11 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

Home to the Red Light District, Amsterdam is also known as the City of Sin in Europe. However, this beautiful city is much more than that! As Netherland’s capital, it has a little bit of something for everyone. There are more than 40 excellent museums, numerous theaters, breathtaking houses, canals, coffee shops, and state-of-the-art entertainment venues. It’s safe to say that Amsterdam is the country’s leading cultural center. Amsterdam houses thousands of hotels and hostels to accommodate travelers with so many things to explore. If you’re on a budget, it’s worth staying in one of the coolest hostels in Amsterdam! From the hostels in Amsterdam Flying Pig has to offer to hotel-like accommodations, there are plenty of affordable choices for you. To save your time, why don’t you check out our recommendations?

CityHub Amsterdam

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The first accommodation on this list is CityHub Amsterdam, which is nothing like other top hostels in Amsterdam. At this hostel, you’ll have the communal feel of a hostel and the privacy of a hotel. That’s because there are more than enough ways to mingle, and you can have your very own private cabin, which is called Hub. Each Hub has a giant double bed, Wi-Fi, app-controlled lighting, and a personal audio streaming system. Sounds awesome, right? Apart from that, there’s a shared bathroom that comes complete with a shower.

Another amenity that we love is the self-service bar. There, you can make your special drinks and share recipes with other travelers. And if you’re in the mood to explore the Amsterdam food, know that the Foodhallen is right around the corner, where you can enjoy different food concepts and cuisines in a historic venue. Other nearby attractions include the Vondelkerk Amsterdam, Theater Bellevue, Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, and more.

Ecomama

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As one of the top hostels in Amsterdam, 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. But if you want more privacy, you can opt for a private room instead.

Like the hostels in Amsterdam Flying Pig has to offer, there’s plenty of communal space to get inspired, dream, meet, share & connect. 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!

Durty Nelly’s Inn

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Durty Nelly’s Inn claims to be one of the coolest hostels in Amsterdam, and it’s quite possibly right! 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. Apart from that, 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!

The Flying Pig Uptown

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Looking for the best hostels in Amsterdam Flying Pig has to offer? Check out The Flying Pig Uptown! As one of the top hostels in Amsterdam, this property is located perfectly central in-between the museum and fashion district, the Vondelpark and Leidseplein, where the best concert-halls, clubs, bars, and coffee shops are, and most locals go out. Here, you’ll get that real Amsterdam to feel and will still be close enough to the Red Light District, which is only a 25-minute walk away. If you don’t want to walk, you can rent a bike from the hostel so you can travel more conveniently! Speaking of which, the hostel also offers tours!

Like other hostels in Amsterdam, Flying Pig has to offer, this hostel has been world-famous for its laid-back atmosphere, with a hostel bar that everyone keeps talking about and friendly, helpful staff. There’s a shared kitchen and an indoor smoking area where you’ll meet plenty of fellow travelers. When it comes to the rooms, you won’t be disappointed. Almost every bed has a reading light, and you’ll also have a free individual locker. Of course, you have to bring your padlock. Lastly, freebies include free linen, free use of the reception safe for small valuables, and free Wi-Fi.

MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West

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You can find MEININGER accommodations spread throughout Europe, and its Amsterdam edition is just as clean, welcoming, and laid back as the rest of them. Yes, technically, the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West is a hotel. However, it does offer shared rooms with bunk beds. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to the price as it’s super affordable! Even the private rooms are cheap! Furthermore, the large guest kitchens and an on-site bar are great for meeting other travelers.

Set in Westpoort, this Amsterdam hotel is a five-minute journey from Amsterdam Center! The Amsterdam Sloterdijk Railway Station is next to the hostel, a huge relief for those who hate walking. Meanwhile, the beach in Zandvoort and Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is 30 minutes away by car. And if you travel by car, you can park your vehicle on-site! Other notable amenities include a games room, free Wi-Fi, terrace, vending machines, 24-hour front desk, and a shared lounge area.

Cocomama

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Chic and fabulous, Cocomama is undoubtedly one of the top hostels in Amsterdam. Set in the city center, the Heineken Experience, Sarphatipark, Albert Cuyp Market, Moco Museum, and Van Gogh Museum are all a short walk away. Compared to other cool hostels in Amsterdam, 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 with the best hostels in Amsterdam Flying Pig has to offer; this hostel is a place where you’ll 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 doesn’t keep you busy enough, the staff organizes plenty of activities, including movie nights, drink nights, games nights, and family dinners!

Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark

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Get the real Amsterdam vibe and stay in the green heart of Amsterdam with the Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark! This hostel is centrally located right in the middle of the famous Vondelpark. This means it’s within walking distance of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. By staying here, you’ll be at crawling distance from the Leidseplein with its famous nightlife and clubs like Paradiso, Melkweg, and Jimmy Woo! If you don’t feel like leaving the hostel, there’s also an on-site bar with sports on TV and good music. There, you’ll meet fellow travelers and drink lovers! Apart from that, there’s also hearty and healthy food at great prices.

As one of the coolest hostels in Amsterdam, there are 574 beds in total, divided over two, four, six, and eight-bedded rooms and some large dorms. All rooms have a shower, washbasin, and free individual lockers. However, you have to bring your padlock or buy one at the reception. Other notable facilities include a lobby area, free Wi-Fi, a laundrette, bike shelter, bike rental, tourist info, and discount tickets. Even better, the hostel’s reception is open 24/7, and there’s no curfew! This means you can return to the hotel whenever you want!

Via Amsterdam

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For those who think the city center is too hectic and don’t want to be too far away from all the top spots of Amsterdam, Via Amsterdam is the best choice. This hostel is only 10 minutes away from the city center on foot. Within a short stroll, you’ll find tons of supermarkets, cafes, gyms, and pizzeria. As one of the coolest hostels in Amsterdam, it’s also affordable. However, this is an extremely popular hostel for the record, so make sure to book well ahead. Speaking of booking, you’ve got quite a few room options at Via Amsterdam. If you’re after a social vibe, go with the spacious dorms! Like other hostels in Amsterdam Flying Pig has to offer, there are mixed and female-only dorms. The custom-made bunks have headboards for privacy, a light, a plug socket, and a USB port.

Prefer a bit more alone time? The private rooms are just as affordable and even offer an en suite bathroom. They’re perfect for couples or those who want a guaranteed good night’s sleep. Once you’ve done all the work behind your laptop, you can rent a bicycle at the reception to explore the area. Or, if you’re not in the mood to go outside, chill in the hostel’s cinema room with a refreshing drink and a snack from the vending machine! Also, don’t forget to visit The Dude, the on-site restaurant that offers yummy international dishes. Those searching for cool hostels in Amsterdam should keep an eye on this one!

St Christophers Inn at The Winston

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The St Christophers Inn at The Winston is one of the coolest hostels in Amsterdam for solo travelers. Like the hostels in Amsterdam Flying Pig offers, 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. There’s an adults-only policy! Apart from that, it’s 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 hostel!

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 also suffer with your 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 Flying Pig has to offer. 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 school hostels in Amsterdam, this accommodation also offers free walking tours of Amsterdam, and the front door opens out onto the city’s busiest shopping street!

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 instead! Like other hostels in Amsterdam Flying Pig has to offer, 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!

ClinkNOORD Hostel

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While Amsterdam hosts many top hostels, the ClinkNOORD Hostel is easily the best. This hostel does have it all. As one of the coolest hostels in Amsterdam, it caters to all travelers. The library and workspace are especially perfect for digital nomads or students that need to get some work done on their laptops. This part of the hostel is super quiet, so you definitely won’t get disturbed. But if you feel like socializing, head for a game of pool or table football instead. Make some new friends over a lighthearted tournament or exchange cool travel stories on the comfy common room sofas! Even better, there are themed events almost every night!

On top of that, this hostel is one of the most affordable ones in town. You can opt to stay at one of the modern dorms, which offer incredibly comfy beds, private USB port stations, and enough storage space to put all of your stuff away. That said, don’t forget to bring your padlock! All private rooms have an en-suite bathroom, and they’re perfect for couples or travelers that want to treat themselves to a bit of alone time. Location-wise, you’ll love this place as well! Amsterdam Noord is known for its creative vibes, amazing cafes, and beautiful Dutch architecture. The city center and Dam Square are only a few moments away, too, so you’ll have plenty to explore.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

You’ll never go wrong by staying in Amsterdam‘s city center, also called Centrum. It’s a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with a unique vibe and history. All within an easy walking distance, you’ll encounter charming cobbled streets, high-end shopping areas, renowned cultural attractions, sprawling market squares, and lively entertainment areas packed with restaurants and bars. This area’s highlights include the Amsterdam Museum, De Waag, and the Red Light District. The cool hostels in Amsterdam are also here!

Apart from the center of Amsterdam, we also highly encourage you to experience the hidden gems of Amsterdam West. From the vibrant local hotspots surrounding Westerpark to the cozy terraces that line the leafy suburbs of Oud-West, there are so many things to see and enjoy. In the multicultural communities of Bos en Lommer & De Baarsjes, colorful grocery stores rub shoulders with trendy cafes and canalside bars. These up-and-coming neighborhoods extend into the sprawling district of Nieuw West, known for its green expanses and lakeside tranquillity.

Noord is another area that you should consider. Hop on a ferry and see how chic industrial blends into the spectacular countryside of Noord. Make your way through the urban jungle, and you’ll find a gateway to open green expanses dotted with quaint polder villages. Nextdoor, NDSM Wharf has been transformed into a creative haven, packed with flea markets, pop-up restaurants, waterside hangouts, and buzzing nightlife venues.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Amsterdam

• Foodhallen – Spend what your budget allows at this popular indoor foot court! Amsterdam’s culinary diversity is displayed in everything from crispy soft-shell crab buns at Le Big Fish to rice-paper rolls at Viet View, burgers with sweet potato fries at The Butcher, and potent drinks at the Gin & Tonic Bar. The warehouse-like hangout buzzes with activity at any time of day or night and is perfect for thawing out in inclement weather.
• The Lebanese Sajeria – Here, you’ll find lip-smacking Middle-Eastern wraps, soups, and desserts. It’s located in the boutique-lined Nine Streets area and Utrechtsestraat. While they aren’t places to linger, both are great for a quick lunch, dinner or take-away snack. 
• Skek – Run by students, this eco-friendly café off Amsterdam’s Red Light District serves no-frills, mostly organic snacks, meals and drinks. Portions are generous on both the lunch and dinner menus, featuring burgers, soups, salads and mains served in a dining room that doubles as an art gallery for young talent.

Recommended Activities in Amsterdam

• 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: Van Gogh Museum Ticket – While you’re in Amsterdam, don’t miss out on the Van Gogh Museum! With these exciting tickets, see hundreds of paintings, drawings, and letters by the Dutch master himself. You can also gain entry at your selected time slot!
• Amsterdam: Heineken Experience Ticket – Get this ticket and discover what lies behind the doors of the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam! Learn everything there is to know about the world’s favorite beer!