11 Best Hostels in Amsterdam Center

Amsterdam is known for many things. If you decide to visit this city, you’ll want to be in the city center, known locally as Centrum. It’s arguably the best-known and busiest part of Amsterdam. Though certainly not all, many of the city’s popular attractions are set within the Centrum. It’s one of the largest and best-preserved historic town centers in the world! Within its three square miles, you’ll find 7,800 monumental buildings, primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries! Everything is here, from the bustling Dam Square to the tranquil Begijnhof and from the iconic Westerkerk to the notorious Red Light District! So, why not stay in one of the best hostels in Amsterdam Center? The best hostels in City Centre Amsterdam allow you to have comfy accommodation near the city’s best spots without emptying your wallet. Here are the cheap hostels in Amsterdam Central that’ll wow you!

Euphemia Budget Old City Canal Zone

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On a budget and want to stay in a peaceful hostel? Look no further than the Euphemia Budget Old City Canal Zone! Deemed one of the best hostels in City Centre Amsterdam, you can rest assured that you’re still close to some of the city’s top attractions. It’s close to all the main tourist spots within the city center, including the Heineken Brewery, Leidseplein, nightlife area, and the museums. Due to its location on a quiet side street, you’ll be able to escape the hustle of the city easily! Not to mention, the staff is super helpful and friendly!

As with most hostels in Amsterdam Center, this one also offers you private rooms and dorm rooms. However, keep in mind that all of them are accessible by stairs only. The private rooms are surprisingly spacious, and we love how clean the dorms are. Plus, most of the mixed dorms have an en suite bathroom. Meanwhile, breakfast is served daily in the breakfast room at different prices. When you feel like socializing, you can grab a drink and make new friends at the shared lounge area.

Hostel The Globe

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Another awesome hostel that we have is Hostel The Globe! This Amsterdam hostel is located close to the Red Light District and overlooks two of the most famous historic canals in de Wallen, the oldest part of Amsterdam. As one of the best hostels in Amsterdam City Center, this property is only three minutes walk from Central Station and less than 10 minutes away from all the major tourist attraction points, such as Dam Square, Flower Market, Shopping Streets, Rembrandt Square, and the various coffee shops in the Centrum area. Location-wise, this hostel can’t get any better! And despite being near many attractions, the hostel’s surrounding area is pretty quiet.

Named one of the best hostels in Amsterdam Center, there are 20 clean and pleasant private rooms in total, each with its en suite bathroom. It has triple, quadruple, and up to eigh-bed group en suites available too. Meanwhile, the dorms can house six to 10 people. Like other hostels in City Centre Amsterdam, Wi-Fi and linens are complimentary. Apart from that, there’s also a pool table for any exciting moments. In the bar, enjoy delicious lunch or dinner! Also, there are Happy Hours in the bar. You and your friends can enjoy the bar’s offer of buying one Stella draft and getting another one free during these happy hours!

Ecomama

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As one of the top hostels in Amsterdam Center, Ecomama allows joyful, conscious living in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s the right combination of the coziness of a community, the luxury of a hotel, and the meaningfulness of a social business. This hostel offers unique, personalized accommodations and seven room types to choose from. They all range in size, privacy, and budget. For those who want to save some money, we recommend staying at one of the mixed or female-only dorms. However, for more privacy, you can opt for a private room instead.

Like other cheap hostels in Amsterdam Central, there’s plenty of communal space to get inspired, dream, meet, share & connect at this hostel. With a living room, fully equipped kitchen, communal table, indoor swinging chairs, and the tepee tent (perfect for movie nights), the place is yours during your stay. On top of that, there’s THE FIX, which serves coffee and drinks from Thursdays until Sundays. Want to explore the surrounding area? Rent a bike and visit the Rembrandt House, Gassan Diamonds, Dutch Resistance Museum, Artis Zoo, Dam Square, and other top attractions! All of them are only a few songs away!

AmicitiA

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Compared to other cheap hostels in Amsterdam Central, the AmicitiA is truly a standout. Unlike others, this is a boat hostel! It’s set right in front of NEMO and only a short walk away from Central Station. Though housed in a boat, it doesn’t lack essential amenities. Here, you’ll still get free Wi-Fi, nice rooms, and an on-site bar where you can enjoy a drink or two and make new friends. Each cabin at this hostel includes heating and a hand basin, and it’s decorated with simple furniture and carpeted floors. Meanwhile, the shared bathrooms come with a shower and hairdryer.

Each morning, you can enjoy a scrumptious Dutch breakfast, including cheese, bread, sweet pastries, and hot drinks. If the menus aren’t your cup of tea, you can also find various restaurants and cafes in the hostel’s surroundings. Stroll around the area and enjoy the typical houses and canals that characterize the Dutch capital when you have some spare time! Furthermore, the old deck of this renewed boat offers a perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of Amsterdam. Make sure to grab your camera and take some pretty sick pictures!

Durty Nelly’s Inn

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Durty Nelly’s Inn claims to be one of the best hostels in City Centre Amsterdam, and we think we agree! Set in the Red Light District, this Irish bar slash hostel is loved by many travelers. It’s the perfect place for those who love to experience Amsterdam’s culture and love partying. This property is a seven-minute walk from the Central Station and a one-minute walk from Dam Square. Like other hostels in Amsterdam City Center, it’s also close to several well-known attractions. Moreover, guests can have a cocktail at the bar and enjoy hostel discounts on food and drinks.

Not sure what are the top things to do in Amsterdam? Don’t worry! The hostel’s multilingual staff are more than ready to help you organize your stay. From free city walking tours, discounted tickets for tours and attractions, canal cruises, pub crawls, and bike rentals, they’ll go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your stay! While the rooms aren’t the biggest, each is sure super comfy. Of course, free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the whole building! No wonder many people see this accommodation as one of the best hostels in Amsterdam Center!

Shelter City Christian Hostel

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Boasting a garden and terrace is the Shelter City Christian Hostel. As with other top hostels in City Centre Amsterdam, this Christian hostel is near the Red Light District. However, as you can see from its name, it’s also drug and alcohol-free! Even better, it’s clean as a pin and offers yummy food! You’re at a good starting point if you want to explore the city. Spots like the Basilica of St. Nicholas, Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, and Beurs van Berlage are all a short walk away from the hostel’s front door. If food is what you’re after, the staff at the front desk will be more than glad to give you some recommendations.

This hostel is a safe place to meet other backpackers and enjoy a free and delicious dinner that’s put up some days of the week. Apart from that, you can also join the on-site activities to make new friends! They include themed dinner nights, walking tours, movie nights, darts, and table tennis. Of course, free Wi-Fi is available in each room. And before you return to your room, make sure to grab some drinks and snacks from the vending machines just in case you’re starving in the middle of the night!

Cocomama

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Chic and fabulous, Cocomama is undoubtedly one of the best hostels in Amsterdam City Center. If you’re wondering, yes, this is Ecomama’s sister hostel. Thanks to its central location, the Heineken Experience, Sarphatipark, Albert Cuyp Market, Moco Museum, and Van Gogh Museum are all a short walk away. Compared to other cheap hostels in Amsterdam Central, this boutique hostel is an unbeatable design. It proudly offers guests the luxury and comfort of a boutique hotel with low room rates. All rooms are Holland-themed and range from private doubles to six-bed dorms. That said, you might share a bathroom in some dorms, but those luxurious mattresses and feather duvets are everywhere.

Even more importantly, at this hostel, you’re not on your own! Travel stories are shared, as is the dinner table! As expected from one of the top hostels in Amsterdam Center, this hostel allows you to make friends and hang out with other international trotters alike! You can socialize in the private garden or common room, or perhaps cook dinner in the fully equipped kitchen. And if that somehow doesn’t keep you busy, the staff organizes plenty of activities! They include movie nights, drink nights, games nights, and family dinners!

Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam

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The Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam is the place to go for a great atmosphere, free breakfast, cheap beds, and tons of fun! Located at the very center of Amsterdam, this hostel can be found at the Kerkstraat, which is just around the corner from the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife, Leidseplein. Speaking of location, this hostel is set five minutes from the Museumplein, where many museums are located. Vondelpark is also nearby for relaxation, as are several clubs, bars, and restaurants. Still don’t have enough places to explore? Ask the hostel’s friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you!

Moreover, cheap but hearty meals are served at the hostel’s restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is also provided at the bar and restaurant. On top of that, there’s an underground club as well, which stays open until 4 AM! Wow! When it’s time to rest your tired body, head back to your room. Each room has a private bathroom and lockers for personal belongings. Similar to other hostels in Amsterdam Center, there are mixed and female-only dorms, and the biggest one can accommodate up to eight travelers.

The White Tulip Hostel

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The list of the best hostels in Amsterdam Center won’t be the same without The White Tulip Hostel. This property offers clean and comfy accommodation in the middle of the Red Light District. By staying here, Amsterdam’s nightlife is right at the doorstep! The hostel entrance is located at Amsterdam’s busiest street for bars and coffee shops, so you will never have a vanilla day. Apart from that, this hostel is a five-minute walk away from Dam Square! Other great attractions near the hostel include Anne Frank House, The Bananenbar, Sexmuseum, and Royal Palace Amsterdam.

Love to drink? Great! The Irish Pub Slainte is set on the bottom floor of this hostel. You can have great drinks and scrumptious food there while making new friends! Not only do you get a 15% discount on all food and drinks in the bar, but we also have daily Heineken Happy Hours! And since there’s no curfew, you can drink until the sun rises! Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group, you’ll find your perfect room here. As with other hostels in City Centre Amsterdam, some private rooms and dormitories can house 10 people. Each room is clean and is equipped with everything you need, including free Wi-Fi!

St Christophers Inn At The Winston

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The St Christophers Inn at The Winston is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam Center for solo travelers. Like other hostels on this list, this property is set in the heart of the action in Central Amsterdam. From here, you’ll only be a minute walk away from Dam Square! Since the location is also pretty close to the Red Light District, you won’t find any super young travelers in this hostel. Apart from that, this hostel is also pretty close to some coffee shops if you know what we mean! You’ll never have a boring day as long as you spend your nights at this accommodation!

Once you’re done partying, come back to the hostel and fall into your comfy bed! If you want to cure your hangover with a bit more peace, you can stay in one of the awesome private rooms. Of course, it offers more space too. Otherwise, you can stay until midnight talking to your newfound friends in the spacious dorm rooms! Don’t worry, as the bed is just as comfy! For those that want to get a bit of work done or connect with their friends in other places of the world, there are a couple of computers which are free to use. You can also sit back with your laptop in the common area without being disturbed!

The Flying Pig Downtown

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A backpacker bar and hostel, this property is one of the best party hostels in Amsterdam Center. No, this hostel doesn’t have a flying pig. However, it does have a nice location! The Flying Pig Downtown is, as the name suggests, set in the center of town right by Dam Square. Whether you’re a nightlife enthusiast or just here to explore the city, this hostel will meet all of your travel needs. The one thing that makes this hostel stand out is the fantastic hospitality and helpful staff. No matter who you are, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Like other hostels in City Centre Amsterdam, this accommodation also offers free walking tours!

If you’re here for partying and want to cure your next-day hangover, we suggest booking into one of the private rooms and indulging in the breakfast buffet. You’ll get a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, as well as an en suite bathroom. Want to make friends instead? Then stay in the awesome dorms! Like other cheap hostels in Amsterdam Central, there are mixed dorms and female-only dorms here, both with your reading light and USB charging station. If you’re bored, head up to the sunny terrace and enjoy a cold drink or play a game of pool with other fellow travelers! With such amazing common spaces, it’s really easy to meet new people!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam Center

Of course, when in the city center, you’ll want to check out De Walle, also known as the Red Light District. It’s crossed by canals and narrow alleys lined with old-school bars. Apart from that, it’s also Amsterdam’s biggest Red Light District. Besides nice Amsterdam hotels and cheap hostels in Amsterdam Central, this neighborhood also offers adult entertainment and several coffee shops that sell cannabis. This bustling area is super crowded, and you’ll never run out of exciting things to do here.

East of the Red Light District, you’ll find Nieuwmarkt. It’s a square in the center of Amsterdam. It’s been a center for commerce and socializing in Amsterdam since the 17th century. It holds a daily market and an organic fare market on Saturdays. Still, arguably its biggest draw is the number of cafés, restaurants, and coffee shops surrounding it, making it a perfect place to spend a sunny day sitting on a terrace. 

Another area that might pique your interest is the Grachtengordel or the Canal District. It consists of the area around the city’s four main canals: the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, and the Prinsengracht. This neighborhood is known for its small bridges going over the canals and the 17th-century canal homes. It also houses plenty of museums!

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Amsterdam Center

• Boaz Amsterdam – Boaz is a combination of bar and bistro. You can visit this place for breakfast, a coffee, nice lunch, or some evenings drinks and cocktails and some snacks. When the weather is nice you can also sit outside on the small and cosey terrace.
• Burgermeester – Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of tasty gourmet burgers, including beef, lamb, and chicken burgers. Different toppings are available plus side dishes such as grilled half corn-on-the-cob, Caesar salad, coleslaw, and fries. All of the ingredients used are natural, sustainable, and locally-sourced.
• Bijenkorf Kitchen – This self-service restaurant is a great option for lunch. grab a tray and choose from Asian wok, sushi, meat/fish grill, Italian food, soups, sandwiches, and a salad bar. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available, as well as Bijenkorf cakes and puddings.

Recommended Activities in Amsterdam Center

• Amsterdam: Murder Mystery Game on WhatsApp With Remote Guide – Play this game in the center of Amsterdam and solve the murder mystery. With the help of photos and a map of the city, search for the photo locations and take a group selfie at each spot!
• Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise – Discover the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam at night during this evening canal cruise. Thousands of lights illuminate the bridges and iconic canal houses and give the city an almost magical appearance.
• Amsterdam: Private City Walking Tour – Avoid the hassle of group tours and find your bearings in Amsterdam on a private walking tour. See the major sights of the city center, including the bridges and canals of the Canal Belt. Learn about the mercantile history of Amsterdam and more!