Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds (and even cooler IRL).
Let’s set the scene: You wake up to the gentle rocking of water, the soft morning light pouring through the window, and the distant sound of bikes whizzing by on cobbled streets. You pad barefoot across the wooden floor, make a coffee, then—wait for it—you take a refreshing swim in the canals.
Nope, I’m not making this up. This was my actual life for a few days in Amsterdam when I decided to skip the traditional hotel and stay on a boathouse instead. Spoiler alert: it was one of the most magical, grounding, and unique experiences I’ve ever had.
A Tiny Bit of History (because I’m basically a travel nerd now)
So here’s the tea: Amsterdam’s boathouses aren’t just cute and quirky. They’re actually a legit part of the city’s culture and history. Back in the post-WWII days, when there was a major housing shortage, people started living in boats docked along the canals. Fast forward a few decades, and what started out of necessity has now become one of the most charming and sought-after ways to experience the city. Some boathouses are ultra-modern and bougie, while others (like mine) have more character and charm than any 5-star hotel could dream of.
I Found Mine on Airbnb – and I’m Never Going Back
Okay, maybe I’ll go back to hotels eventually… but after this stay, they’ve got some serious competition. My Airbnb was a cozy boathouse right in the heart of Amsterdam, complete with my own bedroom and a super lovely host who actually lives on the boat full-time (how cool is that?).
And here’s the best part: my host had a second little boat (because obviously one floating home isn’t enough) that I could take out and just float around on. Casual canal hangs became my new afternoon ritual. Zero stress. Zero itinerary. Just me, the water, and a city that felt like a movie set.
Living In the City, With the City
There’s something really special about staying on a boathouse. You don’t just visit Amsterdam—you become part of its rhythm. You start to understand how the canals aren’t just for tourists or postcard pics. They’re living, breathing parts of the ecosystem.
I’d wake up, take a dip in the canal (yes, really—it’s clean!), and feel this strange but beautiful connection to nature right in the middle of a bustling city. Ducks swam by my window. Locals waved from their own boats. It was peaceful, a little romantic, and wildly different from the hustle of a hotel lobby.
Why You Have to Try It
If you’re the kind of person who loves new experiences, connecting with locals, or just living your European main character dreams—put this on your bucket list. It’s the kind of trip that sticks with you, not just because of the photos, but because of how it made you feel.
So next time you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, skip the cookie-cutter hotel. Stay on a boathouse. Wake up to the water. Swim in the canals. Live the boat life—at least once.
Trust me, you’ll never forget it.