The 14 Best Hostels in Amsterdam Whether You’re Backpacking Solo or Globetrotting with the Family

• Why We Love It: central location, in-room amenities, social common spaces
• Nightly Rate: From $57

ClinkNOORD can be found just across the water from Amsterdam’s central station, which makes it an ideal homebase for exploring most neighborhoods. The hostel is built in an old 1920s laboratory and it has a clean, modern vibe that guests will appreciate. There are tons of room options, from private ensuites to dorm rooms to family rooms, which means it will appeal to solo travelers, groups and families alike. There’s a café and bar onsite, as well as a breakfast buffet, guest kitchen, laundry and bike rental. There in-room amenities are equally thoughtful, with USB ports available in all bunks. The common spaces at ClinkNOORD encourage a social atmosphere, even for those who are no longer in their twenties, so you’ll walk away with a few new pals.

• Why We Love It: central location, budget, friendly, lively
• Nightly Rate: From $82

Located in the heart of central Amsterdam, the Hans Brinker Hostel is hands down the city’s best budget accommodation. It’s relatively basic in terms of amenities, with an option of single, twin or eight-person dorm rooms, but the vibe is friendly and open-minded. It’s the sort of spot where you can easily explore the best of the Amsterdam by foot or bike, and where you might make a few new friends. There’s a lively bar and the hostel serves breakfast and dinner for guests (although there’s plenty of dining options nearby). Their slogan is “What you see is what you get… Just don’t look too closely.” It’s cheeky good fun, especially since Hans Brinker delivers what you want in a good hostel: location, location, location. 

• Why We Love It: female-onlyroom options, stylish vibe, hip and welcoming
• Nightly Rate: From $45

Generator is adjacent to Oosterpark, slightly outside of Amsterdam’s center, but the hostel is a favorite with many travelers thanks to its expansive collection of rooms and common areas. Pick between a private guest room or a dorm, all of which have a stylish vibe (there are several female-only dorms for those who prefer it). It’s the sort of place where you likely won’t spend a lot of time in the room, however—the social spaces are welcoming and hip, including a library, a café and two bars. Generator is known for its events and activities, like karaoke, so it’s easy to get to know your neighbors. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and most types of travelers will feel welcome here.

• Why We Love It: artsy and unique, cocktail bar, all-day food service, bike rental
• Nightly Rate: From $57

For something out of the ordinary, book a room or bunk in Hotel Not Hotel, an arty hostel with private and group accommodation. Everything is themed, so you might end up sleeping in an old tram cart or behind a secret bookcase. There’s a cocktail bar and all-day food served at a restaurant aptly named Kevin Bacon, as well as a bike rental shop. It’s notably clean and a great place to connect with off-kilter travelers like yourself. The neighborhood is a quick tram ride from the center of town, and there are lots of bars and restaurants in the surrounding streets (don’t miss the stalls in the nearby Foodhallen). Travelers continuing onward through the Netherlands can also find a Hotel Not Hotel in Rotterdam.

• Why We Love It: shared and private rooms, bike rental, suites and kitchenette options
• Nightly Rate: From $70

Traveling alone can be equal parts liberating and lonely, but Via Amsterdam is a good spot to meet some fellow nomads. It has a vibrant, eclectic feel with lots of communal spaces and planned activities. The minimalist rooms vary from shared to private (including family options) and all-female dorms are available. The hostel’s restaurant, The Dude, serves up American eats, while The Bar plays host to daily events, from beer pong to karaoke to sports viewing. Bike rental is available at reception, which is recommended as the hostel is a bit of hike from central Amsterdam. Those who prefer something more upscale can book into Via’s suites, which offer private rooms and kitchenettes.

• Why We Love It: privatecapsule quarters, calm atmosphere
• Nightly Rate: From $68

CityHub advertises itself as part hostel and part hotel, but it’s more akin to a high-tech capsule hotel. Guests get their own “hub,” a mini hotel room with a bed and storage, and then share a common bathroom. It’s a great way to keep your budget down while maintaining a sense of privacy while you relax and sleep. There’s a hang out area for spending time with friends or meeting new people, but you’ll need to venture outside for food and drinks. The vibe is casual and respectful—this isn’t a party hostel—so expect a calmer atmosphere than some of the other hostels around town.

• Why We Love It: Red Light District, liberal attitude, budget-friendly
• Nightly Rate: Inquire for rates

Bunk up in the heart of the Red Light District at the Bulldog Hotel, a hostel built out of the city’s first-ever coffee shop (aka weed store), the Bulldog No. 90. Although it’s called a hotel, the sparse but decent accommodations are both private and shared (the mixed dorms are the most budget-friendly). There’s a funky lounge bar, but travelers will likely want to explore the neighborhood and take advantage of the bars, sex shops and coffee shops in the area. It’s a low-key spot with a liberal sensibility that will suit those coming to Amsterdam to partake in the more adult-themed activities. Nearby, don’t miss House of Fries, a great spot for a snack after the coffee shop.

• Why We Love It: on-sitecinema, social calendar, proximity to attractions
• Nightly Rate: from $122

Cocomama embodies a cozy boutique feel perfect for travelers looking for something a bit more high-end. The rooms, which range from Dutch-themed private ensuites to dorms, are unique and cool. The hostel, a former brothel, is located in the hip De Pijp neighborhood, and there’s a cinema, guest kitchen and communal living room to enjoy. It’s a relatively small hostel, which means you’ll make friends easily, and there’s an ongoing social calendar for the guests. The location puts you walking distance from many attractions, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. This is a good one for couples and groups of friends who prefer a quieter night in.

• Why We Love It: eco-friendly, in-house café, quiet, women’s-only dorm
• Nightly Rate: From $109

You probably never imagined your Amsterdam hostel would have views of the iconic canals, but some of the rooms at Ecomama deliver. Located near the Red Light District, this eco-friendly hostel has eight room types, ranging from ensuite doubles to 12-bed door rooms. Miraculously, many of the rooms, even those that are shared, look over the canals, allowing lots of daylight in. The vibe is hipster casual and the friendly hostel feels like something you might find in Brooklyn. There’s an in-house café, free WiFi and cozy common areas for relaxing. The hostel doesn’t accept large groups, so this isn’t the pick for a rowdy bachelorette party.

• Why We Love It: modern, quirky, proximity to museums, restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, bar, bike rental
• Nightly Rate: From $60

Head for the center of Amsterdam’s Vondelpark to discover the Stayokay Hostel, a modern and quirky hostel situated adjacent to the city’s favorite museums. It’s a notably clean, well-designed option with private and shared rooms, all of which have their own ensuite and feel very bright and airy. There’s a restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, as well as a bar, and the property can set you up with a bike rental to explore the neighborhood. Those looking to socialize will find activities like game nights and live music, and the spacious common rooms are great for a laidback chat. Nearby, you can visit all of Amsterdam’s museums, from the Rijksmuseum to the Moco Museum.

• Why We Love It: women only, solo friendly, themed rooms, bike rentals
• Nightly Rate: Inquire for rates

Hostelle is Amsterdam’s only all-female hostel (it also has locations in London and Barcelona), making it ideal for solo travelers or BFFs who want some added safety and camaraderie. The hostel features dorm rooms in varying sizes, each of which has its own theme, including an appropriate all-pink dorm. There is a garden, library, self-service kitchen, laundry and bike rental service, as well as a comfortable common space for hang-outs. The location can be a downside for those hoping to experience the tourist spots, but most of Amsterdam is easily accessible via tram or bike.

• Why We Love It: party-ready, relaxed vibe, free breakfast
• Nightly Rate: From $60

The Red Light District and Dam Square are a hop away from the Flying Pig, a party-ready hostel located in an 18^th-century historic building. The hostel, which offers free breakfast (you’ll need it to cure your hangover), has a seriously relaxed vibe where drinking and smoking are the norm. The dorm rooms are big—think up to 18 people per room—but there are all-female dorms and a few private ensuite options. All things go here, so be prepared for a rowdy crowd. This one is 18 and over, for good reason, so leave the kids at home.

• Why We Love It: part Irish pub, proximity to train station, rain showers
• Nightly Rate: Inquire for rates

Don’t let the name put you off. Durty Nelly’s is part hostel and part Irish pub, located a short walk from the central train station. The dorms are sparse, but surprisingly nice, with rain showers in the bathrooms. The pub itself is very lively, making this one a good pick for travelers who enjoy a cold pint and some live music. The location is key, as well: Durty Nelly’s gives you quick access to numerous attractions. While it may not be Amsterdam’s nicest or trendiest hostel, it is very good value for the money.

• Why We Love It: beer garden, music events, free walking tours, central location, women-only dorms
• Nightly Rate: Inquire for rates

St. Christopher’s emphasizes the social element of staying in a hostel with its outdoor beer garden, live music and DJ nights, nightly pub crawl tickets and free walking tours. The rooms were designed by up-and-coming artists and there are both shared and private options for travelers (including an all-female dorm). Because the hostel is so central, it’s the perfect place to stay while hitting the city’s nightclubs and cocktail bars (don’t miss the nearby Super Lyan). Anyone hoping to hit the hay early might want to look elsewhere. Pro tip: If you book St. Christopher’s directly online you can score free breakfast.