20 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam but worried about finding budget-friendly accommodations, you’re in luck! Like many European cities, Amsterdam has an extensive selection of hostels that offer reasonable rates.

Some hostels in Amsterdam offer private rooms (usually for a higher rate), while others are set up like dorm rooms. Hostel prices depend on the location, the room type, and the included amenities. You’ll find that some of the cheapest hostels offer large dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and few amenities.

Many of the city’s most amazing hostels are near the city center, allowing easy sightseeing during the day. You’ll also find some hostels geared toward solo travelers, while others are considered party hostels.

We’ve compiled a list of the best hostels in Amsterdam so you can plan your trip accordingly. There’s a wide range of awesome hostels with various services and amenities, so hopefully, our guide will help you narrow down which hostels in Amsterdam are right for you.

Top Picks for Amsterdam’s Hostels

1. Hostelle

Address: Bijlmerplein 395, 1102 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands

As one of three Hostelle locations in Europe, Hostelle Amsterdam offers safe accommodation for women traveling alone. This hostel offers female-only dorms with 4, 8, and 10 beds set up as bunk beds.

Each room has wall sockets, lockers, a reading light for each bed, and shelves. You’ll find the beds comfy and with fluffy pillows – this isn’t the case with all hostels! Some of the rooms are decorated by local Amsterdam artists, but they all have a theme.

This is the perfect spot for female travelers that want a cheap hostel, as the price is very budget-friendly. You can also grab some food at the supermarket nearby and cook in the kitchen to save money.

Hostelle is only 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, and you can buy metro, tram, and museum tickets at the front desk if you plan to travel to central Amsterdam.

This adorable and quaint spot is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam if you are a female and want to feel comfortable staying with other females.

Pros:

• Female-only hostel
• Close to supermarket
• Suitable for female solo travelers

Cons:

• Not quite in the city center
• The area is not super safe to walk around at night alone

See Related: Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam’s Nine Streets District

2. Meininger Amsterdam City West

Address: Orlyplein 1 – 67, 1043 DR Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located only two minutes from the Sloterdijk train station, the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West is the perfect hostel for a one-night or multi-night stay. The modern rooms are clean, comfortable, and affordable, ranging from private rooms to multi-bedded ones.

Each room has electrical sockets, a clothes rack, lockers, a TV, and reading lights for all the beds. The rooms also include a bathroom with a shower and toiletries.

It’s a great base camp for seeing all the sights in the city, from playing beach volleyball at Strand West to visiting the Rijksmuseum. Bikes are available for rental, but you can also take the train one stop to reach the Central Station.

If you’re looking to save money, you can cook your food in the fully equipped kitchen or get snacks at the onsite bar. Guests can hang out in the lounge or game zone to play pool or a heated game of foosball.

It’s no surprise that this is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam, with its amenities and proximity to the train station. Whether visiting Amsterdam solo, with friends, or as a couple, the Meininger Amsterdam City West is a great place to stay.

Pros:

• Multiple room options (including private rooms)
• Close to Amsterdam Sloterdijk train station
• A bar for adults and game room for kids

Cons:

• The city center is not within easy walking distance

3. Hostel Van Gogh

Address: van de Veldestraat 5, 1071 CW Amsterdam, Netherlands

It’s no surprise that the Hostel Van Gogh is conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum and other fantastic museums like the Rijksmuseum. It’s within walking distance of almost everything in Amsterdam, including Vondelpark, a fantastic green space with bike trails and flower gardens, as well as Westerkierk Bell Tower, and the bars and clubs in Leidseplein.

With four floors and 52 rooms, this modern hostel has options for single, double, triple, and quadruple beds. Unlike many of the hostels in Amsterdam, this hostel only has twin beds, no bunk beds. The private bathrooms are excellent, with hair dryers and complimentary toiletries.

They have a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for a nominal fee. It’s worth the cost since there’s no kitchen to prepare your own food.

With no curfew, you can stumble in at any time of night from the clubs. All guests have a key card, and there is security on site.

Pros:

• Everything within walking distance
• Tram is available nearby
• Multiple types of rooms available, including private rooms

Cons:

• It can be loud at night with stag parties and hen do’s (that’s bachelor and bachelorette parties) as well as groups of university students
• Many guests mention the cheap beds are uncomfortable

See Related: Spots for the Best Views of Amsterdam

4. Cocomama

Address: Westeinde 18, 1017 ZP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cocomama is a boutique hostel in Amsterdam that offers Dutch-themed rooms ranging from private doubles to dorms with six beds. The feather duvets and luxury mattresses make this one of the best hostels in Amsterdam, combining comfort and affordability.

You can purchase groceries at the nearby market to cook in the kitchen or grab a bite out on the town. However, you’ll love the common room and the garden area, where travelers from all over the globe share their stories. The staff at Cocomama also organize fun activities like game and movie nights.

All of the rooms at Cocomama have power outlets and lockers, with toiletries like soap and shampoo included. While bed linens are included, you may have to rent a towel.

Guests at Cocomama like the large back garden and the new resident cat. If you’re looking for one of the more fun and quirky hostels in Amsterdam, you’ll want to stay here.

Pros:

• Cute resident cat (although it could be a huge con if you’re allergic to cats!)
• Luxury mattresses and feather duvets
• Great location
• Free breakfast

Cons:

• Some reviews say the hostel is older and outdated compared to others in town

5. Durty Nelly’s Inn

Address: Warmoesstraat 115, 1012 JA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Durty Nelly’s Inn is smack dab in the middle of the Red Light District. This Amsterdam hostel is close to many popular attractions, including Durty Nelly’s Bar, where you can enjoy discounts on food and drinks. Some might say this is a party hostel with nightly pub crawls, a fantastic location, and an 18+ requirement.

There are no private rooms here, but there is an option for a capsule bed, which offers better sound insulation and more privacy than a standard bunk bed. The smallest room contains six beds, while the largest has twenty.

There are four shared bathrooms for all of the guests. All rooms include lockers, power outlets, trunks, and reading lights.

There is no curfew at Durty Nelly’s, so you can party all night in the Red Light District and return to your dorm whenever. But it’s important to know that other guests may be doing the same thing, so it might be loud. For this reason, they offer free earplugs at check-in.

If you’re young and hip, you’ll find that Durty Nelly’s is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.

Pros:

• Many options for rooms, including capsule beds
• Great location in the Red Light District
• Bar located downstairs with discounts on food

Cons:

See Related: Best Cities in the Netherlands to Visit

6. Stayokay Amsterdam Stadsoelen

Address: Kloveniersburgwal 97, 1011 KB Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you’re looking to be close to everything but not in the middle of the fray, Stayokay Amsterdam Stadsdoelen is the ideal hostel. Located on a quiet street near Dam Square and the Red Light District, this historic hostel is the perfect blend of a chill hostel and a party hostel.

While there are no private rooms, this hostel offers rooms with eight, sixteen, and twenty beds. Most rooms provide a gorgeous view of Amsterdam. The hostel has a restaurant and bar, and the breakfast is highly rated.

This is the best hostel in Amsterdam for backpackers and young travelers who want to see the top sights. You’re within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and the train station. This location also provides discounted tickets to many of the popular attractions in the area.

Pros:

• Near Amsterdam Centraal Station
• Discounted offers for local attractions
• Located on a quiet street near a lot of famous sights

Cons:

7. Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam

Address: Kerkstraat 136-138, 1017 GR Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam is the best option for those wanting a cheap hostel in Amsterdam. Located on a cozy and quiet street, the Hans Brinker Hostel is around the corner from some of Amsterdam’s best nightlife. You’re also five minutes from the top museums and Vondelpark, one of the most fabulous parks in the Netherlands.

This cheap hostel offers good value for the money, with basic accommodations in a good location. The Hans Brinker Hostel offers single rooms up to dorm rooms with eight beds.

There’s a restaurant and bar downstairs, making it easy to crawl back up to your room whenever you’re done for the night. If you want to chill out, their colorful common area is a popular place to hang out with other travelers.

Guests love the Hans Brinker Hostel for its clean and affordable accommodations as well as its proximity to all of the fun in the heart of Amsterdam.

Pros:

• Close proximity to most of Amsterdam’s top attractions and nightlife
• On-site bar
• Bike rental available
• One of the best cheap hostels in Amsterdam

Cons:

• Amenities are lacking (which is saying something for a hostel)

See Related: GoCity Amsterdam Review: Is it Worth it? 

8. Flying Pig Downtown Hostel Amsterdam

Address: Nieuwendijk 100, 1012 MR Amsterdam, Netherlands

Guests at Flying Pig Downtown love the location, only five minutes from Centraal Station. This hostel is perfect for party animals, solo travelers, and groups who want to experience some of the best nightlife in Amsterdam.

Solo travelers can book a private room or a dorm with bunk beds. All rooms offer free linens, lockers, and a reading light. Most of the rooms have a toilet and shower.

The real draw of this hostel is the hostel bar with cheap beer and DJ nights, where you can play pool, dance, or chill out. The onsite restaurant offers a buffet breakfast for a small fee, but you can always grab a few items from the market and cook in the guest kitchen.

With no curfew, you can stay out as late as you want and stagger back to your room but realize that other guests may be doing the same thing. It can get rowdy at times!

Some may say that the Flying Pig Downtown is a party hostel, but it’s what you make of it.

Pros:

• Right next to Amsterdam Centraal Station
• Free walking tours
• DJ nights
• Great for solo travelers and backpackers

Cons:

• Can be loud due to the lack of a curfew

9. Flying Pig Beach Hostel

Address: Parallel Boulevard 208, 2202 HT Noordwijk, Netherlands

Although the Flying Pig Beach Hostel isn’t technically in Amsterdam, we couldn’t avoid putting it on our list. This is one of the most awesome hostels located at the beach of Noordwijk, just 35km outside Amsterdam. The beach hostel is close to Rotterdam, Leiden, den Haag, and Haarlem, allowing you to explore more of the Netherlands.

Unlike the Flying Pig Downtown, the Noordwijk hostel is full of beach activities, from kiteboarding and surfing to swimming and beach volleyball. Of course, you can also go biking, hiking, skateboarding, and horseback riding.

The beach and bar are the biggest highlights of this Flying Pig location, but shopping and museums are nearby for something else to do.

Like many hostels in Amsterdam, the Flying Pig Beach Hostel is open 24 hours, so you can stay out all night long if you wish. The free breakfast is a bonus, but there is also a supermarket nearby if you want to grab snacks.

Since it’s not technically in Amsterdam, we won’t say it’s one of the best hostels in Amsterdam, but it’s definitely the best beach hostel on this list!

Pros:

• Suitable for day trips to Amsterdam, Amstel, Haarlem, Rotterdam, Leiden, and den Haag
• One minute walk to the beach
• Free breakfast
• There’s a supermarket nearby

Cons:

• Located 35km outside of Amsterdam proper

See Related: Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas & Places to Stay

10. Flying Pig Uptown

Address: Vossiusstraat 46, 1071 AJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Flying Pig Uptown is located between the fashion and museum districts, giving guests plenty of opportunities to explore many extraordinary sights! Not only can you spend your day checking out the museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, but you can also walk to restaurants and bars. It’s also close enough to walk to the Red Light District if you’re interested in visiting one of the many coffeeshops or the Sex Museum.

This youth hostel overlooks the Vondelpark and is located in a historic mansion. However, most guests say this hostel is like staying at someone’s house rather than a traditional hostel.

With thirty rooms, sleeping from three to fourteen guests, there’s something for everyone. Like most Amsterdam hostels, they provide a reading light, lockers, and free linens.

The hostel bar is the happening place, with cheap beer, fun events, and a laid-back atmosphere. There’s also an indoor smoking area if you choose.

While they offer breakfast for a nominal charge, you can also use their kitchen to save some money.

This youth hostel is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam!

Pros:

• Guest kitchen
• No curfew, but there is night security
• Vondelpark right outside the hostel
• Onsite bar

Cons:

• It can be loud into the night

11. St. Christopher’s at The Winston

Address: Warmoesstraat 129, 1012 JA Amsterdam, Netherlands

St Christopher’s at the Winston is the place to stay if you want to partake in anything at the local coffee shops of the Red Light District, enjoy the onsite beer garden, or participate in the daily walking tours. This fun hostel also has a lift, an uncommon feature in most Amsterdam hostels!

At Belushi’s Bar, you can play a game of nine-ball pool, watch sports, or chow down on towering nachos, delicious burgers, or spicy wings. You will receive a discount as a hostel guest at the restaurant and bar, saving you some money.

The hostel staff will help you plan trips or book tickets for Amsterdam attractions. Or, feel free to stay at the hostel and chill out in the beer garden.

Pros:

• Walking tours available
• Elevator/Lift available (rare in Amsterdam hostels)
• Walking distance to Red Light District
• Onsite bar with a beer garden

Cons:

• No place to socialize like in other hostels, except in the bar

See Related: Cheap Places to Visit in Europe

12. Shelter City Hostel

Address: Barndesteeg 21, 1012 BV Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Shelter City Christian Hostel is a low-key hostel located in a charming Amsterdam townhouse. This is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam if you’re looking for a quiet and clean place to stay.

This Christian hostel is close to the Anne Frank House, the Basilica of St. Nicholas, the Rembrandt House, Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, and the famous Rijksmuseum. The proximity to Amsterdam’s sights makes this one of the best hostels in the area!

Shelter City offers basic rooms which sleep from four to sixteen guests, with bunk beds, lockers, and bed linens. (Note: this hostel only allows single-sex dorms and gender-segregated bathrooms.)

Shelter City has many amenities, including complimentary breakfast, a game area (where you can play ping pong and darts), a cafe, group activities, and nightly entertainment. You can also rent bikes here to go sightseeing around town.

Pros:

• Outdoor terrace
• Located in the Red Light District (which could be a con for some travelers)
• Relatively quiet compared to other hostels in Amsterdam

Cons:

• No drinking or smoking allowed (some may consider this a pro – but it’s kinda weird for Amsterdam)

13. Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark

Address: Zandpad 5, 1054 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark is an up-to-date hostel housed in a former red brick schoolhouse. The location, combined with the amenities, draws guests from around the world.

Not only is it close to the famous museums, but it’s also adjacent to the favorite Vondelpark. When the weather’s nice, you can rent a bike from the hostel and enjoy the local sights.

This hostel offers private rooms and shared dormitories that sleep from four to ten guests. You can also choose whether to stay in a single-sex or mixed-gender dorm. If you’re traveling with kids under twelve, you must book a private room. Each room has lockable cabinets and a bathroom.

The trendy restaurant and bar are perfect for dining and chatting with other travelers. You can also play a round of air hockey or a game of pool in the hostel’s game room. Or you can head to nearby Leidse Square for a more diverse choice of bars and restaurants.

If you’re looking for trendy or modern accommodation close to many local sights, you’ll love the Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark. It’s easily one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.

Pros:

• Multiple room styles, including private rooms
• Bicycle rental available
• Children are allowed in private rooms
• Very modern and up to date

Cons:

See Related: Amsterdam Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken

14. Shelter Jordan Christian Hostel

Address: Bloemstraat 179, 1016 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Shelter Jordan is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for Christian-based accommodation in the trendy Jordaan District. A mere two minutes from the hostel is a street lined with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can also visit attractions like the Flower Market, Anne Frank House, and the Moco Museum.

This modest hostel has almost 100 rooms with same-sex dorms only, with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. They offer complimentary breakfast, a guest lounge with darts, a communal fridge and microwave, and a lovely courtyard with seating.

If you’re looking for one of the alcohol-free hostels in Amsterdam, you’ll want to stay at Shelter Jordan. While it’s not guaranteed, it’s likely that this hostel is a tad more modest, quiet, and calm than other hostels in Amsterdam.

Pros:

• No smoking or alcohol allowed (although potentially a con depending on your preferences)
• Fantastic location in the Jordaan District

Cons:

15. Central Station Hostel

Address: Steenhouwerssteeg 5, 1012 HJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you want to explore Amsterdam’s famous sights, the Central Station Hostel is the perfect place to stay. This hostel is located in the city center, next to Dam Square, and minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.

Although the hostel has a central location, it’s on a side street away from the crowds and noise. It’s also a drug and alcohol-free hostel, ensuring that a good night’s rest is on the horizon. In addition, this youth hostel only allows guests between the ages of 16 and 40, with no stag parties or groups larger than six guests allowed.

Since everything is walkable from this hostel, you don’t need to hop on a tram or the metro to go anywhere. That said, you can always rent a bike and get to your destination quicker.

If you’re looking for one of the less rowdy hostels in Amsterdam, the Central Station Hostel should be on your shortlist.
Pros:

• No drugs or alcohol allowed
• Supermarket in walking distance
• Quiet and peaceful

Cons:

• Basic accommodations with very steep stairs

See Related: Holland vs Netherlands: What’s the Difference?

16. Ecomama

Address: Valkenburgerstraat 124, 1011 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located at the end of the famous Red Light District, Ecomama focuses on sustainability, like natural stone heating, fair-trade materials, and waste recycling. But its eco-friendly style doesn’t mean that it’s any less posh. It’s a perfect romantic getaway for a couple or even a small group with its location, eclectic decor, and natural light.

With seven different room types, there’s likely something for you. You’ll find the 12-bed dorm the best fit for the budget conscious, but you can also book a Love Shack cabin or a Friend’s Twin cabin for something more private. This new hostel in Amsterdam prides itself on its super comfortable mattresses (which isn’t true of most Amsterdam hostels), so you can get a good night’s sleep here.

There is a great communal space with a large tent for lounging and indoor swinging chairs. While you can hit the town for your dining needs, there is also a fully equipped kitchen if you want to prepare your meals.

This highly-rated spot is easily one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for many reasons, but the location, the comfort, and the design are the biggest reasons.

Pros:

• Several room types are available
• Ecofriendly
• Convenient location near the Red Light District
• Great common areas

Cons:

• More expensive than other hostels in Amsterdam

17. CityHub Amsterdam

Address: Bellamystraat 3, 1053 BE Amsterdam, Netherlands

CityHub Amsterdam may be located in a historical building, but everything else about the experience is modern. This hostel is perfectly located near restaurants, bars, and shops and minutes from popular attractions like the Van Gogh Museum.

The rooms are different from any other Amsterdam hostel, with capsule rooms that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. These private rooms offer very little space, but they’re quiet and private. There are shared bathrooms, but they have great showers and incredible amenities like curling and flat irons.

This modern experience is keyless, so guests use a wristband for everything, including purchases. If you want some privacy, you can hang out in your capsule room, but there are also common areas for hanging out and grabbing a drink from the self-serve bar.

This highly-rated hostel is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for privacy, location, and comfort.

Pros:

• New and modern
• Capsule-style rooms offer privacy
• Self-service bar

Cons:

• Some guests complain of noise

See Related: Best Parks in Amsterdam to Visit

18. Dutchies Hostel

Address: Sara Burgerhartstraat 21a, 1055 KV Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dutchies Hostel is a relaxed accommodation near restaurants, cafes, and shops and within walking distance of a tram stop. You can also rent a bike, head to popular places like Vondelpark or the Anne Frank House, or take a bus to the Museum District.

Dutchies offers dorms with 6, 8, and 10 beds, all arranged as bunk beds. There are also family rooms if you are traveling with kids.

Each room is beautifully decorated with a different theme, like Dutch Royalty, Audrey Hepburn, Football, and Van Gogh. Like many hostels in Amsterdam, Dutchies Hostel provides a locker and reading lamp for all beds and power sockets in the rooms.

Shared bathrooms are in the hallways, with separate male and female showers and toilets.

No lift or stairs are necessary here as everything is on the ground floor. If you’ve stayed in other hostels in Amsterdam, you’ll know that many have narrow stairs and no elevators.

There are common areas, a kitchen if you want to make your own meals and a bar. They also offer free luggage storage.

Some might say that the lack of narrow stairs makes this one of the best hostels in Amsterdam, but the gaming room, bar, and spacious dorms make this a hot spot.

Pros:

• An eclectic spot with great vibes
• Free coffee and tea
• Right next to a supermarket

Cons:

19. Bulldog Hotel

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 220, 1012 GJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Bulldog Hotel is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District near Dam Square, close to almost all of Amsterdam’s top attractions. In addition, it’s next door to the world-famous Bulldog Coffeeshop, where you can legally partake in some of the good green stuff.

While it’s a lively joint (and not exactly the cheapest hostel in town), it doesn’t allow bachelor/bachelorette parties, which keeps it from getting too wild. The Lounge Bar is the most popular part, where you can have a pint and meet many young international travelers. Or, you can head to the rooftop terrace to enjoy views of Amsterdam.

Like many hostels in Amsterdam, you can choose from 8, 10, or 12-person dorms. Thankfully the bathrooms are inside the rooms, so you don’t have to run down the hallway with a towel and extra clothes.

Pros:

• In the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District
• Next to the famous Bulldog Coffeeshop
• 18+ only

Cons:

• It can be loud, with guests returning to the rooms at all hours
• Bachelor/bachelorette parties forbidden

See Related: Most Beautiful Villages in the Netherlands

20. Generator Amsterdam

Address: Mauritskade 57, 1092 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Generator Amsterdam is a hip and new hostel in a former zoological building. The former university lecture hall, now a designer hostel located in east Amsterdam, is home to a lounge and bar, and there’s a dining area in the former boiler room. This modern hostel overlooks Oosterpark and is just a few minutes from the tram.

All dorms sleep four people and come with lockers, but private rooms are also available. The top floor is a 2-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living room, and great views of the city.

You can eat your meals on the outdoor terrace of the Generator Amsterdam cafe or venture out on your own to discover cafes and restaurants.

The highly-rated hostel is popular for many reasons, but the Generator Amsterdam is new, comfortable, and modern, making it one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.

Pros:

• Brand new designer hostel
• Beautifully designed and decorated
• Fantastic location overlooking a beautiful park

Cons:

• A little far from the city’s most famous sights

Related Resources