Sonnenberg Canal View - Most Central Location in Town
Bed and Breakfast in Amsterdam
4 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
About this bed and breakfast
Sonnenberg is located on the Herengracht, in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Surrounded by the famous nine-streets, this historic canal house was built in 1649 for the Sonnenberg family. It is one of the few houses that still boast its original gable, which is a classical renaissance crow-stepped gable; this is a stair-step type of design at the top of the triangular gable-end of a building.
Not only the gable is still original, the interior with its solid oak beams as well as the winding staircase are original. It is not hard to imagine this Dutch merchant family doing business from this very location. This family remained owners of this historic canal house well into the 19th century, and perhaps the heirs of these Sonnenberg’s are the same Sonnenberg’s as those who are among the ten richest families of the Netherlands.
Sonnenberg - Description
This apartment is located on two floors. Two flights of stairs are circular and steep, and the first one is a straight flight. One enters the Sonnenberg apartment through the shared entrance on the beletage, after climbing a set of stone stairs of half a floor level. All floors have excellent views of the canals, and there is a bench on the porch as well as one on the canal side.
Behind the front door there is a hallway to the first set of steep circular stairs leading to a hallway on the first floor of the house. Practically every room in the house has its own adjustable radiators, it is quite easy to keep this house warm and comfortable in winter. As each room also has windows, it is quite easy to create a nice breeze in the house cooling it down in the summer. There are also fans available on the rare summer days that it is actually hot.
On the first floor there is a toilet in the hallway, and a door to the living/seating room. This floor has a beautiful wooden floor as well as beams supporting the floor above. In the front (canal side) of this floor there is a spacious living area with a bench overlooking the canal, a sofa and TV. This is a great area to relax after or before a day of exploring all the sights of Amsterdam. You will find a counter with limited facilities such as kettle, coffeemaker, toaster, oven/microwave, fridge, dishwasher and a large table in the back of the floor. We have cutlery, plates, cups and glasses to enjoy light meals, ordered in or prepared on the spot, unfortunately no full kitchen (stove and sink from counter are missing in compliance with local laws). We do have an easily accessible sink on this floor.
It is not hard to imagine enjoying a spending an evening with a good diner and equally good conversations at the large table with dimmed light shining from the chandelier. With ample heating present and friends swapping stories at the table, this is typically what the Dutch will call “gezellig”. The word “gezellig” is considered to be an example of untranslatability, and is one of the hardest words to translate. Some consider the word to encompass the heart of Dutch culture.
One floor up with the steep circular staircase there is the floor with one bedroom (twins) in the front, with canal views and the master bedroom in the back (optional with twins, on request). On this floor located in between the two bedrooms is the bathroom, with a toilet, sink, and a bath with shower. The bedrooms have wooden floors, gorgeous beams and the bathroom floor is marble.
Features
•Canal view
•Central location (nine-streets)
•Part of UNESCO world heritage
•Extreme high speed WiFi internet
•Wind and solar power electricity
•Carbon offset for heating
•Check in at apartment
•Self-catering
•Smart HD widescreen TV
•HD Sat/Cable reception
•Private laptop safe
•80 m2
•Steep stairs (400 year-old landmark feature)
•2 bedrooms (1 double + twins or 2 twins or 2 doubles)
•No full kitchen (stove and sink from counter are missing in compliance with local laws)
•Complete kitchen inventory
•Dishwasher
•Fridge
•Microwave / Oven
•Toaster
•Coffeemaker
•Kettle
•Electric egg boiler
•Separate sink
•Basics provided
•Shower / Bath
•2 toilets
•Hairdryer
•Laundry/laundrette nearby
•Iron and ironing board
•English Guide books
•Bed linen and towels are provided
•No Smoking
•No party policy
•Child safety is low due to steep circular stairs (see stairs section)
Location description
The Sonnenberg is located in the “nine streets” area. The nine streets area is well known for its plentiful boutique shops, many restaurants, and its beautiful canals. This area is comprised of nine narrow streets running perpendicular with the four major canals (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht) of the canal belt. It is distinctly different from other shopping districts as there is a large diversity of privately owned shops and specialized shops.
Nearby points of interest
•9 Streets Area - 0 minutes walking
•Flower Market - 2 minutes walking
•Spui – 2 minutes walking
•Dam Square – 3 minutes walking
•Jordaan – 5 minutes walking
•Westerkerk/Anne Frank - 5 minutes walking
•Rembrandt plein - 6 minutes walking
•Centraal Station – 15 minutes walking
•Leidseplein - 15 minutes walking
•Nieuwmarkt - 15 minutes walking
Staircases
This apartment has 2 internal flights. From street level to the entrance there is a short stone flight of stairs up to the front door. From here there is a circular flight of stairs to the Living/seating level. The circular staircase continues up to a floor with 2 bedrooms and the full bathroom. The stairs are steep and narrow, as is typical for a 400 year old house. However with closed doors stairs are not accessible.
I personally meet my guests at the apartment to make sure they settle in alright. During the stay I am always available, and many times organize boat tours or advise my guests on special events during their stay.
The view from the apartment of the most beautiful canal is already awesome. But to be in the nine-streets area of the city means the coolest shops and restaurants are a literal stones-throw away.
From this location no sight is more than 15 minutes away by foot. There is access to more than a dozen tram-lines and bus-lines within 3 minutes walking and Rokin Metro is no more than a 4 minute walk.
Not only the gable is still original, the interior with its solid oak beams as well as the winding staircase are original. It is not hard to imagine this Dutch merchant family doing business from this very location. This family remained owners of this historic canal house well into the 19th century, and perhaps the heirs of these Sonnenberg’s are the same Sonnenberg’s as those who are among the ten richest families of the Netherlands.
Sonnenberg - Description
This apartment is located on two floors. Two flights of stairs are circular and steep, and the first one is a straight flight. One enters the Sonnenberg apartment through the shared entrance on the beletage, after climbing a set of stone stairs of half a floor level. All floors have excellent views of the canals, and there is a bench on the porch as well as one on the canal side.
Behind the front door there is a hallway to the first set of steep circular stairs leading to a hallway on the first floor of the house. Practically every room in the house has its own adjustable radiators, it is quite easy to keep this house warm and comfortable in winter. As each room also has windows, it is quite easy to create a nice breeze in the house cooling it down in the summer. There are also fans available on the rare summer days that it is actually hot.
On the first floor there is a toilet in the hallway, and a door to the living/seating room. This floor has a beautiful wooden floor as well as beams supporting the floor above. In the front (canal side) of this floor there is a spacious living area with a bench overlooking the canal, a sofa and TV. This is a great area to relax after or before a day of exploring all the sights of Amsterdam. You will find a counter with limited facilities such as kettle, coffeemaker, toaster, oven/microwave, fridge, dishwasher and a large table in the back of the floor. We have cutlery, plates, cups and glasses to enjoy light meals, ordered in or prepared on the spot, unfortunately no full kitchen (stove and sink from counter are missing in compliance with local laws). We do have an easily accessible sink on this floor.
It is not hard to imagine enjoying a spending an evening with a good diner and equally good conversations at the large table with dimmed light shining from the chandelier. With ample heating present and friends swapping stories at the table, this is typically what the Dutch will call “gezellig”. The word “gezellig” is considered to be an example of untranslatability, and is one of the hardest words to translate. Some consider the word to encompass the heart of Dutch culture.
One floor up with the steep circular staircase there is the floor with one bedroom (twins) in the front, with canal views and the master bedroom in the back (optional with twins, on request). On this floor located in between the two bedrooms is the bathroom, with a toilet, sink, and a bath with shower. The bedrooms have wooden floors, gorgeous beams and the bathroom floor is marble.
Features
•Canal view
•Central location (nine-streets)
•Part of UNESCO world heritage
•Extreme high speed WiFi internet
•Wind and solar power electricity
•Carbon offset for heating
•Check in at apartment
•Self-catering
•Smart HD widescreen TV
•HD Sat/Cable reception
•Private laptop safe
•80 m2
•Steep stairs (400 year-old landmark feature)
•2 bedrooms (1 double + twins or 2 twins or 2 doubles)
•No full kitchen (stove and sink from counter are missing in compliance with local laws)
•Complete kitchen inventory
•Dishwasher
•Fridge
•Microwave / Oven
•Toaster
•Coffeemaker
•Kettle
•Electric egg boiler
•Separate sink
•Basics provided
•Shower / Bath
•2 toilets
•Hairdryer
•Laundry/laundrette nearby
•Iron and ironing board
•English Guide books
•Bed linen and towels are provided
•No Smoking
•No party policy
•Child safety is low due to steep circular stairs (see stairs section)
Location description
The Sonnenberg is located in the “nine streets” area. The nine streets area is well known for its plentiful boutique shops, many restaurants, and its beautiful canals. This area is comprised of nine narrow streets running perpendicular with the four major canals (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht) of the canal belt. It is distinctly different from other shopping districts as there is a large diversity of privately owned shops and specialized shops.
Nearby points of interest
•9 Streets Area - 0 minutes walking
•Flower Market - 2 minutes walking
•Spui – 2 minutes walking
•Dam Square – 3 minutes walking
•Jordaan – 5 minutes walking
•Westerkerk/Anne Frank - 5 minutes walking
•Rembrandt plein - 6 minutes walking
•Centraal Station – 15 minutes walking
•Leidseplein - 15 minutes walking
•Nieuwmarkt - 15 minutes walking
Staircases
This apartment has 2 internal flights. From street level to the entrance there is a short stone flight of stairs up to the front door. From here there is a circular flight of stairs to the Living/seating level. The circular staircase continues up to a floor with 2 bedrooms and the full bathroom. The stairs are steep and narrow, as is typical for a 400 year old house. However with closed doors stairs are not accessible.
I personally meet my guests at the apartment to make sure they settle in alright. During the stay I am always available, and many times organize boat tours or advise my guests on special events during their stay.
The view from the apartment of the most beautiful canal is already awesome. But to be in the nine-streets area of the city means the coolest shops and restaurants are a literal stones-throw away.
From this location no sight is more than 15 minutes away by foot. There is access to more than a dozen tram-lines and bus-lines within 3 minutes walking and Rokin Metro is no more than a 4 minute walk.
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Dishwasher
TV
Map of Amsterdam
Nearby attractions
$$$$
Reviews
5.0
We had a fantastic time! The location of property could not be better for restaurants, shopping, touring and experiencing the canals. Anna was excellent for check in and anything we needed. Cleanliness was fantastic. We highly recommend
5.0
We loved the location of this apartment. It was charming and spacious for a family of four. The stairs are tricky to navigate but we got used to them fairly quickly.
Anna was very friendly and helpful with our check in. We really enjoyed our stay.
5.0
The location could not be better to explore the city - with great frites up the road and a supermarket close by. Nine streets area is charming and authentic. The apartment is tastefully decorated and having two floors gave ample space and comfort.
The canal and bridge views from the windows were a highlight. The host and property manager were excellent with communication and very accommodating. Highly recommend!
5.0
Perfectly located in the 9 streets.
Clean and tidy, looks just like the photos.
Easy communication and help from house manager.
No real kitchen but we didn’t need one.
Shower is a little short for tall people.
Steep steps inside - but this is true of most houses in this area.
5.0
Perfect location for easily walking and biking around the city! Cute place with everything we needed for a comfortable stay in Amsterdam
5.0
Classic Amsterdam canal residence - and central to literally everything. It may be the perfect location.
Our experiences with the host(s) was incredible, truly above and beyond what we might have expected. Super flexible, super responsive, hospitable, and helpful. We ran into some personal issues the night before check-out and Anna literally came to our rescue. So sweet and helpful. We left so appreciative.
5.0
We looked at a lot of properties and decided to go with the best…and luckily we found it.
This home made us feel at home in a brand new amazing city. We felt a part of the rich history.
5.0
Absolutely incredible experience. The house is over 400 years old with all the amenities of a current modern home. The renovations that have been done are beautiful and maintain the feel of historic homes. And the location of the house is perfectly located for walking basically anywhere. I would definitely stay here again. Thanks again ❤️
5.0
The location for this property is great! The place was very clean and communication with the owner/manager (who stays downstairs) was excellent.
It’s Amsterdam, so everything is narrow and vertical! The staircase is very steep and getting a large suitcase up there was entertaining.
Everything is walkable from the location. We highly recommend taking a bike tour through the countryside to get out of the city for an afternoon.
Would definitely stay her again. Highly recommend this property.
5.0
I travelled with my husband, mother and baby. The place is as pictured, very clean, and we were very comfortable! The windows overlooking the canal were the highlight for sure.
Ania received us warmly, was friendly, and addressed any needs we had although not many. Communication with Wytse was flawless for our arrival. The location is perfect and we walked everywhere with ease! I would definitely stay here again and recommend to others.
Of note, I would no not underestimate the steep spiral staircase, anyone with mobility issues may have difficulty and I would not recommend bringing anything larger than a carry-on sized suitcase to haul up them. We had no trouble with them, we just took our time and were careful!
Thanks for a memorable stay in Amsterdam!
5.0
From location, to host welcome, to the historical residence…this place has it all. We would enjoy excursions then come back to the apartment and sit by the window and look out over the canal and bridge, and watch the world happen…incredible!! We felt very safe in this area too.
5.0
I brought my family to stay in Amsterdam for the first time and found this amazing house in the city center. It is in a perfect location and authentic Dutch canal house with beautiful view. Ana, who lives on lower floors in building and supports the host, is so lovely and available for anything during your stay. Be prepared for steep traditional stairs between floors, which was part of the charm for us.
5.0
Terrific home! Right on the most photographed beautiful canal in the heart of Amsterdam. The top 2 floors of a canal home. Nicely remodeled and updated. Host was welcoming, the home was ready for us, and she held our luggage after check out! Very quiet for such a central location.
5.0
Wonderful location. Would come back here again. Steep steps to first and second floors but we knew that from the listing. Decor is so tasteful and very clean. Lots of reading material, no cook top but I we did not want to cook on holiday either. Great shower products and plenty of coffee, sugar and cream supplied by owners.
5.0
We had a wonderful time here. It was beautiful and centrally located; we could easily walk everywhere we wanted to go. The home was lovely and very comfortable. The view of the canal was perfect.
5.0
We loved our stay at this canal home! It was myself and my two adult sons and the home was super convenient to great restaurants/shopping districts and great views of the canal. It's in a historic area and you feel that you are part of the Amsterdam culture being there. The only downside for probably American travelers, is that the bathroom is on the upper level and with the rooflines, the shower area is very tight. Also, customary to canal homes, the stairs are super narrow and steep. That said, highly recommend and would stay there again no doubt!
5.0
Great location on the canals and centrally located to the many activities in Amsterdam. We were able to walk everywhere and were never very far from the apartment. Easy check in and good comms with the host ahead of time. The lack of a kitchen was never an issue for us. Thanks!
5.0
Great location! Excellent condition with very easy check in and check out! Stairs are steep in the property, but gives it great character! We had a lovely time!
5.0
We loved staying here! From the start, my communication with Wyste, and later Anne, was prompt, professional, helpful and friendly. The apartment is as described- perfect location, spotless, comfortably furnished, and with thoughtful touches & supplies throughout (from tea to hair conditioner). And such comfortable beds…
5.0
Our stay in Wyse’ historic canal house was a highlight of our trip to Amsterdam. It overlooks one of the main canals, so we could watch the boats and bikes go by. The house is even in the canal museum!
The beds were very comfortable and there was plenty of seating in the downstairs family/dining room. Wyse was a great host, met us at the door, carried our heaviest suitcases, and quickly dealt with an issue with hot water.
It is a 400-year old home, so the floor creaks, the stairs are narrow, steep, and windy, and the shower is a bit awkward. There is also not a full kitchen, but plenty of appliances. I appreciated the keurig!
This did not detract from our stay - but it something people should be aware of if considering this property. The stairs are very steep, so would be tough on anyone with mobility issues.
Staying at this lovely home was an amazing experience! It’s also very close to DAM square, metro stations, the Anne Frank house, and Jordaan. We were able to get anywhere we wanted within 20 minutes.
5.0
We met Anna at check-in who was so kind and helpful. The home is in a beautiful part of town-easy access to everything. The living room is the highlight of the home with huge windows overlooking the canal. The bedrooms are a great size with plenty of storage. The bathroom is large with a great shower and bath. The master bedroom overlooks the canal as well. Please note there are many steep stairs throughout the unit and there is not a full kitchen. There are many close lovely cafes and restaurants nearby so we didn’t miss not having a full kitchen. Overall, a wonderful, comfortable stay.
5.0
Exquisitely located, Sonnenberg provided a comfortable and authentic Amsterdam experience while serving as a marvelous home base for our many excursions throughout the city. Wytse was an amazing host, both in advance of our trip and upon arrival. If you are looking to experience Amsterdam at its finest, look no further.
5.0
We had booked this for a trip in august 2020 which was canceled due to covid. Three years later we were so happy to be able to book the same property. The location is centrally located in the Nine Streets area and has a beautiful view overlooking the canal. We walked everywhere and the furthest was 20 minutes away to the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. There are multiple choices for eating very close by. The host Wytse was very responsive.
5.0
What an adorable property in the perfect location. The spiral stairs are steep but we thought it was part of the charm. Wytse was a great host and the kitchen area was as well appointed as he could have made it. We loved it.
5.0
This property is a gem for a couple or small group that want to be within walking distance of all Amsterdam has to offer. My husband and I loved spending our evenings sitting and people watching in the lovely sitting room with canal views.
Wytse was a pleasure as host and always super responsive via email or text. We highly recommend his property!
5.0
We arrived quite early in the morning after a red eye flight. Wytse did everything he could to help us and make the apt available as Easley as possible. It was so kind. The home is near everything we walked everywhere with our 9 & 12 year old. The neighborhood is so beautiful. The unit was well equipped and so comfortable. The stairs are steep circular stairs so it may be hard for someone but for us it was just fine. My 6’7 husband could fit Thank you for a spectacular few days in Amsterdam.
5.0
Wytse's place encompasses so much of what makes Amsterdam beautiful. With the exposed wood, it was hard not to feel the building's history. The location was perfect... just far enough away from the action yet very walkable to just about everywhere we wanted to go. I'd highly recommend staying there.
The only caveat... if you have mobility issues, you may find the stairs to be a bit tough to navigate as they are fairly steep.
5.0
A really cool apartment in a great part of town. The furnishings were exquisite, comfortable and a gorgeous view of the canals. We’ll be back!
5.0
Charming house on the Herengracht canal. It was a close walk to pretty much everything, including a tram station, grocery store, flower market, and numerous restaurants, coffeehouses, bars, ect. In fact, everything was so close, my son was disappointed we didn’t need to use public transportation more since he loves subways and trains, There is a spacious and comfortable living/ eating area downstairs and comfortable bedrooms upstairs. The views of the bridge, other row houses and boats passing on the canal can’t be beat. We were able to prepare coffee and toast for breakfast or get pastries from a nearby bakery. The stairs are narrow and steep, we were fine with them and they added to the authentic Amsterdam charm,, but if you have mobility issues, they would be an issue. We had several flight changes and Wyste was responsive and helpful. I recommend!
5.0
We had a wonderful time at this amazing location. It was like living in a postcard! Comfortable lodging and excellent location. Would definitely stay again!
5.0
The Sonnenberg Canal house was the perfect place for our family to vacation. Not only is the property charming and historic it was in an area with lots of amenities. Everyplace we went was within walking distance of the property, we didn't need a taxi or car for the 5 days that we were there.
It had everything we needed and the host Wytse was outstanding. We can't wait to get back to Amsterdam and would stay at this property again in a second!
5.0
Perfect location. Tastefully decorated. Tiny 16th century spiral stairs. We missed a stovetop, but managed breakfast there. Nice having a dishwasher. Certainly would stay there again.
5.0
Lovely home. The best location.
5.0
Pros: Fabulous location... couldn't be better, 2 bedrooms, clean and great management. Allowed us to have an early check in which we appreciated.
Cons: Terrible shower... some of us couldn't even stand up due to the slanted ceiling and it was clogged so that was an issue. No sink in the kitchen (very strange) and no oven. We didn't cook so that wasn't an issue but the no sink part was an inconvenience. Lastly, very steep curved stairs... not easy to navigate for older people.
5.0
Lovely apartment, location is perfect. You can walk anywhere you want to go. Great coffee shops and bakeries around the corner. Every morning we would sit at the windows drinking coffee watching the people and bike riders along the canal. Wyse and team kept in touch prior to check in making that very simple. We definitely recommend.
5.0
Sonnenburg Canal House was the final stop in a month long trip and we could not have chosen a better place. The location in Central Amsterdam made it an easy walk to anywhere we wanted to go.
We spent mornings in front of the big first floor windows facing the canal and despite being there for the penultimate weekend of PRIDE, the house was remarkably quiet.
The stairs are no joke - but we were able to get a month's worth of stuff up and down them.
The upstairs bedrooms are spacious and the beds are comfortable.
As others have mentioned, the shared, upstairs bathroom is a little odd since two of its four walls are angled... so the ceiling in the shower is low (and I am short!) and there cannot be a mirror over the sink, so it is over the toilet. But, it is large and the rest of this great house outweighs these small inconveniences!
Wytse, the host, was great - including putting up with our wonky travel schedule - as were driving from Middelburg.
I have already recommended the house to several people!
4.0
this is a lovely apartment in the heart of Amsterdam - well located, walking distance to everything and what ever is not walking distance can be easily handled via Amsterdam's excellent public transportation.
We were visiting out daughter on study abroad and could not have been happier with the location or accommodations.
Book with confidence for an excellent location.
5.0
Wonderful location.
Very nice apartment. Amsterdam lodging is very expensive…. Love the location and Wytse was very pleasant to deal with
5.0
Awesome location beautiful building
Great stay, you won’t regret, very close to lots of great venues.
5.0
Great location in historic home.
We loved our stay here. We were right on a canal and within walking distance to so many attractions: 10-15min to Anne Frank House; 20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal; 25 minutes to museums. So many great restaurants and cafes within steps of the place. . Duplex apartment was very clean and cozy. Tight spiral staircases that we thought we could have issues on were easy to get accustomed to. We fell in love with Amsterdam and this apartment was part of the reason. Highly recommended!
FAQs
How much does this bed and breakfast cost compared to others in Amsterdam?
The average price for a rental in Amsterdam is $161 per night. This rental is $890 above the average.
Is parking included with this bed and breakfast?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Sonnenberg Canal View - Most Central Location in Town. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this bed and breakfast?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Sonnenberg Canal View - Most Central Location in Town. Enjoy the water!
Is Sonnenberg Canal View - Most Central Location in Town pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this bed and breakfast is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Sonnenberg Canal View - Most Central Location in Town?
We found 6 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and dishwasher.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Amsterdam
Explore all rentals in AmsterdamAmsterdam travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
10 Best Solo Travel Destinations
Research
How to Avoid “Tourist Traps” in the Most Popular Cities
Guides
Pride Month Events: Where to Travel for Pride Celebrations
Guides
Amazing World Destinations for Singles Adventure Travel