Are you thinking about exploring Amsterdam on your Interrail trip? It is one of the most popular destinations for interrailers and there is so much to do in the city (check out our guide to Amsterdam).
Most interrailers will want to keep their budget tight, so you will probably be looking at staying in a hostel. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic choices to consider. Here’s our top 6:
Flying Pig Beach Hostel
This hostel is perfectly situated if there are multiple places you want to see and explore in the Netherlands, like Amsterdam, The Hague and Haarlem. As the name suggests, it’s also right on the beach! So you can combine your city trips with the beachside and get the best of both worlds.
Free breakfast is provided and there are shuttles into Amsterdam. A great budget option if you don’t want to fork out for the more expensive central locations.
It’s very much a hostel that allows you to live how you like when you want. For instance, there’s a full kitchen you can use to cook your own meals if you don’t want to head out for a meal. There’s also a dedicated smoking room.
Those looking for somewhere quiet to relax may wish to look elsewhere however. At night, the hostel becomes a pub and while it’s not quite a nightclub it can be loud. A sociable spot with a party atmosphere, you’ll quickly make friends here.
Stayokay Amsterdam Oost
Located in a 20th-century schoolhouse, this hostel is certainly more modern than it first appears. In fact, there’s an elevator inside which means that you won’t have to worry about climbing countless stairs to your room after a long day exploring Amsterdam. Breakfast isn’t free here but it is certainly budget friendly with a full buffet for just seven euros. Certainly one of the greatest advantages of staying here is that you’re in the heart of the action. The city centre is just a tram ride away.
Another key point to be aware of is that this isn’t like your typical hostel. Instead, it feels more like a hotel, which might be an attractive option for some. If you’re looking to get your own space and aren’t interested in communal areas, this could certainly be the spot for you. You’ll get a cosy experience where you can unwind through the day or even the evening in peace. You’ll still meet people if you choose to but for the most part, this can be a very secluded spot.
Damrak Inn
This hostel is located close to the Red Light District and Amsterdam Central station. As such, if you are keen to go beyond the city it could be a great choice. As well as this, the staff here can help you arrange tours and trips to different locations or entertainment options around the city. This is another hostel that doesn’t have a communal area and is once again, more like a hotel. It’s set up more as a place where you can rest your head after a long day exploring the centre of the city or perhaps going further afield.
The main selling point here is certainly the staff. This hostel, unlike some others, has staff on hand 24/7. The benefit of this is that you won’t have to worry about trying to find your own way around Amsterdam. Instead, you can always ask them for help and assistance. Coupled with the great location, assuming you are not looking for more from your hostel, it’s a strong contender for your travel trip to this city.
One point to be aware of is that this isn’t a quiet hostel. Indeed, it’s quite loud and you would probably expect as much staying in a city centre location. You can literally walk out the door in the evening and almost immediately find a party, an event or some fellow travellers looking to meet new people.
Generator Amsterdam
Generator is a chain of hostels with a real design-led focus. Dotted across Europe, you can be confident that any stay at one of their hostels will be comfortable. So, if you are look for an artsy place to stay filled with contemporary decor and stunning designs the Generator Amsterdam could be a great choice. With a beautifully raised cafe and various stunning communal areas, this is a great place to meet new people and you can even rent a bicycle. Many people believe that bike is the best way to explore the city (check out Amsterdam Bos Forest as well!) so this is a great selling point for many people. The hostel also hires multilingual staff which means wherever you are from, you’ll be able to get the information you need.
While this is close to the city, it’s not quite in the centre. As such, it’s a far more gentle and peaceful experience than the other possibilities on this list. There are also some fantastic views from your room, so if you are spending the day reading or perhaps even studying, you’ll find that this is a great place to stay. The beds here are incredibly comfortable too so the only problem is you might not want to leave!
Meininger Amsterdam City West
It’s always great when a hostel has a certain level of character and this one certainly fits that description. The design is beautiful and there are actually massive pieces of artwork on the wall and around different areas. Communal spaces are wide and open so that you can meet people wherever you choose to hang out. If you’re looking for a place that goes beyond the typical hostel food, this is always a great choice. There are cocktails, waffles and so much more. This location is somewhat like a mixture of a hotel and a hostel. There are both private and shared rooms while there’s also a chance to cook your own free pasta as well as a large fridge. The menu is different each day too so there’s a certain level of variety here.
It’s not located in the centre of the city. It is however, quite close to one of the train stations so if you don’t mind the travel, this could be a great spot to rest your head. While some solo travellers may have issues meeting people through the day, in the evening the hostel becomes a party and is crowded in every communal area.
Amsterhouse B&B
This isn’t quite as stylish as something like the Meininger. Instead, the decorations here are far more simple and basic. However, you certainly can’t complain about the location. The Red Light District is just across the road making this the perfect central spot. You get large rooms here too and you might find it feels more like staying in an apartment than a hostel. Again, this might be suited for solo travellers who want to meet plenty of new people and make friends. However, for those looking at touring the city and staying somewhere with plenty of comfort, it could certainly fit the bill.
We hope you find this advice helpful when looking for the perfect hostel for you while in Amsterdam.
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