embassy of the Free Mind, a museum and library associated with the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica.

The Western Canal Belt is expensive, but the location is worth it. Most major sights are within walking distance, and the quieter canal streets are particularly appealing in the evening. The northern end is convenient for Amsterdam Centraal; hotels farther south are better reached by tram or taxi if you have luggage.

My favorite hotels here are the Pulitzer, The Dylan, and The Toren. Book a specific canal-view room if that’s important to you.

Outdoor courtyard at The Dylan hotel in Amsterdam.

The courtyard at The Dylan in the Western Canal Belt.

3. Southern Canal Belt (Grachtengordel-Zuid)

Street corner with cafés in Amsterdam's Southern Canal Belt.
Map of Amsterdam's Southern Canal Belt.

Best for luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

The Southern Canal Belt continues south and east from the Nine Streets, with grand canal houses, museums, restaurants, and two of Amsterdam’s main nightlife squares: Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.

The area has several worthwhile museums, including Foam photography museum, KattenKabinet, Museum Van Loon, and Willet-Holthuysen House. The Bloemenmarkt along Singel is Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market, though today it’s largely aimed at tourists.

Leidsestraat connects the Canal Belt with the City Center and Museum Quarter. Utrechtsestraat, south of Rembrandtplein, is particularly good for independent shops, cafés, and restaurants.

This is an excellent area to stay, but the exact street matters. Hotels near Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein can be noisy late at night. A few blocks away, the canal streets are much quieter. The Waldorf Astoria is one of Amsterdam’s finest luxury hotels, while Banks Mansion is a good choice for its central location and included drinks and refreshments.

Exterior of Banks Mansion hotel in Amsterdam.

Banks Mansion includes drinks and refreshments in its room rates, including a complimentary lobby bar and wine and cheese service.

4. Jordaan

Quiet brick-paved residential street in Jordaan, Amsterdam.
Map of Jordaan in Amsterdam.

Best for neighborhood restaurants, traditional pubs, quiet streets, and smaller hotels.

Jordaan lies immediately west of the Western Canal Belt. Once a working-class neighborhood, it’s now one of Amsterdam’s most desirable residential areas, with narrow streets, canals, galleries, independent shops, and excellent restaurants.

The neighborhood has several small museums, including the Houseboat Museum, Cheese Museum, and Tulip Museum. Café Winkel 43 is famous for its apple pie, and Noordermarkt hosts a popular Saturday market and a Monday market with a different mix of stalls.

Jordaan is one of my favorite areas for walking and eating out. It’s quieter than the City Center but still close to the Anne Frank House and the Nine Streets. There are fewer hotels here than in the Canal Belt, and good properties book quickly.

The Linden Hotel is an excellent choice for families and travelers looking for a smaller hotel. Mr Jordaan is another favorite, with a good location near the canals.

Exterior of Krisotel hotel in Amsterdam.

Krisotel is near Leidseplein, south of Jordaan, and offers rooms for one to four guests.

5. Oud-Zuid (Museum Quarter)

Rijksmuseum and Museumplein in Amsterdam.
Map of Oud-Zuid and the Museum Quarter in Amsterdam.

Best for museums, families, luxury hotels, and quieter surroundings.

The Museum Quarter is part of the larger Oud-Zuid district and contains three of Amsterdam’s most important museums: the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. The nearby Moco Museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, while the Concertgebouw is one of Europe’s leading concert halls.

Oud-Zuid has wide, tree-lined streets, elegant houses, and some of Amsterdam’s best luxury shopping along P.C. Hooftstraat. Vondelpark is a major attraction for families, with playgrounds, paths, lawns, and cafés.

This is a particularly good neighborhood for travelers who want a quieter hotel without being far from the center. The Museum Quarter has excellent restaurants and tram connections, though Amsterdam Centraal and the Red Light District are too far for most visitors to walk comfortably.

The Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium is the standout luxury hotel. Hotel Fita, De Ware Jacob, and Owl Hotel are good alternatives at lower prices.

Exterior of De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel in Amsterdam.

De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel is on a quiet residential street in Oud-Zuid, about a 10-minute walk from Vondelpark.

6. De Pijp

Outdoor terrace in De Pijp, Amsterdam.
Map of De Pijp in Amsterdam.

Best for restaurants, bars, cafés, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere.

De Pijp lies south of the Southern Canal Belt, between the Amstel River and the Museum Quarter. Once a working-class neighborhood, it’s now one of Amsterdam’s best areas for restaurants, independent shops, coffee bars, and nightlife.

The main attraction is the Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam’s largest street market, open Monday through Saturday. The neighborhood also has traditional brown cafés, international restaurants, and the Heineken Experience.

De Pijp is a good choice for travelers who prefer neighborhood restaurants and bars over the busiest tourist sights. The North/South metro line makes it easy to reach Amsterdam Centraal, and the Museum Quarter is within walking distance of northern De Pijp.

Hotel Okura is the best-known luxury hotel in the area, with excellent restaurants and city views. Sir Albert is a smaller, stylish option in a former diamond factory. Pestana Amsterdam Riverside has a quieter location near the Amstel.

Exterior of Sir Albert Hotel in Amsterdam's De Pijp neighborhood.

Sir Albert Hotel occupies a former diamond factory in De Pijp, near the Albert Cuyp Market and Museum Quarter.

7. De Plantage and Amsterdam-Oost

Leafy outdoor café terrace in De Plantage, Amsterdam.
Map of De Plantage and Amsterdam-Oost.

Best for families, parks, quieter streets, and good-value accommodation.

De Plantage is a green residential neighborhood east of the historic center. Its main attractions are Artis Zoo, ARTIS-Groote Museum, which explores the relationship between people and the natural world, and Micropia, a museum dedicated to microbes.

Other attractions include the Hortus Botanicus, a botanical garden founded in the seventeenth century, the Dutch Resistance Museum, the National Holocaust Names Monument, and the National Holocaust Museum. The former Hermitage Amsterdam is now the H’ART Museum, with changing exhibitions.

Farther east, Amsterdam-Oost is a large residential district centered on Oosterpark, home to the National Slavery Monument. The Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, formerly the Tropenmuseum, explores world cultures and colonial history. Other highlights include Brouwerij ‘t IJ beside the De Gooyer windmill and the restaurants and shops along Javastraat.

De Plantage is particularly good for families who want a quiet hotel near the zoo and museums. Amsterdam-Oost offers better value than the Canal Belt, but some hotels are farther from the main sights. Check tram and metro connections before booking.

The InterContinental Amstel is nearby on the Amstel River, just outside De Plantage, and is one of Amsterdam’s finest historic luxury hotels.

Entrance to the historic InterContinental Amstel hotel in Amsterdam.

The InterContinental Amstel overlooks the Amstel River, near De Plantage and the eastern edge of the Canal Belt.

8. Amsterdam Noord

Street art inside a former industrial building at NDSM in Amsterdam Noord.
Map of Amsterdam Noord.

Best for unusual hotels, waterfront restaurants, breweries, and contemporary art.

Amsterdam Noord lies across the IJ from Amsterdam Centraal. Once dominated by shipyards and industry, it now has converted warehouses, galleries, restaurants, breweries, and some unique places to stay.

The main attraction is NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard reached by ferry from Amsterdam Centraal. It’s home to the STRAAT Museum, restaurants, bars, and the IJ-Hallen flea market, held on scheduled weekends.

Closer to Centraal, the Eye Filmmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most distinctive modern buildings. Next door, the A’DAM Lookout has panoramic views and an outdoor swing high above the waterfront. This is Holland offers a simulated flight over the Netherlands.

Free ferries connect Amsterdam Centraal with Noord. The Buiksloterweg ferry runs frequently and operates through the night. The NDSM ferry takes longer and has a different schedule. Hotels farther into Noord may be better connected by metro than ferry.

For a first visit, I prefer staying south of the IJ. Noord is more appealing for repeat visitors or travelers who want a different side of Amsterdam. Sir Adam and ClinkNOORD are particularly convenient for the ferry. Tribe Amsterdam City is farther north but close to the metro.

Sir Adam Hotel and Eye Filmmuseum on Amsterdam's northern waterfront.

Sir Adam Hotel occupies part of the A’DAM Tower, next to the Eye Filmmuseum. The building also houses the separate A’DAM Lookout attraction and its outdoor swing.

9. Amsterdam-West

Brick buildings and pedestrian square in Amsterdam-West.
Map of Amsterdam-West.

Best for Foodhallen, Westerpark, neighborhood restaurants, and good-value hotels.

Amsterdam-West is a large district west of Jordaan. The most interesting areas for visitors are around Westerpark and De Hallen.

Westerpark combines lawns, walking paths, restaurants, and the Westergas cultural complex, which hosts exhibitions and events. Highlights include Fabrique des Lumières, an immersive art venue, and nearby Museum Het Schip, dedicated to Amsterdam School architecture.

Farther south, Foodhallen is one of Amsterdam’s best food halls, occupying a converted tram depot that also contains shops, a cinema, and Hotel De Hallen. Nearby Ten Katemarkt is good for street food and produce.

Amsterdam-West has some excellent-value hotels, but it’s a large area. I prefer staying near Westerpark or De Hallen rather than farther west, where getting to the main attractions takes longer.

Entrance to Conscious Hotel Westerpark in Amsterdam.

Conscious Hotel Westerpark occupies a historic building in Westerpark, close to restaurants, walking paths, and the Westergas cultural complex.

10. Eastern Islands, Docklands, and IJburg

National Maritime Museum and historic ship in Amsterdam.
Map of Amsterdam's Eastern Islands and Docklands.

Best for modern waterfront hotels, maritime attractions, and travelers who don’t mind staying outside the historic center.

East of Amsterdam Centraal are the historic Eastern Islands of Kattenburg, Wittenburg, and Oostenburg, followed by the redeveloped Eastern Docklands and the newer residential islands of IJburg.

The historic waterfront contains the National Maritime Museum, housed in a seventeenth-century naval storehouse, and the NEMO Science Museum, one of Amsterdam’s best attractions for children. Nearby are the ARCAM Architecture Centre and Muziekgebouw concert hall.

The Eastern Docklands have converted warehouses, modern apartment buildings, bridges, and waterfront restaurants. Farther east, IJburg is primarily residential, with modern architecture, marinas, and waterfront recreation. Strand IJburg is a seasonal beach undergoing redevelopment, so check access before planning a visit.

These areas are quieter than the City Center but have fewer restaurants and attractions within walking distance. Public transport is important. Tram 26 connects IJburg with Amsterdam Centraal, while the Eastern Docklands have their own tram and bus connections.

Hotel Jakarta is my favorite hotel in this area, with an excellent waterfront location and indoor pool. Mövenpick is particularly convenient for cruises departing from Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, though travelers should confirm their ship’s actual departure terminal.

NEMO Science Museum on Amsterdam's eastern waterfront.

The NEMO Science Museum is one of the best science museums we’ve visited and an excellent attraction for families.

More Amsterdam Neighborhoods

Amsterdam-Zuidoost: Most visitors come here for football matches and concerts at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, home of Ajax. Stadium tours are available on non-match days. Jaz in the City is my favorite hotel near the arena. For sightseeing, I prefer staying closer to central Amsterdam.

Unique Amsterdam Hotels: SWEETS Bridge Houses

Amsterdam has several former bridge keeper’s houses converted into small hotel suites by SWEETS Hotel. Each occupies a different bridge, with views over canals, streets, or the waterfront. They’re among the most unique places to stay in Amsterdam.

Most accommodate two adults, though one larger property can sleep four. Guests must be at least 21. Check-in is handled digitally, and there is no conventional hotel reception. Some houses have steep stairs, limited space, and traffic or bridge noise.

My Favorite SWEETS Bridge Houses

  • Westerdoksbrug – Near Amsterdam Centraal. A convenient choice for train connections, with a tower-like design and waterfront views.
  • Hortusbrug – De Plantage. An architectural landmark beside the Hortus Botanicus botanical garden. Access involves stairs.
  • Scharrebiersluis – Historic Center. A small bridge house dating from the early twentieth century, beside a traditional Dutch café.
  • Kinkerbrug – Amsterdam-West. Good for exploring the Kinkerbuurt, Foodhallen, and neighborhood restaurants.
  • Kortjewantsbrug – Eastern Islands. A distinctive round tower with panoramic views over the waterways and historic maritime district.
Boats on a canal in Amsterdam.

A canal boat tour is one of the best ways to see Amsterdam, especially the historic Canal Belt.

Amsterdam Transportation Tips

Getting from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam

The train is the easiest way to reach Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport. Trains depart from directly beneath the terminal and reach Amsterdam Centraal in 15 to 20 minutes. Amsterdam Zuid is another useful stop, particularly for hotels in the southern part of the city.

Taxis are more expensive but convenient for families with luggage. Expect to pay roughly €45 to €65 to central Amsterdam, depending on traffic and your destination.

There’s little reason to stay at Schiphol unless you have an early flight or overnight connection. The best airport hotels within walking distance of the terminal are citizenM Schiphol Airport, Hilton Amsterdam Airport, and Sheraton Amsterdam Airport.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Walking is best for exploring the City Center and Canal Belt. For longer distances, Amsterdam has excellent trams, metro lines, buses, and ferries operated by GVB.

Pay with a contactless credit card, debit card, or phone using OVpay. Tap in and out with the same card or device. Each traveler needs their own payment method. GVB day tickets can be good value if you’re making several trips.

Free ferries behind Amsterdam Centraal connect to Amsterdam Noord. The 3-minute Buiksloterweg ferry is the easiest way to reach the Eye Filmmuseum and A’DAM Lookout.

Cycling in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is flat and has an extensive network of bike lanes. Renting a bicycle costs around €15 to €20 per day, with MacBike and Bike City (my favorite shop).

Walking is easiest for short distances and hopping between central attractions. Cycling is great for longer trips, exploring neighborhoods outside the center, and getting into the countryside. Central Amsterdam can be intimidating for inexperienced cyclists, but riding gets easier and more enjoyable away from the busiest streets.

One of my favorite bike rides starts behind Amsterdam Centraal station. Take the free 3-minute ferry to Buiksloterweg in Amsterdam Noord (bikes are allowed). From there, ride east to Nieuwendammerdijk, a quiet street lined with historic houses, then continue along the waterfront to the village of Durgerdam. It’s about 8 to 9 km each way, with traditional Dutch houses, countryside views, and few tourists. For a longer ride, continue through the Waterland countryside to Edam, about 25 km from central Amsterdam. I’ve done this ride and stayed overnight at Hotel & Restaurant De Fortuna, a charming hotel in Edam’s historic center with a canal-side restaurant. It’s sort of idyllic actually.

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.