If you’re looking for an unusual and unique place to stay in Amsterdam, you'll be able to stop your search now: here’s how you can remain on the boat in Amsterdam, for an unforgettable and incredibly epic Dutch experience! After all, there’s nothing that can compare with waking on the water within the capital of the Netherlands, ready for any day's exploring the countless canals, museums, and wonderful foodie scene that the city has to offer…
A good reputation for the Amsterdam Houseboat
Explore the Dutch capital for just about any length of time and you’ll soon notice that the Amsterdam Houseboats are a firm staple from the canals that loop their way around the central areas of the town. Similar to everything else in Amsterdam, a brief history of the Amsterdam houseboat is one intertwined with innovation along with a constant need for extra room for an ever-expanding population.
In the beginning of houseboat history, retired ship owners who wanted to live in the city using their families would simply moor their boat and carry on as normal, living aboard their ships. And then, following WWII, there is an amazing lack of housing within the city. Once more, the people of Amsterdam considered the boats and ships to find cheap detached housing.
By the 1960s and 70s, a lot of boats had arrived, that the City Council had to start imposing limits on the number of Amsterdam houseboats allowed. Nowadays, you will find around 2,500 houseboats in the city, with moorings capped at that number.
Many of the original problems of just living on the boats have now been solved; with most boats finding yourself in permanent positions allowing for mainstream electricity and cable. Since 2005, all houseboats happen to be necessary to connect with the town sewage. For a closer look at what it’s enjoy to reside on and rent a houseboat full-time, you could check out the Amsterdam houseboat museum. More details here.
Flash forward to today, despite the fact that residents are free to build up as high below or underneath as they wish, their actual plot sizes are limited. As you can imagine, while this is an especially unique life-style that will definitely not suit everyone, the truth that the amount of houseboat rentals are limited this means that the floating home plots are a rather desired commodity throughout the city!
Here’s How You Can remain on the Boat in Amsterdam
During our recent getaway to Amsterdam, one of the top popular features of our trip (apart from the great sunset boat cruise), going through the little-known book markets, and eating all the delicious cuisine, was undoubtedly a unique stay on a houseboat in Amsterdam, i.e. one of the quirky rentals that’s so synonymous with the ecu city.
Hotelschip Gandalf
We personally booked to stay around the Hotelschip Gandalf and enjoyed an evening on the water, close to the central library. With amenities like a private bathroom, free breakfast (think unlimited coffee, wonderful water views, and piping hot pancakes), a spacious shared living area, and an outdoor terrace area, we certainly left wishing we'd planned to remain longer. You can find all the details for Hotelschip Gandalf here.
Houseboat Studio Sooki
Well-reviewed and situated just under two miles from Vondelpark, amenities only at that houseboat include highlights like free toiletries, kitchenette, and outdoor terrace where one can sit and watch the planet go by. There are also free bicycles available that may help you circumvent the city. You will find every detail for Houseboat Studio Sooki here.
B&B Amstel Wake-Up
Located within the Zuideramstel district of the city, highlights of this popular hotel (that is situated less than 2 miles away from the Bags & Purses museum) include a terrace, free parking, and complimentary WiFi. You can find all the details for B&B Amstel Wake-Up here.
Beagle Houseboat
Located less than a mile way away from the Rembrandthuis (i.e. one of the best small museums in Amsterdam), this incredibly well-situated accommodation is among the best-rated accommodations in Amsterdam. Amenities of this Amsterdam houseboat incorporate a kitchen, swimming pool access, free WiFi, and lots of other goodies. You can find every detail for Beagle Houseboat here.
Houseboat Amsterdam Zuid
A well-reviewed boat to book on the water within the Dutch capital, including amenities like a BBQ aboard and situated about 2 miles away from Vondelpark, this houseboat in Amsterdam includes 1 separate bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a seating area. You can find all the details for Houseboat Amsterdam Zuid here.
