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From the halls of the world-class Van Gogh museum to the notorious red light district where just about every vice is catered to, Amsterdam has it all. Those who love and are familiar with the city are quick to remind outsiders that Amsterdam is more than its sins and galleries, but the fact remains that these qualities bring in plenty of backpackers. For those on a budget, here’s our rundown of the best cheap hostels in Amsterdam.
Stayokay Vondelpark
The Stayokay team has really cornered the market in the cultural hub for trendy, affordable dorms with three popular locations in Amsterdam. The Vondelpark spot is one of the largest hostels in the city and is quite special in being literally situated in the confines of the urban park. The rooms, with two, four, and six-bed options, welcomed over 75,000 guests last year. With easy access to nightlife and points of cultural significance, the hostel is a great place to meet people.
Stayokay Oost
Another smartly decorated location from Stayokay, the Oost hostel is a bit further outside of the city center (15 minutes by bike or tram) but gives a more local appeal to those wanting to get a feel for real life in Amsterdam. The building itself is not just for the hostel but shares space with a cinema and a theatre, meaning entertainment is never far away. Similar to the Vondelpark property, Oost has a bar and bikes to rent on site.
Stayokay Stadsdoelen
Our final pick from the Dutch hostel giants is their city center hostel at Stadsdoelen. Guests can enjoy views of Amsterdam’s famous canals from their rooms and a minute walk to many of the city’s attractions. Inside the hostel, backpackers from all over the world can be found congregating around the lobby’s pool table. We are certainly a fan of Stayokay, and they have a number of other hostels around The Netherlands for those curious to see more of the country outside of the capital.
Generator Hostels Amsterdam
Integrated inside of a former university for zoological students, Generator is a great budget option; it even won ‘Hospitality Design’s Best Economy Hotel’ award. The Generator team has craftily turned the old lecture hall into a lounge and bar, the library into an events room, and the original boiler room into a “secret late night bar” (don’t tell). Many rooms have windows opening up to Oosterpark, an upcoming area of the city with kitschy shops and friendly bars.
Train Lodge Hostel
Easily one of the most unique and creative hostels in Amsterdam, this new accommodation offers sleeping quarters inside former sleeper cars from the Zurich to Rome overnight train. Parked outside of the crowded city center, the Train Lodge has the advantage of having a little extra room, which the hostel utilizes as a front yard/social area. Since its popularity is still increasing, the prices at the Train Lodge Hostel remain well within budget.
Amsterdam Hostel Annemarie
One of the cheapest and nicer bed and breakfast-style hostels in Amsterdam, Hostel Annemarie has spacious rooms right in the heart of the city. While their team has multiple hostels, our choice is for Annemarie, due to their exceptional hospitality, compliments of their young, knowledgeable staff. Close to Vondelpark and Museumplein, Annemarie has ideal proximity to famous attractions like the Flowermarket and the Rembrandt Museum.