I’m thrilled to finally share my top 10 budget-friendly accommodations in Amsterdam! Whether you’re looking for a cozy hostel or an affordable hotel, this list includes a variety of options that won’t break the bank. If you’re planning a trip to this amazing city, make sure to also check out my updated local guide and discover the best cheap eats Amsterdam has to offer.
Accommodation prices in Amsterdam have skyrocketed, especially post-pandemic. They can vary from summer to winter, but at the moment, rates are definitely higher than usual. If you’re on a tight budget, be sure to also check out my guide to the cheapest hostels in Amsterdam for some great options.
Before we dive into the recommendations, I’ll address a few key questions to help you figure out which place is the best fit for your needs. Let’s get started with my top 10 picks for budget-friendly accommodations in Amsterdam!
Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas for Every Traveler
If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, the Amsterdam City Center, or Old Centrum, is the best area to base yourself. It’s located around Amsterdam Central Station, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. Here, you’ll find a variety of budget-friendly hostels. From the quiet yet sociable Ecomama to the lively, party-friendly Flying Pig Downtown Hostel, this area offers something for everyone on a budget.
For a more laid-back and local experience, my top pick is De Pijp, often referred to as Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter. Located just south of the city center, De Pijp is home to the bustling Albert Cuyp market and the famous Heineken Museum. This area attracts a mix of students, artists, and creative minds. You can also find the charming Cocomama hostel here, perfect for those seeking a cozy and friendly vibe.
If you’re looking for a more alternative atmosphere but still want to stay close to the city center, Amsterdam Noord might be the ideal spot. Time Out has even named it the coolest neighborhood in Amsterdam. This once-industrial area, just a short ferry ride across the IJ River from Amsterdam Centraal Station, is now home to trendy cafes, galleries, and some cool accommodations. For a great hostel experience in Noord, check out Clink Noord, which has earned a strong reputation.
Are Hostels in Amsterdam Safe?
If you’re wondering whether to stay in a hostel or hotel in Amsterdam, I highly recommend considering hostels. Amsterdam is home to some of the top hostels in Europe, known for their distinctive design and strong sense of character. These places are run by experienced and friendly staff, making them not only welcoming but also very secure.
All hostels in Amsterdam provide lockers for your belongings, and there’s typically someone on-site around the clock to ensure everything runs smoothly. Additionally, many hostels have security cameras installed to maintain safety. To further protect yourself, it’s wise to travel with a padlock, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind.
1. Cocomama Hostel: A Stylish Stay with a Rich History
Address: Westeinde 18, 1017 ZP, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: Dorms: €21–€45; Privates: €76–€150 (booking via [website])
Cocomama is located in a less touristy yet easily accessible part of Amsterdam, close to Rembrandt Square. This charming hostel has an interesting past—it was once a brothel! Today, it retains a sense of character, housed in a century-old building with stunning period details like chandeliers and tall ceilings. The atmosphere is a mix of style and coziness, creating a welcoming environment for travelers.
In terms of accommodation, you’ll find comfy bunk beds and private rooms with lockers, power outlets, and private showers. For those wanting a more personal experience, the five private double rooms are decorated with Dutch-inspired themes like ‘Van Gogh,’ ‘Tulips,’ and ‘Cow and Milk.’ If you’re on a budget, there’s also the Windmill six-bed dorm option.
A special bonus: make sure to meet Joop, the hostel’s resident cat, who adds to the cozy vibe.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, organized tours, kitchen, luggage lockers.
2. Via Amsterdam: A Retro-Inspired Hostel with Great Value
Address: Via Amsterdam, Diemen, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: Dorms: €35–€40; Privates: €100 (booking via Hostelworld)
Via Amsterdam is a creative and affordable option for travelers looking for a fun and budget-friendly place to stay. With its 90’s theme, which ties back to the building’s history and its location in a business park, the hostel offers a nostalgic yet modern vibe. Situated on the border of Amsterdam and Diemen, the hostel is just a short 7-minute walk to the Venserpolder metro station. From there, it’s only a 10-minute ride to the city center and 15 minutes to Amsterdam Central Station.
The dorms come equipped with integrated plugs, USB ports, and numbered lockers, making it easy to store your belongings safely. For those looking for more privacy, the private rooms are bright and minimalist, with premium mattresses ensuring a restful night. The retro decor is enhanced with bedside lamps made from old Bakelite phones, adding a quirky touch to the room.
Via Amsterdam also features an on-site bar and restaurant called The Dude, a nod to Jeff Bridges’ character in The Big Lebowski. You can enjoy meals like burgers, healthy poke bowls, hot dogs, and falafel salads. A basic continental breakfast is available for €6.50.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, on-site bar/restaurant, kitchen, luggage lockers.
3. Ecomama Hostel: A Stylish and Eco-Conscious Stay in Amsterdam
Address: Valkenburgerstraat 124, 1011 NA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: Dorms from €27; Double Deluxe Private Ensuite from €84
Ecomama is an eco-conscious sister hostel to Cocomama, offering an environmentally-friendly stay in the center of Amsterdam. Conveniently located just steps from the Waterlooplein Flea Market and the Jewish Museum, this hostel is only two metro stops from Amsterdam Central Station, making it an excellent base for exploring the city.
One standout feature of Ecomama is its spacious, welcoming communal areas. Whether you’re relaxing in the sitting area filled with magazines, enjoying a cup of coffee at the café, or catching a movie in the teepee, there’s always a cozy corner to unwind. The hostel’s design is as inviting as its atmosphere, with a focus on creating an open and friendly space for travelers.
What truly sets Ecomama apart is its strong commitment to sustainable living. As an eco-conscious hostel, it integrates green practices throughout, providing guests with an environmentally responsible experience.
Ecomama offers a variety of room types to cater to different traveler preferences. From the 8-bed “experienced travelers” dorm to the “Ladies Only” dorm (complete with free nail polish and hairdryers), and the Double Deluxe private ensuite, perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, there’s something for everyone.
Amenities: Kitchen, bikes for hire, book exchange, large luggage lockers, linen and soap included, free Wi-Fi.
4. ClinkNOORD Amsterdam: A Comfortable and Peaceful Stay in Amsterdam NOORD
Address: Badhuiskade 3, 1031 KV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: 4-6 person mixed dorms from €24; Girls-only dorms from €25; Private ensuite from €80 (booking via [website])
ClinkNOORD is the first Clink hostel to open outside the UK, after successful locations in London. Situated in the lush, green area of Amsterdam NOORD, this hostel is far removed from the crowds of Central Station and the Red Light District. If you don’t mind the short ferry ride (24-hour service via the ‘Buiksloteregveer’), you’ll find yourself in a peaceful neighborhood with a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a quiet getaway.
With over 750 beds, ClinkNOORD is a large hostel that offers a range of dorm options. The dorm rooms, which can accommodate 6 to 16 people, are comfortable and come with a plug, USB port, and overhead light for each bed. Private rooms with ensuite bathrooms are also available for those who prefer more privacy.
The hostel offers fantastic facilities, including a library, restored stained-glass windows from the 1920s, and an atrium that provides a calming space. For meals, the in-house ZincBar offers an affordable menu, including Dutch classics like Bitterballen (meatballs with mustard), the Clink Burger with chunky chips, and stone-baked pizzas. A buffet breakfast is available for €6.90, or you can grab a baked treat and coffee for €3.50 at the Catalyst Café.
Amenities: Library, free Wi-Fi, in-house bar, affordable café, self-catering kitchen, luggage lockers.
5. Hostelle: Amsterdam’s First Female-Only Hostel
Address: Zuidoost District, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: Vary by dorm size, starting from €25 per night
Hostelle is Amsterdam’s first female-only hostel, designed to provide a safe and enjoyable space for female solo travelers and groups. Located in the diverse Zuidoost district, the area is known for its international community and wide variety of dining options. If you’re a foodie, this neighborhood is a great place to explore local and global cuisines. The hostel is just a 15-minute metro ride from Central Station, offering easy access to Amsterdam’s main attractions.
The atmosphere at Hostelle is warm and welcoming, with a homey feel that makes you feel right at ease. The staff are friendly and eager to help with any questions or needs you may have. The hostel offers a range of shared dorms, including 4, 8, and 10-bed options. Each bed comes with its own shelf and a free locker to safely store your valuables. Linen is included in the room price, and you can request a reading light for added convenience.
Amenities: 24-hour reception, self-catering facilities, bicycle hire, laundry facilities, luggage storage, towels for hire.
6. Generator Amsterdam: A Modern Hostel in a Historic Setting
Address: Mauritskade 57, Oost, 1092 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: 4-bed mixed dorm from €17; Premium double room from €85; Twin room with private bath from €67 (booking via [website])
Generator Amsterdam is a newly opened hostel located in the eastern part of the city, close to the trendy De Pijp area. Housed in a former zoological building in Oosterpark, the hostel benefits from a convenient location with easy access to tram stops, just a few stops away from Central Station. The building’s rich history shines through, with a modern design that blends seamlessly with its vintage architecture.
The former lecture hall has been transformed into a stylish lounge and bar, providing a perfect spot for socializing and relaxing. The contrast of contemporary design with the original features of the building adds to the hostel’s character.
Generator offers a variety of room options to suit different types of travelers, from a quadruple room with 2 single beds and 2 bunk beds to a premium twin room and a bed in the 4-bed mixed dorm. Private rooms, such as the premium double and twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms, are also available for those looking for a more private experience.
For entertainment, there’s a games room for evening fun and a shared lounge with a TV, where guests can unwind and socialize.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, bike hire, bed linen, 24-hour front desk, breakfast, lunch, and dinner available on-site.
7. The Social Hub Hotel Amsterdam City: A Vibrant Space for Scholars and Travelers
Address: Wibautstraat 129, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: Single private ensuite from €73.60; Double private ensuite room from €87 (booking via [website])
The Social Hub Hotel Amsterdam City is a fresh take on student and visitor accommodation. Designed to be a meeting place for short-term and long-term travelers, the hotel fosters a space for cross-cultural exchange. Rather than the typical academic setting, the hotel offers a lively and modern environment where guests can work, relax, and connect with others.
The design of The Social Hub is anything but dull. The main lobby is bright and inviting, with comfortable desks where students and visitors can work while browsing their laptops. From the black and white wallpaper in the reception area to the retro notice board and quirky designer stands, every detail reflects the hotel’s goal of creating an engaging and energetic space for its guests.
Rooms at The Social Hub are both spacious and well-designed, featuring stylish furniture and comfortable beds. Each room is equipped with practical amenities such as hot showers and a desk, perfect for late-night study sessions or catching up on work.
Located just a few tram stops from Central Station, The Social Hub offers a convenient spot for both sightseeing and academic pursuits. The Willen Riyslaan tram stop is directly outside the hotel, making it easy to explore Amsterdam.
Amenities: Free library, bike hire, free gym, affordable diner, games room, free Wi-Fi.
8. The Social Hub Amsterdam West: A Relaxed Hotel for Travelers and Long-Term Stays
Address: Jan van Galenstraat 335, 1061 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Rates: Standard Plus Room from €64.80; Executive Room from €69.30; Superior Room from €69.30; Suite from €78.30 (booking via Booking.com)
The Social Hub Amsterdam West offers a comfortable and convenient stay, just 25 minutes from Central Station by tram. Hop on Tram 13 and get off after 13 stops to reach this cozy-contemporary hotel campus. Catering to both savvy travelers and students looking for long-term stays, The Social Hub in Amsterdam West provides a versatile space with options ranging from 2-week to year-long bookings.
For those wanting to explore the city on two wheels, the hotel boasts a large bike depot right outside, making it easy to enjoy Amsterdam’s famous cycling culture. The vibe at The Social Hub is relaxed and welcoming, with opportunities to unwind, whether it’s through spontaneous barbecues, a friendly game of ping pong, or casual chats in the bar-restaurant area known as The Kitchen. There’s also plenty of space for studying or working.
The hotel offers several room types, including the Standard Plus Room, Executive Room, Superior Room, and Suite. The Standard Plus Room comes with an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable double bed. For a bit more space, the Executive Room offers the same amenities in a larger room. The Superior Room includes all of the above plus an extra-large king-size bed. The Suite stands out as the most luxurious option, featuring a private kitchenette for added convenience.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, bike depot, on-site bar-restaurant, ping pong table, study areas.
9. Volkshotel: A Trendy Stay in Amsterdam East
Address: Wibautstraat 150, 1091 GR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: Double rooms from €79; Rooms for 4 from €139; Miss Petite room from €59 (booking via Booking.com)
Volkshotel is situated in the vibrant and up-and-coming Amsterdam East neighborhood, close to the lively market at Waterloo Square and the Amstel River. The hotel is easily accessible via the Wibautstraat Metro stop, or for a taxi from Central Station, expect a fare of €15-€20.
Originally a newspaper headquarters, the hotel now boasts 172 rooms in various sizes, each with a quirky name like Miss Petite, Sir Standard, Mrs. Massive, and Madam Miva. The design is sleek and tasteful, with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi and a safe. Guests can unwind with a yoga session, enjoy some sports at Volks Sport, or treat themselves to a relaxing massage or fresh haircut. For ultimate relaxation, there’s a sauna and hot tub available.
One of the hotel’s standout features is its exclusive boat tours. Guests can explore riverside East Amsterdam aboard the hotel’s 100-year-old mahogany hunting boat, offering a unique way to take in the city’s sights.
For evening entertainment, head to Canvas, the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy cocktails while taking in views from the rooftop terrace.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, yoga sessions, sports facilities, massage and hair services, sauna, hot tub, boat tours, rooftop terrace.
10. Hotel not Hotel: A Quirky and Creative Stay in Amsterdam
Address: Piri Reïsplein 34, 1057 KH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates: ‘Secret Bookcase M’ room from €63; ‘Crisis Free Zone’ from €58 per night (booking via Booking.com)
Hotel not Hotel offers a distinctive experience in the heart of Amsterdam, blending the charm of a boutique hotel with an offbeat, artistic twist. The design is the star here, with each room featuring bold and creative concepts. Many of the rooms have been designed by graduates from the Eindhoven Design Academy, forming a collaborative effort known as Collaboration-O. Rooms with names like ‘Amsterdam Tram Cart,’ ‘Crisis Free Zone,’ ‘Crow’s Nest,’ and ‘Secret Bookcase XL’ promise to provide a fun, memorable stay.
Located at Piri Reïs Square, the hotel is within walking distance of the tram No 17 stop, offering easy access to explore the city. The cool, laid-back atmosphere extends to the hotel’s connected bar, aptly named ‘Kevin Bacon’ after the famous actor. Described as zero pretension, the bar guarantees a good time for everyone, serving up a casual breakfast or cocktail and creating a lively environment for guests.
For a unique dining experience, guests can indulge in delicious Thai food while enjoying the warm ambiance of the terrace on sunny days.
Amenities: Breakfast, cocktails, Thai food, terrace seating, free Wi-Fi.
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