Where To Stay In Amsterdam First Time With Family 2025:
Stress-free areas
Deciding where to stay in Amsterdam with family can be a bit tricky.
Why? Well, like many European cities, Amsterdam is often seen as the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway or a fun trip with friends, rather than a family-friendly destination – at least at first glance.
Popular activities for tourists in Amsterdam often include sightseeing, visiting famous museums, shopping along Kalverstraat, or exploring the important but somber story of Anne Frank. These may not be the most interesting options for younger children.
You can skip the introduction of this article by clicking the button below. But if you want to know why I think Amsterdam is still a great destination for families, read on.
The Old Town, while vibrant, can get quite crowded, and the city’s liberal stance on recreational drugs and prostitution means that certain areas aren’t the most family-friendly. We’ll talk about which areas to avoid a little later.
But don’t worry: Amsterdam has so much more to offer. The more you immerse yourself in the family-friendly activities available in this lively city, the more excited you’ll be.
From cycling through beautiful streets with unique architecture to taking a boat ride along the canals, indulging in Dutch delicacies like fries and stroopwafels, or enjoying one of the many parks, Amsterdam has all the ingredients for a perfect family-friendly city break. And when the kids start to lose interest, you can always head to the impressive Artis Zoo or the interactive NEMO Science Museum for some extra fun.
I’ve visited Amsterdam countless times and I’m sure I can give you some great tips to help you get the most out of this historically rich city, even if you’re traveling with young children.
Let’s get straight to the point!
Bottom line: The best areas to stay in Amsterdam with kids are Westerpark, Jordaan, Oosterdok, Oud-West, Oud-Zuid, Plantage & Jewish Quarter, and Grachtengordel.
All of these neighborhoods are located just outside the Old Center, offering more space, quiet, and a family-friendly atmosphere, while still providing easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Since the Old Town is often crowded and noisy, especially in the evenings, it’s often better for families to stay elsewhere and explore the center during the day.
One of the best options for families is Westerpark, a quiet area close to the heart of the city. It offers spacious hotels, access to parks, and doesn’t feel too crowded, while still being just a ten-minute walk from the main attractions.
The Jordaan is a little closer to the center, so it attracts couples and families rather than party-goers. It’s a lively area, but still family-friendly.
Oosterdok is just as quiet as Westerpark, though it lacks many activities in the immediate vicinity. It’s ideal for those looking for a quiet stay with easy access to Amsterdam’s historic center.
Oud-West and Oud-Zuid are more residential and offer an authentic local experience. Both are further from the city center but have good access to museums and the Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest green space, perfect for strolling and picnicking.
The Plantage & Jewish Quarter is another solid option if you want to stay close to the city center. Although it’s close to the Red Light District, it’s easy to avoid that area and enjoy a family-friendly stay.
If your budget allows, the Grachtengordel, with its picturesque canals and iconic leaning houses, is unbeatable. Although it’s pricey, it offers the best central location in all of Amsterdam.
The best areas to stay in Amsterdam first time are:
1. Westerpark
On the west side of the Jordaan, a well-known and charming working-class neighborhood in Amsterdam, lies Westerpark.
As the name suggests, this family-friendly district is connected to Westerpark, a large green space perfect for families to enjoy.
Although Westerpark is centrally located, it offers a quiet alternative to the hustle and bustle of the Old Town.
Once a working-class area, this vibrant and rejuvenated neighborhood is now filled with unique shops and restaurants to explore.
Here you’ll avoid the crowds of partying people and, with a rented bike, you can comfortably explore the city at your own pace.
The only downside is that some of Amsterdam’s main attractions are a bit further away, but in exchange, you get to stay in a quiet and spacious part of the city.
To be clear, you’re still in a central location, but at the end of the day, you can return to a quieter area with your family, which we think is ideal.
Pros: A quiet and family-friendly area in Amsterdam with plenty of hidden gems.
Cons: Some of the city’s highlights are a bit further away, so renting a bike is recommended.
2. Jordaan
The Jordaan is an iconic Amsterdam neighbourhood, offering a more central location compared to Westerpark.
Originally built in the 17th century during the Golden Age as a working-class area, the Jordaan has evolved over the years into a slightly more upmarket neighbourhood. However, it retains its charm with local bars and a vibrant community as it remains largely residential.
Residents here are known for their outspokenness, speaking their minds honestly and warmly – a common trait in the Netherlands, but even more pronounced in the Jordaan.
Although less spacious than Westerpark, the Jordaan puts you right in the centre of the action.
The famous Anne Frank House is located here and within a few minutes you can walk to Amsterdam’s iconic canals and marvel at the city’s rich architecture.
A short walk east along the canals brings you to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam – one of the many perks of staying in the Jordaan.
Pros: More central location, lively atmosphere in the neighborhood.
Cons: Less spacious.
3. Oosterdok Island
If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay in Amsterdam without losing a central location, Oosterdok Island is a fantastic option.
This small man-made island was once a dock for boats and is now home to some of the best hotel chains. It offers a quiet and secluded atmosphere, despite being right next to Amsterdam Central Station and just a five-minute walk from the Old Town.
With higher hotel prices, the type of tourist found here is unlikely to spend the day in coffee shops (the ones that don’t drink coffee), making it an ideal place for families, if that fits your budget.
Being next to Central Station, it’s easy to arrange day trips, although the neighborhoods recommended above are also fairly close to the station.
A highlight of Oosterdok Island is its proximity to the NEMO Science Museum, an impressive interactive space that’s fun for all ages.
However, beyond its peaceful atmosphere, central location, and museum, this area doesn’t offer much in terms of entertainment. For dining and activities, you’ll need to head into town.
Like the first area we recommended, Oosterdok Island is a great place to return to after exploring the city, offering a quiet retreat in the evenings.
Pros: Quiet area, central location but away from the hustle and bustle.
Cons: Limited entertainment and dining options.
4. Oud-West (Old West)
Oud-West, or the Old West, is a large and vibrant area located just above Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most iconic park.
This authentic neighborhood is packed with boutiques, trendy cafes, and designer shops, making it one of the trendiest areas in the city.
Although there are tourists, they are far fewer than in the Old Town, making Oud-West a great place to experience everyday Amsterdam life.
If you and your family like trying new dishes, this area is one of the best options. It’s home to the trendy De Hallen, an upmarket food court, and Ten Katemarkt, a great spot for street food and snacks.
Staying in Oud-West also puts you close to Amsterdam’s canals, Vondelpark, museums, and iconic architecture.
Getting around can be a bit tricky, though, as the area is a bit far from Amsterdam Central Station. Renting a bike or using public transportation is highly recommended.
Pros: Trendy area, great food options, good location near parks and attractions.
Cons: Getting around can be a bit tricky, renting a bike is recommended.
5. Oud-Zuid (Old South)
Oud-Zuid, meaning the Old South, is the area just below Oud-West, encompassing the iconic Vondelpark, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the lively Albert Cuyp Market.
Oud-Zuid is home to The Pijp, a vibrant neighborhood where students and people from diverse cultures reside. While Oud-West is more modern, Oud-Zuid offers a more authentic experience of Amsterdam, without the glitz.
Its genuine charm attracts visitors who want to see what everyday life is like in the city, while also offering plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore.
Walking to the historic center from here takes a bit of time, so, as in Oud-West, renting a bike or using public transportation is recommended.
Pros: Authentic atmosphere, a true taste of Amsterdam life, close to all the major sights.
Cons: It’s a bit of a walk to the historic center; renting a bike is recommended.
6. The Plantage and the Jewish Quarter
The Plantage and the Jewish Quarter are fairly quiet neighbourhoods located just behind the bustling tourist areas of Amsterdam, so they are often overlooked by visitors.
Located close to the Red Light District and bordering a less exciting part of the city, these areas are not usually the first choice of tourists. However, their calm atmosphere, proximity to the Artis Zoo and abundant greenery make them ideal places for families, especially the Plantage, as the Jewish Quarter is closer to the lively Wallen district.
Both neighbourhoods offer the advantage of being close to the city’s old town, with sights such as the Rembrandt House Museum, the Old Church and the famous Tuschinski Theatre nearby. If you’re visiting on a rainy day, we highly recommend checking out the Tuschinski Theatre, the most famous cinema in the Netherlands.
Overall, you’re close to the heart of the city, but the area is still quieter compared to the more touristy areas. However, family-friendly hotel options here are fewer than in other recommended areas, though there are still a few worth considering. Just because you’re close to the red light district doesn’t mean you have to go through it, though.
Pros: Central location, unique sights nearby, close to Artis Zoo.
Cons: Can get a bit boring compared to other areas.
7. Grachtengordel (Canal Belt)
The last area we recommend for families in Amsterdam is Grachtengordel, also known as the Canal Belt.
This area surrounds the Old Town and is famous for its iconic, gently sloping houses that line the canals. These historic buildings, which have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2010, were once used by wealthy merchants to store goods that arrived by boat. The houses are purposely tilted so that the boxes can be hoisted directly from the boats using pulleys attached to the roofs.
Staying in one of these iconic buildings is a dream for many tourists and a status symbol even for local Dutch people. As a result, hotel prices in this area are high, especially for families.
However, if it fits your budget, Grachtengordel is one of the best places to stay. The neighborhood is spotless and you are centrally located, just a five-minute walk from the Old Town.
Of course, this prime location comes at a hefty price.
Pros: Stunning architecture, canal-side location, prime central location.
Cons: Expensive.