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. Volharding Amsterdam (from USD 95)
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the barge is lovely very cosy plenty of space excellent shower tea and coffee making facilitiesthe room was so cozy and the bed is amazingly comfortablecute wee room a mini microwave oven would have made it 200% amazingcomfy bed we loved the windows by the bed and having them open with the water right therethe room and bed were very comfortable and such a treat to wake up on the waterCleanliness:
really pleasant and clean airbnbthe accommodation is clean and unclutteredthe space is clean modern and stylishit is clean and the bed is extremely comfortableit is warm and cozy and very clean and modernHost:
great host very helpfullvery friendly host tooshe is helpful friendly and open minded a great hostgreat spot great hostmirjam is a really lovely host definitely would recommend this for couplesRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is also great- a 10 minute walk max to central amsterdammiriam’s place is in a great location next to the train station and downtown areasthe location of it was just perfecti highly recommend it 15 min walking distance to the center and 5 to the central train stationlovely location in the west dock
2. Houseboat with garden (from USD 116)
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, Centre, Spacious Garden, BreakfastAmsterdam, North Holland, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable convenient location breakfast coffee and conversation includedgreat breakfast and it’s only a couple minutes walk to the ferries toothe houseboat had plenty of room for two and had a very charming old-fashioned vibewe also loved the breakfast such a nice toucha delicious breakfast is served on a mezzanine just outside the roomCleanliness:
everything was spotless and cleanvery clean and the bed was comfortablewonderful clean houseboat in a nice and quiet neighbourhoodthe style was modern/clean but was not without its charmsit was extremely clean with all the extras and so easy to get into the cityHost:
reinhardt was very helpful and a good hostreinhart was a great hostlovely man very kind informative and welcomingreinhart was a gracious hostreinhart was a very welcoming hostRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice location to downtownperfectly located quiet and centralgood location and close to the cityclose to center beautiful placeperfect location: peaceful but just a quick ferry ride away from central amsterdam
3. Studio in a spectacular houseboat (from USD 139)
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there were some beautiful flowers in the room when we arrivedthe bed is super comfy there is way more space than it seems from the photoswe really appreciated the kitchen area and sonja provided us with some breakfast thingsthe welcome drink coffees tea fruits biscuits tv with netflix and youtubethere was a map on the table when we arrived which was very helpful tooCleanliness:
very clean and thoughtfully presentedclean tidy quiet and excellent valuethe place was spotless and decorated beautifullythe place is super clean and very cozythe room is very cozy clean and modernHost:
absolutely amazing host went above and beyond to make sure our stay was extra specialsonja is a brilliant host and the boat is spectaculara wonderful host amazing room and she even left us wine bread and breakfast itemsthe hosts were lovely frequent trams which take you to the centrebook you won’t be disappointed amazing boat and lovely hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
location was great toowe also loved the locationeasy to get around and pretty close to transitvery nice house boat very well located in amsterdam only 10 minutes walk from the city centera truly magical location close to every transport system and easy walk distance to retail heaven in hallemerbuurt
4. Unique studio on cutter 'Rosita' (from USD 106)
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed nook was so cozy would highly recommendit was so much better than a typical hotel or roompretty good little shower as well for a little roomCleanliness:
the rosita was very clean and comfortableHost:
the host is so friendly tooour host was very helpful and friendlyfriedrich was a great hostthe host is also friendly and fluent in englishfriedrich is a welcoming hostRead more reviewsLocation:
easy walk to central stationideal location from centraalclose to all major attractionseasy walk from centraal stationwarm comfortable and ideal location
5. Houseboat Nova (from USD 106)
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms were comfortable and the amenities met all our needswe enjoyed the comfortable and peaceful nature of the houseboatwe couldn't get the tv to work but used our laptops as the wi-fi was goodthere is a ton of space the patio is lovely and the kitchen is nice to haveCleanliness:
house - clean warm and tidyit was clean and quietthe houseboat is clean and nicely furnishedclean comfy stylish homeit is immaculately clean and spaciousHost:
the owners were very good about responding to our questionsthe host is communicative and friendlythe host is very responsive if you have any questions or concernsgreat place very nice hoststhe host was responsive as gave great tips about the transportationRead more reviewsLocation:
good location not too far from city centerthe location is nice and quiet away from the busy central areagreat quiet location just outside the main center of the citygood location and handy having bikes to get aroundcute place away from hustle and bustle of the city
6. Cosy, comfortable houseboat in the city centre (from USD 62)
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is wifi (plenty strong for streaming video)the bed was comfortable and there’s a small couch and a small table you can sit atthe bed is large for one person and quite comfortablethe cabin is very cozy and two people can comfortably stay thereths cozy houseboat was perfect for a weekend getawayCleanliness:
very clean elegant and warmallart runs a clean shipeverything was clean and cosythe shower and bathroom were very cleanclean and nice houseboat comfortable and memorable stayHost:
allart was the perfect hostallart was a wonderful host and excellent communicatorallart is a fantastic hostallart was a good host kept in touch prior with solid directions and adviceallart was super helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the city centre yet located in a quiet and pretty neighbourhoodfantastic location; off the tourist trail but so close to everythingit’s in a great location 10 min cycle to amsterdam centrallocation is great because the train stop is right downtown street from the docks100 metres to the tram and bus station so it is super convenient for traveller
7. Romantic, stylish B&B houseboat (from USD 144)
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the boat had a nice shower and coffee and tea makervery comfortable mattress and pillows good space very quiet and save good internet relaxed host and good breakfastresidential area beautiful views quiet cozy and cleanthe breakfast is amazing and the space is super comfortablethe best part is having the amazing breakfast in the wheel house and enjoying the view each dayCleanliness:
clean and comfortable staygreat shower and all exceptionally cleanthe space was very comfortable and cleanso clean welcoming and in a great locationthe boat is nice and clean the breakfast really goodHost:
flip is a wonderful hostflip is a great hostflip was an amazing hostthe host answers questions quickly and makes the stay wonderfulflip was a wonderful host who provided lots of great local recommendationsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is idealgreat location not far from central stationthe location was great (close to centraal station)wonderful location a comfortable walk north of train stationclose enough to the city to walk but far enough away to be peaceful
8. Modern houseboat with a 360 degree view (from USD 222)
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms were comfortable and the kitchen area was all we neededCleanliness:
very clean and tidyfun and clean environmentit's very clean and comfythe houseboat is very cleangreat communication clean and tidy boat :) good locationHost:
the host is lovely and stopped by to say hihost was very helpful and easily reachablegreat host who responds quickly to messagesxanthe amazing host and great placeabsolutely lovely place and hosts to stay at again any timeRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is fantasticlocation was awesome as everything was close and within walking distancegreat location for walking around amsterdamamazing location to stay in amsterdam easy checkin walking distance from great restaurants and attractionsawesome location and amazing place
9. 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
10. Authentic barge in the river Amstel
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, NetherlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the setting is tranquil and beautiful and the private room was tidy and comfortablethe boat was dope beds were super comfyCleanliness:
boat is spacious clean and impressiveold- fashioned but absolutly clean thanks for having us we can 100 percent recommend this airbnbHost:
rick himself is the most helpful host i've ever hadrick was a really nice host and he made us feel very welcomerick was a great host friendly and helpfulrick was very friendly and courteous hostrick is one of the friendliest hosts you can imagineRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful barge with a good location a short walk from the nearest metro station along the lovely amstel rivergreat place for an interesting tripon the way to the metro there's a nice beach areaits a great place to get awaythe neighborhood is also very peaceful and quiet
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 in Amsterdam on a houseboat 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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