The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam

Unsurprisingly for a port city full of canals, there are plenty of houseboats to rent on Airbnb in Amsterdam and this is a very pleasant one indeed. It's modernly furnished and has a deck that’s perfect for sitting out during the sunnier months. Plus, access to a nearby gym is included. Why you'd want to go to a gym while on holiday is another thing entirely, but each to their own.

Nope, your eyes aren’t telling fibs: that’s an actual old harbour crane on the IJ river that has been turned into a spectacular, one-of-a-kind Airbnb. Over three floors you’ve got a neatly-packed bedroom, lounge, kitchen and outdoor bit – all decked out with an elegant finish and a load of swish modern gadgets. Whether you’re a crane enthusiast or not, this one’s pretty unbeatable.

As you can imagine, the list of trendy/chic/minimal/cool houseboats on offer in Amsterdam is lengthy. So how can an Airbnb'er make sure theirs stands out? With free bikes, of course! In a city that is best navigated on two wheels, you couldn't find a more perfect (and affordable) stay than this floating home near the Frans Otten Stadium. This modern two-storey vessel sleeps four, has two bathrooms, a roof terrace and towels, tea/coffee and wifi are all included. There are four bikes available and a child seat if necessary.

It’s difficult to get a better canal view in 'Dam than by being literally on one. That’s what you get with this ‘bridge house’, which, as its name suggests, is a rental that straddles a canal. Once the home of an Amsterdam bridge keeper (ie. the person who guards a bridge), this bridge house was built in 1928 but has since been restored into an Airbnb with a double bed, kitchen and bathroom. Be sure to wave at the boats as they pass by!

For peanuts, you'll get both authenticity and luxury with this Airbnb. Situated in the heart of De Pijp, this is a private apartment offering bright morning sunlight, comfortable beds and a charming balcony. So, in the summer you'll be able to eat your meals outside, with beautiful garden views. You'll also find a good size lounge sofa facing a flatscreen TV. You're bound to have a comfortable stay in this apartment, and you'll feel right at home.

That headline is underselling it somewhat; there’s plenty more to this waterfront cabin than the joys of free parking (not that free parking should be scoffed at). Located in trendy Amsterdam-Noord, this stunning spot somehow manages to bridge the divide between excitement and peace, offering the perfect base for exploring this part of the city while also offering tranquillity and serenity in spades. Also, who doesn’t love a real fire?

After Amsterdam’s canals, the city’s tall, slender, gorgeous townhouses are arguably its most iconic sight. So here’s the chance to stay in one: a rental in Oud-West that gives you the full run of an entire multi-floor ‘Dam townhouse. With its huge open spaces, enormous windows, charming garden and lengthy reel of fancy facilities and gadgets, it’s also just on the edge of the canal district and within easy walking distance of the city centre, Museum Quarter and Vondelpark.

If you close your eyes tight enough, you might just be able to imagine life as a cultural titan of the city while staying here. Elena is a tremendous host but the joys of this Herengracht loft go way beyond convivial hospitality; the huge windows and high ceiling give this place a feeling of grandeur that brings tears to the eyes and ideas to the mind. The location is perfect, the loft itself is better.

Houseboat schmouseboat! This canalside penthouse has just as much to offer – from jaw-dropping views to a delightfully luxurious interior. A unique space that sleeps up to four people, this 1890s home comes complete with original, exposed beams and enough daylight that you’ll practically feel as though you’re outside. Plus, a bunch of Dutch intellectuals have supposedly lived there – so you’ll fit right in. Ah, flattery.