Famed for its plethora of art-filled museums, towering red-brick canal houses, and liberal, open-minded attitude, Amsterdam has long delighted visitors. Set on the banks of concentric circles of man-made canals, the city prospered as a trading port for centuries, peaking during the Dutch Golden Age. A long-time hub for art and politics, the capital of the Netherlands now pairs its rich heritage with a wonderfully innovative food and design scene. Quirky and characterful, hip Amsterdam brims with brilliant boutique hotels, perfect for romantic long weekends or fun-filled getaways with friends. Whether this is your first or fifteenth trip to the city, our recommendations are the ideal starting point for planning your holiday.
Centrum Show the map
5 rooms 
Centrum, Dam Square Show the map
71 rooms 
Oud-Zuid Show the map
56 rooms 
Central Station, Centrum Show the map
274 rooms 
Oost-watergraafsmeer Show the map
91 rooms 
Noord Show the map
108 rooms 
Centrum Show the map
133 rooms 
Centrum, Jordaan Show the map
230 rooms 
Centrum, Dam Square Show the map
111 rooms 
Westerpark Show the map
9 rooms 
Oud-Zuid Show the map
89 rooms 
Centrum, Jordaan Show the map
23 rooms 
Oud-West, Vondelpark Show the map
38 rooms 
Centrum, Jordaan Show the map
122 rooms 
Oud-Zuid, Van Gogh Musueum, Vondelpark Show the map
129 rooms 
Centrum, Jordaan Show the map
40 rooms 
Centrum Show the map
2 rooms 
Amsterdam Show the map
48 rooms 
Amsterdam Show the map
56 rooms 
Amsterdam Show the map
26 rooms 
Amsterdam Show the map
71 rooms 
Amsterdam Show the map
13 rooms 
Amsterdam Show the map
175 rooms 
Amsterdam Show the map
218 rooms 
Oud-Zuid Show the map
300 rooms Begin your explorations in cobbled Dam Square, facing the impressive Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk. You’ll also find the Oude Kerk, Westerkerk and the Amsterdam Museum nearby, along with Rembrandt House and Anne Frank’s House. Stroll from one landmark to another, or hire bicycles to zip along the city’s cycle lanes. Amsterdam’s architecture is especially striking when seen from the water, and canal cruises come highly recommended. Cultural attractions abound, and the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are world-class.
For vintage finds, cool galleries and designer boutiques, wind your way through the bohemian Negen Straatjes and Jordaan neighbourhoods. Both are charming and historic, and home to terrific cafés, bars and eateries.
Whilst much of Amsterdam’s centre is tightly packed, the 120-acre Vondelpark offers a wonderful sense of space. Wander or cycle along paths beneath the trees, take little ones to popular playgrounds, and kick back in the shade. Westerpark is another highlight when it comes to green spaces, beloved by families and creatives.
Whilst much of Amsterdam is walkable, the tram also makes travel swift and simple. Tour the museums of the regenerated Eastern Docklands, amble around residential Oud Zijde (the city’s oldest district) or delve into the past at Plantage and the old Jewish Quarter.
Come evening, sip drinks at buzzy canal-side bars, catch live music in venues across the city, or tuck in to terrific Michelin-starred cuisine at exceptional restaurants. There’s a late-night club scene, too, and opportunities for dancing abound.
Many of the city’s best boutique hotels are set close to Amsterdam Centrum, within the old residences of the Canal Belt or in the MuseumKwartier. Bear in mind that the city centre bustles with cyclists and on-foot explorers. The advantage of staying centrally is undoubtedly the ability to wander independently, but streets can be crowded during the summer months, when hotels are also particularly pricey.
For chic hotels with a real sense of history, look to bohemian Negen Straatjes and elegant Jordaan. Romantic couples, foodies and keen shoppers will love meandering along lanes lined with designer boutiques, cafés and wine bars.
A little further out, residential De Pijp is another top choice for foodies and budget-conscious travellers. The Saturday food market, international eateries and street-food stalls make this a fun base, and the 1920s architecture sets it apart from the rest of the city.
Holidaymakers in search of a quieter neighbourhood may enjoy leafy Vondelbuurt and Plantage. These two districts are great for families; as are Westerpark and the modernist Eastern Docklands, close to the striking NEMO Science and Maritime Museums.
Some of the best boutique hotels in Amsterdam are housed in converted warehouses or newly built properties, but most sit within the city’s iconic canal houses. Often dating back to the 17th century, Amsterdam’s Golden Age, these tall, narrow buildings with big windows and gabled roofs were once home to prosperous merchants and bankers. Facing Amsterdam’s waterways, many houses were fitted with winches for lifting goods straight from boats into storage spaces.
Period features have been carefully preserved as houses have been transformed into hotels. Expect exposed wooden beams in individually decorated guest rooms, and tastefully chosen antique furniture, or minimalist modern pieces and earthy-toned textiles. Amsterdam’s boutique hotels are deservedly famed for their unique character and chic design, making a stay in the city all the more special.
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
