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A houseboat in the old center

Houseboat in Amsterdam, 9-minute walk to Dam Square

Photo gallery for A houseboat in the old center

Interior
Fridge, oven, coffee/tea maker, toaster
Outdoor dining
Fridge, oven, coffee/tea maker, toaster
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire house boat

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 250 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Water view

Explore the area

View map
Amsterdam, NH
  • Place, Dam Square
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Anne Frank House
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Van Gogh Museum
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Amsterdam (AMS-Schiphol)
    ‪19 min drive‬

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About the area

Amsterdam

This houseboat puts you in the heart of Amsterdam, within just a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions like Dam Square and Rembrandt Square. Highlights at this houseboat include a kitchen, free WiFi and a patio. .Attractions within a 15-minute walk of this Amsterdam City Centre houseboat include Amsterdam Museum and ARTIS.
View more Houseboats in AmsterdamOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Rembrandt Square - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Dam Square - 8 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Anne Frank House - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Leidseplein - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Van Gogh Museum - 6 min drive - 2.0 km

Getting around

  • Nieuwmarkt Station - 4 min walk
  • Rokin Station - 8 min walk
  • Schiphol Airport (AMS) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lagom - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪De Sluyswacht - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Restaurant De Palmboom - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Samrat - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pastorie Bar - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A houseboat in the old center

Back in the 1600s ! : Your houseboat is moored with its South view on one of the most romantic and peaceful canals, surrounded by a XVIIth century architecture and the Carillon of Zuiderkerk (1614) painted by Claude Monet (1874).

The houseboat is for 2 guests with a king size bed 2m/1m80 with its overhead window for watching stars, surrounded by a paintings gallery and its large Louis XV mirror reflecting the South windows over the canal.

You will appreciate being located in the historical area of Nieuwmarkt, 5 minutes walking distance from Central Station or 40 meters from the metro station 'Nieuwmarkt', close by the tram lines 2, 4, 11, 12, 14 and 24, and the metro line 52 at Rokin station.

The hull (Praam type) and the original structure were built during "La Belle Epoque" in 1898, making it one of the oldest boats in Amsterdam. The last renovation took place in 2010 for the hull doubling and 2019 for the house but respecting its historical charm.

Two times, the City Hall of Amsterdam gave to the boat the price of the most beautiful garden of the center.

Wifi by internet cable.


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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Music library
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Single level property
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 540 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.

Property Registration Number 0365 8743 6423 4DHF NHHE

Property is also known as

Houseboat Old Center Amsterdam
Houseboat Old Center
Old Center Amsterdam
Old Center
In Old Center Amsterdam
Houseboat In Old Center Houseboat
Houseboat In Old Center Amsterdam
Houseboat In Old Center Houseboat Amsterdam

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to A houseboat in the old center?

The closest beach to A houseboat in the old center is Blijburg Beach (8.3 km).

Does A houseboat in the old center have a pool?

No, this houseboat doesn't have a pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at A houseboat in the old center?

No, A houseboat in the old center does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at A houseboat in the old center?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at A houseboat in the old center?

No, pets are not allowed.

Reviews

A houseboat in the old center Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

8.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 149 out of 198 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 198 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 198 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 198 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 198 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Christine K.

Disliked: Cleanliness
The boat is excellently located, close to all the surrounding neighborhoods and walking distance for everything we wanted to do. Check in and out was simple. Owner was extremely responsive whenever I reached out. The boat furnishings are very eclectic with limited seating. Many of the chairs are close to falling apart. There is also poor lighting (very dim) except for the bathroom (very well lit). Despite these things we made the most of it and enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Seat is falling out.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Beverley G.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Should be 0 stars, app would only allow 1 at the least. This houseboat is in terrible condition, inside and out. It also smells very musty, dirty/greasy kitchen items such as glasses, no privacy between the bathroom and rest of boat, dirty windows that either don't open well or close properly, ripped and smelly armchairs, multiple rugs that are a trip hazard, broken chairs you can't sit on, weird fluffy/fleece walls that trap the dust and dirt and smell, insufficient lighting, lumpy bed and nowhere to put your clothes because the owner's clothes are in the cupboard.We arrived at check in time to find the cleaner still there, had to wait about half hour to have the place to ourselves. It smelled bad and the owner told us it was up to us to air it, even though you could barely open the windows. The cupboards in the kitchen were full of old items like coffee and alcohol bottles half used. The multiple tourist boats that passed by, had lots of people peering into our windows looking at us, one after the other. We were not comfortable at all and contacted the host who had previously been very helpful, who told us to open the windows and deal with it. He said that comfort is a subjective concept and our complaints were ignored, he belittled us and expected us to just stay in the squalor, even though he knew it was our honeymoon. We ended up having to use most of our honeymoon spending money to stay in a hotel. Run out of space to type. Do not book this accommodation.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

JACQUELINE C.

This is the perfect location for the houseboat to enjoy exploring Amsterdam and everything is within easy walking distance. We loved the market just across the canal, all of the lovely places to eat and the ease of the metro. I think the pictures online are old when it comes to the houseboat. All of the living area furniture is old, ripped and broken so a comfortable place to sit is difficult. Loved the small but efficient kitchen but you need to eat standing up as there is only one chair at the small table. The other 2 chairs are marked with notes saying do not sit on me. The outside of the houseboat the top garden and the small patio desperately need to be cleaned up as they could be absolutely gorgeous but now are overgrown and with broken chairs and junk thrown around. Would have liked to have a small space in the closet (full and no room to hang anything) instead of living out of the suitcases which had to be stored in the living area. King bed was huge and spacious. The host was very responsive and was always quick to answer any questions. VRBO needs a new set of pictures or the houseboat needs a spruce up. The multiple rugs were definitely a tripping hazard especially at night when the lights were on. Absolutely loved opening the windows and enjoying the cool breeze and interacting with the tour boats/locals on the canal. Amsterdam was incredibly beautiful this time of the year and the flowers were beyond beautiful on and around the canals!
View from the window into the canal! Perfect
Chair
Chair conditions were poor
Every comfortable piece of furniture was ripped or broken down. New furniture or need covers for living area furniture
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Moira T.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a pleasure to stay in a charming house boat on one of the quieter central canals. Eclectically furnished and comfortable it was a tranquil space to relax and watch the tour boats go by. Plenty of nice eateries and grocery stores within walking distance and easy to get to the galleries/museums on foot or by a short tram ride. The bathroom was a good size with a decent shower, the small kitchen had all of the necessary equipment to prepare food ‘at home’ although we didn’t cook. The bedroom was a good size with most of it being taken up by a large bed which was comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

lisa r.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Dreamy and Down-to-Earth Slice of Amsterdam Life

Staying on this houseboat in the heart of Amsterdam was nothing short of magical—and wonderfully real. Every morning, we woke to the soft ripple of canal water, the sound of street cleaners doing their rounds, and the occasional curious coot peeking in. At night, the romance of the city came alive through our windows, with golden reflections dancing across the water and canal cruises gliding by like living postcards.This is true Amsterdam living—historically rooted and vividly alive. The boat itself is an eclectic, cozy tiny home with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. It’s modest but thoughtfully equipped, with quirky charm and a sense of creative soul. The location couldn’t be more central—you’re tucked right into the rhythm of the city, yet still feel like you’re in your own floating haven. If you’re looking for an experience that’s both romantic and refreshingly real, this houseboat is it.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

William, new york

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The owner was extremely kind and provided great information about the surrounding area, also allowed us early entry. The location is terrific, as was the overall cost. The Houseboat, while a unique experience, was not without its problems. The existing online interior pics do not accurately reflect the current condition of the houseboat. The interior is more like a museum of the owner's artifacts and collections - everywhere, and much more clutter today than on the pics. The furniture is actually torn, tattered, or unusable. There is no place to store clothing or suitcases. The lighting, while eclectic, is inadequate. The bathroom with its slanted center floor tiles and drain could be challenging for some, and without any storage area. The positives and negatives kind of offset each other, hence the OK rating. We would look for a more upgraded houseboat if we had to do this over again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Eric S.

Unacceptable Accommodation: Houseboat Not Suitable for Guests

Our recent houseboat stay was profoundly disappointing, falling far short of basic expectations. We anticipated a cool experience, not a luxury resort, but found the property in disrepair, making it both unsuitable and unsafe, and entirely unprepared for guests.Key issues: broken furniture (e.g., shoelace-repaired chair, torn upholstery), hazardous lighting (extension cords, poor switches), and a kitchen filled with old food items. Opened liquor bottles and a bin 2/3 filled with empty bottles.There was no space for our things; it was cluttered with the owner's items. The outdoor area was overgrown and unusable. This clearly felt like someone's hastily vacated primary residence, not a guest-ready rental.We immediately left due to these unacceptable conditions. The host, Lionel, refused a refund despite VRBO's support, intervention and our photos. VRBO could only refund their fee.WarningsDuring early messages, Lionel tried to bypass VRBO fees by instructing us to book future stays directly with him. He provided his private email to do so. We strongly advise against this as it offers no refund recourse if you find similar conditions. Also - Be warned the VRBO photos do not accurately reflect the current, poor conditions (see photos - I could only post 8)RecommendationThoroughly review VRBO's "Book With Confidence" guarantee, follow all stipulated steps BEFORE vacating, regardless of its condition. This will maximize VRBOs ability for a direct refund if needed.
Bedroom closet
Entrance door
Patio and roof area
Living room with unusable chairs
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Alan T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Houseboat in Amsterdam

I enjoyed my stay here but this venue is not for everyone. The listing shows photos that do not represent the conditions accurately. They show the interior of the houseboat to be much lighter and brighter than actual conditions. Some of the photos are either very old or show a different houseboat. The interior furnishings are very kitchy. Also, the exterior of the boat is in poor physical condition: There is damaged siding and a broken window on the port side and the boat lists noticeably to starboard and towards the bow making navigation inside somewhat difficult, especially when making nighttime treks from bedroom to bathroom.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dona R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Canal boat in Amsterdam

I was really excited to see what it would be like on a canal boat. One of the first things that happened was a pair of swans floated by. Pretty cool. The location of the boat was in the middle of everything. A great jumping off point to tour the center of Amsterdam. I enjoyed my accommodation and exploring the city.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hayley O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unforgettable stay on the canal!

My partner and I spent a week in Amsterdam and wanted a central location in a more unique accommodation than a hotel. This houseboat was perfect! The canal it’s located on is a quieter street compared to the nearby bustling shops and restaurants. We were within close biking or walking distance to everything we wanted to explore. The houseboat exterior is picturesque in the canal and charming. The interior is a collection of different antiques, trinkets, fabrics, and decor. Some may find it a bit dated but we appreciated the history, bohemian feel, and coziness. We adored waking up to the skylight above our bed and seeing ducks swim across the canal outside our window. Bathroom and kitchen amenities were satisfactory throughout our stay. We definitely would recommend the experience of staying in this amazing houseboat!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

So much personality!

We loved our stay on this houseboat! The host made the check in process easy and helped us figure out transportation there. We have never seen a place like this before. There is such unique decor inside, we were discovering new fun decorations after four days of staying there! The location was also great, we able to walk to most of the places we wanted to go to. It’s about five minutes from the Red Light District and there are a lot of great shops and restaurants nearby. This was one of our favorite accommodations we’ve ever stayed in because of its uniqueness!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathy T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing!

We loved our time on the houseboat, a great location and super comfy bed. It had everything we needed and the host was very accommodating with check in and check out times.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy, Comfortable, Convenient place

This houseboat is the ideal place to stay in Amsterdam. It’s fun, funky, and very comfortable. Centrally located, it’s easy to walk to all the sites and museums we wanted to see. It’s also right by a subway stop for going further. At night, open the widows and let the breezes and soft sounds of the canal waft over you
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Taylor K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Couple stay in house boat

Overall great location and price. My husband suffers from allergies and it wasn't transparent there was a cat that lives there when guests aren't there. Also would have appreciated more flexibility and conciseness of the check-in process since we were internationally traveling there from the states and unable to check-in earlier upon a red-eye early morning arrival then we had to meet in person which was very long and interactive.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Canal Houseboat

Don't expect hotel amenities, but it was a fun adventure and we enjoyed our stay.Great location, close to many sites. Good restaurants within walking distance. Managers very helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harrison F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amsterdam by boat

We had a wonderful time staying here with such a unique experience. It allowed us to integrate with the local culture and vibe of the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Lori S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sweet and quirky

I really enjoyed staying on a Canal. I wanted an adventure but not of the wild red light district variety. Just something different. Well this was perfect for that. The space is very quirky, lights all over the place, a ships style bathroom which means the bathroom itself is the shower to save space… Tapestries cover the walls, funny little art objects. It was most unusual and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Boat tours do pass right by, but only a few in the afternoon. The canal is narrow and the street very quiet and peaceful. The one thing in the listing that is a bit misleading is that there is no outdoors space to enjoy. There's a small table with wired chairs, not very comfortable and not at all private. so Expect to spend your entire time sitting inside the boat and looking out the giant window at the water and the ducks and the occasional boat.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul R., California , USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic place to stay in Amsterdam

This Houseboat is one of the most unique and interesting places I have ever stayed. The decor is truly unique and amazing and the location is superb.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

grace r.

Great location

We very much enjoyed our stay. The location is fantastic!!! Many of the canals can have a lot of foot and bike traffic, especially at night. This location is close to everything, but on a quiet canal. We loved the funky old boat, but I would caution that the photos might be unintentionally misleading. This boat is fun and funky -not elegant. Think “70s kitsch” - tapestries, mismatched prints, space blankets on the ceiling. The bed was good, the other furniture rather uncomfortable. There is no outdoor space, but the windows open out and you can sit and watch the boats and birds go by. The boat could use some simple upgrades - towels are terrible and they offer only two rather beat up pillows (we took pillows off the chairs for bolsters). It’s a boat, so it’s going to be a bit damp. Because of the way it’s appointed, it’s a bit dusty. That said, excellent location, value for the money, and a unique experience for more adventurous travelers.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Martha H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very quaint experience; VERY quaint!

We enjoyed the location tremendously; and, staying on the boat added a charming ambiance to our Amsterdam experience. On the other hand, it is very tattered, dated, rickety and an electrical nightmare. Extension cords and hidden switches everywhere and very dimly lit. Floors covered with throw rugs that all overlap; the walls and ceilings covered with fabric that has been stapled on. And, used toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet. So, if you don't mind dealing with all the oddities, go for it. Just don't expect anything "normal" in this boat. It's an extremely unique experience staying here. My husband and I agree that we are glad we stayed on the boat but would not stay there on a return trip.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

David J., NYC, NY

Charming but Challenging

Lovely and convenient location in a quiet neighborhood. Keep in mind you will be staying on an old boat with a very boho interior. Depending on one's age and experience, you may find the accommodations delightful or not so much. It is definitely NOT like staying in a hotel room, so certain amenities you might expect will be lacking. For instance, the towels are not great and the place is heated with two space heaters, and it is dusty and a bit rickety in places. But the bathroom is reasonably clean as is the galley. I will admit that it was cold and rainy for all five nights we were on the boat, so that made for a slightly less comfortable stay. BUT it's a really interesting and authentic Amsterdam experience, and as I said, you can't beat the location. And it's kind of wonderful to have your own little "house" to retreat to with swans and ducks swimming by and a carillon ringing.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing canal boat experience.

The location for walking was great. Each day 7 swans swam by plus ducks. Few boat tours cruised by and it’s fun to wave at them or raise a glass of wine to toast them. Fun times. Very comfortable bed too. Thanks for a very pleasant stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Richard T., Island Park, Idaho USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Amsterdam stay

Enjoyable and convenient
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Federica G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy stay at this wonderful boat

I spent a few nights at this houseboat with my boyfriend and we were really impressed by the interior design, so cozy, and artistic! We felt like being in the house of an artist from the 19th century. The position is also great, in a canal in the very center of the city, but still quiet at night. Hosts were nice and overall we enjoyed very much staying there. Definitely recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Melanie C., Texas

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location!

Within walking distance to lots of local attractions!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023