Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids
Deciding where to stay in Amsterdam can feel harder than it should be. The city isn’t huge, but staying in the wrong area can mean more walking, extra transit, and spending more time getting around than actually exploring.
After spending a week exploring Amsterdam with my boys and testing different neighbourhoods as a base, I quickly realized some areas were far more convenient for families than others. Most of the advice I came across suggested staying right in the city centre, but those areas also tend to be the busiest and most expensive. Instead, I’d focus on staying somewhere that’s easy to reach on foot or by tram, without necessarily being in the heart of the tourist crowds.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the best areas to stay in Amsterdam, who each neighbourhood is best for, and the hotels I’d consider booking if I were planning the trip again.
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Map of the Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam
Our Experience Staying in Amsterdam
We stayed just east of Centraal Station, within walking distance of NEMO and the city centre. While it wasn’t in one of Amsterdam’s most famous neighbourhoods, I actually found it to be really convenient for exploring Amsterdam with kids. Being able to walk to the station while avoiding some of the busiest parts of the centre worked well for us.
Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids
If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam, I’d focus on one of these three neighbourhoods. They’re all well-connected, easy to explore, and put you within reach of the city’s main attractions without spending half your trip on transit.
Jordaan (Best Overall)
If I were visiting Amsterdam again and could stay anywhere in the city, Jordaan would probably be my first choice. This neighbourhood sits just west of the city centre and has many of the things people picture when they think of Amsterdam: canals, narrow streets, historic buildings, and cafés tucked along the water.
While it’s close enough to walk to many of Amsterdam’s main attractions, it feels noticeably calmer than the busiest parts of Centrum. You’ll still be within easy reach of Anne Frank House, Dam Square, the canal cruises, and Amsterdam Centraal Station, but without quite as many crowds outside your door.
Who It’s Best For
Families and first-time visitors who want a central location with plenty of restaurants, canals, and attractions within walking distance.
Pros
- One of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam
- Walking distance to many major attractions
- Great restaurants and cafés
- Less hectic than the city centre
- Good balance of atmosphere and convenience
Cons
- Hotels can be expensive
- Popular accommodation often books up early
- Fewer large family hotels than some other areas
Recommended Family Hotels in Jordaan
- Hotel Mercier: Stylish boutique hotel in Jordaan, with some rooms offering separate sleeping areas that work well for families.
- Mr. Jordaan: One of the best-rated hotels in the neighbourhood, within walking distance of many of Amsterdam’s main attractions.
- Linden Hotel: Comfortable canal-side hotel with a quieter location and more affordable rates than many central Amsterdam hotels.
If I hadn’t been booking hotels last minute, this is probably the area I would have chosen. It’s central, walkable, and has many of the canals, cafés, and quieter streets that make Amsterdam such a fun city to explore.
Centrum (Best for First-Time Visitors)
If it’s your first trip to Amsterdam and you want to be within walking distance of many of the city’s most famous attractions, Centrum is hard to beat. This is the heart of Amsterdam, home to Dam Square, Amsterdam Centraal Station, canal cruises, shopping streets, and many of the sights first-time visitors come to see.
The biggest advantage of staying in Centrum is convenience. You can step outside your hotel and be exploring almost immediately, without needing to rely much on public transportation.
That said, Centrum is also one of the busiest parts of Amsterdam. The streets can be crowded, especially during the summer months, and hotel prices are often higher than in nearby neighbourhoods like Jordaan or the Museum Quarter.
Who It’s Best For
First-time visitors who want to be close to Amsterdam’s main attractions and don’t mind being in a busier area.
Pros
- Walking distance to many major sights
- Easy access to Amsterdam Centraal Station
- Plenty of restaurants, shops, and canal cruises nearby
- Convenient for shorter stays
Cons
- One of the busiest areas in Amsterdam
- Hotels tend to be more expensive
- Can feel crowded and touristy
- Fewer green spaces than other neighbourhoods
Recommended Hotels in Centrum
- NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace: A 5-star hotel across from Centraal Station with family rooms and one of the most convenient locations in the city.
- Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam: Stylish, family-friendly hotel within walking distance of Centraal Station, with larger room options available.
- Singel Hotel: A beautiful hotel set in a 17th-century canal house, offering breakfast and easy access to many of Amsterdam’s main sights.
Our Pick: We stayed at Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, just east of Centraal Station. While it’s technically outside the Centrum neighbourhood, we found it to be an excellent base for exploring Amsterdam with kids. We could easily walk to NEMO, Amsterdam Centraal Station, and many of the city’s main attractions, while avoiding some of the busiest streets in the centre.
Museum Quarter (Best for Families)
If you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids, the Museum Quarter is one of the easiest areas to stay. Located just south of the city centre, it offers a quieter atmosphere than Centrum while still being well connected to the rest of the city.
This neighbourhood is home to several of Amsterdam’s best museums, including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, as well as Vondelpark, one of the city’s largest green spaces. Even if museums aren’t your main reason for visiting Amsterdam, having a large park nearby can be a welcome break after a day of sightseeing.
We seriously considered staying in this area ourselves. I liked the idea of being close to Vondelpark while still having easy access to the city centre, and several of the hotels at the top of my list were located here.
Who It’s Best For
Families, museum lovers, and travellers looking for a quieter base that’s still close to the action.
Pros
- Quieter than Centrum
- Close to Vondelpark
- Excellent public transportation connections
- Home to several of Amsterdam’s top museums
- Good selection of family-friendly hotels
Cons
- Slightly farther from Centraal Station
- Less nightlife and evening activity
- Hotels can still be expensive
Recommended Hotels in the Museum Quarter
- Conscious Hotel Museum Square: Eco-friendly hotel in a quiet location within walking distance of Museumplein and Vondelpark.
- Park Centraal Amsterdam: Family-friendly hotel overlooking Vondelpark and within walking distance of Museumplein.
- Hotel JL No76: Boutique hotel close to the museums, with family room options and a more intimate feel than some of Amsterdam’s larger hotels.
Other Areas Worth Considering
While Jordaan, Centrum, and the Museum Quarter are the areas I’d recommend first, there are a few other neighbourhoods worth considering depending on your budget and travel style.
Oud-West (Best for Apartments and Longer Stays)
Located west of the city centre, Oud-West offers a more local feel than many of Amsterdam’s tourist areas. It’s home to independent cafés, restaurants, and easy access to Vondelpark, while still being well connected by tram.
This can be a good choice for families planning a longer stay or anyone looking for an apartment-style accommodation with a bit more space.
Recommended Hotels
- Conscious Hotel Vondelpark: Eco-friendly hotel in a quieter residential area, just a short walk from Vondelpark.
- Hotel De Hallen: Trendy hotel set inside a former tram depot, surrounded by cafés, shops, and restaurants.
- Apartments de Hallen: Spacious one and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens, separate living areas, and access to the 24-hour reception at Hotel De Hallen. A good option for families who want extra space without giving up the convenience of a hotel.
Also worth considering: Conscious Hotel Westerpark, located beside Westerpark in a converted industrial building. It’s a little farther from the main tourist areas but offers a more local feel and was one of the more unique family-friendly hotels I came across while researching Amsterdam accommodation.
Amsterdam Noord (Best Budget Option)
Located across the IJ River from Amsterdam Centraal Station, Amsterdam Noord feels very different from the historic centre. The area is more modern, often offers lower hotel prices, and is connected to the city by free ferry.
While it lacks the canals and historic atmosphere many visitors come to Amsterdam for, it can be a good choice if you’re travelling on a tighter budget.
We also looked at a few hotels in Amsterdam Noord while planning our trip. One that immediately caught my boys’ attention was YOTEL Amsterdam, where some of the family rooms feature bunk beds with one bed positioned sideways above the others. It was one of the few hotels they were genuinely excited about before we even arrived in Amsterdam.
Recommended Hotels
- YOTEL Amsterdam: Modern hotel with family rooms and creative bunk bed layouts that kids will love.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam NDSM Wharf: Waterfront hotel with larger rooms and easy ferry access to the city centre.
- BUNK Hotel Amsterdam: Unique hotel set inside a converted church, offering both hotel rooms and budget-friendly options.
Zaandam (Best for Saving Money)
If Amsterdam hotel prices are stretching your budget, Zaandam is worth considering. Located just north of the city, it’s only about 15 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station by train and often offers significantly lower accommodation prices.
You’ll lose some convenience compared to staying in Amsterdam itself, but it can be a good compromise during peak travel periods.
Recommended Hotels
- Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam: The iconic hotel made to look like stacked Dutch houses, just steps from the train station.
- Zaan Hotel Amsterdam-Zaandam: Comfortable family-friendly hotel with larger rooms and easy train access to Amsterdam
Getting from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
One thing I didn’t realize when planning our trip was that you don’t necessarily need to stay near Amsterdam Centraal Station to have an easy airport transfer.
When I first started looking at hotels, I focused heavily on areas close to Centraal because it seemed like the easiest option. After visiting, I realized that many neighbourhoods are just as easy to reach. If you’re staying near the Museum Quarter, Vondelpark, or Amsterdam Zuid, you may be able to get off at Amsterdam Zuid Station instead of continuing to Centraal and then backtracking.
We took the train from Schiphol and found it simple and affordable. For a full breakdown of trains, buses, taxis, and private transfers, this guide on getting from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city centre goes into more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most first-time visitors, I’d recommend either Centrum or Jordaan. Centrum puts you within walking distance of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, while Jordaan offers a quieter atmosphere with the same easy access to the city centre.
Yes. Amsterdam is one of the most walkable cities we’ve visited in Europe. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the city’s trams make it easy to cover longer distances when needed.
The Jordaan is my top recommendation for families. It offers a quieter atmosphere, easy access to the city’s attractions, excellent public transportation, and several family-friendly hotels. The Museum Quarter is another great option if you want a quiet and central location.
I recommend spending at least three days in Amsterdam. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions, enjoy a canal cruise, visit a museum or two, and take your time wandering the different neighbourhoods. If you’re planning day trips to places like Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, or Utrecht, four or five days is even better.
Yes, especially if you’re looking to save money or prefer a quieter base. Areas like Oud-West and Amsterdam Noord still offer easy access to the city centre, while places like Zaandam can provide significantly lower hotel prices without adding a long commute.
Our Take: Where to Stay in Amsterdam
If I were visiting Amsterdam again, I’d probably choose Jordaan. It offers the best balance of location, atmosphere, and walkability, while still being close to many of the city’s top attractions.
Families looking for a quieter base should consider the Museum Quarter, especially if having Vondelpark nearby appeals to you. If it’s your first visit and convenience is your top priority, staying in Centrum can make getting around incredibly easy.
That said, don’t feel like you need to stay right beside Amsterdam Centraal Station. One thing I learned while planning our trip is that many neighbourhoods are just as easy to reach from Schiphol Airport and can offer a better overall experience.
No matter which area you choose, Amsterdam is a compact, easy-to-explore city. As long as you’re staying somewhere with good tram or train connections, you’ll be able to spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the canals, museums, parks, and neighbourhoods that make Amsterdam such a fun place to visit.
Planning Your Trip to Amsterdam?
Here’s some fun things to do in Amsterdam with kids, including some great museums in Amsterdam for kids, as well as how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam to help plan your time. And if you have extra time, don’t miss these easy day trips from Amsterdam, including Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, and other great places to explore nearby.
