During my trip to Amsterdam in April 2024, I decided to stay in a houseboat for four nights. The cost of the houseboat was $2,802.55 after taxes and fees, making it roughly $700 per night on Airbnb. Despite the higher price, I felt that it was worth it for the experience of living like a local in Amsterdam.
One of the first things that stood out to me in Amsterdam was the canals that were lined with houseboats. The Dutch have a long history of living on boats, dating back to the 17th century. With one-third of the country below sea level, the Netherlands has a significant amount of houseboats, with about 2,500 of them in Amsterdam alone.
Over the course of 10 days in Amsterdam, I stayed in two different Airbnb rentals. The first was a typical apartment on land, costing $2,442 for five nights. The second rental was the houseboat experience, costing around $700 a night after taxes, cleaning, and service fees. It was a completely new experience for me, as I had never slept on the water before.
Although I was initially nervous about potential seasickness, I found that staying on a houseboat was a unique and enjoyable experience. The houseboat offered a different perspective of Amsterdam and allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture. Overall, staying in a houseboat was a memorable and worthwhile experience during my time in Amsterdam.