If you haven’t been to Amsterdam yet, what are you waiting for? The city is full of rich cultural heritage and quirky neighborhoods, so get ready to soak up the atmosphere.
Everyone is struck by the beauty of the canals, which were built in the 17th century and are now UNESCO-protected. Visitors looking for things to do in Amsterdam are spoiled for choice with scores of art museums, historical sights, and unique experiences in each of the city’s neighborhoods.
Arguably, the best way to sample life as a local when visiting Amsterdam is to stay in a vacation rental apartment or Airbnb in the Dutch capital. The city is full of appealing and unusual neighborhoods, each with a distinct character.
Some of the best vacation rentals in Amsterdam are in Noord, De Pijp, and Jordaan. You can wander along to other popular neighborhoods from many of our top Amsterdam vacation rentals on this list. You might want to explore the nearby De Wallen, Westerpark, Oud-West, Nine Streets, and Nieumarket en Lastage.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s take a look at some of the best vacation rentals in Amsterdam!
TL;DR
Best Vacation Rentals in Amsterdam
1. A Stylish, Well-equipped Houseboat near De Pijp
Wander down the quiet street beside the canal, taking in the prettiness of the Dutch Renaissance architecture. Admire the bridges lined with fairy lights as you approach your destination. On arrival at the modern houseboat, you’ll see the entryway flanked by pots of greenery and complete self-check-in.
In the heart of the city center, this stylish and well-equipped houseboat offers the opportunity to experience Amsterdam in style. Main and tourist attractions are accessible on foot or via public transport.
The nearby bohemian, multicultural De Pijp area offers a choice of bars and restaurants, not to mention the Albert Cuypmarkt. Jazz clubs such as Paradiso, Melkweg, and Alto Jazz café are all within a ten-minute walk.
The boat is well-stocked with home entertainment. This includes a projector, a record player, and classic board games. Visitors can enjoy their meals looking out at the canal view from the private balcony, and on the terrace, there is a hammock to recline in after a long day’s sightseeing.
The boat is well-stocked with home entertainment. This includes a projector, a record player, and classic board games. Visitors can enjoy their meals looking out at the canal view from the private balcony, and on the terrace, there is a hammock to recline in after a long day’s sightseeing.
See Related: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam
2. A Peaceful 1920s Potato Boat
You know you have arrived at the right spot when you spot a traditional 1920s boat painted in red and blue. Venture inside and feel charmed by the porthole windows and a traditional steering wheel.
This remodeled houseboat benefits from a central location. It is only a thirty-minute walk to Amsterdam Central Station, yet tucked away in a surprisingly quiet and peaceful neighborhood. The Van Gogh Museum and the Metro are within easy walking distance, as are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Deceptively spacious, this well-preserved houseboat boasts historic character and original porthole windows. In a former life, the boat transported sand and potatoes. Today, it provides a spot of tranquility amidst the bustle of the city center.
Adjoining the main boat is a patio boat where you can sit peacefully and watch the world go by. Or gaze thoughtfully along the canal towards the Rijksmuseum rooftops. You might also consider visiting the ever-awesome Heineken Experience.
3. Industrial Playhouse Apartment
If your party is a large group looking for a unique Airbnb in Amsterdam, this could be the one for you. The host transformed this industrial building into a playful space that caters to up to twenty guests!
The unusual decor includes a room styled after an old boat workshop. There’s an array of amusements, including a pool table, table tennis, a small climbing wall, and disco lights.
Centrally located, this converted warehouse is only a ten-minute short walk to the Metro. It is five minutes to Centraal Station or a ten-minute walk to the free ferry.
The bars and restaurants nearby in Noord are trendy and artistic. There’s Thai, Chinese, and the intriguing “Pllek,” a restaurant built from old containers.
The nearby NDSM Wharf used to be a shipyard, but now its bars and cafes are frequented by hipsters, and the wharf is covered in impressive graffiti. You might even spot an artist at work.
If you’re up for a sensory extravaganza, check out the exhibitions at Nxt Museum and have your mind opened and expanded. If you feel like getting a smoke on, check out one of Noord’s “coffeeshops.” Or, if you’re not sure how many pancakes you can eat in 75 minutes, find out aboard the Pancake Boat!
See Related: Best Amsterdam Food You Need to Try
4. Immaculate Canal House Loft Space
Be charmed by the leafy canals and slender alleys of the attractive Jordaan neighborhood. Many of the canals and streets in Jordaan are named after flowers, and one theory is that the name of the area has come from “jardin,” the French word for garden.
While in the area, the Anne Frank house is absolutely essential to experience and consider admiring the bells of Westerkerk, too. A trip to the Tulip Museum could brighten your day, and after you’ve completed the historical component of your sightseeing itinerary, explore the first museum of fluorescent art at Electric Ladyland.
But how about this Airbnb? You’ll Find yourself approaching the bold entrance of a historic building with an arch window atop the wide doorway. On entering, you’ll find an immaculate loft space with a smooth concrete floor, high ceilings, and a wonderful host of luxury features. This amazing canal penthouse can cater to four guests and is ideal for you to enjoy a sophisticated getaway in Amsterdam.
This just might be the best Airbnb in Amsterdam Central. This accommodation is a peaceful haven offering a captivating view through the window to the canal.
5. Renaissance apartment in a central location
Saunter through the hip De Pijp district, making your to this stunning apartment on a typical Amsterdam street lined with trees and an army of bicycles.
With room for up to four people, you’ll find a sunlit lounge boasting a wall of windows framed by scarlet drapes. The apartment has high stucco ceilings and Renaissance architecture.
These features complement a sleek black fireplace and a glowing chandelier. Light, modern flooring provides balance to the bold features.
This luxury Airbnb Amsterdam with a double bed is ideal for those looking for a central and quiet location. Trams and buses to the central and central train station are within a two-minute walk, and the heart of the city center is within a ten-minute walk.
Bike rentals are also available. There are shops, cafes, and restaurants surrounding the apartment and a lovely farmers market nearby.
Stop by the market and pick up some bits for lunch. Lay the nibbles on the dining table and enjoy the natural light through the large windows and the trees outside your window. Then ponder a trip to the nearby Oosterpark or even an excursion to the marvelous ARTIS Royal Zoo.
See Related: Best Bike Tours In Amsterdam
6. A delightful boathouse
Here, we have a cozy boathouse in a tranquil and picturesque location. The interior is simply charming and has personal touches adding warmth, such as the barometer, artwork, and traditional lamps.
The perfect location from which to explore the entire city center. It’s within walking distance of the heart of the whole city center, and within five minutes, you can reach the 24-hour ferry to the city center.
There are books and games to amuse the gang during quiet moments and a charming fire to keep you cozy during cooler months. Sit out on the private deck terrace that overlooks the water. With a glass of something in hand, take a deep breath as you relax on your well-deserved break.
Watch the ducks paddle by or pick up a few pellets to feed them. If you’ve got kids with you, you could check out the ultimate 5D flight experience at the nearby Eye Filmmuseum.
7. A modern apartment in the city center
You couldn’t get more central than this fantastic location! Almost next door to the Heerengracht cargo ship, this apartment is in an excellent location in an iconic area of Amsterdam, the Grachtengordel West neighborhood, lying between Jordaan and Amsterdam’s medieval center.
It is easy to access the famous Dam Square within just a short walk ten-minute walk. All the main attractions are within walking distance of this central yet quiet apartment.
A light, stylish space with natural light and an open area for cooking, eating, and relaxing in a private room. There’s a bath and shower room, which is a fully tiled wet room!
This accommodation is perfectly located near the Anne Frank House, which is an unmissable gem. Then you could visit the Royal Palace Amsterdam and round out your trip with a jaunt through Body Worlds.
See Related: I Amsterdam City Card Review: Is It Worth the Price?
8. A sweet courtyard apartment
Along a classic Dutch street of pretty houses, you will find this nineteenth-century dike house in the calm and quiet neighborhood of Tuindorp Nieuwendam.
This apartment has a private space and a designer bathroom with a spacious bath, and in the bedroom, there is an adjustable electric bed. Accessible via bus, metro, bike, or ferry, make your way to Centraal Station within fifteen minutes.
Just around the corner is the popular Het Sluisje, a terrace pub serving food. Only five minutes walk away is a tennis club in Vliegenbos. If you prefer to explore beyond the city, this private apartment is well-located for accessing the Waterland.
When it’s time to rejuvenate after all that sightseeing, take a pew in the sweet courtyard and enjoy the fresh air before retiring for the evening.
9. Light and cool underground central studio
A chic studio apartment with a double bed that stays cool in summer as it is below street level. The whole studio apartment is decorated in light colors with pale wood-style flooring.
The decor lifts this underground hideaway that looks out onto the street. There are splashes of color that give this space a joyful feel. The studio has a small street patio where you can sit out with your morning coffee and enjoy the bustle of the city.
Enjoying a very central location, close to the metro, this studio could be a great location pleasant stay, a base to explore from, and is within walking distance of many must-see spots. It’s a great place from which to explore the botanical gardens, De Hortus, and the fascinating Micropia museum.
See Related: The Ultimate Guide To Keukenhof Tulips
10. Converted Crane Tower
The most unusual pick on this list! Sure, houseboats are a little out of the ordinary, but for something really different, why not stay in a converted crane?
Your home during your stay will be the little blue house that sits at the bottom of the crane. Such a unique exterior, but once inside, you will find quite a luxurious space with stylish fittings, one double, one sofa bed, and a large bathtub.
This former industrial harbor area in the Eastern Docklands is now something of a creative hub with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and art galleries to explore.
This one-of-a-kind waterfront property has been converted from an industrial harbor crane, but no luxury is spared once inside. There is an HDTV and a Nespresso coffee machine, and they’ve even managed to fit a dishwasher and washing machine in here. There’s space to cook and enjoy the delightful views from the dining table as you eat your meals.
The views from the crane are exceptional, and it feels almost as if you are floating over the water. As the sun rises, the view from the cabin over the IJ River is no less than incredible.
This next bit is important; you need to head to the following address for check-in: YAYS Maritime (Oostenburgergracht 73, 1018 NC, Amsterdam). There’s a short taxi ride from there to the accommodation, so make sure to head to the check-in address first. The hosts will then escort you via taxi to the private entrance to the accommodation.
Once you’re settled in, consider checking out world-class museums at the National Maritime Museum, Hortus Botanicus, or the Zoo Artis. The hosts include bikes for use during your stay so you can explore the local area on wheels. My favorite Amsterdam museum, the NEMO Science Museum, is close by too!
11. Vintage Apartment in Central Amsterdam
Situated in a lovely green area in Central Amsterdam, this charming vintage-style apartment has one bedroom with a king-size bed, a traditionally decorated dining area, and a futon in the living room. When it comes to location, this place is hard to beat! You’ve got easy access to Amsterdam Central Railway Station and a ton of attractions
The host specifies that this accommodation is suitable for two people only and no children are allowed. You’ll have your own private bathroom and shower but no bath. There are coffee-making facilities.
Surrounded by museums and restaurants, this apartment is well-located for culture and exploration. Two bikes are included in the rental. When deciding where to explore, consider visiting the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum. If you’re keen to enjoy cultural or sporting events while staying here, why not see what’s on at the Olympic Stadium or the Ziggo Dome?
See Related: Best Food Tours in Amsterdam to Book
Vacation Rentals: Tips For A Successful Trip
Read the listing
Read the host’s listing to ensure you understand what they include in the space. Sometimes, an attractive and affordable place may have limited kitchen facilities. Other times, the host may expect you to share the entire apartment with other guests.
Check amenities and accessibility
Check that the listing includes everything you need, such as a washing machine. It is also a good idea to check accessibility features. For example, a mezzanine accessible via a ladder may not be visible in the pictures but could impact your stay.
Read the reviews
Read the reviews. You can understand the hosting style by reading the reviews and host responses.
You might want to know that you will have a responsive host in case of any queries. Evidence of this can often be found in the reviews.
Keep payments within the platform
Airbnb and VRBO both state that you should make all payments through their platform. So, if you want to be protected by their policies, don’t make payments directly to a host. It is not unusual for hosts to request a cash deposit to be paid on arrival or to request cleaning or other fees to be paid outside the platform.
If this happens, remind the host of the policy and explain you do not feel comfortable doing that because your payments will not be protected. The host should respect this, and if they do not, it’s best to pick another listing.
FAQs
What are the advantages of choosing Airbnb over hotels in Amsterdam?
Firstly, there’s living like a local and supporting the local economy. You get a more personal experience by staying in somebody’s home and enjoying living like a local when you’re out trying your host’s favorite spots and sampling authentic cuisine.
You’re also supporting the local economy by paying directly to locals. You also have more freedom and flexibility. Cooking meals at home rather than eating out at restaurants and coming and going as you please because there is no curfew.
How do Airbnb regulations in Amsterdam affect my stay?
For those renting out their homes in Amsterdam, the municipality now states a limit of 30 nights in the entire rental unit a year for those renting out an entire property. This means you see more listings stating the host will be sharing the space, though they may limit their use of the space.
You may find Airbnb listings with calendars blocked because the municipality of Amsterdam requests this when the 30-night limit is exceeded. The council is scouring rental sites to find listings without a permit, and bookings may be canceled.
How is Airbnb vs Other Vacation Rental Platforms?
You’re likely to find much broader selections and more generous prices with Airbnb, but they tend to be less scrutinizing with their listings. There are countless nightmare stories online about issues people have run into with false listings, problems with the owners or other tenants, and stealthy fees tacked on after checking out. And Airbnb isn’t exactly known for great customer service or care.
For these reasons, I highly recommend exploring VRBO. While they tend to have fewer listings, they still enjoy a wide reach. They also tend to be slightly more expensive than Airbnb, but there are no hidden fees, and you’ll never share the space with another person outside of your party!
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