🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hostel Centre
📍 13, Leidsekruisstraat, Amsterdam, 1017RE
Your stay — Hostel Centre
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Amsterdam.
The Property — Hostel Centre
Hostel Centre is a no-frills, functional base in the thick of Amsterdam's most tourist-trodden quarter. The lobby feels like a busy travellers' junction — scuffed floors, a noticeboard with bike hire ads, and a queue of backpackers checking in. It suits budget solo travellers or small groups who plan to spend their days out and just need a clean bed and a central location near Dam Square. Don't expect charm; do expect a straightforward three-star hostel with basic dorms and private rooms.
Chronicles of Amsterdam
Amsterdam began in the 12th century as a fishing village around a dam on the Amstel River. It exploded during the Dutch Golden Age (1600s), when its ring of canals was built and the city became a global trade hub. The 20th century brought radical urban renewal — the 1970s Jordaan demolition protests are iconic — and a shift from port industry to tourism and creative industries. Today, Amsterdam packs Rembrandt's old neighbourhood, lurid coffee shops, and a fiercely independent cycling culture into one compact, walkable core.
Best Time to Visit
Full Amsterdam guide →Best months
April to May (tulip season, mild weather) and September (fewer crowds, still warm). These months balance 18°C days with manageable visitor numbers.
Peak / festival surge
May and July–August are peak. July sees the Pride canal parade (first weekend) and August has the Grachtenfestival (classical music on canals). Hotel prices double or triple; book four months ahead. Worth avoiding unless you deliberately want the festival chaos.
Budget shoulder season
Late September and October offer discounts of 30-50% on summer rates. Weather stays decent (14-18°C) and the big summer queues shrink at the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House.
Weather & packing
Amsterdam's climate is maritime fickle — four seasons can hit in one day. Pack a waterproof shell jacket you can layer over a sweater, and carry a foldable umbrella at all times.
Live City Briefing — Amsterdam
- The new metro line (Noord/Zuidlijn) now connects Amsterdam Central directly to the RAI and South station, bypassing the busy tram network. Check NS.nl for summer maintenance closures on the main railway lines.
- Several major museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh) now require timed-entry tickets booked days in advance, even in July. The I Amsterdam City Card includes free entry but slots fill fast.
- The city council has reduced coach parking and is banning polluting cars from the city centre from 2026. Expect more cycle lanes and tax on hotel bookings via the city tourism tax (now 7% of room rate).
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostel Centre, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from Leidsekruisstraat, which can be busy due to its central location.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor or near the service entrance, as they may experience more foot traffic and noise from the nearby lift.
Best views
As the hotel is situated on a relatively narrow street, the best views are likely to be from higher floors, but the views may not be spectacular due to the surrounding architecture.
Quietest floors
The 4th floor and above should be relatively quiet, given the hotel's layout.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may be disturbed by noise from street performers, pedestrians, and passing trams on Leidsekruisstraat.
Insider tips
Be aware that parking in the area can be limited, so consider using public transportation or a nearby parking garage. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour reception desk for checking in or seeking assistance if you arrive late.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hostel Centre
Free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but guests may encounter stairs-only historic sections in the rear wing
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) through the Hostel Centre app
Check-in: 15:00, Late check-out: €10 (until 14:00), Early arrival: €10 (before 08:00)
Limited availability: €5 per bag per day (max 2 bags)
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, but note the historic building's narrow corridors
Limited on-site parking: €25 per night, nearest public car park: Q-Park Leidseplein (€30 per day), EV charging available at Q-Park Leidseplein
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2.50 per person per night (mandatory, includes tourist tax)
Deposit & card hold: €10 advance deposit + €20 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Gurdwara: Guru Ram Das Ashram (125 m · ~2 min walk)
- Synagogue: Gerard Dou Synagogue (472 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk - Amstelkerk (488 m · ~6 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Shambhala (660 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Magna Plaza — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
H.M. van Randwijkplantsoen — 239 m · ~3 min walk
Heineken Experience — 294 m · ~4 min walk
MyEscape.Club — 108 m · ~1 min walk
Hercules Seghersplein — 931 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Geldmaat — 203 m · ~3 min walk
Alphega Apotheek — 295 m · ~4 min walk
FermentFabriek — 480 m · ~6 min walk
Vijzelgracht — 331 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Travellers can exchange currency at Schiphol Airport, but rates are often poor; consider withdrawing cash from an ATM or using a credit card/debit card for better rates
Contactless payments are widely accepted in Amsterdam, including at trams, buses, and many shops; some smaller vendors may not accept credit cards
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered polite
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee from a local café costs around €1.50-€2.50
A budget-friendly option for lunch is a €6-€8 sandwich or salad from a local deli or market stall
A affordable dinner option is a €15-€25 meal at a mid-range restaurant serving Dutch cuisine
The Jordaan and Oud-Zuid neighborhoods have plenty of affordable street food options, including food stalls and markets
Albert Heijn and Jumbo are common supermarket chains in this area
The Nine Streets and the Waterlooplein Flea Market are popular spots for affordable shopping
The cheapest way to get around Amsterdam is with an OV-chipkaart, which can be purchased at most newsagents or online; a single ticket costs €2.90, but a day pass is €7.50
Consider purchasing an Amsterdam City Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions; use the OV-chipkaart to pay for public transport; avoid eating at touristy restaurants in the city center
Good to know — Amsterdam
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
AmsterdamFor police non-emergencies, call 0900-8844. General non-emergency medical assistance: 088 123 1234 (GP service). Tourist help line: +31 20 551 3366 (Amsterdam Tourist Information).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Amsterdam, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostel Centre
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Geldmaat — 203 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Alphega Apotheek — 295 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Direct bus service (route 397). Requires advance booking online for best rates. Luggage space guaranteed, good for groups.
nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel → City center / Amsterdam attractions
💡 Buy day pass (GVB €8.50/24hrs) for unlimited trams/buses. Hotel is on direct Tram 4 line to Dam Square. Skip taxis in city center; trams are faster and cheaper.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Most economical option. Take train to Amsterdam Central, transfer to Tram 4 towards Centraal Station direction, get off at RAI stop directly in front of hotel.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Book in advance via Uber app for fixed pricing. Avoid peak hours 8-10am and 4-6pm when traffic is heavy on A4 motorway.
About Amsterdam
Wikipedia ↗
Amsterdam (Dutch: [ˌɑmstərˈdɑm] ; lit. 'Dam in the Amstel') is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. It has a population of 933,680 in June 2024 within the city proper, 1,457,018 in the urban area and 2,480,394 in the metropolitan area. Located in the Dutch province of North Holland, Amst...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostel Centre?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from Leidsekruisstraat, which can be busy due to its central location.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostel Centre?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor or near the service entrance, as they may experience more foot traffic and noise from the nearby lift.
Is Hostel Centre noisy?
Guests may be disturbed by noise from street performers, pedestrians, and passing trams on Leidsekruisstraat.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostel Centre?
As the hotel is situated on a relatively narrow street, the best views are likely to be from higher floors, but the views may not be spectacular due to the surrounding architecture.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostel Centre?
Be aware that parking in the area can be limited, so consider using public transportation or a nearby parking garage. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour reception desk for checking in or seeking assistance if you arrive late.
What time is check-in at Hostel Centre?
Check-in at Hostel Centre is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostel Centre have Wi-Fi?
Free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostel Centre?
€2.50 per person per night (mandatory, includes tourist tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostel Centre?
A budget-friendly option for lunch is a €6-€8 sandwich or salad from a local deli or market stall
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostel Centre?
The cheapest way to get around Amsterdam is with an OV-chipkaart, which can be purchased at most newsagents or online; a single ticket costs €2.90, but a day pass is €7.50
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
April to May (tulip season, mild weather) and September (fewer crowds, still warm). These months balance 18°C days with manageable visitor numbers.
Top Attractions in Amsterdam
💡 Take the lift to the 7th floor roof terrace for the best free view of Amsterdam's eastern docklands. Open to everyone, no library card needed.
💡 Go early (before 10am) to avoid crowds. The English Reformed Church inside opens at 11am for a quick look.
💡 Silence is requested—no loud talking or photos of residents. Entry via the gate on Spui, not the church side.
💡 Take the lift to the top floor café—coffee is cheap (€1.50) and the terrace overlooks the IJ river, a great free alternative to expensive rooftop bars.
💡 Enter through the arch on Spui—be respectful, as people still live here. No loud groups or bicycles allowed. Visit the chapel's wooden ship models hanging from the ceiling.
💡 Silence is required. No photography inside the courtyard. Go early morning to avoid tour groups – they start arriving around 10am.
💡 Respect the residents — no photos inside the courtyard, and keep your voice down. The English Reformed Church inside has free entry on Saturdays.
💡 Keep your voice down and don't take photos of residents. The hidden Catholic church (Houten Huys) at number 34 is one of Amsterdam's oldest surviving wooden buildings.