If I could name a city that calls me back to it again and again, it would be Amsterdam. Lively to boot, with old and modern fusing into each other in such perfection that the city puts everyone in a trance. 

Now, when you finally get the chance to explore Amsterdam we can not stress the importance of choosing the right place to stay in. In honesty, the decision will determine how your trip will go. Since it can be overwhelming, we have narrowed down your search and created the only guide you’ll ever need to the best places to stay in Amsterdam.

While searching for the best area to stay during your trip to Amsterdam, focus on what you need to do and what you can probably miss out on. After deciding on the area, lock in the ‘where to stay’ question with luxurious serviced apartments in Amsterdam offered by TheSqua.re and truly enjoy the city’s charms in all its glory. 

Why the Right Neighbourhood Matters

Travelling could be called an art and the people who do it just right artists. Why? Because doing everything you came for in the limited time is a huge task. What do I offer here? The biggest tip to make you the traveller (artist) who does travel right– choose the right neighbourhood to live in.

This small decision of neighbourhood depends on how well you plan your day and how much you will be able to cover. Matching your vibe is crucial as travelling is supposed to be fun and this makes it so. 

It would not be wrong to say expectations from the trip also translate to the place you choose to stay. Know what is that you expect from Amsterdam and follow it through to choosing the right neighbourhood and your trip will automatically become a sure success.

The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam for different travellers

Before getting into which area is best to live for you and why, let me take the time to let you know that Amsterdam is well-connected and no matter where you put your feet down, you can easily venture out. 
Nevertheless, select an area in Amsterdam that fulfils your intention of travelling and matches your vibe. 

The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam for Corporate Travellers

Amsterdam being a financial and cultural hub attracts its fair share of corporate travellers, conference attendees and travellers with business in mind. 

1. Amsterdam Zuid

If corporate travellers want to be near RAI Amsterdam then Amsterdam Zuid is hands down the best location to stay in Amsterdam. As we talk the business district is expanding its roots in and around Zuid. 

Another plus is the faster-than-speed transport links connecting the neighbourhood to the airport and the centre, making it the perfect base for people who have tight schedules to follow. 

As it is Amsterdam, the area is not completely business as it also offers big tourist-y sights in the form of museums and Vondelpark. 

2. Amsterdam Centrum (City Center)

Let’s move onto a location where business and exploration coincide, the city centre, Amsterdam Centrum. As the name suggests Centrum is the centre of everything moving. You can expect a hum-drum almost every minute of the day here, and yet it becomes the first reason for staying here. 

Centrum is just minutes from the Schipol airport and it takes largely 8 minutes to get to RAI from here. Being the place where you find the 5 main canals, Dam Square, De Wallen and a whole lot of history, Centrum might just be what you are looking for. 

3. Amsterdam Nieuw-West 

Last but not least, this one is here for the ones who prefer peace most of all. We would like to call Nieuw-West a green oasis with calmness in its roots. Packed with tranquil parks like Rembrandt Park and Sloterpark and many green spaces, this is the most green place in all of Amsterdam– the reason behind its charm. 

Again, super-fast transport links will connect you to RAI and other business hubs in a matter of minutes. To make the deal sweeter, you will find yourself in the centre of open-air cafes, restaurants, barns and diners that serve literally everything you could ask for. 

Best Places to Stay for First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors! What is it that is bringing you to Amsterdam, a search for fun? Life? Party? History? Well whatever it is, I am sure Amsterdam will have you hooked in no time. But to make your trip a truly memorable (successful) one, I would suggest you look at the best neighbourhoods to stay in Amsterdam and select the shoe that fits.

1. Centrum 

Well, my only advice for first-timers coming to Amsterdam would be to go as central as possible so that you can reach the best things at the length of your arm. That’s exactly the reason why Centrum is the best area to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors. 

Keeping almost every unmissable attraction near you including the Museum Quarter, the Red Light District, the gorgeous Canal ring, and Anne Frank’s home offering slip into the poignant history.
For tourists who would like to explore Amsterdam on foot, this is undoubtedly the place to stay. 

2. Noord

If we could, we would call Noord the neighbourhood filled with ‘character’. Edgy architecture, cool street art, festivals, interesting cafes, brick buildings, a green countryside feel and a smooth canal ride connecting you to Central Station are just a few of the charms of Noord. 

With a lot to do in this neighbourhood, tourists can enjoy their trip to the fullest while being near enough to the centre to explore everything in a day. Giving the taste of village life in the city hustle and bustle, Noord can be a great place to unwind. 

3. Jordaan

If you hear expensive and luxurious when someone says Jordaan, then you've heard it right. Originally a worker’s quarter, Jordaan has become the most luxurious neighbourhood in Amsterdam, with quaint, aesthetically pleasing houses. 

There are plenty of things to do here: classy restaurants, Instagram-able art galleries, expensive shops selling extravagant goods, and the iconic Dutch brown cafes (bruin cafés). Tourists and first-time explorers can do a lot while living in luxury at Jordaan.

4. De Pijp

The hip, the cool, the moment is De Pijp. De Pijp is the culinary dreamland with trendy hotspots to dine at almost every corner, be it bars, brown cafes, delis or gorgeous brunch spots. Called Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter, De Pijp’s personality will have you wrapped around its finger in no time. 

Sarphatipark, must-explore boutiques, tiny local shops, and obviously the biggest street market, Albert Cuypmarkt are things that make De Pijp the place to be when in Amsterdam for the first time. 

5. Museumplein

If you are coming to Amsterdam for the first time (it won’t be the last) then you must have its museums on your itinerary. To make your trip even more cultural take the chance of living in Museumplein and feel the art in the atmosphere. 

Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and more are not the only things that will captivate you in Museumplein, there is a hoard of exquisite restaurants in this area. Stay here to check everything on your to-do list ASAP yet in style. 

The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam with Family

Regardless of its ‘sin city’ reputation Amsterdam had family and kid-friendly spaces– a lot of them actually, let me tell you. 

1. Amsterdam Oost

Amsterdam Oost is the best part of Amsterdam for families, with a peaceful yet hip vibe. Weird shops, 19th-century buildings, interesting museums, concert venues, green outdoors, street markets, and art house films are the pulse of Oost, keeping it in vogue and culture.

Families can easily settle in Oost while finding plenty of things to do during their trip without venturing far. Another thing that will keep you here comfortably is the innovative food scene. 

2. Oud-West

Oud-West is a great place for families where plush green areas, Vondelpark, buzzing markets and a mouthwatering cafe and restaurant scene keep them busy. Not that far from the centre, Oud-West keeps you near all the tourist spots yet far enough to find a time of peace. 

Boutiques, shops and design stores, cinema, exhibitions and music are other lively characteristics of Oud-West that would charm one and all.

3. Museumplein

Museumplein might be busy for being the Museum Quarter but it has got a family feel that is undeniable due to its culturally heavy scene. A lively square with a playground and skating rink. 
As seasons change, activities in Museumplein also turn, grab a picnic with your family in summer, spend time at lively markets in the winter, or just spend a Sunday exploring weekly stalls.

Tips for Choosing the Best Location    

Let me bring all my tips together as we close this discussion and you set off to explore Amsterdam. 

First, see if the location that you are choosing fulfils your objective of coming to Amsterdam. Second, make sure your accommodation in Amsterdam is near public transport to make going places easy or just book with TheSqua.re as they ensure all these things in their serviced apartments. Third, choose a neighbourhood that provides an atmosphere you prefer while catering to your main interests. 

Well, that’s all for today, go ahead and pack your bags to head to Amsterdam!