Sit back and drool at the world's most popular Airbnb pads.
Airbnb has gained fans for its abundance of affordable accommodation worldwide, the opportunity to live like a local and, in some cases, even stay with one (or a whole family for that matter).
Anyone can list their home for rent on the holiday website – whether it be a luxury apartment in Paris or, well, a shoe-shaped cottage in New Zealand – which is another mostly cool, sometimes-weird feature.
Here we’ve hunted down some listings so unique, you’ll think they’re either ridiculously good, or just downright ridiculous. From a Mongolian-themed yurt in urban Melbourne, to a transparent bubble hidden in Northern Ireland, here are some out-of-the-box dwellings from throughout the world that are sure to be refreshingly different from your own home.
1. Converted NYC taxi, US
A new listing on the Airbnb scene is this converted NYC taxi, which has been transformed into a sleeper van. Despite being located just three minutes’ drive from bustling Manhattan, the taxi must remain stationary at all times. It comes with a bed for two and a portable wireless airconditioner. Oh, and don’t worry … the meter is not on.
Photos: Airbnb
2. Boot-shaped house, New Zealand
You want quirky, you got quirky. Live like a fairytale in this two-storey bed and breakfast in the shape of a giant boot. Located in New Zealand’s Tasman region, the unusual property features a fireplace, kitchenette with a mini-bar and a tiled bathroom equipped with a shower and toiletries. BYO imagination.
Photos: Airbnb
3. Yurt in the city, Australia
Yurts are tradition homes used by Mongolian nomads and rarely seen outside Mongolia. And yet, here we are, in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Surrounded by a garden of seasonal vegetables and decorated in a cosy, colourful way inside, it’s easy to forget this unusual accommodation’s inner-urban locale.
Photos: Airbnb
4. Airplane apartment, France
People don’t usually associate “airplanes” with “good sleep”, but maybe that no longer applies when it comes to this airplane conversion. The good news is that you don’t have to be seated next to a stranger, but then again, we’re not sure how private that toilet will feel. All aboard, anyone?
Photos: Airbnb
5. Dog house, US
If you are a dog lover, then perhaps this bizarre, beagle-shaped home in Idaho is perfect for you. Inside the peculiar structure, the theme continues with a dog-decorated bedhead, doggy collection of books, games and puzzles, and there’s even a gift store you can visit that stocks – you guessed it– dog-themed gifts.
Photos: Airbnb
6. Converted school bus, US
Calling all fans of the Magic School Bus! This off-grid converted school bus offers surprisingly comfy interiors and sweeping views of the sunrise and sunset. And though it’s really just a bedroom, you’ll have access to the hosts’ bathroom and kitchen in their nearby house. Other perks include optional sunrise yoga and fresh eggs from the farm’s chickens.
Photos: Airbnb
7. Bubble dome, Northern Ireland
Guests who stay in this bubble dome, surrounded by bushland, can enjoy views of the starry night sky, thanks to its 180-degree transparent walls. The see-through bubble room, in County Fermanagh, comes with a telescope and two chairs, perfect for stargazing the night away, although you might feel a little like a goldfish during your stay.
Photos: Airbnb