Oh good point Tea. I lived there for a year, had a lovely little studio by the Kaisergracht. One summer night I left the back door open. On waking I couldn't open my eye and thought 'funny, didn't have that much to drink, eye shouldn't have that much sleep. Went to bathroom and found John Merrick staring back at me. I'd been eaten alive and those canal Mosquitos are nasty and dirty. Had people staring at me the whole journey into work. I'd rung ahead to warn them I'd be late as was picking ip some antihystemines. Everyone took the piss but here was a nervous silence when I walked in. All to say, steer clear of houseboats. Some uttely delightful old world charming appartments in Amsterdam. Top place, red light district is tiny and so much to see outside of it. I can recommend some good eateries and some great bars. Little wizened old things and modrn ones with the beautiful people. Have a great time there.