Living like a local in Amsterdam is a dream come true for many travelers, and staying on a houseboat is the perfect way to do it. During my 10-day trip to the Netherlands, I had the unique opportunity to stay 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. However, the second was a houseboat that cost around $700 per night after taxes, cleaning, and service fees.
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.
Staying on a houseboat was an entirely new experience for me as I had never slept on the water before. I was a bit nervous about getting seasick but found that the uniqueness of staying on a houseboat outweighed any potential discomfort. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to live like a local and immerse myself in the culture of Amsterdam.
Despite being pricier than some other Airbnb options available in Amsterdam, staying on a houseboat is worth it if you’re looking for an authentic experience unlike any other.