Het Centrum: tourist sights, easy access to public transportation, shopping, and proximity to the venue are among the many upsides of staying in the center of Amsterdam. Downsides include noise and hotels that often lack character.

The Jordaan: historic Dutch ambiance and architecture fill this quiet area, along with candlelit restaurants. The district is only minutes from the venue and de Dam in the center of Amsterdam. 

Museumplein: this semi-suburban neighborhood in the area of Vondelpark and Museumplein is near the Rijks museum and van Gogh museum. Positives include good hotel values and proximity to multiple museums. Downsides include the distance to the venue (at least a 30-minute walk or more than 10-minute tram ride to the venue).

West Amsterdam: facing historic canals and showing ornate lobbies, you may feel transported to another century in the stately canal side hotels of the Toren and Hotel Ambassade.

Tips for accommodations: request for a quiet room in the back of the hotel if you are a light sleeper. You'll see construction cranes and bricklayers throughout Amsterdam's cobbled streets. Parking is as bad as driving in Amsterdam, and not recommended. Canal houses have steep stairs, with no elevators. If stairs are challenging for you, be sure to ask if your hotel has an elevator, and ask how many and how steep the stairs are.

Amsterdam's Top Attractions

Amsterdam Museum

Anne Frankhuis

Begijnhof

Vices

Canal Cruise

Rembrandthuis Museum

Rijksmuseum

Stedelijk Museum

van Gogh Museum

Vondelpark

Amsterdam Itinerary

Day 1: Anne Frankhuis & de Jordaan, with Canal Cruise

Day 2: Museumplein, Vondelpark, and Leidseplein

Day 3: Plantage, Jewish Cultural Quarter, and Nieuwmarkt

Day 4: de Pijp, Heineken Experience, and het Centrum

Day 5: Cycle to Haarlem

Below, the Extended Guide and Complete Episode both show you the main highlights of Amsterdam, along with history and background. They take more time, but if you prefer to plan thoroughly, you may find them extremely helpful.