Why choose a hostel in Amsterdam?
Few cities pack as much into a walkable area as Amsterdam does. The canal ring, largely built during the 17th century, gives the city a distinct character you won't find elsewhere in Europe. The Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House are both within easy reach of the centre, and the city rewards travellers who slow down and explore on foot or by bike. Accommodation costs here can climb fast, which is exactly where hostels in Amsterdam make sense.
Hostels suit solo travellers and groups equally well. Shared dorms keep costs low without sacrificing location, while private rooms give you more space at prices that still undercut most hotels and private rentals. Beyond price, hostels offer common areas, shared kitchens, and a social atmosphere that apartment-style stays rarely match. It's a practical choice that also connects you with other travellers passing through.
How to find the best hostel deals in Amsterdam
Love how simple it is to compare flights with us? The same clever search engine has a talent for hunting down deals on hostels too. Give these tips a go to find the right stay at the right price.
Book in advance
Planning ahead can make a big difference when booking budget hostels in Amsterdam. You'll usually have more choice and a better chance of lower prices, especially when demand is higher.
…or bag a last-minute Amsterdam hostel deal.
Things usually get more expensive closer to your stay. But in off-peak season, late bargains can still pop up when hostels have rooms to fill.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
If your dates aren't already locked in, compare different months or seasons to find the best deal. Weekdays are often easier on the pocket than weekends, so even small shifts can make a difference.
Where to base yourself in Amsterdam
The Canal Ring is worth weighing up if you're considering hostels in Amsterdam and want to be close to the action. The Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum are all within easy reach on foot or by tram. Smaller restaurants and brown cafes line the side streets, keeping costs manageable if you eat away from the main squares. Trams run frequently, so getting across the city takes little effort. De Pijp sits just south of the Canal Ring and moves at a quieter pace. The Albert Cuyp Market draws locals most mornings, and the neighbourhood has a solid mix of casual bars and affordable places to eat. Tram stops nearby connect you to Centraal Station and other parts of the city. Where you stay comes down to how much activity you want right outside your door.
Best hostels in Amsterdam
Hostel ratings on Skyscanner are taken from genuine traveller reviews, covering everything from cleanliness and service to overall experience and facilities. Whether you're chasing adventures for less or want something a little more comfortable, these scores make it easy to compare options and find a place that suits you.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that ticks all the right boxes, you can't go wrong with Intersail Hostel - Avontuur. It gets glowing reviews for its value, location and service.
Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen also brings plenty to the table. Guests give it high ratings for its location, service and its value, so you can expect more than just the basics.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
If a clean, comfortable hostel is essential, The Bee Hostel fits the bill. Guests give it top marks for cleanliness, with extras like shuttle services and a games room.
Well-presented rooms and tidy shared spaces are also standard at Cabins Hotel Amsterdam. Along with solid cleanliness ratings, it offers a safe deposit box and air conditioning.
Hostels with the best customer service
You'll be in good hands at Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen. This hostel in Amsterdam is rated highly for its customer service and comes with a lounge and luggage storage.
The Bee Hostel is also known for its customer service, with travellers praising the staff for going out of their way. Luggage storage and a ticket office are a couple of the amenities here.
Centrally located hostels
A convenient location is one of the main draws at Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen. With a bar, a games room and plenty more, you'll have all you need to feel at home.
Or start your adventure at Guesthouse Czaar Peter. Extras like parking and heating bring even more value to this well-located base.
Hostels near the best neighbourhoods in Amsterdam
Hostels in Zuid
Zuid is one of Amsterdam's more polished neighbourhoods, with wide tree-lined streets, great cafes, and a relaxed energy that rewards slow exploration. The Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark are close by, and public transport connects you easily to the rest of the city. Hostels in Zuid attract travellers who want comfort and character in equal measure. It's a solid base with plenty to keep you busy.
With an overall guest rating of around 4.6 out of 5, The Elephant Hostel is one to bookmark. This accommodation option in Zuid comes with amenities like bicycle rentals and a bar.
The Bee Hostel also knows how to make guests happy. This stay is rated around 4.4 out of 5 by travellers and has perks like Wi-Fi and tour services.
Hostels near the best attractions in Amsterdam
Where to stay near Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is one of the largest collections of work by Vincent van Gogh anywhere in the world. It holds hundreds of his paintings, drawings, and letters, tracing his career from early dark realism to the bold colours he's famous for. Travellers searching for hostels near Van Gogh Museum are close to a dedicated space built entirely around one artist's life and output.
Getting to Van Gogh Museum is simple when you stay at Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark. A lift and a laundry are part of what guests can expect at this hostel in Amsterdam.
Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Stadsdoelen is another convenient choice close to this attraction. Amenities like a games room and luggage storage are the start of the things you'll find here.
Hostels close to Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum draws travellers from everywhere, and it's easy to understand why. Rembrandt, Vermeer, and centuries of Dutch art and history are all under one roof, making it one of those places you can spend half a day in without noticing. Staying at hostels near Rijksmuseum means you can take in the collection at your own pace, duck out for coffee, and come back for more.
The Elephant Hostel makes an excellent base for visiting Rijksmuseum. You'll find a lounge and Wi-Fi at this hostel in Amsterdam.
Another solid option close to this attraction is The Bee Hostel. This hostel comes with amenities like a laundry and shuttle services.
Anne Frank House hostels
The canals around hostels near Anne Frank House weave through the Jordaan, one of Amsterdam's most charming districts. You'll find independent boutiques, brown cafes, and small art galleries tucked along the waterways. The Noordermarkt hosts a weekend market with local produce and vintage finds. Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht offer great spots to grab a coffee and watch canal boats drift past.
From heating to a laundry and more, Intersail Hostel - Avontuur has plenty going for it. Book this hostel in Amsterdam and you'll be well placed to explore this attraction.
Staying close to this top sight is just as convenient at THIS HO(S)TEL. You'll find amenities like a bar and a lift here.
