Why should you rent a houseboat in Amsterdam?
Let’s be honest; we all try to do something different when we travel, but usually, most of us end up doing the same. Travelling should be about new experiences and booking a houseboat in Amsterdam is certainly a lot more exciting than another night in a hotel. Below are some reasons why you should definitely book a houseboat on your next visit to Amsterdam.
1. Get a new perspective on Amsterdam
Amsterdam is quite a contrast with most cities in Europe. As you know, bicycles are preferred over cars and apart from the red-light district, famous museums and liberal drug laws, the city is best known for some really beautiful canals.
But what is so special about the canals? Well, they look simple, but more importantly, they offer a completely different perspective of the city. That means that everything looks different from the water, in contrast to the nearby streets or the cycling paths that run on either side of the canal. Streaming from left to right in every pocket of the city, these canals are also lined with colourful brick buildings, lush elms and friendly residents.
Renting a houseboat in Amsterdam is a great way to discover the heart of the city. These canals are, after all, the heartbeat of Amsterdam or at least the bloodstream. Everything feels connected on the water, and there is clearly more to see when you look out of the window of your houseboat than when you look out of the window of one of the nearby hotels.
2. On a houseboat, see and hear the beauty that is the city of Amsterdam
When you rent a houseboat for the first time, you will realise why Amsterdam is such a beautiful city. As your houseboat is moored along the quay, you watch the waters flow, ducks and geese swim by, and a large variety of boats pass your temporary floating holiday home. These sights also come with sounds. There is nothing as beautiful as the sound of quacking ducks to wake you up in the morning.
Apart from staying in a houseboat, you can also rent a boat to sail on the numerous canals in Amsterdam. As you make your way through the canals, the environment constantly changes, revealing the beauty of the city of clogs, her picturesque bridges and the sights and sounds of old Amsterdam. You can feel the wind change with the weather and float from one neighbourhood to another, the facades are always colourful with vintage shops, coffeeshops, art galleries and historical monuments at every turn. That beauty is really something unique that can only be seen and heard from the old canals.
3. You get your money’s worth
When it comes to new experiences, renting a houseboat in Amsterdam is certainly the most unique accommodation option, not to mention the canal is the most interesting way to explore the city. With this in mind, renting a houseboat is always worth the money (if you make sure to rent with the right people).
4. Booking a houseboat is safe, easy and super fun
The municipality heavily regulates houseboats in Amsterdam, so they are very safe, and people who have (and rent out) houseboats usually need a permit to do so. Houseboats are usually equipped with all the necessary facilities. The bathrooms have a shower, toilet and sink, and the kitchens are fully equipped with a coffee maker, refrigerator, two-burner stove and kitchen inventory.
While staying in a houseboat, you will sleep as you do in a cabin with a double bed or a bunk bed. The terrace (and the roof terrace) of your houseboat are equipped with garden furniture. Many of the houseboats are also child-friendly, so your children will definitely love staying there.
Renting a houseboat on the aforementioned websites is also very easy and fun. While booking, you can filter by price, rating and recommendations. Then, you will get an extensive list of available houseboats in Amsterdam or the vicinity.
Tip: take a moment to sit on your houseboat’s balcony and take in the surroundings with the many animals and boats passing by. You would love it!
Have you ever stayed in an Amsterdam houseboat? Did you like it, and would you recommend it to your family and friends? Let us know in the comments.