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5 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

Whether you’re ready to party or in search for peace and quiet

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  • 23 November 2018
  • • 7 min read

If you’re travelling to Amsterdam on a budget, the most affordable choice of accommodation is hostels. They’re not only cheaper than hotels but the social atmosphere that comes with hostel life makes it so much easier to make new friends on the road. The Dutch capital has plenty of hostels dotted around the city to choose from whether you’re on a tight budget or have a little more to spend. Whether you’re looking for a party hostel in the city centre or a quiet hostel away from the party scene, we have you covered with our round up of the 5 best hostels in Amsterdam. Here, we go into depth about why these hostels are so great!

THE PLACE TO PARTY AND HAVE A GREAT TIME:

This modern and arty backpacker hostel in the centre of Amsterdam is just moments away from the neon-lit Red Light District and numerous of the city’s best pubs, clubs and bars. The Winston is the perfect place to base yourself whether you’re with a group of friends or travelling solo because you're guaranteed to meet awesome people at the hostel bar, hostel parties or in your dorm.

Some of the perks include being entered into a draw to win a luxury holiday if you book direct, free walking tours, a beer garden, private rooms, female-only rooms and modern POD beds in the dorms. The hostel and its rooms are splattered with epic artwork designed local artists, a pretty awesome touch.

The hostel has its very own bar downstairs called Belushi’s, the centre of all the fun. The rockin’ bar hosts happy hours, parties, live DJs, drink deals, beer pong, live sports and more - plus the food menu is all about the burgers! If you plan to stay out late in the city, the hostel offers a 24 hour reception so you can party as late as you like. While the party will never let you down at the Winston, the hostel during the day time is relaxed, quiet and chilled so you can benefit from the best of both worlds. Just a short 3 minute walk from Dam Square and Centraal station, it’s easy to get around.

Pretty much all you could ask for from a hostel: Central location, Modern, Party atmosphere, Young crowd, Long Happy Hour and Free breakfast!

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THE HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR YOUNG BACKPACKERS

The Flying Pig Uptown hostel is the place to stay if you’re looking to get your culture fix in Amsterdam because it’s located in the bustling museum district. Just a few minutes walk from the Van Gogh museum and a 5 minute walk to Leidseplein Square (home to Amsterdam nightlife), the location of this hostel is a winner for culture vultures AND those looking to party. The tram line lies right outside of the hostel so you can get around easily if you want to explore more of Amsterdam than just the centre. The hostel is a hub of young backpackers who love the chilled out vibe of the hostel - it even has its own smoking room and buzzing bar.

Located in a very beautiful old Amsterdam mansion overlooking Vondelpark, the hostel boasts some real character - but the inside of the hostel is far from old. Modern, clean and spacious, The Flying Pig Uptown is a great choice of hostel in the city. Hippie art adorns the doors and walls of this hostel giving a unique feel. The hostel even has it’s very own resident cat.

The hostel restaurant serves up delicious food (the pizza is our favourite) and the bar always has fun events going on. The Flying Pig has a real family vibe about it and we’ll call you liar if you come back and say you made no new friends.

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THE FAMILY FRIENDLY OPTION (KIDDIES ALLOWED)

STAY OKAY

For families with kids, you are probably looking for a hostel that’s less party and more kid friendly. Why shouldn’t families get to benefit from awesome hostel prices and fun atmosphere too? In Amsterdam, Stay Okay has you covered. This hostel caters to families with children with its very own family rooms for up to 6 people. It’s a very safe hostel with two branches in Amsterdam; try the one in Amsterdam Oost, a vibrant neighbourhood with close links to the city centre. Stay Okay is one of the only hostels in Amsterdam that allows babies and children, most hostels have age restrictions but you won’t have that problem here.

Breakfast is included here and it’s a safe environment that you can be sure you and your little ones will enjoy. Stay Okay is a little more expensive than the other hostels in the list but it’s great if you have a family and looking for that extra comfort and peace and quiet. Guests recommend this hostel if you’re looking for a quiet night in Amsterdam. The hostel in Amsterdam Oost is close to the Brouwerij 't IJ windmill and brewery too.

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IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FEMALE-ONLY ACCOMMODATION

HOSTELLE

Girls, you’re sorted in Amsterdam if you’re looking to stay in an all-female hostel. Hostelle is a fun, modern hostel that aims to provide ladies a safe and secure place to stay in the city at a budget. It’s actually the first all-female hostel to have opened in the Dutch capital. Hostelle has been fitted with nice touches such as DVDs, a DVD player, a shared lounge area, a shared kitchen. The fabulous decor throughout is contemporary and funky with plants and photos throughout, plus little touches of pink! The  themed art in the rooms pay tribute to legendary women of our time past and present, some of the rooms have awesome themes. The bathrooms are modern, spacious and fun with big mirrors and pretty floor tiles. Hostelle has made the hostel very comfortable and practical with a 24 hour reception.

Founded by women for women, it makes sense that all of the lovely staff at Hostelle are female too. The hostel even has its very own garden and in the summer you can enjoy the garden parties.

If you’re looking for a hostel with female-only dorms but still open to the boys, we would recommend trying St Christopher’s At The Winston or the Flying Pig because both of these hostels offer female only rooms within mixed sex environment.

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THE PLACE TO CHILL OUT IN THE DAY, AND PARTY AT NIGHT

Looking for a hostel in downtown Amsterdam? The Flying Pig has a second location just a stone’s throw away from Dam Square and Centraal Station and of course the bustling Red Light District. Such a great location for young backpackers looking for easy access to Amsterdam’s greatest sights and attractions.

The Flying Pig Downtown is also one of the best party spots in all of Amsterdam with the hostel located above a modern bar that has a pub feel. The bar is popular spot in the city to have a drink and socialize whether you’re a backpacker, local or student. Guests love this hostel because you’re always going to meet new people, there’s always a group hanging out at the bar, playing pool or socialising. There are always fun events, bar crawls, group activities and parties organised by the hostel so you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time. The 24 hour reception means no curfew if you go out clubbing!

Offering an indoor smoking area, guests are allowed to smoke in this room only. You can also use the guest kitchen to cook your own meals if you’re on a tight budget.

Fill yourselves up for the day with a free breakfast every day, only if you book direct on the Flying Pig website. In the dorm rooms, every bed has a reading light and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel. There are also private rooms available for those looking for some more privacy and ‘me’ time.

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