The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam, chosen by a local expert

Best for: Culture vultures.

Classy, genteel, extremely picturesque – in many ways, Jordaan is the quintessential Amsterdam neighbourhood. There’s no better place to indulge in hip cafes, stylish restaurants, and quaint boutiques – think atmospheric yet bohemian, quirky yet high quality. And this newly renovated, two-level gem makes an ideal base. Sleeping four across two huge bedrooms, it’s light, spacious, and beautifully modern – perfect for those looking for style, tranquility, and a little luxury. There’s even a parking space in the basement, should you rent a car.

Time Out tip: You’re close to Vondelpark, the Anne Frank museum, Noorderkerk, and a plethora of wonderful little streets and canals.

Price: From €431 a night.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.

Location: Leidse Square, Jordaan.

Why would a local recommend it? Jordaan will give you the quintessential Amsterdam experience – simply go for a walk up and down the surroundings canals and drink it all in. Sometimes literally, for nowhere has a better selection of little cafes and bars to fuel all that exploring. Derek Robertson

Best for: Tranquility within the city.

Amsterdam Oost is known for its lively markets, rich culture, and exceptional restaurants, and this Airbnb reflects that same vibrancy with its bold colors and Latin-inspired design. There’s loads of space in this homey apartment to sit back, relax and pop on a record from their vinyl collection. If the weather permits, the garden is a perfect spot to unwind and listen to the birds. There’s also a quaint garden house to lounge in. Plus, just outside is Park Frankendael, a seven acre green space with a 17th century estate that is perfect for a stroll.

Time Out tip: Dappermarkt street market is open every day apart from Sunday. Head here for everything from fresh flowers to speciality foods.

Price: From €394 a night.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps three guests.

Location: Watergraafsmeer, Oost.

Best for: Sightseeing.

This huge apartment is in a classic Dutch home in one of the oldest parts of the city. Overlooking the canal, it’s reached by a steep staircase and once inside, you’ll find a beautifully modern space with large windows and minimalist design touches. The location couldn’t be better for exploring the city by foot. It’s close to Nieuwmarkt, Chinatown, and the Red Light District, yet tucked away on a peaceful street where you can unwind in quiet comfort at night.

Time Out tip: It’s just a 10-minute walk from the central station.

Price: From €242 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps three guests.

Location: Nieuwmarkt, Centrum.

Best for: Countryside tranquility.

Get cosy in this actual windmill, just outside Amsterdam city centre in green field-filled Abcoude. Settle down in bedrooms filled with thick, dark wood beams, and rustic hard wood floors. Crash out in front of a roaring fireplace after a day exploring the city, or sit out on the terrace surrounding the historic building and look out over the rolling green countryside beyond dotted with sheep and cattle.

Time Out tip: Amsterdam city centre is a 20 minute drive or 22 minute train ride away.

Price: From €351 a night.

Beds: Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests.

Location: Abcoude, Utrecht.

Best for: Sporty types.

Aside from the super cool interiors, this surfer's haven is most attractive to guests because of its hosts. While they live on-site, you'll have your own space in the surf shack – but they are more than happy to take you out for a surf whenever the waves are right. As for the space, home away from home sums it up. Chilled vibes all round is just what the doc ordered here. 

Time Out tip: The hosts have kite surfing equipment and surfboards and you can arrange to go out with them.

Price: From €158 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests.

Location: De Zilk, Zuid-Holland.

Best for: An authentic Amsterdam experience.

Unsurprisingly for a port city full of canals, there are plenty of houseboats to rent on Airbnb in Amsterdam and this is a very pleasant one indeed. It's modernly furnished and has a deck that’s perfect for sitting out during the sunnier months. Plus, access to a nearby gym is included. Why you'd want to go to a gym while on holiday is another thing entirely, but each to their own.

Time Out tip: You’re super close to Utrechtsestraat here, which is the go-to spot for restaurants and bars.

Price: From €351 a night.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.

Location: Utrechtsestraat, Centrum.

Best for: Romantic getaway.

This delightful, modernised loft space is inside an historic 1882 building. The blend of antique and contemporary informs the beautiful interiors which mix up exposed brick and metal furniture with cleverly-chosen and preserved feature which could only evoke the rich history of Dutch artistry and artisans. We are huge fans of that very sexy bath tub and the little hidden details on tiles throughout the property. Fans of traditional Dutch art will love this one.

Time Out tip: Get grounded with a walk in the lovely Vondelpark, which is right next door.

Price: From €225 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Location: Vondelpark, Oud-Zuid.

Best for: Exploring the city by bike.

As you can imagine, the list of trendy/chic/minimal/cool houseboats on offer in Amsterdam is lengthy. So how can an Airbnb'er make sure theirs stands out? With free bikes, of course! In a city that is best navigated on two wheels, you couldn't find a more perfect (and affordable) stay than this floating home near the Frans Otten Stadium. This modern two-storey vessel sleeps four, has two bathrooms, a roof terrace and towels, tea/coffee and wifi are all included. There are four bikes available and a child seat if necessary.

Time Out tip: The Amsterdam Forrest (Amsterdamse Bos) is a five-minute walk away

Price: From €226 a night.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.

Location: Stadionbuurt, Oud-Zuid.

Best for: Feeling like your part of the city.

It’s difficult to get a better canal view in 'Dam than by being literally on one. That’s what you get with this ‘bridge house’, which, as its name suggests, is a rental that straddles a canal. Once the home of an Amsterdam bridge keeper (ie. the person who guards a bridge), this bridge house was built in 1928 but has since been restored into an Airbnb with a double bed, kitchen and bathroom. Be sure to wave at the boats as they pass by!

Time Out tip: Cross the bridge for a stroll down the Haarlemmerdijk which is one of the city’s most popular shopping streets.

Price: From €162 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Location: Willemsbrug, Nassauplein.

Best for: Feeling like your part of the city.

We didn’t want to add another houseboat to this list. It felt too… obvious. But then we spied this Airbnb property and the problem was this: it was just to beautiful to overlook. Located right in the heart of the city, this home-on-the-water is ideal for those who base their city breaks around endless art gallery trips and lots and lots of photos of pretty buildings (making Amsterdam your ideal city, as well). The main living space is dominated by olive green velvet sofas, light-reflecting wood and floor to ceiling windows. But our favourite aspects are the green floral curtains by the bed and the blue-green bathroom tiles resembling a mermaid’s tail. Lovely. Just lovely.

Time Out tip: Cross the bridge for a stroll down the Haarlemmerdijk which is one of the city’s most popular shopping streets.

Price: From €162 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Location: Willemsbrug, Nassauplein.

Best for: Cosy waterfront living that won’t break the bank.

That headline is underselling it somewhat; there’s plenty more to this waterfront cabin than the joys of free parking (not that free parking should be scoffed at). Located in trendy Amsterdam-Noord, this stunning spot somehow manages to bridge the divide between excitement and peace, offering the perfect base for exploring this part of the city while also offering tranquillity and serenity in spades. Also, who doesn’t love a real fire?

Time Out tip: Noord is considered the hipster area of Amsterdam and there’s plenty of lively local restaurants, like Barracuda, surrounded by late night bars.

Price: From €193 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Location: Noord.

Best for: A luxurious stay.

Here’s another one that’s slightly outside of Amsterdam itself, albeit only by a 20-minute car or bus journey. The Fortuna Spinoza, a lush 1743 home in quaint Monnickendam, rents out rooms which are so extravagantly decorated you’ll feel like you’re part of the Orange-Nassau family. It’s just the one room, but you can spend the morning in the lavish breakfast room with its landscape wallpaper and roam the expansive gardens surrounding the house. It’s all so nice, you might forget to catch the bus to Amsterdam after all.

Time Out tip: There’s a clog factory nearby. Oh go on, you know you want to pay it a visit.

Price: From €216 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Location: Monnickendam, Waterland.

Best for: A luxurious stay in a bohemian neighbourhood.

Houseboat schmouseboat! This canalside penthouse has just as much to offer – from jaw-dropping views to a delightfully luxurious interior. A unique space that sleeps up to four people, this 1890s home comes complete with original, exposed beams and enough daylight that you’ll practically feel as though you’re outside. Plus, a bunch of Dutch intellectuals have supposedly lived there – so you’ll fit right in. Ah, flattery.

Time Out tip: De Pijp is very hip indeed. You'll be close to MoCo, Van Gogh Museum, Rijks and concept store haven, Utrechtsestraat.

Price: From €271 a night.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.

Location: De Pijp, Latin Quarter.

Best for: Being right in the centre of it all.

This studio really has it all. It's centrally located, spacious, bright, and beautifully furnished with lots of cool minimalistic additions that make this place feel stylish yet laid-back. And then, of course, there's also the high ceilings - the perfect excuse for an indoor swing, what else? When you want to romanticise even more, the terrace will be your go-to spot for your morning coffee.

Time Out tip: Just along your street, you'll have endless cafe and restaurant options. And shops, lots and lots of shops.

Price: From €250 a night.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Location: Haarlemmerdijk, Centrum.