Unique stays in Amsterdam

Many people visit Amsterdam because of its canals, museums and famous landmarks. But the way you stay overnight can make a city break to Amsterdam extra special. After all, the city is known for unique accommodations that you won't find anywhere else in the Netherlands.

So you can sleep on a houseboat by the canal, in a former bridge keeper's house or even in an old harbor crane on the IJ. As a result, special accommodation in Amsterdam is not only about location, but above all about experience.

Amsterdam offers perhaps the most varied stays in the Netherlands. The city combines historical buildings with modern architecture and creative concepts, creating accommodations that go far beyond a standard hotel room.

Think boutique hotels in old mansions, design lofts on the waterfront or unique stays in former industrial buildings. Houseboats are also popular, as they fit the character of Amsterdam perfectly and allow you to really experience the canal city.

In addition, there are more and more special accommodations with wellness facilities such as a hot tub, sauna or panoramic views of the city. Especially for a romantic overnight stay, these are popular options.

If you are planning a romantic overnight stay for a special occasion, such as an anniversary or a marriage proposal, you have plenty of choice in Amsterdam. Many people prefer exclusive and special hotels, rather than crowded standard hotel chains. It's not just about the room then, but the whole experience: having breakfast together with a view over the water or taking an evening stroll along the illuminated bridges. For that extra luxury, look for hotels located in an old canal house. Often you will find luxury suites there with of beautiful high ceilings and huge windows. The atmosphere in such a boutique hotel often feels much more intimate than those big chains. Looking for more accommodations like this? Then check out the stays of boutique hotels outside the capital.

One of the most iconic ways to spend the night in Amsterdam is on the water. Because of the canals and the IJ, houseboats and floating accommodations are inextricably linked to the city.

Many travelers deliberately choose to stay on a houseboat because it immediately provides a typical Amsterdam feel. You wake up by the canal, look out over the water and experience the city in a totally different way than from a standard hotel room.

Around the IJ and Amsterdam-Noord you will also find more and more unique accommodations on the water, often with views of the city skyline.

Of course, Amsterdam is more than just your place to sleep, but your location determines your day program. If you're staying in Noord, you don't really even have to cross the ferry. You can stroll around the NDSM wharf, catch a movie at the EYE Film Museum or have lunch at one of the many creative waterfront hotspots, such as the Ceuvel or Pllek. It's just a bit rougher and less polished there than in the city center.

Are you staying within the ring of canals or the Jordaan? Then the city is your backyard. Walk to a local bakery early in the morning, before the big stream of tourists arrives, and get coffee at a little bar on the corner. An absolute must is to rent yourself an electric sloop. You see the city very differently from the water, especially if you seek out the smaller canals of the Western Islands. For art lovers, the Museumplein is of course a must, but also check out the smaller museums like FOAM (photography) or the Grachtenhuis, where you can learn more about how the city was built in the past.

A unique place to sleep often requires some extra research, especially for a short stay. Parking in the city is prohibitive, so park your car at a P+R on the outskirts of town or find a place with its own parking lot. In the city itself, it's best to rent a bike; it's often faster than the streetcar stuck in traffic. If you plan to stay overnight in the center of Amsterdam, you should also check check-in times carefully. This is because at a houseboat or a bridge keeper's house, there is not always a reception desk that is open day and night. Usually you will be given a code for a key safe in advance, so you can simply enter when it suits you.

Sometimes it is nicer to stay just outside the city. You then have the tranquility of the region, while by train or bus you are often in the heart of the city center within a short time. In the surrounding villages and smaller towns you will often find accommodations with more space, ranging from waterfront stays to rooms in historical centers.

The advantage of these places is that you can occasionally avoid the hustle and bustle of the capital. You then opt for a base in more relaxed surroundings, without losing your connection to the city. This is a great alternative for those who do want to visit the sights of Amsterdam, but prefer a quieter place to spend the night. See more original overnight stays in the Netherlands here.