Boat hire in Amsterdam
Hiring a canal boat in Amsterdam is probably the most relaxed way to discover the Dutch capital from a whole new perspective. With Le Boat, you can steer your own houseboat through the famous canals without a licence and experience the city flexibly and independently of the water.
Whether as a couple, with friends or with the whole family, a houseboat holiday combines freedom, comfort and special experiences. Dock spontaneously, explore charming neighborhoods, visit the city’s more than 70 museums, or enjoy Dutch cuisine right on the waterfront.
Renting a houseboat with Le Boat means maximum independence and at the same time maximum comfort. Thanks to easy instruction, modern boats and many years of experience, your stay in Amsterdam will be an unforgettable holiday experience.
Amsterdam’s history and culture
Explore the UNESCO-listed waterways of Amsterdam, created during the Dutch Golden Age. Lined with monumental buildings and houses from the 17th century, your boating holiday in Amsterdam will be marked by Dutch ingenuity and culture.
Highlights during your Amsterdam holiday
- Lots of charming shops and cafes
- A variety of culinary delights such as Dutch apple pie and waffles
- Explore hidden historic buildings such as the Beguinage Courtyard
- Lots of boating opportunities for beginners
Are you ready to hire your canal boat and discover Amsterdam?
Moorings in Amsterdam
Rent a houseboat for your holiday in Holland from our Vinkeveen or base and head either north or south to start your Amsterdam adventure. Choose one of the two moorings below to explore the Dutch capital.
Marina Sixhaven is located in the center of Amsterdam on the IJ (bay opposite Amsterdam Central Station). The free ferry takes you to Amsterdam Central Station in just a few minutes. From there, you can easily explore the capital on foot or by bike.
For houseboat newcomers who don’t want to go to the harbour of a big city, the jetty in Weesp is a good choice. After all, you can reach Amsterdam by train in only about 16 minutes and then start your exploration tour from the central station.
On a canal boat in Amsterdam you don’t have to do without anything
Holidays on the water are becoming increasingly popular. The different types of ships offer ever greater comfort for up to twelve fellow passengers. The houseboats shine with the luxury of a floating holiday apartment. Pantry kitchen and bathroom with shower and toilet as standard. The boats are equipped with a diesel engine and a drinking water tank that can be easily refilled on the way. It couldn’t be easier!
Of course, the houseboats in Amsterdam also offer enough space for taking bicycles to explore the city.
Our tip: Rent the bikes at Le Boat. This means that you are ready to go and mobile at any time.
What is there to do in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination. Whether it’s a city trip, excursion destination or stopover on a round trip, with your rented houseboat you can visit the Dutch capital according to your wishes. This form of travel is even ideal for a bachelor party.
Families with children also get their money’s worth during an Amsterdam holiday:
- Exciting museums with interactive exhibitions that will delight even the little ones
- Numerous parks and playgrounds that are wonderful for a break
- A visit to the ARTIS Zoo or the NEMO Science Museum, where the focus is on discovery and amazement
- Boat trips through the canals, which seem like a little adventure for children
This makes a houseboat holiday in Amsterdam unforgettable for young and old alike.
Districts in Amsterdam – more colourful and diverse than anywhere else
A houseboat holiday in Amsterdam is diverse and unique. From the main train station in the north of the city, you can reach the center in a few minutes. Here, the crooked half-timbered houses along flower-decorated canals are impressive. Stylish cafés and restaurants invite you to linger. Bridges and time-honoured buildings such as the Oede Kerk (Old Church) are among the most popular photo motifs. Shopping miles are lined up followed by museums and beautiful, green parks. There is a lot to discover.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Jordaan district and let the hustle and bustle in the small alleys work its magic on you. On the former shipyard site north of the centre of Amsterdam, an artistic quarter has been created in recent years. Art galleries, unique crafts, event spaces, cafes and restaurants exude a creative atmosphere. Magnificent brick houses and lush green spaces can be found in the De Pijp district. When you walk through the spacious Vondelpark, you quickly forget that you are in a big city.
Eat and drink like the capital’s residents
Culinarily, Amsterdam is open to everything. During your holiday, try the most delicious fries at Vleminckx with ketchup and mayo, yoopie sauce or applesauce. Or feast your way through the world in the market halls in West Amsterdam.
Many colourful markets offer regional specialities. Shop to your heart’s content at the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest open-air market in Europe, or the Noorermarkt organic market in the Jordaan district. The weekly markets can be found all over Amsterdam during your boat trip and are part of life and the city there.
Our TIP: Be sure to try a traditional Dutch stroopwafel (syrup waffle with a thin caramel filling).
Soak up Dutch culture
With over 70 museums, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Amsterdam. Immerse yourself in art history. Museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum offer a special variety of art history, from Vermeer, Picasso and Rembrandt to the modern art of Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
A visit to the Anne Frank House is also part of it. Here you will find the world-famous original Anne Frank Diary, the premises and lots of information about how the Frank family lived during the occupation.
Our TIP: To avoid long queues at the Anne Frank House, buy your admission ticket online in advance, without any price difference.
Hidden gem – Begijnhof Amsterdam
If you look behind an inconspicuous door, you end up in one of the most beautiful places in the middle of Amsterdam. Beguines (women who chose a way of life similar to monasticism) were the pious widows and ladies, mostly from wealthy families. They lived in the monastery-like seclusion of the farms and dedicated their lives to the faith. Here you can immerse yourself in a long-forgotten world. In the middle of the vibrant capital, you will find an old monastery courtyard, green spaces and the 47 small houses that exude incredible peace.
Canal boating destinations close to Amsterdam
There is also a lot to experience outside the big city. If you rent your houseboat from the base in Vinkeveen, you will be right on the shore of a large lake when you arrive. There is also a lot to experience outside the big city. All water sports fans get their money’s worth here: how about a swim or stand up paddle board? You can also discover the small islands in Vinkeveense Plassen and eat in one of the restaurants by the lake. On your journey through Holland, beautiful towns and attractions await you. Stop in Edam and taste the delicious cheese that the town is very proud of. Here you can visit the largest three-aisled church in Europe. It offers a breathtaking view over the entire area.
If you love cheese, you should make another stop in Gouda. The city is known worldwide for its cheese market, where you can learn about the centuries-old traditions of handjeklap (handshake). For all tulip lovers, a trip to Lisse, the heart of the Dutch tulip region, is a must. Between mid-March and the end of May, visit Keukenhof with its spectacular gardens. If you want to go to Utrecht from Amsterdam, you can drive along the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal. On the other hand, it is a little more idyllic on the parallel river Vecht. Pass small towns like Maarsen and admire the imposing country houses that wealthy Amsterdam families once built.
More lakes and even more water are waiting for you in Friesland. Rent a houseboat from our second Dutch base Hindeloopen and look forward to lake hopping. Water sports activities, relaxation on the beach and fishing are on the holiday checklist here.
Route suggestions for your Amsterdam holiday
With the help of the following route suggestions, you will get a first impression of what your boating holidays in Amsterdam and the surrounding area can look like:
Vinkeveen – Amsterdam – Vinkeveen
Start your Amsterdam holiday with a check-in at our houseboat base in Vinkeveen. From here it is only a few hours to the centre of Amsterdam. Sail through the famous Herengracht and pass a series of 5 locks. Moored at Marina Sixhaven and explore Amsterdam on foot or by bike.
Vinkeveen – Amsterdam – Hindeloopen
If you want to spend more time in the Netherlands with your rented boat, you can take a one-way trip. Take over your houseboat in Vinkeveen, make a stop in Amsterdam and then continue to Hindeloopen in Friesland. Discover the capital of the Netherlands and the small towns along the waterways.
Our Netherlands Travel Guide
Download our regional travel guide to the Netherlands. It gives you an overview of the places and sights along the waterways, as well as information on local facilities, local markets and restaurant recommendations. You will also find details of travel times between the towns, locks and berths
download the travel guide nowAny questions?
You can find more details about locks, berths and tips for houseboating on our website about the Netherlands. Thanks to our partners in the Netherlands, you can benefit from special prices for many activities in the region on your next houseboat holiday!
contact usAre you in the mood for a houseboat holiday in Amsterdam?
Customer Reviews
Rainer Lübeck says:
Frank Münch says:
Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam boating holidays
No. At Le Boat you can rent a houseboat in Amsterdam without a boat licence. Before departure, you will receive a detailed briefing on the boat as well as all the important information about sailing on the canals and waterways.
With a houseboat, you can discover Amsterdam and the surrounding waterways with complete flexibility. These include the famous canals, but also lakes and rivers in North Holland. You will experience both the lively city centre and quiet, natural sections outside the city.
In Amsterdam, certain mooring and mooring regulations apply. Some areas are regulated, others are specifically intended for pleasure boats. When planning your route, Le Boat will help you find suitable and permitted berths along your route.
A houseboat holiday in Amsterdam is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends who want to experience the city from a special perspective. The boats offer a lot of comfort, enough space and maximum flexibility for a relaxing holiday on the water.
The most popular time to visit Amsterdam on a houseboat is from spring to summer, when the weather is pleasantly mild and the city feels particularly lively. Autumn is also ideal if you prefer calmer waterways and a relaxed atmosphere.
Le Boat offers various houseboat models for 2 to 12 people. All boats are comfortably equipped and have sleeping cabins, kitchen, bathroom and cozy lounge areas, ideal for relaxing days on the water.
Yes. Houseboat holidays are also very suitable for beginners. The boats are easy to steer, and you’ll receive a detailed briefing before departure. In addition, you can set your own pace, without any stress.
When it comes to houseboat holidays, Le Boat stands for many years of experience in the Netherlands, modern boats and a large network of routes. Enjoy maximum flexibility, high comfort and discover Amsterdam from the water.
Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland: read our articles
10 typical Dutch foods and where to try them
Our 4-day cruise in Holland
