best neighborhood to stay in Amsterdam

I am a committed AirBnB user, but I wouldn't stay in one again in central Amsterdam due to the effect on the local housing market (much has been written about this). If you want to stay in an apartment, I recommend staying outside the city near a transit stop.

I wouldn't stay in an Airbnb in central Amsterdam, but the best neighbourhood has historically been the Grachtengordel, particularly the Golden Bend.

If that is best for you I don't know

I really liked the de Pijp neighborhood, and rented a room in a house there on Airbnb. The neighborhood is close to many sites using public transport, is very walkable, has lots of Middle Eastern eateries, and cafes with sidewalk terraces. The wonderful Albert Cuypmarkt had so much to offer, and there is some lovely green space in Sarphatipark park, with English-style gardens, ponds and meadows. It's right outside the Ring but is really easy to get the center. There was a tram just a block from my Airbnb and I could get just about anyplace on that within 5 to 15 minutes. It's also not as touristed as other areas, which is a plus in my book.

We love AirBnb too, but they are very hard to find in the Netherlands (Amsterdam in particular) because of the strict rules there.

We liked staying at Hotel de Hallen, which is located a little outside the canal belt but still very close to everything. I think it's in the Amsterdam Oud-West area, but I don't know what the neighborhood is called actually.

Being outside the canal belt though helps with the price, and you feel a little more like you're in a neighborhood where people actually live (or it seemed that way to us at least). This particular hotel was also located next to the aptly-named Foodhallen, which was a very lively food hall with lots of choices for good/easy meals and a fun scene.

In any case, Amsterdam trams make it very easy to get around - in short, it's worth expanding your view outside the immediate canal belt.