Amsterdam

The budget-minded might consider the Aalborg Hotel (small doubles from €55; Sarphatipark 106, map) in De Pijp: modern rooms, hip (if not the most central) neighborhood, free wifi, bikes for rent. In the gorgeous Jordaan area, near the unmissable Anne Frank House and countless great-food options, Hotel van Onna (singles from €45; doubles €65; Bloemgracht 104, map) has stark but clean rooms with a basic breakfast and free wifi included; many offer lovely canal or city views. In another central part of town, history and charm are aplenty at the reasonably priced Hotel Brouwer (singles €60; doubles €95; Singel 83, map), situated in a restored 17th-century house with eight unique rooms and expansive canal views. (If it’s a cheap, clean hostel you’re after, consider the two Shelter hostels (multiple locations including Barndesteeg 21, map), though keep in mind they have single-sex rooms only.)

For a trendier vibe, check out the high-concept citizenM Hotel (Prinses Irenestraat 30, map), with extra-large beds, free wifi, handheld “MoodPad” room controls, and a pleasant location near pretty Beatrixpark, south of De Pijp; the compact but stylish rooms start around 90 euros. If money is no object, there’s The Toren (Keizersgracht 164, map), a luxurious 38-room, multi-building boutique hotel dripping with elegance, romance, and lavish rooms, not to mention history—housed in a 1618-built mansion, it was part of VU University from 1889 to 1967 and used as a safe house during WWII. Its location between the Jordaan and Dam Square is ideal. Room rates vary, but expect to pay around €150 for a double.

Amsterdam is a fantastic city for renting out a small apartment or houseboat, particularly if you have a small group/family or are staying for more than a few days. Check out the listings on VRBO; we can’t say enough good things about the cozy apartment we personally stayed in: accommodating owner, affordable price, ideal Jordaan location around the corner from the Noordemarkt and the best appeltaart in town. 

For more houseboat-rental listings, check out this site.