This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. It is the most populous city in the Netherlands with over 750,000 people. The greater Amsterdam area is home to over 1.4 million people (about 10% of the whole population of the Netherlands). The city dates back to the 13th century, when the first wooden buildings were built on the site of modern-day Amsterdam. Today, Amsterdam is a vibrant, culturally influential city with many lodging choices.
Amsterdam's hostels are probably the most cost-effective of those choices. Pay close to attention to the location of the hostel you are interested in. There are plenty of renowned museums in the city (e.g. the Rijksmuseum which holds works by Rembrandt, the Van Gogh Museum which curates Vincent van Gogh's work, and the well-known Anne Frank house). The city is also home to one of the world's most famous orchestras, the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest. They play at the corner of Museumplein at the concert house (Concertgebouw).
When you visit an Amsterdam hostel, keep in mind that the city is very well known for the centuries' old tradition of acceptance and open-mindedness. This is a city where prostitution is legal, and the (in)famous Red-Light District, there are coffee shops that sell cannabis products, and there is a vibrant nightlife with over 1500 bars and cafés that attract a lot of tourists. Leidseplein is also one of the nightlife centers.
Amsterdam is a city of unique features and architecture. Hostels in Amsterdam are also very diverse. Here is our guide about youth hostels in Amsterdam. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money here because the city itself, along with most of the Netherlands, is a bit expensive.
Written by local enthusiast for Amsterdam hostels
Miika
