With less than one million residents but over 20 million tourists per year, Amsterdam is becoming a victim of its own popularity. Choosing the right area and the right dates can make a big difference to the enjoyment and cost of your trip.

The city is doing its best to actually reduce the number of tourists that tend to stay in the central area. A tourist tax of 7% is the highest in Europe and now each person has to pay an extra 3 Euro per night on top of the tax. Airbnb homes are not exempt. In fact, the tax on an airbnb property is 10%. Owners are now restricted to how many nights they can rent out their property. It’s almost as if Amsterdam doesn’t want you to visit!

Is Amsterdam Cheap To Visit?

All of this has led to the inevitable increase in price of hotel and hostel rooms. Amsterdam is no longer a cheap place to visit. Travellers used to the low cost of accommodation in Eastern Europe are in for a shock!

Being flexible with your dates can make a big difference. Prices can increase by 100% just one day later, depending on if their are events or conferences in the city. Weekend prices are also much higher.

Amsterdam Scams

Be careful of websites out there that offer great looking accommodation for reasonable prices. If they look too good to be true, that’s because they probably are. Never transfer any money to these sites and always check out the accommodation address given on Google Maps. If you are unsure, ask at the busy Amsterdam Tripadvisor Forum. The users can spot a fake site a mile away.

Which Area Of Amsterdam To Stay?

The main touristy area of Amsterdam is quite small and you can walk from the two furthest points in less than an hour. I would recommend staying in any of the districts within the central canal rings. Whilst public transport is frequent and reliable, it’s always nice to be close to your accommodation. Staying in the ‘Centrum’ is convenient and means you can always walk back to your accommodation, which saves money on transport.

On the west of the central area is ‘De Jordaan’. This district has become increasingly popular with tourists who come here for its more laid back atmosphere. The area is filled with cozy bars, hip restaurants and boutique shops.

The ‘De Pijp’ area is also a favourite with people looking to stay outside the centre. This is a multi-cultural area and you will find many middle-eastern restaurants. The ‘Albert Cuypmarkt’ is a popular daily outdoor market where you can find clothes and traditional Dutch food.

The ‘Oost’ district is home to many museums and parks. The ‘Dappermarkt’ is a great place to shop with the locals. ‘Brouwerij T’Ij‘ is a brewery serving some of the best beer in Amsterdam next to a windmill. It is a fantastic place to enjoy a drink in the sunshine.

Whilst staying outside of the centre would be cheaper, the sheer amount of tourists that come to Amsterdam mean that the difference is not that noticeable. I have always stayed in the centre and enjoyed the convenience. Another alternative for the budget-conscious traveller would be to stay in Haarlem, a beautiful small town that is about 30 minutes on a train from Amsterdam.

Cheap Hotels In Amsterdam?

There is no such thing as a cheap hotel in Amsterdam. There is only cheaper. Hotels in Amsterdam City Centre will be more expensive and not neccesarily better quality. As central Amsterdam is compact and walkable, try to look at hotels in the districts referred to above.

Where To Stay In Amsterdam

These are some of the best budget hostels in Amsterdam, according to user reviews. These are affiliate links to the Agoda web site. I receive a small amount for any bookings made through these links at no extra cost to you.

• Shelter City Christian Hotel
• Hostelle – female only hostel
• Generator Amsterdam
• Dutchies Hostel
• Train Lodge Amsterdam
• ClinkNOORD Hostel
• St Christopher’s Inn at The Winston
• Flying Pigs Uptown Hostel
• Ecomama Hotel
• Durty Nelly’s Inn

Hotel Nicolaas Witsen

Hotel Nicolaas Witsen (map) is a nice hotel that has single rooms with en-suite bathroom. It is located a little outside the centre but it is only a 10 minute walk to Leidseplein and it is a good location to explore the De Pijp area. The Heineken museum is also nearby.

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Click here to book a stay at Hotel St Nicolaas Witsen.

Hotel Mozart

Hotel Mozart (map) is located on the Prinsengracht canal, just a few minutes walk from the popular Leidseplein square. Despite being in an area filled with bars and restaurants, the hotel is on a quiet stretch of the famous canal. I have stayed here a number of times. It is always my first choice as the rooms are basic but clean and they have single rooms with private bathroom.

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Click here to book a room at Hotel Mozart.

Prinsengracht Hotel 

In the summer, ‘Prinsengracht Hotel’ (map) is out of my budget. During the colder months, I managed to get a good deal. It’s a very nice hotel that has single rooms with en-suite bathroom. It was a little further to return to at night than the Hotel Mozart but I had a good stay at this hotel.

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Click here to stay at Prinsengracht Hotel.

Budget Hotel Tourist Inn

Budget Hotel Tourist Inn (map) was my first ever stay in dorms and also my first solo trip to Amsterdam. Because of that, I will always remember it fondly. I stayed in a 6 bed dorm. Each bed came with a locker. The showers were decent and I never had to wait to use them. It is in a good location, around 10 minutes walk from the central station. There are red light windows on this street so if that makes you uncomfortable, it might be better to look elsewhere.

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Click here to book a stay at Budget Hotel Tourist Inn.

St. Christopher’s @ The Winston

St. Christopher’s (map) is a popular hostel above a lively bar and nightclub. Mostly offering dorm rooms but I stayed in a double room with small bathroom. It’s a great place to meet people as the bar does get very busy. If you want a quiet time, it’s probably best you look elsewhere. It is located near the red light district in a very busy area.

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Click here to book a room at St Christopher’s.

Things to do in Amsterdam | Best bars in Amsterdam | Places to eat in Amsterdam