Amsterdam 1-Hour Canal Cruise and Ripleys Believe it or Not

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to pack in a mix of iconic sights and quirky surprises, this combined tour could be just what you’re after. We haven’t personally done it, but based on reviews and details, it seems like a balanced way to see the city from a different angle while having some fun with oddities from around the world.

What we like about this experience is that it offers two distinct activities in one—a relaxed boat cruise through the UNESCO-listed canals and a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, which is packed with curiosities that can keep you absorbed for hours. Plus, the price point of around $40 per person for both experiences seems pretty fair, considering how much you get.

However, a point to consider is that the canal cruise requires a pre-booking for your specific time slot, and you’ll need to plan your day accordingly. If you’re someone who loves flexible schedules or has tight timing, this could be a minor inconvenience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and light, unusual entertainment—great for couples, singles, or anyone with a curiosity for the weird and wonderful.

Key Points

• Two-in-one Experience: Combines a scenic canal cruise with a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
• Unique Perspectives: See Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals from a luxury glass-topped boat, offering great views.
• Fast-Track Access: Skip the lines at Ripley’s and get into a museum filled with oddities and curiosities.
• Flexible Booking Options: Reserve your spot now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance if plans change.
• Multilingual Audio Guide: Enjoy commentary in 19 languages, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Ideal for the Curious: Perfect for those interested in quirky facts or looking for a fun, interactive break from traditional sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When you book this combo tour, what you’re really getting is an efficient way to enjoy two of Amsterdam’s popular attractions without having to organize everything separately. The canal cruise is about 1 hour and takes place on a luxurious boat with a glass top, so you can gaze up at the historic facades and bridges from a comfortable, unobstructed view. We love the idea of seeing Amsterdam’s famed buildings—like the tall, narrow houses and iconic bridges—from the water, especially with a knowledgeable audio guide that’s available in 19 languages.

During the cruise, you’ll glide past many of the city’s highlights, like the Westerkerk, Anne Frank’s House, and the Skinny Bridge, all from a perspective that’s both relaxing and scenic. The centuries-old merchant houses lining the canals create a picturesque backdrop, and the cruise’s smooth ride makes it a pretty stress-free way to get an overview of the city. The fact that the boat has a glass top enhances the experience, letting you soak in the scenery even on a cloudy day.

One of the standout features of this tour is the entry to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. It’s not just a typical museum; it’s a collection of the world’s most extraordinary objects and stories. According to reviews, visitors have enjoyed the eye-opening articles, facts, and stories about global adventures and peculiar artifacts. The museum hosts unusual exhibits like a 7-meter tall transformer made of car parts and other bizarre displays. Many visitors find it to be surprisingly fun and engaging, especially if you’re into weird facts or odd art.

Accessing Ripley’s is straightforward with a fast-track ticket, so you won’t waste time waiting in line. Once inside, you’ll find a mix of ancient civilizations and modern oddities, with some reviews mentioning that it’s considered one of the “weirdest spots in the city,” but worth seeing if you’re into the unusual. From the top floor, you’ll even get a good view of Dam Square, further enriching your experience of the city.

What to Expect Day-of

The meeting point for the tour is quite clear: you’ll enter Ripley’s with your smartphone ticket, then head to the Ripley’s office at Damrak 26 to choose your canal cruise time slot. The tour offers flexibility—you can select your cruise time upon arrival, which is helpful if your schedule is a bit fluid.

The canal cruise only operates at pre-scheduled times, so plan ahead. Once aboard, expect a relaxing ride with commentary, where you can enjoy the view of historic Amsterdam and learn about its landmarks. Keep in mind that children under 3 are free but do not occupy their own seat, so this tour is suitable for families with small children as long as they sit on a lap.

For the museum, your fast-track entry means you’ll skip the lines, which is a huge plus during busy hours. The museum itself is filled with curiosities, some of which are quite shocking or bizarre—perfect for a quick, fun detour.

The Trip’s Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great value for both a scenic cruise and a museum visit in one ticket.
• The glass-topped boat enhances the view and photo opportunities.
• The audio guide in 19 languages makes the experience accessible and informative.
• Visitors have praised the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views during the cruise.
• The fast-track entry to Ripley’s gets you right inside without hassle, saving time.

Cons:

• The canal cruise’s specific time slots require some planning; it’s not a totally flexible experience.
• The duration—just one hour—may feel short if you’re a big fan of cruising or want a more in-depth tour.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, which might limit accessibility.
• The experience is somewhat touristy, so if you’re after more in-depth historical insights or less crowds, it might not hit the mark.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a light, fun way to see Amsterdam from the water, this tour fits the bill nicely. It’s especially ideal for first-timers who want a quick overview of the city’s top sights without too much walking. Fans of quirky museums and oddities will find Ripley’s a surprisingly good addition—it’s a place that sparks curiosity and offers plenty of conversation starters.

Couples, friends, or even solo travelers with a sense of humor will likely enjoy the mix of scenic views and weird facts. Families with slightly older children might also find this a decent, safe, and entertaining option, provided they don’t require accessibility accommodations.

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Final Thoughts

All in all, this combined tour offers a balanced mix of relaxing sightseeing and quirky entertainment. The scenic canal cruise provides a beautiful introduction to Amsterdam’s historic waterways, and the quick entry to Ripley’s keeps the fun fast-paced and engaging. With a reasonable price point, excellent reviews praising both the views and the knowledge of guides, and the convenience of booking in advance, it’s a solid choice for those looking to combine a bit of everything.

While it’s not an in-depth exploration or a full-day experience, it’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the essence of Amsterdam along with some fun surprises. Whether you’re into architecture, history, or just love a good collection of oddities, this tour has something for many types of curious travelers.

FAQ

Do I need to pre-book my canal cruise time slot?
Yes, the canal cruise requires a pre-booked time slot. You will need to show your smartphone ticket at the Ripley’s office upon arrival to select your preferred cruise time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 3 and under are free if they don’t occupy a seat during the cruise. The experience is generally family-friendly, but the museum’s exhibits are best suited for older children or those interested in oddities.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

How long do I have at Ripley’s Believe It or Not?
Your ticket includes fast-track entry, and while the tour doesn’t specify an exact time inside, reviews suggest that visitors typically spend a good amount of time exploring the exhibits.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The cruise’s audio guide is available in 19 languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Chinese, Japanese, and more.

Is the canal cruise accessible for wheelchair users?
No, unfortunately, the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, which is worth considering if accessibility is important to you.

If you’re looking for a quick, engaging way to see Amsterdam’s waterways and enjoy some quirky museum fun, this tour could be a great pick. Just remember to plan your time slots in advance and keep your expectations aligned with a fun, light experience rather than a deep-dive into the city’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here: