Amsterdam hostels are some of Europe’s best — design-forward, social, well-located, and surprisingly comfortable for the price. Dorm beds start at €20-30 per night in low season; private hostel rooms at €70-110. This complete backpacker’s guide covers the 10 best hostels in Amsterdam, what each is good for (party, quiet, budget, design), neighbourhoods to choose, what to expect from dorms vs privates, booking tips, and how to make hostel life in Amsterdam work for you.

Quick Picks

• Best for partying: Flying Pig Downtown or Bulldog Hotel.
• Best for design lovers: Generator Amsterdam.
• Best on a strict budget: ClinkNOORD or Stayokay Vondelpark.
• Quietest: Hostelle (women-only).
• Best private rooms in a hostel: ClinkNOORD or The Social Hub.
• Most central: Flying Pig Downtown.
• Best for solo travellers: Generator, Flying Pig Uptown, ClinkNOORD.
• Cheapest dorms: Bob’s Youth Hostel from €20 in winter.

10 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

1. Generator Amsterdam (Oost)

• Vibe: Design-hotel-hostel. Sophisticated, sociable.
• Beds: 564 across 168 rooms.
• Dorms: 4-8 beds, around €35-55.
• Privates: from €90.
• Location: Overlooks Oosterpark; 15 min by tram to centre.
• Best for: First-time hostellers who want comfort.

Set in an Art Deco university building, Generator combines hostel pricing with hotel-level design. Onsite café, bar, library, and large communal lounge. Pod-style dorm beds have lights and USB. Private rooms feel like proper hotel rooms. Excellent free breakfast option (€8 extra).

2. Flying Pig Downtown (Old Centre)

• Vibe: Party hostel; loud; young; international.
• Dorms: 6-32 beds; €30-50.
• Female dorm: 6 beds.
• Privates: limited; book early.
• Location: 5 minutes from Centraal; next to the Red Light District.
• Best for: Backpackers under 30 wanting full-on nightlife.

Iconic since the 1990s. Onsite bar, pub crawls, beer-pong nights. The Red Light District location is convenient but can be rough at night. The Flying Pig is fun but light sleepers should look elsewhere.

3. Flying Pig Uptown (Vondelpark)

• Vibe: Calmer cousin of Downtown.
• Dorms: 4-14 beds; €28-45.
• Location: Beside Vondelpark; 15 min walk to centre.
• Best for: Hostel fans who still want some sleep.

Same chain, more relaxed crowd. Onsite bar with live music. Great Vondelpark location for jogging or chilling in the park.

4. ClinkNOORD (Noord)

• Vibe: Hipster, design, sociable but not rowdy.
• Dorms: 4-14 beds; €22-40.
• Female-only dorms: yes.
• Privates: ensuite double rooms from €75.
• Location: Amsterdam Noord; 5-minute free ferry from Centraal.
• Best for: Budget-conscious creatives.

Converted 1920s laboratory in trendy Noord. Each bunk has reading light, USB, locker, blackout curtain. Onsite café, bar, working spaces, art studios. Free ferry to Centraal runs every 6 minutes 24/7. Outstanding value.

5. Stayokay Vondelpark

• Vibe: Official Dutch hostel chain; quiet, family-friendly, all ages.
• Dorms: 4-8 beds; €30-45.
• Privates: from €100.
• Location: Inside Vondelpark.
• Best for: Families, older travellers, light sleepers.

The best location of any Amsterdam hostel — literally in Vondelpark. Two more Stayokay branches: Oost (further out, calm) and Zeeburg (on the IJ; modern). All Stayokay hostels include breakfast, family rooms, and quieter atmospheres than the party chains.

6. The Social Hub Amsterdam City

• Vibe: Hostel-meets-coworking-meets-student-residence. Modern, design-led.
• Dorms: 4-6 beds; €40-55.
• Privates: ensuite hotel-style from €110.
• Location: Plantage; 10-15 min walk to centre.
• Best for: Digital nomads.

Formerly known as The Student Hotel. Large coworking spaces, gym, restaurant, kitchen-club for short-term workers. Higher-end than typical hostels.

7. Hostelle (Amsterdam Centre)

• Vibe: Women-only; calm; comfortable.
• Dorms: 4-8 beds; €30-45.
• Location: 20 minutes from centre by tram.
• Best for: Solo female travellers wanting a quieter scene.

Calm, secure, with a friendly all-female crowd. Some private rooms; communal kitchen; good for first-time solo female travellers.

8. Hans Brinker Hostel (Leidseplein)

• Vibe: Famous, no-frills, central, busy.
• Dorms: 4-12 beds; €25-45.
• Privates: limited, from €85.
• Location: Leidseplein — peak nightlife area.
• Best for: Budget travellers who prioritise location.

The famous "world’s worst hotel" — a brand built ironically. Cheaper than nearby competitors; basic but functional. Right on Leidseplein.

9. Bob’s Youth Hostel (Old Centre)

• Vibe: Old-school cheap. Very basic. Loud.
• Dorms: from €20 in winter; €30-40 in summer.
• Location: 1 minute from Dam Square.
• Best for: Rock-bottom budget travellers who don’t care about facilities.

One of Amsterdam’s cheapest hostel beds. Don’t expect much: shared bathrooms, basic linen, party crowd. Bring earplugs.

10. The Bulldog Hotel (Red Light District)

• Vibe: Party hostel attached to the famous coffeeshop chain.
• Dorms: 4-8 beds; €35-55.
• Location: Red Light District.
• Best for: Coffeeshop enthusiasts; people who like full-on Amsterdam nightlife.

Above the original Bulldog coffeeshop. Onsite cannabis cafe, smoking lounge, party energy. Definitely not for everyone.

Which Neighbourhood?

• Old Centre / Red Light District: maximum nightlife, can be rowdy.
• Leidseplein: central bars, theatres, easy tram access.
• Plantage / Oost: cheaper, calmer, near Artis Zoo.
• Noord: indie, cheapest, free ferry, beautiful waterfront.
• Vondelpark / Oud-Zuid: leafy, residential, near museums.
• De Pijp: foodie heart of the city, lively but residential.

See our where to stay pillar for full neighbourhood detail.

Dorm vs Private Room: Which is Right?

• Dorms: best for solo travellers wanting to meet people. Cheapest. Earplugs essential.
• Female dorms: extra comfort and privacy.
• Private hostel rooms: cheaper than budget hotels, often €70-150 per night. Good for couples or anyone wanting privacy with hostel social options.
• Capsule / pod dorms (Generator, Stayokay Zeeburg): privacy curtains, reading lights, USB. Best dorm experience.

Amsterdam Hostel Prices in 2026

• Dorm beds: €20-35 in low season (Nov-Mar excl Xmas); €35-55 in high season (May-Sep + holidays).
• Private hostel rooms: €75-130 low; €100-220 high.
• Peak surcharges: King’s Day weekend, Pride weekend, Christmas markets period — prices can double.
• Tourist tax: 12.5% (added at check-in) on top of the room rate. From 2026 this is the highest tourist tax in Europe.
• City card (I amsterdam): consider for 2-3 day stays.

What to Expect from an Amsterdam Hostel

• Free Wi-Fi: universal.
• Linen: included; bring a quick-dry towel or rent one (€2).
• Lockers: standard; bring your own padlock or buy at reception.
• Breakfast: usually €6-10 extra.
• Kitchen: most have one; cookware provided.
• 24-hour reception: yes at all decent hostels.
• Age policies: most accept 18+; some "party hostels" cap at 35 or under.
• Check-in: typically from 15:00; check-out 11:00.
• Storage: most allow free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.

How to Book Amsterdam Hostels

• Hostelworld: largest selection, reviews, often free cancellation.
• Booking.com: includes Generator, Stayokay, The Social Hub.
• Direct: hostel websites sometimes match or beat third-party rates; loyalty programs.
• Book 3-6 months ahead for: King’s Day, Pride, Christmas markets, Easter, August.
• Book 2-4 weeks ahead: shoulder season.
• Same-day bookings: usually possible at quieter times.
• Insurance: book with refundable cancellation if your plans might change.

Practical Tips for Hostel Life

• Earplugs and eye mask: essentials in any dorm.
• Microfibre towel: dries fast, lightweight.
• Flip-flops: for shared showers.
• Padlock: TSA-compatible.
• Charger: long USB-C cable to reach top bunk.
• Day backpack: leave your main pack in the locker.
• Quiet at night: most hostels enforce quiet hours 23:00-08:00.
• Lock everything: theft within hostels is rare but happens.
• Pickpocket awareness: most central hostels are near Centraal and tourist areas.
• Pub crawls: the easiest way to meet people on your first night.
• Hostel kitchens: cook with your dorm mates for cheap dinner and instant friends.

Amsterdam on a Backpacker Budget

• Daily budget: €60-90 for serious backpackers, €100-150 for comfortable.
• Free things to do: Vondelpark, Begijnhof, Bloemenmarkt, Homomonument, Rijksmuseum Gardens, Sarphatipark, Foam art museum free Fridays, NDSM-Werf street art, free walking tours (tip-based).
• Cheap eats: FEBO snack-window kroket €2.20; Vlaamse Friethuis €4; supermarket sandwiches €4.
• Cheap drinks: brown cafés (€3-5 beer); Albert Cuyp Market beer €2.50.
• Free transport: walking + the free ferries from Centraal to Noord.
• Discount tickets: I amsterdam City Card; Museumkaart.

For more, see our free things to do in Amsterdam guide and our Amsterdam budget guide.

Hostel Safety

• Use the locker. Always. For phone too if you sleep deep.
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers at hostel bars.
• Don’t trust offers of drugs from people met in hostels.
• Check female-only dorms if you prefer.
• Check hostel reviews for safety mentions.
• Trust your gut: if a hostel feels off, leave. Hostelworld allows free changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Amsterdam hostels cost?

Dorms: €20-55 depending on season. Privates: €75-220.

Are Amsterdam hostels safe?

Yes — reputable hostels have lockers, 24-hour reception, and CCTV. Solo female travel is generally safe.

What’s the best party hostel?

Flying Pig Downtown — central, lively, social.

What’s the best quiet hostel?

Stayokay Vondelpark — calm, family-friendly, beautiful location.

Are hostels age-restricted?

Most accept 18+. A few party hostels cap at under-35. Always check.

Do I need to bring linen?

No — included at all listed hostels. Towels usually cost €2 to rent or bring your own.

How early should I book?

3-6 months for King’s Day, Pride, Christmas markets. 2-4 weeks for normal periods.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam’s hostel scene is one of Europe’s best — varied, well-located, and full of character. Whether you want a party or quiet, a private en-suite or a €20 bunk bed, there’s a hostel for you. Book early for peak periods, bring earplugs, and don’t be shy in the common rooms — Amsterdam hostels are where many travellers find their best Europe-trip friends.

For more, see our Where to Stay pillar, our budget guide, and our hotel vs Airbnb guide.