Last Updated on 2nd April 2021 by Michael McGuinness
Best Hostels in Amsterdam
Check out our picks for the Best Hostels in Amsterdam.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Amsterdam is the 8th most popular tourist destination in Europe and is a very popular "weekend destination" for visitors from other European cities. Amsterdam is, of course, renowned for its buzzing nightlife, but their many excellent tourist sights to see as well. This makes it one of the top backpacker destinations in Europe.
1. ClinkNOORD
ClinkNOORD is by far the best hostel in Amsterdam. It is located in the Amsterdam Noord district of Amsterdam, just a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. You have to take a short ferry to the hostel but this is free. ClinkNOORD has a modern tastefully designed interior and a laid-back atmosphere. You can avail of the breakfast buffet served every morning but for an extra fee.
ClinkNOORD is a huge hostel. They have many different common areas including a library (which can be used as a workspace for Digital Nomads), a sunny and spacious atrium, a café and an on-site bar. They also have a modern self-catering guest kitchen.
Every dorm (bunk) bed has its own reading light, USB socket and electric socket to charge different devices. Reception is open 24 hours and multilingual staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about all things Amsterdam related. They provide a free walking tour every day.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €21.40, Privates from €48.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra cost (€8.00), included if you book a private room
- Guest Kitchen: Yes, but it's only partially equipped
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Bar: Yes (ZincBAR)
2. MEININGER Amsterdam City West
MEININGER Amsterdam City West is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for couples. They are right beside at the Sloterdijk transport hub (trains, trams & buses) and is just a 5 minute from the main railway station.
This hostel has a very modern and contemporary design. The common areas are very spacious. The on-site bar also offers cool local craft beers and other Dutch specialities. There is a fully equipped kitchen for guest use that also includes a washing machine and dryer.
Wifi is for free in all rooms and areas of the hostel. Private rooms are of a 3-star standard. All rooms are accessed with your keycard and all rooms including dorm rooms have a flat-screen TV.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €27.50, Privates from €77.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra cost
- Guest Kitchen: Yes, but it's only partially equipped
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Bar: Yes
3. Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg
Stayokay Hostel is located on the east side of Amsterdam in a typical local neighbourhood. The hostel is only 12 minutes to the centre via public transport (Rembrandt Square is just 7 stops on tram 14). A tram stop is situated only 200 metres from the hostel and the trams are very frequent. There is also a night bus that will take you back to the hostel after a night out in the centre.
The hostel also has its own cafe/restaurant and their building shares a cinema and a theatre. The hostel staff are super friendly and the rooms are extremely clean. All of this makes Stayokay is of the best hostels in Amsterdam.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €21.50, Privates from €48.50
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra cost (€8.00)
- Guest Kitchen: No
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: Yes
4. MEININGER Amsterdam Amstel
MEININGER Amsterdam Amstel is just 5 minutes away from the centre using public transport. Alternatively, the historic old town can be easily reached by bike, in just 15 minutes.
MEININGER Amsterdam Amstel is more a hotel than a hostel. All dorm rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, hairdryer and private bathroom.
Other services available include Free Wifi, Free City Maps, Key Card Access, Reading Light, Self-Catering Facilities, Luggage Storage, Outdoor Terrace, Bar Restaurant and Vending Machines.
MEININGER Amsterdam Amstel offers 4 & 6-bed mixed as well as 4-bed female-only dorms.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €23.50, Privates from €69.50
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra fee
- Guest Kitchen: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Bar: Bar
1. A&O Amsterdam Zuidoost
A&O Amsterdam Zuidoost is by far the cheapest hostel in Amsterdam. It is located in the Bullewijk district close to a metro station (20 minutes to the city centre). Close to the hostel, you will find the Ajax Amsterdam Arena, the world-famous Endemol TV studios, the Heineken Music Hall.
Services include Free WiFi, Key Card Access, 24 Hour Reception, on-site ATM, Bicycle Hire, Luggage Storage, Games Room, Bar and Vending Machines.
A&O Amsterdam Zuidoost is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for backpackers who are on a tight budget as a bed in a dorm room starts at only €16.20 per night.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €16.20, Privates from €50.50
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No
- Guest Kitchen: No
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Bar: Yes
2. Via Amsterdam
Via Amsterdam Hostel is located on the east of the city, and only a 6 minutes metro ride away from Amsterdam's city centre and just 12 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.
The rooms have a minimalistic design. Their focus is on the super comfy mattresses along with the crisp linen and fluffy pillows. All beds have their own electric socket, USB chargers and headlight.
Facilities/Services include Free WiFi, Free City Maps, Common Room, Iron/Ironing Board at your disposal, Key Card Access, ATM, Bicycle Hire, on-site Bar Restaurant and Vending Machines.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €18.00, Privates from €90.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra fee (€6.50)
- Guest Kitchen: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Bar: Yes
3. WOW Amsterdam
WOW Amsterdam is located in the west part of Amsterdam and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the city centre (by public transport). It consists of a hostel, studios for resident artists, a restaurant, an urban farm and an exhibition space.
The WOW hostel has 352 beds divided over different types of dormitories, ranging from twelve, eight, six, four and two-bedded rooms with bunk beds. Free WiFi is available in the entire building. The WOW lobby, restaurant and urban farm are common areas where you can meet fellow travellers and like-minded people from all over the world.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms only
- Costs: Dorms from €21.40
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: Yes
- Guest Kitchen: No
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: No
Are you looking for the perfect travel backpack? Well look no further as The Nomatic Travel Bag is simply the best Travel Bag/Backpack on the market. This 30L carry-on travel bag is super durable, water resistant and has over 20 cool features.
1. Flying Pig Downtown
As it says in the name the Flying Pig Downtown is located bang in the centre of Amsterdam and only a 5-minute walk from the Main Train Station. They pride themselves as having one of the best hostel bars in Amsterdam making it the best party hostel in Amsterdam.
Every bed has a separate reading light and all private rooms come with a mini-fridge and TV. There are also free individual lockers in all rooms. A buffet-style continental breakfast available every morning for only €3.
The Flying Pig Downtown provides free use of a fully equipped guest kitchen, luggage storage, free Wifi, book exchange and their legendary hostel bar hosted frequent DJ nights and claims to have the cheapest beer in Amsterdam.
The hostel is open 24 hrs and all rooms are keycard access only.
All guests of the hostel get free entry to The Winston Kingdom which is one of Amsterdam's most famous clubs. They also offer a free walking tour daily.
The Flying Pig Downtown is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for party-goers.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €21.00, Privates from €88.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra fee (€4.00)
- Guest Kitchen: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: Yes
2. Flying Pig Uptown
Flying Pig Uptown is the original Flying Pig hostel and is located between the museum and fashion district, the Vondelpark and Leidseplein. Even though the hostel is in a more local district, it's still only 20 minutes walk to the red light district.
They have a guest kitchen and a lively bar that has some of the cheapest beer in Amsterdam and daily drinks specials. Their staff are friendly and very informative.
Every dorm bed has a reading lamp and free individual lockers.
The Flying Pig Uptown also provides free linen and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast is available every morning for an extra fee (only €3).
The Hostel is open 24/7 hours and has security at night. All rooms are keycard access only for extra security.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €19.00, Privates from €58.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra cost (€4.00)
- Guest Kitchen: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: Yes
3. The Bulldog
The Bulldog Hostel is located right in the centre of the Amsterdam, very close to the red light district and Dam Square. The imfamous hostel bar is very laid back and perfect for chilling out after a hard day of sightseeing.
Their multilingual staff are very helpful, the hostel is open 24 hours, offers Free WiFi and Baggage storage.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €20.10, Privates from €135.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No
- Guest Kitchen: Yes, but it's only partially equipped
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Bar: Yes
4. Durty Nellys Inn
Durty Nelly’s Hostel and Irish Bar is located in the centre of Amsterdam. It's only a 7-minute walk from Central Station, 2 minutes from Dam Square and only 1 minute to the Red Light District.
The standout feature of this hostel is undoubtedly it's a beautiful bar. The bar shows live sport and have a pool table. Hostel guests get a 20% discount on food at the bar.
Wifi is free & fast and is throughout the entire building. The reception is 24/7 and Durty Nelly’s multilingual staff are very helpful.
Prices: Dorms from €19.00
- Room Types Offered: Dorms
- Costs: Dorms from €19.00
- Female Only Dorms: No
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra fee (€5.00)
- Guest Kitchen: No
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: Yes
St Christopher's at The Winston
St. Christopher’s at The Winston is yet another hostel located in the centre of Amsterdam. It's 10 minutes to the Main Train Station, 1 minute to the Red Light district and 1 minute to Dam Square. The infamous Winston Kingdom Nightclub is next door.
The Hostel features an on-site bar and restaurant (Belushi's) which includes a beer garden. A continental breakfast available each morning (for €4) and free Wifi is available throughout the building.
St. Christopher’s at The Winston offers a large selection of dorm rooms as well as female-only dorms making it one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for solo travellers. Their staff are very friendly and helpful.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms, Privates
- Costs: Dorms from €24.00, Privates from €68.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra cost (€5.00)
- Guest Kitchen: No
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: Yes
Train Lodge Amsterdam
The Train Lodge is located next to the Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station where you will find all public transport connections (bus, tram, metro and train) from which you can easily access all the top tourist attractions Amsterdam has to offer. There have is a direct connection by train to Amsterdam's main airport (Schiphol).
Up until a few years ago the sleeping cars of the Train Lodge Hostel were the luxury cars of the Zurich to Rome night train. Staying at The Train Lodge will be a truly unique experience. This is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for backpackers who are looking for a unique experience.
- Room Types Offered: Dorms
- Costs: Dorms from €18.00
- Female Only Dorms: No
- Breakfast Included: No but available at an extra fee (€6.50)
- Guest Kitchen: No
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: Yes
Shelter City
Shelter City is situated in the centre of Amsterdam, close to the famous canals, Central Station, Dam Square and the Red Light District.
Shelter City is set in a historic building, which features a cafe, living room (common area) and garden.
Breakfast is free and WiFi, linen and city maps are also free.
The Reception is open 24 hours and they offer discounted tickets for canal cruises, bike hire and museums.
Prices: Dorms from €21.00
- Room Types Offered: Dorms
- Costs: Dorms from €21.00
- Female Only Dorms: Yes
- Breakfast Included: Yes
- Guest Kitchen: Yes, but it's only partially equipped
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Bar: No
Best Website to Book a Hostel
Hostelworld is by far the biggest and the best website for booking hostels. They have a monopoly on the hostel market. They happen to have the best availability and prices. The website is designed to include many filters to help find a hostel that best suits your needs. For instance, you can filter hostels by price or by rating for a particular city.
Below are handy links to the best hostels in Amsterdam by category. Just click on any of the links to check prices and availability for your dates.
- ClinkNOORD - Overall Best Hostel in Amsterdam
- A&O Amsterdam Zuidoost - Best Cheap Hostel in Amsterdam
- Flying Pig Downtown - Best Party Hostel in Amsterdam
- St Christopher's at The Winston - Best Hostel in Amsterdam for Solo Travellers
Recommended Tours in Amsterdam
I recommend GetYourGuide for Tours. They offer highly unique tours with Local Guides. Below are a selection of some of the most popular tours in Amsterdam.
- Life of Anne Frank Walking Tour - Learn about Anne Frank's life on a walking tour of Amsterdam. Hear from an expert guide about her life growing up, as well as the history of the Jewish Quarter and Second World War.
- Heineken Experience Ticket - Come and discover what lies behind the doors of the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam.
- Evening Canal Cruise - See Amsterdam at its most picturesque on a 1.5-hour canal cruise by night. Discover the historic city centre as you sail past the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend, and much more.
- Skip the Queue Ticket @ Amsterdam Royal Palace - Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens and explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam with an informative audio guide. Learn more about the history of Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden Age.
- Johan Cruijff Arena Stadium 75-Minute Tour - Feel the beating heart of Ajax while enjoying a 75-minute Arena Stadium Tour. Your guide will tell you all about the stadium and AFC Ajax.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, cancellations and much more. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance.
