Running the Amsterdam Marathon is a great excuse to spend a few days in one of Europe’s most relaxed cities. Getting around is easy, the course is flat, and most neighbourhoods feel safe and walkable. The only tricky part is picking an area to stay, especially if you want to keep race-day logistics simple.
Amsterdam isn’t huge, but choosing the right base can make your weekend smoother. Some neighbourhoods are quieter and closer to the Olympic Stadium, while others are more central and good for sightseeing after the race.
Below are the places most runners tend to stay, with a few hotel suggestions to help narrow things down.
Next edition: 24-25 October 2026
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Best Areas to Stay
1. Oud Zuid (Museum Quarter)
If you’d like to be close to the Olympic Stadium without being buried in crowds, this is the easy choice. The streets are calm, museums are nearby and there are plenty of restaurants where you can grab simple pre-race meals. It’s a comfortable, no-drama base.
➡ Many runners choose Oud-Zuid because you can walk to the start and get back to your hotel quickly after finishing.
Good for:
- Race convenience
- Quiet nights
- First-timers
Suggested stays:
- Olympic Hotel – right beside the stadium and start, super easy on race morning
- The July Twenty Eight – modern & spacious, easy walk to start and finish line
- XO Hotels Couture – quiet, clean, and great value
2. Canal Belt (Grachtengordel)
The postcard version of Amsterdam; canals, narrow bridges and old houses. It’s central, atmospheric and filled with cafés. The downside? Hotels can be small and pricier. But if you want a classic Amsterdam backdrop around your marathon trip, this is it.
➡ Runners pick the Canal Belt for the atmosphere, canals, cafés, and a central base that still makes it easy to reach the start by tram.
Good for:
- Central walks
- Charm + convenience
Suggested stays:
- Dikker & Thijs Hotel – classic canal-house setting, easy tram south
- Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel – simple, central, quiet canal base
- Hotel Prinsenhof – clean, easy base near tram
3. De Pijp
A lively area south of the centre. Plenty of cafés, easy transport, and relaxed energy without being rowdy. Runners like it because it’s close to Oud-Zuid and you can find good places to eat your carb-heavy dinner.
➡ Lots of runners stay here because it’s close to Oud-Zuid and has plenty of casual spots for pre-race pasta or a relaxed coffee.
Good for:
- Post-race food and coffee
- Mix of quiet + social
Suggested stays:
- Hotel Atlantis Amsterdam – simple rooms, easy tram links, relaxed local streets
- Pestana Amsterdam Riverside – stylish, riverside, good pre-race quiet
- easyHotel Amsterdam City Centre South – basic, clean, budget-friendly in a handy spot
4. De Jordaan
A charming neighbourhood with a village feel. Narrow streets, small local cafés and a slower pace than the main centre. It’s not the closest to the stadium but easy enough by tram. Many runners like it because it’s peaceful, great for sleep.
➡ Jordaan appeals to runners who want quiet nights and small local streets, a calmer base while still being close to tram lines.
Good for:
- Couples
- Quiet base
Suggested stays:
- Mr. Jordaan – cosy canal-house stay on quiet backstreets
- Hotel Mercier – elegant, calm base close to cafés
- Adam Suites Hotel – small, local feel, easy tram access
5. Amsterdam Noord
Across the water, but only a few minutes by free ferry. Modern spaces, more room for your gear, and better prices than central areas. A good pick if you want a relaxed retreat.
➡ Noord works well for runners who prefer bigger rooms and a quieter end to the day, with the ferry giving easy access back into the city.
Good for:
- Larger rooms
- Budget-friendlier options
Suggested stays:
- Sir Adam Hotel – modern, by ferry
- Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam North Riverside – modern, good value, quick ferry into the centre
- NH Amsterdam Noord – good value, quiet area
Distances to the Olympic Stadium
| Area | Walk | Tram |
|---|---|---|
| Oud-Zuid | 10–20 min | Not needed |
| De Pijp | 20–35 min | ~15 min |
| Canal Belt | Too far | ~20–30 min |
| Jordaan | Too far | ~25–35 min |
| Amsterdam Noord | No | ~30–45 min |
Marathon Logistics
The Amsterdam Marathon starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium in the south of the city. Staying in Oud-Zuid gives you the easiest morning. From most other neighbourhoods, trams make the trip straightforward, just allow a bit of extra time.
The expo location can change from year to year, but is always reachable by public transport. It’s worth picking up your bib the day before, ideally earlier in the afternoon before the crowds show up.
Budget Choices
Amsterdam can be expensive, especially close to race weekend. If you’re trying to save money, look just outside the main centre or in Amsterdam Noord. You’ll still be well connected by tram or ferry.
Tip: book early, rooms near the stadium fill up fast.
What to Eat Before the Race
Nothing fancy needed. Around Oud-Zuid and De Pijp, you’ll find plenty of simple pasta and rice-based options. Most places don’t require reservations during the day, but Saturday evening can be busy because many runners arrive then, worth booking ahead.
Race-Weekend Tips
- Book you hotel early
- Stay close to tram lines if you’re not in Oud-Zuid
- Walk the route to the stadium the day before
- Visit the expo early to skip queues
- Keep Saturday sightseeing light, the canals will still be there on Monday
- Pack layers: mornings can be chilly
Areas to Avoid
Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are fun but not ideal the night before a marathon. Late-night noise isn’t great for sleep, save it for after the race.
Summary
If you want the most convenient base, Oud-Zuid is hard to beat.
For atmosphere, choose the Canal Belt.
For lively cafés and good food options, stay in De Pijp.
For quiet, local streets, head to Jordaan.
Overall, Amsterdam is easy to move around, so any of these neighbourhoods will work. Pick the one that fits your style, book early, and enjoy race day.
FAQ — Amsterdam Marathon Weekend
Is it better to stay close to the Olympic Stadium?
It definitely makes race morning easier. From Oud-Zuid you can usually walk to the start. Other neighbourhoods work fine too, but you’ll need a short tram ride.
How early should I arrive in Amsterdam?
Most people come on Friday or Saturday. If you’re travelling from outside Europe, arriving Thursday gives you more time to settle in and shake out your legs.
Can I walk to the start on race day?
From Oud-Zuid, usually yes. From De Pijp you can walk or take a quick tram. From central districts, plan on 25–40 minutes by tram.
Is public transport reliable on race morning?
Yes. Trams run regularly. Just leave some buffer time because platforms can get busy.
Is the course flat?
Pretty much. It’s one of the smoother, easier marathon routes in Europe, great for PB attempts.
Do hotels offer early breakfast on race day?
Many do. A lot of runners ask for early buffet hours or cold takeaway options. It’s worth checking with your hotel in advance.
Useful Links
If you want to double-check race details or plan your trip around public transport, these official sites are helpful:
TCS Amsterdam Marathon (official site)
Route details, start/finish info, bib pickup
GVB – Amsterdam public transport
Trams/metro for getting to the start
NS – Dutch rail
Train connections, incl. Schiphol → city
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Flight & arrival details
Nothing fancy, just the essentials you may want on hand during marathon weekend.
Some links on this page may earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we think are genuinely helpful for marathon weekend.
