Amsterdam

Canal-side bikes, brown cafes & weekend markets

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Amsterdam is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Blijburg aan Zee, Sunday Market Amsterdam and Rijksmuseum. Food lovers should not miss Moeders and La Perla. Below you will find 45 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Amsterdam at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Blijburg aan Zee and Sunday Market Amsterdam
Where to stay: Keizersgracht and Eastern Docklands
Local picks: 45 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Amsterdam

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Amsterdam? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from the central Canal Belt and charming Jordaan…

Local tips3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 3-day Amsterdam itinerary: canals and the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, plus De…

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Compare live hotel prices and availability on the map. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Various

citizenM Amsterdam

The Dutch-born design-hotel brand doing compact, tech-forward rooms (mood-lit, app-controlled) with big sociable lounges. Great value for consistent style; several locations across the city.

★ 4.5

Vondelpark / Westerpark / Museumplein

Conscious Hotels

Why it matters: Conscious Hotels is a small Amsterdam-grown group built around sustainability rather than a global chain, with Green Key Gold certification at every property, all-Dutch green electrici

Museum Quarter

Conservatorium Hotel

A serene five-star in a converted bank/conservatory by the Museumplein, wrapped around a dramatic glass atrium. Impeccable service, a lovely spa and the city’s art quarter on the doorstep.

★ 4.8

$$$

Oosterpark

Generator Amsterdam

A design hostel in a grand old building beside leafy Oosterpark, with dorms, privates and a sociable canal-side bar. The affordable, meet-people option a short ride from the centre.

★ 4.2

Amsterdam-Oost (East)

Hotel Casa Amsterdam

Why it matters: Hotel Casa grew out of a foundation set up to tackle student-housing shortages, and it still runs on that dual model, housing hundreds of students through the academic year and turning

Java-eiland (Eastern Docklands)

Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam

Why it matters: Hotel Jakarta was designed as one of the first energy-neutral hotels in the country, generating and saving its own energy through insulation and building innovations, and it carries BR

Centrum

Hotel V Nesplein

A warm, design-forward boutique on a theatre street steps from Dam Square, with a cosy lounge-bar and a great breakfast. Central, characterful and good value for its style.

★ 4.6

Centrum

Kimpton De Witt

A polished boutique moments from Centraal Station with a hidden garden, a good cocktail bar and characterful rooms across historic houses. Reliably stylish and central.

★ 4.6

Eastern Docklands

Lloyd Hotel

A one-of-a-kind “one-to-five-star” hotel in a striking 1920s building in the Eastern Docklands, with wildly varied designer rooms and a cultural-embassy vibe. Quirky, creative and a tram ride from the centre.

★ 4.3

Keizersgracht

The Dylan Amsterdam

An intimate five-star hidden behind a canal-house facade on the Keizersgracht, arranged around a serene courtyard with a Michelin-pedigree restaurant. Discreet, romantic luxury in the heart of the ring.

★ 4.7

$$$

Herengracht

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

The design-led Hoxton spread across five canal houses on the Herengracht, with a lively lobby-restaurant and that easy hang-out feel. A stylish, central base right on the water.

★ 4.6

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Book your trip to Amsterdam

Find the best hotels and book tours and experiences, all in one place.

Find hotels in Amsterdam Book tours and experiences

Amsterdam travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Amsterdam at a relaxed pace. See our Amsterdam itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Amsterdam?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Amsterdam guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Amsterdam is worth visiting year-round.