I recently had the opportunity to stay in a houseboat in Amsterdam for four nights. The cost was $2,802.55 after taxes and fees, making it roughly $700 per night on Airbnb. Although it was on the pricier side, the experience of living like a local for a few days was worth it.
Amsterdam is known for its canals, and many of them are home to houseboats. The Dutch have a long history of living on boats, dating back to the 17th century. The Netherlands is a waterlogged country, with one-third of the land below sea level. There are about 10,000 houseboats in the Netherlands, and 2,500 of them are in Amsterdam. The cost of space in an Amsterdam canal without a boat is nearly $500,000, and houseboat prices have been increasing steadily in recent years.
During my 10-day trip to Amsterdam, I stayed in two different Airbnbs. The first was a traditional apartment on land, which was nice but not very different from other Airbnbs I’ve stayed in. The second was the houseboat, which cost around $700 per night after taxes, cleaning, and service fees. It was a completely new experience for me as I had never slept on water before.
I was initially nervous about getting seasick but decided that the uniqueness of staying on a houseboat outweighed any potential discomfort. As I boarded the boat and settled into my cabin, I couldn’t help but feel excited for what lay ahead.
Overall staying in a houseboat in Amsterdam was an unforgettable experience. It gave me an opportunity to live like a local and immerse myself in the culture of the city while enjoying breathtaking views of Amsterdam’s canals from my room window.
Although it may be more expensive than traditional lodging options on Airbnb or hotels it’s worth considering if you’re looking for something unique and memorable way to experience Amsterdam.
