The least expensive central option is to take a dormitory bed in a hostel – and there are plenty to choose from: Hostelling International places, unofficial private hostels, even Christian hostels. Most hostels will either provide (relatively) clean bed linen or charge a few euros for it, though frankly your own sleeping bag might be a better option. Many hostels also lock guests out for a short period each day to clean the place, and some set a nightly curfew, though these are usually late enough not to cause too much of a problem. Note that many hostels don’t accept reservations from June to August.
An old favourite with backpackers, Bob’s is a lively place with small, basic dorm beds for around €20 per person, including breakfast in the coffeeshop on the ground floor. They also let four apartments (€70 for two people, €80 for three). Just 10 minutes’ walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Part of the Bulldog coffeeshop chain, with a bar and DVD lounge downstairs complete with leather couches and soft lighting. Dorm beds with TV and shower start at €27, including breakfast, and there are also double bunks available and rooms for €90, as well as fully equipped apartments from €130 – all with bathrooms and TVs. Trams #4, #9, #16 or #24 from Centraal Station to Dam Square, then a 3min walk.
Clean, large and well run by ex-travellers familiar with the needs of backpackers. Free use of kitchen facilities, no curfew, there’s a late-night coffeeshop next door and the hostel bar is open all night. Justifiably popular, and a very good deal, with mixed dorm beds from just €20 depending on the size of the dorm. Just a 5min walk from Centraal Station.
The closest to Centraal Station of the two official hostels, with clean, semi-private dorms at €20 for members, who get priority in high season; non-members pay €23.50. Price includes linen, breakfast and locker, plus use of communal kitchen. The bar overlooks the canal and serves good-value if basic food, and there’s a 2am curfew (though the door opens for three 15min intervals between 2am and 7am). Metro Nieuwmarkt, or trams #4, #9, #16, #24 or #25 from Centraal Station to Muntplein. See also the city’s other HI hostel, the Stay Okay Vondelpark, which has a greater choice of rooms.
Well-established and raucously popular Amsterdam hostel, with around 600 beds. Dorms are basic and clean and beds go for €25 and upwards, and en-suite singles, doubles and triples are also available for €40 a head. The facilities are good: free internet after 10pm, disco every night, and it’s near to the buzz of Leidseplein too. A hostel to head for if you’re out for a good time (and not too bothered about getting a solid night’s sleep). Walk-in policy only. Trams #1, #2 or #5 from Centraal Station to Prinsengracht.
An excellent budget option on a peaceful little canal in the heart of the city. Small, simple rooms sleeping up to four with shared facilities cost around €25–30 a head during summer and twin rooms €130–160. Young, friendly staff. Trams #1, #2 or #5 to Prinsengracht.
The better of the two Flying Pig hostels, facing the Vondelpark and close to the city’s most important museums. Immaculate and well maintained by a staff of travellers, who understand their backpacking guests. Free use of kitchen facilities, no curfew and good tourist information. Fourteen-bed dorms start at €14.90 per person and there are a few two-person queensize bunks, as well as double rooms (€31.90). Great value. Trams #1, #2 or #5 from Centraal Station to Leidseplein, then walk.
The better of the city’s two HI hostels, with a bar, restaurant, TV lounge, internet access and bike shed, plus various discount facilities for tours and museums. Rates start at €20 per person in a shared dorm, including use of all facilities, shower, sheets and breakfast, but there are private rooms too (€95). Secure lockers and no curfew. To be sure of a place in high season you’ll need to book at least two months ahead. Trams #1, #2 or #5 from Centraal Station to Leidseplein, then walk.
