The Flying Pig Downtown

I seriously could not say enough good things about this hostel. If you’re a young and open-​minded traveler on a budget, you’ll fit right in.
Because I arrived in Amsterdam a day earlier than expected, I was desperate for a place to sleep. I called to make a last-​minute reservation and they had space in a 4-​person room, despite the fact that it was the first night of SAIL Amsterdam, a famous festival that takes place only once every five years.
The employees here are all super warm and welcoming people. They are happy to explain how everything works, how to get around the city, and even to offer some cool sightseeing options. My anxiety about my safety melted away as soon as I stepped in the door.
My room was nothing special, as expected, but it was clean, fully functional, and secure. I became friends with my roommate right away and we went to check out the smoke and drink bar, located right inside the hostel.
This room is exactly what you would expect inside a hostel in Amsterdam. There are young travelers here from all over the world, mostly seeking to either find or lose themselves one way or another.
Overall message: Do not stay here if you’re looking for a calm and quiet place to relax or you will be miserable. Also, this hostel is safe, but only to the extent of your own personal precautions and travel savvy. Have fun, and be wise!

This place is freaking awesome. Talk about a place that has everything. Theres something for everyone, regardless if you want to chill, party, or get jiggy with it. The staff were so friendly and fun. Eleanor the sweetheart, Sam the jokester, Eddie the Izzard, Brandon the gas mask, Kiar the slap stick, and so many more. Awesome place

So! You step of the train and begin your journey into Amsterdam central (which all sorta looks the same) and look what you have. The flying pig five minutes away right on the shopping street and close to everything you need. One star!
You arrive to smiley friendly staff (abit slow on service but always warm and welcoming). No hassle booking in and lots of information told about the rules and stuff. Everything according to plan after using
. Two stars!
Got into our private room (wasn’t too keen on sharing with strangers). Small but tidy and exactly what you’d expect from a hostel. Three stars!
Then of course the fourth star was for the amazing chilled smoking room and bar. Drink was normal price done a few deals like two corona for € 6. Great music and really chilled out people. Never once felt uncomfortable and got to meet people from all over the world. Also at the bar you can buy grinders and essentials you might need for cheap than outside. Air plugs are free at the counter because the place can tend to get noisy but your in the middle of the centre of Amsterdam in a hostel. If you don’t wanna party don’t come to this place. Also the lift is really noisy at night that’s what let it down for five stars. And bring your own hairdryer and essentials. Would defo come back can’t wait to again

The Flying Pig Downtown
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Originally when I called for a reservation they were booked full. I called again upon my arrival into Amsterdam and they had cancellations and I was able to be accommodated. I preferred to stay here because of its great location near tourist places I wanted to walk to and see. It was an economical choice when I was traveling alone. I’d backpacked Europe before and stayed in hostels before one thing that stood out was that the room I stayed in had more then 5 bunk beds in it and all the beds were full so there were more then ten other people in the same room as I was in. There wasn’t any privacy but when you stay in hostels limited privacy is usually a given. I was only there to sleep and shower and after walking and touring all day I was so exhausted I fell asleep right away even with a room full of strangers in it. If I knew someone who was trying to see Amsterdam on a budget and they didn’t mind sacrificing privacy to save a lot of money I would recommend this hostel to them. I felt safe, got sleep, a hot shower and I was able to tour Amsterdam and that’s what I had hoped for. Considering this is a hostel I will give it three stars when comparing it to other hostels I’ve stayed at. I’d stay here again if I was traveling solo.

Usually I stay at a regular hotel, but this time decided to try a hostel because I wanted the full «European backpacker“experience. And because they have a lounge downstairs where you can enjoy a smoke comfortably… Anyway, it’s a very safe place, in a really good location near shops, bars, and red light. We had a room with a private bath, which was a nice size and clean. It is a bit loud at night. Lots of doors slamming and you can hear people talking in the halls, but it’s a trade off for the bar and lounge. The staff is friendly, and they have towels for rent if you’re living out of a backpack, also a blow dryer. Yeah, it’s a younger crowd, but it’s fine! We’re in our 30’s and didn’t feel weird. It was a cool experience.

I stayed here for 3 nights last year as a solo traveler and it was blast! The rooms were clean. The people I stayed with were super cool. The smoking room and bar in the basement are a nice added touch. The location can’t be beat. You can walk here easily from the train station with luggage in tow. The staff were friendly and hip.

I stayed here back in ’09. I got a 6-​person room, which was three bunk beds. I met some awesome people and the complimentary breakfast is good. The staff was very friendly and our room was clean! The location is perfect — right in the heart of downtown. At the time I stayed in their small outdoor area between the common room and dorm they had a table that was covered in various traveler’s initials and whatnot– super cool! I loved their common room which was lined with book shelves — take one, leave one, or just casually read one while you hang out!

As far as Hostels go — this place is deadly !
If your with a group and looking for a wild weekend — come here. Its loud, its trendy, its hip, staff are cool… you can smoke in the lobby area and they have a cool (but small, cosy) bar downstairs… they have djs on also… its great fun. this is mainly for young people.
location is very excellent… its in walking distance from everything. including the train station, which is handy cause you need to get a train from the airport… surrounded by restauarnts and places to eat… only thing its a little far away from is the nightclubs … so you would need to taxi it there or get a tram… all the coffee shops around the corner though !

Cette auberge c’est l’idée même que l’on se fait d’une auberge de jeunesse, c’est l’auberge espagnole en hollande.
L’auberge est placée en plein centre d’amsterdam, on peut tout faire à pied ou prendre des locations de vélo qui sont également proches de l’auberge. Dans l’auberge en soi, elle est à part car c’est une des seules qui a des chambres avec lit double dans des chambres partagées, ce n’est pas très cher et on a le petit déjeuner offert. Dans cet auberge il y a des salles de jeu et des fumoirs, le contact avec les autres clients est favorisé par l’agencement de l’hôtel,
un des meilleurs endroits où dormir dans amsterdam je pense

Stayed here in a double-​bed private. I’ve stayed in hostels in both private and non-​private rooms before and thought that, though this is definitely a «chill» place to stay in a nice uptown location, it was pretty low value relative to price. Felt a bit cheated after staying at St. Christopher’s the next few nights, also in a double-​bed private but with much more space, a private bathroom, and more comfortable accommodations (at a similar cost).

It’s been seven long years since I mostly didn’t sleep at the Flying Pig Hostel on my travels in Amsterdam, seven years in which I’ve had time to reflect on hazy memories and come to the conclusion that this place is awful.
Location:
The Good: Centrally located.
The Bad: Centrally located near garbage tourist hot spots and the seedy Red Light District. You’re surrounded by British tourists who think nothing of pissing right next to the entrance of the hostel and junkies who will point you in the right direction if you give them a euro so they can buy «coffee.»
Building:
The Good: It has walls. For the most part, they’re not falling down. Mice are a problem, which is why they keep a cat here. The problem is the guests keep the cat very stoned, and I’m not sure how adept high cats are at catching mice.
The Bad: The communal bathrooms (not located in the rooms) lack a sink and soap, meaning the hostel is filled with unwashed hands. I’m pretty sure this is why I acquired The Plague only two days into my stay.
The Rooms:
The Good: Lockers.
The Bad:
Everything else. The window in our room refused to open, which was fantastic considering Amsterdam was experiencing a heat wave akin to a typical summer in Florida. It was stifling to the point where every fart from our mysterious European roommate was amplified times ten. It smelled like death.
When we arrived, it was obvious the sheets on our bed hadn’t been changed (if pubes are any indication), but we passed out anyway.
The bathroom was a toilet, a shower head and a hole in the floor, meaning the entire bathroom became a big sopping mess with every bath (of which you would need many).
The layout:
The Good: Multiple levels.
The Bad: Just because the bar is upstairs and the pot rooms are downstairs doesn’t mean the entire building doesn’t smell like a skunk exploded.
The Clientele:
The Good: I was able to meet a few interesting people who were backpacking through Europe.
The Bad: I mostly met burnouts from America and drunks from England on stag parties. I’ll never forget the guy in dreadlocks who was so fucked up that he spent an entire day on the platform in the front room, locked in one spot, drool running down his chin. I poked him just to make sure he was alive, and he grunted. Amsterdam is a party city. Most of the people I met were barely conscious.
It wasn’t unusual to walk in on people in various stages of copulation in public areas. If this is your thing, you’ll feel comfortable. I usually would run away in an embarrassing fit of giggles.
Internet:
The Good: It’s free and I was able to use it to book a hotel far away from The Flying Pig Hostel.
Granted, the hostel scene isn’t for everybody. I would pick The Flying Pig over the hostels in Amsterdam where they trap you in and force you to participate in Christian singalongs (I swear they exist), but I wouldn’t pick The Flying Pig over an alleyway. If you’re going to sleep among foul odors while surrounded by shady people, you might as well do it for free.

**For Uptown Flying Pig**
This place is my favourite place in the entire world. The beds were clean and made properly (which can’t be said for some hostels.) The smoke room is sound proof from the bar. You’re centrally located, quick walk to anywhere you want to go.
The showers could have used a bit more attention. I understand that some of the staff is there is working there for free room and board and don’t generally care about service but it is the hospitality business after all.. .A little less sarcasm from the staff would go a long way. ;)

**This is for the Uptown Flying Pig Hostel
Was ideally priced since we were looking for a place to literally just sleep (since during the day we’d be your typical tourist adventuring around the city). Came out to 35 euros/​night, and even though we barely spent any time at the hostel, the few hours that we did, was definitely a pleasant experience. The staff are all welcoming and helpful as far as checking in, getting the gist of the neighborhood, as well as offering advice as to the different events and activities to do.
The building itself is a little cramped at first, but in the basement they have a pretty well stocked bar, as well as a prime smoking room — great to meet people and socialize. There are numerous washrooms and bathrooms on over 4 floors, and it was never a tough time to find an open stall to use (and the staff cleans on a regular basis).
Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to visit Amsterdam and would like to stay in a hostel.

Ok, I’m torn. Here’s the good, the bad and the ugly.
The good: cheap, excellent central location, fun people, smoking room, free laptops to use. Fabulous free breakfast.
The bad: LOUD. Like maybe even earplugs won’t keep out the bar’s music. Keycards don’t work and you’ll have to have yours reset a million times.
The ugly: I’m pretty sure I got scabies from this place. Really, really gross. I thought this was some medieval ailment. I can assure you it lives.. . in the Flying Pig.

The Flying Pig is very cute, lots of character and quite active. It was one of the cleanest hostels I have ever stayed in, and had very friendly staff. However, if you’re over 30 years old and you’re priority is not to get wasted or stoned while in Amsterdam, head to another hostel. All of the «kids» who were in my room (I was traveling alone) were there for the big reasons as noted above, and when they’d come home at night they’d keep me up all night as they puked and hacked. I had my big nights out, and it was pretty bad that myself, a a 30+ year old woman, could handle the debauchery of Amsterdam better than they could.
Downstairs they have a smoking room, which makes the entire hostel smell like pot. Not the best thing when you have a business meeting or a conference to attend. They do have a bar, which has good drink prices and they had a DJ one night, which was sort of fun (until I could hear the bass all the way up into my second floor room).
If you stay here, stay with someone, and stay in a private room.

This was a good choice for hostels in Amsterdam. It was centrally located to food, bars, and everything within Amsterdam.
I walked 10 minutes and was able to rent bikes and bike around Amsterdam all day.
The best part of this hostel were the common areas. When you walk in, there is a pool table, smoke room, and bar. I also enjoyed the TV room where you can rent a movie and watch it with friends.
They provided free breakfast every day, lockers in the rooms and showers. The bedding was clean (no bed bugs!) with nice bedding (duvets). The front desk staff was super approachable and helpful. They were able to answer any questions.
Only cons — not a social enough hostel to make fast friends and the showers only stayed on for 30 seconds before you had to push the button for it to turn on again.
I would highly recommend this hostel for 20 somethings to mid 30s!

***Just a heads up this review is for the Flying Pig Noordwijk.
I chose the Flying Pig because the price was right and the reviews were fantastic! I wasn’t disappointed. For a place to party, it’s hard to beat the pig. The staff were friendly but if you take the shuttle be prepared for a wild ride! And that brings me to…
Location– If you are considering Noordwijk be aware that it is about 45 minutes by shuttle to Amsterdam. At the time I went it was € 4 for the shuttle each way and € 12 to take the train and the bus from A Centraal. And the beach is gorgeous in good weather!

As a traveler overseas it’s hard to get used to the hostel style living. However, The Flying Pig is great and makes you feel completely at ease. I’ve stayed at a lot of hostels and let me tell you none of them (except for one in Rome that can come a tad bit close) can compare to this one. They even offer a small room (meaning not many beds inside) at a good price. Most places stick you in a room of what seems like an army of bodies, which can be uneasy at times.
Another great part of The Flying Pig is that they have a «hangout» downstairs where people can chill and get in «the mood.» However, if you’re not used to the culture in Amsterdam prepare yourself for the downstairs cause it gets a bit cloudy at times. I loved every part of this place though because you get to experience Amsterdam first hand.
The staff are all friendly and helpful as well, they gave us their opinion on where to go and pointed everything out on the map. If you’re in the area and need a place to stay just give The Flying Pig a go…“Find us to get lost!” [Less Than Three]

Best hostel I’ve stayed at in A-​Dam.
LOCATION-​LOCATION-​LOCATION!
You can walk after the train drops you at the city center after a flight in from Schiphol Airport.
Prices are decent and if you have a small (3 – 5 person group) you can get your own room for slightly more. Singles are kind of expensive though.
Cool bar downstairs. Lots of travelers, but NOT JUST AMERICANS. Cool peeps, good vibes, internet access (although it does get busy).
Cool opium den type lounge with pillows and stuff. Other location further away was also good but not as centrally located.

One of my favorite hostels ever. The location is an easy half mile walk from the train station, in the heart of a great shopping district, and an easy jaunt to the red light district without actually having to stay in the seedy area that is the red light district.
The décor was very bohemian, a nice chill out room right next to the entrance. It felt safe, you had to be let in the door, and then use a card to get into the entrance gate to the common areas. The employees were happy and helpful. There were several bookshelves for trading, some board games, internet access, and a bar. It was a great place to gather and meet other travelers. They had a DJ one Saturday night I was there and it was great for me to just stay in at the hostel and have a few drinks in the common room and make a couple new acquaintances,
I found it was very easy to get around the square and catch trolleys to reach places farther away,
The rooms themselves were pretty basic, bunk beds, and drawers for storage. There was a luggage room on the main floor if you wanted to leave your pack but you weren’t checking back in. That didn’t seem like the most secure situation, but I didn’t have any problems.
Hoping I get a chance to go back before I’m 40, the cut-​off age for guests.
I shared my dorm with three boys who I never saw, I fell asleep before they came home and snuck out before they woke up. So no problems there, no excessive noise in the rooms, but there was plenty of party in the common area at all times.
I very much appreciated the communal kitchen and breakfast offerings, including the cozy basement lounge to eat and watch a little Dutch Mtv.

The Flying Pig is one of the most fun places to stay in Amsterdam for the budget traveler! This place fills up super-​fast, so if you’re traveling with a group of friends, make sure you book early (and don’t be scared to split off into smaller groups either).
This location of the Flying Pig is central to downtown and the train station (there’s also one out near Vondelpark). It can be a little tricky to find, so make sure you have a map (the one in any guidebook will suffice, most likely).
Prices are a little higher than, say Bob’s, but the atmosphere and general «fun» of the place makes it worth it! The larger the room you decide to stay in, the cheaper it is (i.e., you want to a private bathroom, it’s gonna cost you!). The loungey area out near the lobby is the perfect place to kick back and get into that book you’ve been carrying through 3 countries. Or to strike up conversation with fellow travelers from around the world.
Make sure you use that storage locker under your bunk if you don’t want to continue your journey with 1 less pair of jeans!