HOUSEBOAT RENTAL AMSTERDAM
Renting a houseboat in Amsterdam
'Can I rent a houseboat from you?' is a question we receive regularly. We'd love to, but unfortunately we don't rent out houseboats in Amsterdam.
With us you can rent a small boat. They're not suitable for sleeping on, but they're much easier to sail yourself than a houseboat ;-)
Even though we don't rent out houseboats ourselves, we do have an opinion on the matter. And we're happy to share it in the form of tips. Make the most of them!
1. Houseboat rental Amsterdam: it starts with a good location
The three most important factors in real estate also apply to houseboats: location, location, location. In other words: where is the houseboat you're renting moored? Make sure it matches your preferences.
Houseboats in Amsterdam are literally spread across the entire city, from the very centre to the most remote outer neighbourhoods. Some houseboats are moored three rows deep next to each other, while others have no direct neighbours within a wide radius.
The most popular locations for renting a houseboat are on the most beautiful canals – including Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht and Entrepotdok – and on the river Amstel. But don't forget: some of those popular canals are also the busiest ones.
2. Book your houseboat well in advance and avoid peak season
Amsterdam is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Visitor numbers continue to rise. Occupancy rates for all types of accommodation are high and this applies to houseboats as well. Especially among international visitors with a generous budget, renting a houseboat is enormously popular. And while demand keeps growing, no new houseboats are being added. The municipality simply does not allow new houseboats.
Don't count on attractive last-minute deals for renting a houseboat – instead, book well in advance. And if possible, try to avoid the peak moments. On weekdays outside holiday periods you'll have more choice, pay less and the city is less crowded.
3. What's the view like from your houseboat?
Many houseboat listings show beautiful pictures of Amsterdam. But is that actually the view from your houseboat? Not always! Many houseboats do have a lovely open view of the water on a historic canal or the wide river Amstel. But there are also houseboats that look out onto an industrial area or onto the neighbour's houseboat moored alongside.
The windows of many old houseboats are limited to small portholes. That's charming if you love authenticity. Otherwise, you might be better off looking for a recently built or renovated houseboat with large panoramic windows.
4. Does your houseboat have a terrace?
Relaxing inside is good, relaxing outside is better. To enjoy your breakfast or to unwind after a long day in the city, there's no better place than your own terrace. Some houseboats have a rooftop terrace, others a floating deck on the water. Be sure to ask about this if it appeals to you.
5. Are you renting the entire houseboat or just part of it?
Houseboats come in all shapes and sizes: from small "cabins" with bunk beds – for that authentic nautical feeling – to large vessels with over 200 square metres of living space. That makes quite a difference. Also for your privacy.
Make sure you know whether the houseboat is entirely yours, whether you're sharing it with other tourists, or whether you're staying in a B&B on the owner's boat.
6. Watch your head and back (check the ceiling height)
Renting a houseboat can be a slightly claustrophobic experience. But that's part of the charm. After all, you're in a converted cargo hold or a wheelhouse, not a hotel room. Especially if you're tall, it's worth checking the standing height of the houseboat you want to rent.
7. Rent a boat to explore the Amsterdam canals yourself
The fact that you're looking for a houseboat rather than a standard hotel room says something about you. Chances are you love authentic, original experiences and are open to a bit of adventure off the beaten tourist track. Sound like you? Then you'll definitely enjoy renting a boat and exploring the canals yourself.
8. Rent your houseboat from a reliable company
As mentioned, unfortunately we don't rent out houseboats ourselves. A reliable company for renting a houseboat is Book a Houseboat. They do charge a commission, but it's paid by the houseboat owner.
Renting a houseboat through a professional company has many advantages for you as a guest: plenty of choice, clear terms and conditions, and support before and during your stay. If you can't find what you're looking for at Book a Houseboat, there are also the major platforms like Tripadvisor and Booking.com.
9. Fun alternative: Amsterdam Botel
Our final tip is the Amsterdam Botel. It's not a houseboat, but a large vessel converted into a floating hotel. Here you get the experience of staying on a boat, combined with the usual amenities and service of a regular hotel.
The Botel is located at the popular and lively NDSM wharf, about 20 minutes by (free) ferry from Central Station. Particularly original are the modern letter-shaped rooms on the roof of the boat.
We hope our tips for renting a houseboat are helpful to you.
And of course, we hope to see you at our boat rental too!