Hi there,
My friend and I (both mid-twenties females) are spending a few nights in Amsterdam later this month. We're booking through Airbnb, and are wondering if anyone can recommend an ideal area or neighbourhood for us to focus on. We don't mind walking but would like to be somewhere safe, central, and lively.
Any tips about what to do while we're there would be great, too!
Thanks!
Laura
Take a canal tour via one of the boats . . . great way to see the area & learn about Amsterdam. The Anne Frank House was one of my favorite things . . . truly life changing and very emotional. Get tickets online before you leave to avoid lines there. They give you a great brochure that you can read thru as you go thru each room. Take a Gouda & wine tasting at one of the many cheese shops . . . we used TripAdvisor to get lots of ideas about what to do there and where to eat. It's a very walkable city, but we did use the bus/rail system to get to the VanGogh Museum.
The neighborhood of Vondelpark is pretty safe and within walking distance of Leidse Plein which turns into Leidse straat(=street) and a nice shopping area . Keep going and you are in the center. Van Gogh museum.& Rijksmuseum are not too far either. Vondelpark is a nice park for walking and people watching but after dark I would not go inside ; common sense I think . Make sure to get a map !
Jordaan is centrally located, very hip, and extremely safe. Quite frankly, I don't feel like Amsterdam feels especially dangerous in any area (especially if you're from America like I am). Amsterdam is actually ranked 22nd safest city out of 215 world cities. Just stay out of the Red Light district late at night (earlier is fine) and you'll be okay. Even though "Ieder kaasje heeft zijn gaatje" (every cheese has it's holes: nothing is perfect), Amsterdam certainly has less holes to be wary of!
Arie, what list are you referring to? I wouldn't mind taking a peek. Thanks.
Thanks for the responses! We've been trying to focus in and around the Jordaan area, but there is VERY limited availability, and the only things we've found anywhere close have been hotels over $300 a night. Any suggestions? We can budget up to $150CAD per night, and are comfortable in a hotel or rental apartment or Airbnb room etc. We're just coming up totally dry. Also, if we're not able to end up in the more central area around Jordaan, what would you recommend regarding more distant alternatives with good transport or walkability? Any other areas to definitely avoid?
Thanks!
Laura
If you're interested in a B&B, you could see if The Eelhouse has any availability. It's a great place in the Jordaan, although it's in a quiet neighborhood so might not be too lively. You are within easy walking distance though of more livelier places. Big breakfast every morning in your room, plus complimentary beer, wine, juice and water in the frig.
Laura, we stayed at the Prinx Studio Apartments on Haarlemerdykstraat, which is, I believe, close to if not precisely in that area. Nice people to work with, nice stay. Living room area, separate bedroom, bathroom, equipped kitchen. It was around your price point a couple of years ago. Good luck.
