Amsterdam will mesmerize you with its Golden Age canals and irreverent atmosphere. It will excite you with its fervent cultural scene and lively nightlife. It will enchant you with its narrow lanes, lined up with quirky buildings and it will seduce you until you kneel before its beauty. Now imagine what it would do to you if you made sure you had a different experience than anyone else’s, by sleeping on a boat like a true adventurer.
Oh, you didn’t know you could do that? Of course you can! There are so many surprising options of accommodation in boats and houseboats in Amsterdam you won’t even believe us. Maybe you’ve already been recommended a great hotel, but who says you have to do what everyone else does when it’s YOUR holiday?
Take a look at our suggestions of the best Airbnb accommodations in a péniche or houseboat, in the capital of the Netherlands.
1. Authentic barge in the river Amstel (from USD 146)
Let’s start with the most inexpensive option: this barge is moored in a beautiful part of Amsterdam, surrounded by green, minutes from the city centre. It’s a great choice if you hate being surrounded by tourists and want to wake up in a quiet, peaceful place. The houseboat features a small garden where you can have breakfast, a private bedroom, a bright living room with kitchen area, and a bathroom.
You’ll be sharing your accommodation with the owner who has his bedroom at the backside of the barge, plus his three cats. If you’re a solo traveller and would like to get an authentic experience in Amsterdam, this is the right place for you!
Authentic barge in the river Amstel in AmsterdamAmsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
2. Volharding Amsterdam (from USD 129)
This lovely houseboat is set right in the centre of Amsterdam, perfect for when you want to be where everything happens. The houseboat has a separate entrance for guests, so you’ll have your privacy, even though you’ll be sharing the accommodation with the owners. The bedroom area has a double bed, overlooking the canal, where you can fall asleep whilst taking in the view. How dreamy does that sound?
Volharding AmsterdamAmsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
3. Houseboat with garden (from USD 105)
This romantic houseboat has a lovely garden overlooking the river and the skyline of Amsterdam. It features a quiet bedroom with TV, minibar, and WiFi, as well as a shared bathroom. You’ll be staying in a cosy but spacious houseboat, seconds from the centre of Amsterdam, where you will be able to enjoy the peacefulness of the city and, at the same time, be close to all of the main attractions. If this sounds exactly like what you are looking for, don’t hesitate and book it!
Houseboat,garden,centerAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
4. Studio in a spectacular houseboat (from USD 167)
Now, there’s no way you can be expecting this: a modern studio in a spectacular houseboat! This nautical boutique-style studio is a private space with an en-suite bathroom, which only you and your partner will use. You can see the sky through the window above the bed and sip a drink whilst enjoying the sunset on the private deck.
The owners will provide you with two bicycles, so you can really have a true experience in Amsterdam and free parking if you’re travelling by car. You won’t find a better money-for-value ratio, anywhere else!
Studio on Spectacular HouseboatAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
5. Unique studio on cutter 'Rosita' (from USD 123)
Stay in a boat dating back to 1948, which has been converted into a comfortable yacht for two people. Moored in the centre of Amsterdam, this yacht will let you enjoy the city to its fullest and give you an authentic experience. This houseboat features a bedroom area, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom, as well as a terrace with a table and chairs, where you can have dinner whilst admiring the view.
Unique studio on cutter 'Rosita'Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
6. Houseboat Nova (from USD 149)
Enjoy Amsterdam’s tradition of living on the water and stay in the Houseboat Nova, a beautifully designed houseboat, moored in the southern part of the city. The whole boat will be yours for a few days and the price includes four bikes, so you explore the city to its fullest the way locals do.
The houseboat features two bedrooms and one bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a roof terrace and you won’t have to share it with anyone except your loved ones! This is one of the best options for a houseboat rental in Amsterdam.
HOUSEBOAT NOVA 80m2 + FREE BIKESAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
7. Cosy, comfortable houseboat in the city centre (from USD 105)
This cosy houseboat is located in a quiet area, close to restaurants and supermarkets. It has a private entrance and is great for couples or solo travellers. It features a bed area and a bathroom, however, there is no kitchen, so if you don’t mind not having one, this is a houseboat to consider for your visit to Amsterdam!
cosy, comfortable houseboat, close to city centreAmsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
8. Romantic, stylish B&B houseboat (from USD 168)
This stylish houseboat is located in a historic area and has amazing views of the canal. This traditional Dutch barge has all the modern comforts you’re used to. There’s two bikes and a Canadian canoe available, so you can explore the city like a true local. The owners will make sure to help you get anywhere you want to visit and offer you a great stay and extraordinary experience in central Amsterdam.
Romantic, stylish B&B houseboat in canal districtAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
9. Modern houseboat with a 360 degree view (from USD 270)
This modern houseboat is our most expensive option but one of the best houseboats you’ll find in Amsterdam. With its modern, functional style, you will even forget you’re in a houseboat at all. The living room has a 360-degree view of the canal and you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset as it should be enjoyed.
The whole house will be only yours so that’s another bonus. Featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room area and a kitchenette, this houseboat is perfect for a small group of friends or family.
Houseboat with modern interior in the city centerAmsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
10. Cosy small houseboat
This cosy houseboat is located in the city centre of Amsterdam, near the famous Jordaan. The private bedroom has three beds, so if you’re visiting the city with two friends, this is perfect! There is also a living area and kitchen, where you can enjoy your time in the company of your friends and cook your own meals. You can even ask to go on a boat ride!
Cosy small houseboat
Have a traditionally Dutch experience in Amsterdam
The point of travelling is to have unique experiences, get to know different cultures and make an effort to mingle with the locals. Staying on a houseboat in Amsterdam is a great way to do these three things at once: you’ll experience Amsterdam’s local way of living on the water, learn about their effervescent culture, and be more of a local than a tourist, throughout your whole visit. If this sounds like what you want to do in Amsterdam, go ahead and book your ideal houseboat. You won’t regret it!
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