Spot the best hotels near Johan Cruyff Arena

The Johan Cruyff Arena is the largest stadium in the Netherlands, serving as a massive hub for sports and entertainment in Amsterdam. Fans often tour the home of the legendary Ajax football club or attend massive concerts held under its unique retractable roof. It is a fantastic place to visit if you want to feel the energy of Dutch football culture and see one of the most technologically advanced arenas in Europe.

This massive stadium serves as the beating heart of Dutch football and a major hub for global music tours. Located in the modern southeast district of the city, it offers a high-tech atmosphere that differs greatly from the historic canal ring.

Watching a match or a concert

The stadium is the home ground for AFC Ajax and frequently hosts the Netherlands national team. With a capacity of 55,885 seats, the energy during a match is intense, especially when the retractable roof is closed to amplify the sound. If you are visiting for a concert, the venue transforms into one of the largest music halls in Europe, having hosted some of the biggest names in pop and rock history.

You can find a variety of food and drink kiosks throughout the rings, and the stadium is entirely cashless. For those looking for a more comfortable experience, there are several climate-controlled lounges and VIP areas. It is wise to arrive at least 60 minutes before your event starts to navigate the security checks and find your entrance gate.

Tips for your visit

To get the most out of your trip, consider booking a stadium tour on days when no matches are scheduled. These tours usually last about 75 minutes and take you through the dressing rooms and the players' tunnel. If you are attending a game, wear something red and white to blend in with the local supporters, but be mindful of which section your tickets are for, as some areas are reserved for die-hard fans.

The area around the stadium, known as the ArenaPoort, is packed with restaurants and bars where fans gather before kick-off. Because event schedules and stadium access can change, you should check the official Johan Cruyff Arena website for the most current opening times and ticket availability.

The Johan Cruyff Arena was specifically designed for large crowds and smooth travel, making it highly accessible from all directions. Below, you will find suggestions for where to stay and how to navigate your way to the stadium from across Amsterdam.

Where to stay in Amsterdam Zuidoost

The area surrounding the stadium, known as Amsterdam Zuidoost, is a modern district filled with large, contemporary hotels. Because the Johan Cruyff Arena is located within a major entertainment strip, you will find plenty of reliable chain hotels that offer spacious rooms, often larger than those in the cramped city centre. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups who want to be within a 5-minute walk of the entrance. If you prefer a more local feel, staying near Amsterdam Amstel Station is a great alternative; it is only a few stops away on the metro and offers a mix of sleek boutique hotels and trendy apartments.

Getting to the stadium

You can reach the stadium easily by taking a train or metro to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA Station, which sits just 200 yards from the main gates. Direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal Station take about 15 minutes, while the metro lines 50 and 54 provide a frequent service from various parts of the city. For those arriving from further away, the station is a major hub for national rail, making the journey simple and fast for all visitors.

Heading to a match or concert at the Johan Cruyff Arena? Use eDreams to explore a variety of nearby lodgings that cater to every type of traveller. It only takes a few moments to find and book a room that meets your needs for your next Amsterdam visit.