The Houseboat Museum (Woonbootmuseum) is a small, hands-on museum set inside a real houseboat moored on Amsterdam's Prinsengracht canal. It occupies the 'Hendrika Maria', a cargo ship built in 1914 that once hauled sand and gravel before being converted into an 80-square-metre home in 1967; it opened to the public as a museum in 1997. It is famous for letting visitors step inside and see first-hand what canal living is really like. As of 2026 it is open as usual, with extended evening hours in July and August, and — sitting right beside the Anne Frank House — it makes an easy 25–35 minute stop while exploring the Jordaan district.
The hull of the 1914 cargo ship Hendrika Maria itself — you can see how a working barge was turned into an 80 m² home.
Rooms furnished like a genuine residence — living room, bedroom and galley kitchen convey the real scale and coziness of canal living.
An 18-language audio guide and video walls introducing the pros and cons of life aboard Amsterdam's roughly 2,500 houseboats.
Videos on mooring and shipyard maintenance, plus books on classic and modern canal houseboats — a look at keeping a boat as a home.
A deck terrace overlooking the canal and a small souvenir corner, ideal for taking in the Prinsengracht view.
Good to know
RulesThe interior is small and capacity is limited, so short queues can form in peak season (summer and weekends). Booking online in advance, or using the early-morning (10:00–12:00, online-only) ticket, helps.
SafetyThe wooden gangplank onto the boat and the steep interior stairs can be slippery when wet. Wear flat, grippy footwear and mind your head, as ceilings are low.
SeasonIn July–August it stays open until 20:00 but the small space can get crowded and warm; in winter and January opening days may be reduced or the museum may close, so confirm the opening day for your visit.
CautionThe Anne Frank House and Jordaan area draw crowds, so watch for pickpockets. Buy tickets only from the official houseboatmuseum.nl and avoid street resellers or unofficial booking sites.
MannersThis is a re-created home in a cramped space, so carry backpacks in front, do not touch the exhibits or furniture, and keep noise down.
RulesHolders of the I amsterdam City Card or the Museumkaart get free or discounted entry. If you use a pass, check in advance whether a separate reservation is required.
Practical info
Take tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt, then walk about 5 minutes south along the Prinsengracht (near the Anne Frank House). It is generally open 10:00–17:00, extended to 20:00 in July–August, with adult admission around €9.50 — always confirm current prices, hours and closing days on the official website before you go.
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