A legendary backpacker hostel in the heart of Amsterdam near Dam Square, known for its party atmosphere, friendly staff, and great location. Offers dorms and private rooms, bar, smoking lounge, and social events making it easy to meet fellow travelers.
Flying Pig Downtown Amsterdam has operated on Nieuwendijk 100 since the late 1980s, establishing itself as one of the most recognisable budget hostels in the Netherlands. The location is exceptional: Nieuwendijk runs between Amsterdam Centraal Station and Dam Square, placing guests at the heart of the shopping and sightseeing district within minutes on foot of the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the entrance to the Jordaan and canal ring. The hostel's reputation rests on its sociable atmosphere, long-running bar, and central position rather than on room size or luxury — dormitories sleep between four and fourteen guests, and private rooms are compact but functional. All beds include reading lights and power sockets; lockers are available in or near the dormitories for a small surcharge. The ground-floor bar serves cold Dutch draught beer, cocktails, and basic snack food from early afternoon until the early hours, and doubles as the social hub for a largely international backpacker crowd. Staff organise bike tours, city walking routes, and local recommendations tailored to the budget traveller. A smoking lounge area distinguishes the property from many other hostels in the Netherlands that have moved to fully non-smoking policies. The sister hostel Flying Pig Uptown is located near the Vondelpark and Leidseplein; both share loyalty benefits. The Downtown location is best suited to solo backpackers and small groups aged eighteen and over who prioritise location and social interaction over privacy. Rates start from around €30 per night per dorm bed in low season.
Amenities
- central location
- bar
- smoking lounge
- free WiFi
- social events
- 24-hour reception
Location
Nieuwendijk 100, 1012 MR Amsterdam
52.3762, 4.8953 View on map
Highlights
- Legendary backpacker hostel operating since the late 1980s on Nieuwendijk near Dam Square
- Unbeatable central Amsterdam location between Centraal Station and the historic Royal Palace
- Lively bar with draught Dutch beer open from afternoon until early morning
- Sociable atmosphere with regular bike tours and walking route recommendations from knowledgeable staff
- Wide range of dormitory sizes from four-bed to fourteen-bed rooms for varying group sizes
Tips for visiting
- Book the smallest dormitory available (four or six beds) for a quieter experience; larger dorms fill with loud social groups on weekends.
- Arrive before 15:00 on summer weekends — popular dorm categories sell out even with a reservation if check-in is delayed.
- Purchase an OV-chipkaart at Centraal Station (five minutes' walk) rather than buying single tram tickets each trip.
- The bar's happy hour runs until around 20:00 and offers the most affordable drinks in the building.
- Bring a padlock for the dormitory lockers; the hostel sells them at reception but at a higher price than nearby shops.
Accessibility
Flying Pig Downtown Amsterdam is housed in a traditional Amsterdam canal building with steep internal staircases. There is no lift, and upper-floor dormitories and rooms are not accessible to guests with limited mobility. The ground-floor bar and reception area are step-free from the main entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age to stay at Flying Pig Downtown Amsterdam?
Guests must be at least eighteen years old to stay at Flying Pig Downtown. The hostel does not accept bookings from families with minors, maintaining the adult backpacker environment.
Does the hostel have private rooms as well as dormitories?
Yes. A small number of private double and twin rooms are available in addition to the dormitories. Private rooms include en-suite or shared bathroom options. These book up quickly, especially in summer; advance reservation is recommended.
Is smoking allowed at the hostel?
Flying Pig Downtown has a designated smoking lounge area. Smoking is not permitted in dormitory rooms or the main common areas. Dutch cannabis regulations apply, and the hostel provides a specific area for permitted use.
How safe is the hostel?
The hostel has a secure keycard entry system, CCTV in common areas, and lockable storage for valuables. The Nieuwendijk neighbourhood is busy and well-lit, though guests are advised to take standard city precautions with passports and electronics.