Where to stay in Amsterdam

[dawsoncreek]

The International Youth Hostel is one of the cheapest places to stay in Amsterdam. It's not very central, but it's still close to many attractions and some museums.

The Novotel is another choice and it sin't far from the airport, which is great if you want an airport-type hotel. I stayed there on my first trip, but I wouldn't recommend for a first timer as it is far from any of Amsterdam's attractions.

One thing I'd point out is that there are many good hotels in Amsterdam so you shouldn't have to pay a fortune for a hotel.

[smallbig]

There are three main areas in Amsterdam which include Oud Zuid, Leidseplein/Museumplein and Jordaan areas.

Leidseplein/Museumplein areas are where all the big hotels are located and where all the major tourist attractions in Amsterdam can be found. However, it's super touristy and expensive staying here if you're on a budget and don't like the big crowds.

Jordaan will be the best part of Amsterdam to stay in if you are looking for a quiet spot away from the tourists.

[jamalian]

Amsterdam's Red Light District is one of the country's top attractions though for the wrong reasons in my opinion. Don't get me wrong it's an interesting and eye-opening experience, but it's a place that brings unsavory characters.

For anyone wanting to stay in Amsterdam's Red Light District, they need to know that is not permitted to take photographs of the women.

As far as safety, believe or not, Amsterdam's Red Light District is safer than most districts in the US as the government takes tourist safety very seriously. Saying this, this doesn't stop pickpockets so watch out!

QUOTE=papillom;3154]Can anyone possibly tell me where the best parts of Amsterdam are to stay? I have found a relitively cheap hostel in the red light district (I will be staying with my boyfriend) and I am wondering if it is safe to stay there (especially because I am very interested in the Amsterdam club scene and we probably wont be returning to the hostel till 4 or 5 am.

If this isn't a safe or great place to stay can anyone offer a suggestion abou the area that I should be looking in?

Thanks so much!

Steph[/QUOTE]

[guztavoz]

if you are interested in Amsterdam's club scene, you will adore this place as it is buzzing with trendy clubs as well as scruffy basement lounges of course.

Nevertheless, Amsterdam's club scene is great as clubs usually open at around 10pm and close 4am during the week and 5am at weekends. A few venues worth passing by are the Bitterzoet, which is a small club that plays everything rock, punk, ska and hip-hop.

Club 8 is another great venue for alternative and indie music, though it has a bit of a scruffy feel to it but that's what makes this place what it is.

[forti6]

I second staying in Dam Square mainly because most of the English canal boat tour companies are located right near Centraal Station in the Damrak, which charge just 10 euro per person for about an hour.

There are also great attractions in Dam Square such as the Anne Frank house which is very popular attraction so you need to get there early in the day, or later on.

The VanGogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, as well as the Sex and Erotic Museums are favorites....all housing very unique collections..

Originally Posted by Rokery

I would say Krasnapolski,..at the Dam Square,...very popular area!

[afee098]

Amsterdam is loaded with both hostels and hotels and there is more crossover than you might expect, but if you're really on a tight budget you will find the cheapest beds at hostels though there are also really cheap hotels to be found. If you choose to stay at a hostel, I should warn you that most hostels have a party atmosphere and are notorious party zones.

[hDready]

Amsterdam is a buzzing place so it's a perfect for dancing your way into the early hours. There are glittering trendy clubs, though there are also plenty of scruffy basement lounges, which may not look great but are real party spots.

Amsterdam’s clubs usually open at 10pm and keep going until 4am during the week and 5am at weekends. As far as dress code, the trendier clubs have a smart-casual dress-code, with no jeans or no trainers; while at the scruffy bars, anything goes.

Originally Posted by papillom

Can anyone possibly tell me where the best parts of Amsterdam are to stay? I have found a relitively cheap hostel in the red light district (I will be staying with my boyfriend) and I am wondering if it is safe to stay there (especially because I am very interested in the Amsterdam club scene and we probably wont be returning to the hostel till 4 or 5 am.

If this isn't a safe or great place to stay can anyone offer a suggestion abou the area that I should be looking in?

Thanks so much!

Steph

[helena23]

have you considered staying in a houseboat in Amsterdam? I stayed in a houseboat last summer with a group of friends and it was nicer than staying in an apartment, although it is common with apartments and houseboats that you pay a premium for a stay less than a week. i.e., that daily rate is usually lower if you stay for a full week.

By the way, spring and summer are great because weather will be warmer, so you will be able to enjoy nice easy walks around Amsterdam. Also, almost anywhere you will stay you will be within a short walk of the attractions so you shouldn't sweat where to stay.