Are you looking for the best hostels in Amsterdam?
Not all Amsterdam hostels are created equal. We’re here to help you pick out the best Amsterdam hostel to make your visit as memorable as possible.
Amsterdam is the 5th most visited city in Europe. Lured by picturesque canals, numerous cafes (serving tea, coffee and other herbal remedies), the Red Light District, and the promise of a vibrant nightlife the city has never been more popular.
It’s no surprise that visitors from all over the world flock to visit Amsterdam. It’s also no surprise that the city isn’t exactly the most budget-friendly destination on the planet. If you aren’t careful you can blow a whole week’s budget on a couple of nights in a hotel. That said if you want to save money while visiting Amsterdam – stay in a hostel.
Finding a fantastic and affordable Amsterdam hostel isn’t a pipe dream. You CAN find reasonably priced budget accommodations.
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The Best Hostels in Amsterdam
We don’t claim to have included every single amazing hostel in Amsterdam but we think we got pretty close. We have put together this list based on what we personally expect out of a great hostel in Amsterdam.
Clean rooms, comfortable dorm beds with power outlets, secure luggage storage, friendly atmosphere that encourages interaction (but doesn’t force it), and a communal kitchen are all super important aspects in our eyes, and we prioritize them when suggesting great Amsterdam hostels. These factors, and more, can all be found in the best hostels in Amsterdam.
You’re welcome, and happy travels guys!
Please note – Some of our selections contain affiliate links. These allow us to earn a small percentage every time you make a booking. Using our links enables us to provide all the information found on this site free of charge.
Here’s an overview of the awesome Amsterdam hotels mentioned in this article. Scroll down if you want a full description of each recommended hostel in Amsterdam!
Cocomama Hostel
Stay here if you're looking for a home away from home, a cozy atmosphere, and want to stay outside of the crowded city center.
Ecomama Hostel
Stay here if you're looking for an eco-friendly hostel with stunning decor, and an amazing atmosphere.
ClinkNOORD Hostel
Stay here if you're looking for a super social atmosphere set in a stunning, modern space.
Generator Amsterdam Hostel
Stay here if you love the reliability a brandname hostel brings, want to escape the crowded city center, and love mingling with hundreds of other guests.
Flying Pig Uptown Hostel
Stay here if you want a centrally located hostel, lots of freebies, and the luxury of opting for a queensized bunk.
Flying Pig Downtown Hostel
Stay here if you're looking for an awesome party hostel that's centrally located, and offers lots of freebies.
St Christopher’s at the Winston
Stay Here if you're looking for one of the best party hostels in Amsterdam, an uber central location, and an on-site bar with 2 for 1 deals!
Hostel Van Gogh
Stay here if you're looking for a centrally located hostel, affordable prices, and spacious rooms.
Dutchies Hostel
Stay here if you're looking for a student vibe, affordable prices, and on-site bike rentals.
Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg
Stay here if you want a central location, small dorm rooms, loads of entertainment options, and on-site bike rentals!
Cocomama
- Location: Westeinde 18, 1017 ZP Amsterdam, Amsterdam
- Independent Reviews: HostelWorld
Cocomama Hostel in Amsterdam is an award winning hostel that makes guests feel right at home with its huge garden, uber friendly staff, and resident cat. The hostel is located in a beautiful building, which was once Amsterdam’s most famous brothel, and each room (including double or family privates; 2, 4, or 6 bed dorms) is decorated in a different Dutch theme. Beds are comfy and dorms come with lockers, power outlets, and showers.
Lockers in the rooms are free, but guests bring their own padlocks to personally lock these at their own expense. They also provide extra security coin operated lockers for €2 a day.
This Amsterdam hostel has a fully equipped kitchen and even a movie corner. If you want to meet other guests, head to the large garden to socialize or choose from one of the many organized activities the hostel puts on.
The only drawback some guests might have about this Amsterdam hostel is the location. However, if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful experience, the residential setting might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Travelers looking for a cozy place to call home will agree that Cocomama is one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.
Ecomama
- Location: Valkenburgerstraat 124, 1011 NA Amsterdam
- Independent Reviews: HostelWorld
As far as beautiful hostels go, Ecomama in Amsterdam is at the top of the list. But it’s not just have a pretty face! This hostel also has a good heart and goes to great lengths to treat its guests and the environment with a lot of love. In our book that makes it one of the best hostels in Amsterdam!
We only have one planet and this Amsterdam hostel knows it. The hostel has a water-saving system, a green roof, a recycling system, and natural stone heating. It also uses recycled materials (from the bricks to decor) throughout the hostel, reducing landfill rubbish and giving the hostel a unique feel.
Ecomama is also big on encouraging a communal environment and is designed with socializing in mind. It has wide-open and large communal spaces, a teepee tent, huge kitchen, a movie lounge, and loads of organized activities. It also welcomes all travelers, regardless of whether or not they have plenty of cash to blow or are only looking for cheap places to stay in Amsterdam. Ecomama has everything from luxurious privates to 12 bed, no frills dorms, and everything in between.
If you’re looking for a hostel with good vibes where everyone is welcome, that gives back to the environment, you should strongly consider staying at Ecomama hostel!
ClinkNOORD
- Location: Badhuiskade 3, 1031 KV Amsterdam
- Independent Reviews: HostelWorld, Booking.com
Located in the Overhoeks district of Amsterdam, the ClinkNOORD hostel is just a (free) ferry ride away from Amsterdam’s central station. The hostel’s interior design oozes modern comfort and creativity despite being located in a building dating back to the 1920s.
Guests will feel relaxed from the moment they step foot inside this Amsterdam hostel, and the friendly staff goes the extra mile to help make everyone’s experience nothing short of fantastic. With multiple social areas, including a spacious atrium, library, cafe, and an onsite bar with live events, music, DJs, and performances, guests at ClinkNOORD will never get bored.
The hostel’s central location, cool environment, and beautiful decor, make ClinkNOORD one of the best hostels in Amsterdam!
Generator Amsterdam
- Location: Mauritskade 57, 1092 AD Amsterdam
- Independent Reviews: HostelWorld, Booking.com
We’re pretty big fans of the Generator Hostel brand. No matter which one of their hostels you stay in, you know you’re gonna have a professional experience. The Generator Amsterdam is no different, and is absolutely one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.
Though this Amsterdam hostel is located a bit outside of the city center and across from Oosterpark, one of the nicest parks in the city, there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area. The number 9 tram is also nearby which means it’s easy to get to the Central Station quickly.
This massive Amsterdam hostel has the capacity to host over 500 guests in private or shared rooms and the spacious design, friendly staff, and ample communal space (including an outdoor terrace, cafe, social areas, lounge, and bar) means guests will never feel uncomfortable here!
Also, for those who want a DIY experience or are on a tight budget, there is an on-site self-serve laundry and a kitchen.
Flying Pig Uptown
- Location: Vossiusstraat 46/47, 1071 AJ Amsterdam
- Independent Reviews: HostelWorld, Booking.com
If you want to stay at a centrally located hostel, the Flying Pig Uptown might be the hostel for you. It’s sandwiched between the museum and fashion districts and sits right around the corner from the Van Gogh museum. The relaxing Vondelpark is also nearby, which means free musical and cultural performances on the park’s stage are just steps away. It’s also close to a number of bars and coffee shops that are popular among the local crowd.
If you like free stuff (who doesn’t?), you’ll love this Amsterdam hostel. Breakfast, lockers (if your bring your own lock or cheap coin operated lockers), linens, walking tours, and maps are all available at no extra cost for guests. There is also a kitchen and onsite bar with has cheap beer, daily drink specials, and a smoking area.
Dorm rooms are designed with comfort in mind and most beds include a reading lights and charging points. Flying Pig even has queen-size bunks in case you want a little extra space! All of the above combine to make the Flying Pig one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.
Best Party Hostels in Amsterdam – Flying Pig Downtown
- Location: Nieuwendijk 100, 1012 MR Amsterdam
- Independent Reviews: HostelWorld, Booking.com
Much like its sister hostel, The Flying Pig Hostel Downtown in Amsterdam is centrally located, offers lots of freebies, and plenty of socializing opportunities.
It’s also constantly recognized for its cleanliness, has a unique bar with cheap beer, a smoking room, and smoking terrace. You’ll enjoy free breakfast, linens, and lockers (free with your own lock or cheap coin operated ones) here too, and comfy dorm or private rooms. There is an on-site kitchen, so cooking up your own meals is easy peasy.
This Amsterdam hostel is located only ten minutes walk from the Central Station and near restaurants, pubs, a busy shopping street, and the Red Light District, so it’s a great option for anyone looking for a centrally located hostel in Amsterdam. And for anyone looking for the best party hostel in Amsterdam, of course.
Best Party Hostels in Amsterdam – St Christopher’s at the Winston
- Location: Warmoesstraat 129, 1012 JA Amsterdam
- Independent Reviews: HostelWorld, Booking.com
St Christopher’s at the Winston Hostel is smack dab in the middle of it all! It’s steps from the Red Light District, coffee shops, Dam Square, and only a 10 minute walk from the Central Station. So, if central is what you’re after, consider the Winston.
Additionally, the award-winning Amsterdam hostel has a bar, beer garden, and smoking area so guests can kick back, relax, and socialize throughout the day and night. Guests also enjoy a 25% discount at the bar on food and drink at the bar and 2 for 1 deals, and free continental breakfast, so keeping your budget down here is pretty easy to do.
Hostel Van Gogh
- Location: Van de Veldestraat 5, Oud Zuid, 1071 CW Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Independent Reviews: Booking.com, HostelWorld
Hostel Van Gogh is a fantastic hostel in the center of Amsterdam, just 300 meters from the cities biggest museums – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Hostel Van Gogh’s ideal location in the center of the city is just one of the reasons why it’s one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.
This Amsterdam hostel offers private rooms and dorm rooms for very affordable prices. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and beautifully decorated with paintings from the Post-Impressionist master. Some of the hostel’s facilities include free luggage storage, secure locker facilities, bicycle hire and a tour/travel desk service where you can book day trips and city tours. We forgot to mention that they offer a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast every day for just 5 euros!
If location is an important factor for you when choosing your accommodation, then you can’t go wrong with Hostel Van Gogh. Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, and some of Amsterdam’s best pubs and clubs – including the world famous Paradiso – you’re within walking distance to everything you need!
Dutchies Hostel
- Location: Sara Burgerhartstraat 21A, Bos en Lommer, 1055 KV Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Independent Reviews: Booking.com, HostelWorld
Located in the West area of Amsterdam, Dutchies Hostel has a student vibe and youthful atmosphere about it, so it’s a great choice if you’re a solo traveler looking to make some friends! Dutchies Hostel is clean, secure and friendly, making it one of the best hostels in Amsterdam for travelers on a budget.
Offering mixed and female only dorms at very affordable prices, this Amsterdam hostel is decorated throughout with graffiti, which gives the place its unique character. There’s a bar on site serving great cocktails, and plenty of areas to socialize and chill out when you’re not off exploring Amsterdam.
You can hire bicycles from the front desk, so you can explore the city like a local. Although the hostel isn’t in the center of the city, it’s well connected by tram and metro so you can reach the center in no time at all. If you’re looking for a friendly and sociable hostel that doesn’t compromise on cleanliness and comfort, then Dutchies Hostel is one of the best in Amsterdam.
Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg
- Location: Timorplein 21, Zeeburg, 1094 CC Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Independent Reviews: Booking.com, HostelWorld
Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg is a modern hostel situated close to the center of the city, which you can access by bike within 15 minutes. The hostel offers double, family and dorm rooms which are all sleek, modern and spacious. Everything you require for a comfortable stay in historic Amsterdam.
This Amsterdam hostel shares its space with a cinema and theater, and also offers a bar-brasserie, restaurant and summer terrace. So there’s plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained! Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg provides a delicious breakfast for a small charge, and we hear it’s very good!
You can rent bikes at the reception, and they also offer a laundry service and a playground for kids. The great location, friendly staff and affordable price are why it’s one of the best hostels in Amsterdam.
Want more options? Click for all of the awesome hostels in Amsterdam?
By the way, did you know that Amsterdam is the best connected city in Europe according to a study of Omio, the online booking platform for comparing trains, busses and flights? They have researched and compared travel times from the airport, bus station and main train station to the city center of 35 European cities and Amsterdam is number 1!
So there you have it guys, our guide to the best hostels in Amsterdam. We hope you enjoy your visit to this awesome city as much as we did! As always happy travels, and we’ll see you on the road!
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Sponsorship Disclaimer: Thank you to Omio for sponsoring this article. As always, opinions expressed are completely our own.
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I recently visited Amsterdam. We stayed in an awesome houseboat hostel called AmicitiA. I really enjoyed having the houseboat experience as they are so common in Amsterdam!
Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Wow! Great list! I’m moving to The Netherlands in the fall and might need a place to crash when I arrive. I’ll definitely refer to your list when I do 🙂
This is brilliant. I usually end up staying in Airbnbs, but am tempted to experience at least one of these!