Every canal you walk along has house boats. If you want to see what a traditional house boat is like inside, take a trip to this museum. It’s basically laid out as it would be if someone lived there! It’s at 296 Prinsengracht. This is an extract from our free Amsterdam City Guide.
The boat “Hendrika Maria” used to be a freighter built in 1914 for use of the canals of the Netherlands. Since the 1960s she has been used as a house boat of which there are many in Amsterdam. When you descend the steps into the museum, you’ll find a kitchen, sleeping area and a the main living compartment of the boat (pictured below) which is actually rather large. You can certainly imagine yourself living there although from the outside you probably didn’t think that would be the case! This museum will not take a long time to visit, but we thought it was well worth it. In fact, it’s the only house boat we’ve ever visited.
The House Boat Museum opening hours are 11am to 5pm. Opening days depend on the time of year. November to February from Friday to Sunday, March to October from Tuesday to Sunday. The museum usually also closes for 2 weeks in January. Adult admission is 3.50 Euros (2011 prices) although admission is free with the Iamsterdam Card.
Inside the House Boat Museum in Amsterdam
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: House Boat Museum, Prinsengracht 296, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 4270750
Email: info@houseboatmuseum.nl
The House Boat Museum is a 20-30 minute walk from Central Station and is on the same canal as Anne Frank Huis slightly further south on the opposite side. You can also see the outside of the house boat on the Amsterdam Highlights Cruise, which has good reviews from travellers who’ve been on it.
MORE ON THE HOUSE BOAT MUSEUM
Iamsterdam Card - Free admission to the House Boat Museum
House Boat Museum – Official website
Amsterdam Highlights Cruise – See the House Boat Museum from the canal
Amsterdam Walking Tour – A great way to see Amsterdam
Hotels near the House Boat Museum – Lowest price guarantee from Hotels.com
Books on Amsterdam – Amazon.com (US & Canada)
Books on Amsterdam – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
