Amsterdam: Body Worlds Exhibition and Canal Cruise

If you’re considering a visit to Amsterdam that combines both an eye-opening look into the human body with a scenic tour through the city’s famous canals, this experience might just be worth your attention. While it’s not the typical art or history tour, it offers a fascinating perspective on health, happiness, and the architecture that makes Amsterdam so captivating.

What we really like about this combo is how it balances education and relaxation. The Body Worlds: The Happiness Project showcases over 200 authentic anatomical specimens, making it a compelling stop for anyone interested in understanding more about how the body works — or simply looking for something a little different. Once you’ve soaked in that knowledge, a one-hour canal cruise allows you to decompress and admire the city’s stunning views from the water.

One potential snag is that the experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which is worth keeping in mind if you or someone in your group has mobility concerns. Also, be aware that the audio guide at the exhibition isn’t included in the ticket, so you might want to have your own device or plan to skip it. Still, this experience tends to be best suited for those who enjoy a mix of learning and sightseeing rather than pure entertainment.

All in all, if you’re after a thoughtful, engaging activity that combines education with the chance to see Amsterdam from a different angle, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for curious adults, science buffs, or even families with older kids who can handle the anatomical displays.

Key Points

• Educational and visually striking: Over 200 authentic specimens show the complexity of the human body.
• Unique focus on happiness: Learn how mental well-being influences physical health with The Happiness Project.
• Flexible planning: Timings for the exhibition and cruise are adjustable, allowing you to fit this into your itinerary.
• Scenic canal views: See iconic sights like the Skinny Bridge and historic merchant houses from the water.
• Multilingual audio guide: Enjoy commentary in 16 languages during the cruise for added context.
• Good value: At around $40 per person for a combined 2-hour experience, it offers a lot of insight and scenery for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

The Body Worlds Exhibition: The Happiness Project

Once you arrive at Damrak 68r, you’ll step into an exhibition that’s both educational and thought-provoking. This particular display, curated by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, features more than 200 real human specimens used to demonstrate the intricacies of the human form, resilience, and vulnerability. The focus on happiness and its effects on the body makes it stand out from typical anatomical shows, emphasizing how mental well-being can influence physical health.

The specimens are displayed in a way that’s engaging for adults and older children, with interactive elements that invite you to think about your own health and habits. As Kathleen, one reviewer, mentioned, “The Bodyworlds exhibition is amazing, quite unlike anything I have ever seen before.” That sentiment resonates with many visitors who find themselves both fascinated and contemplative after exploring the displays.

While some find the museum a little unusual, most agree that it’s extremely interesting and thought-provoking. Carolyn described it as “very usual but extremely interesting,” emphasizing the way it reveals how everything we do affects our bodies. The exhibition offers a good balance of science and personal reflection, making it an educational experience that sticks with you.

Practical Tips for the Exhibition

• Ticketing: Your ticket grants you access to the exhibition, but note that the audio guide isn’t included. If you want additional context, you might need to bring your own device or skip the audio.
• Children’s access: Kids under 6 can enter for free, and tickets for ages 6-17 are available at a reasonable price. Children aged 3 or younger go free if they don’t need a seat.
• Duration: Expect to spend about an hour here, enough to take in the displays at a relaxed pace.
• Mobility: The exhibition isn’t wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if needed.

The Canal Cruise: Scenic Amsterdam from the Water

After the educational part, it’s time to unwind on the one-hour canal cruise. Amsterdam’s canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and this tour offers a fantastic vantage point to admire the historic architecture and bridges that define the city. You’ll pass striking merchant houses from the Dutch Golden Age, the iconic Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), and numerous churches and landmarks.

The cruise is frequent enough that you can choose a time that fits into your day, making it flexible and convenient. The recorded audio commentary in 16 languages adds context to the sights, and many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning views.

However, some visitors, like Weiming, noted that “the skipper was talking over the audio description,” which could make it harder to follow the commentary at times. If you’re eager to absorb all the information, arriving early or listening carefully can help.

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Practical Tips for the Canal Cruise

• Booking: You need to reserve your specific time slot in advance at the ticket office at Damrak 26, even if you’ve purchased your tickets online.
• Audio commentary: Enjoy in your preferred language for a richer experience.
• Accessibility: The cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• Cost: The cruise is included in your ticket price, making it an excellent value.

Combining the Two: Is It Worth It?

This combined experience offers a delightful balance of learning and sightseeing. The Body Worlds exhibition is well regarded for its engaging display of human anatomy, providing insights that can be both inspiring and slightly unsettling — in a good way. The canal cruise complements this by giving you a relaxed, scenic perspective of the city, perfect for unwinding after the more intense educational part.

The flexibility in timing is a real plus, letting you tailor the experience to your day. For families with older children, the exhibition can be an eye-opening experience, but younger kids might find it a bit intense or not suitable due to the nature of the displays.

For those who appreciate well-organized tours with informative guides and stunning views, this tour delivers. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for souvenirs of your trip that are both meaningful and picturesque.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re curious about how the human body works or want to understand the impact of happiness on health, the exhibition alone is worth the price. The scenic canal cruise makes it even better by showcasing Amsterdam’s beauty from a different perspective. This experience is ideal for adults, science enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a thought-provoking activity that’s a bit off the beaten path.

It’s also suitable for families with older children who can handle the anatomical displays. However, if accessibility is a concern, or if you prefer more traditional art or history tours, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the canal cruise accessible for wheelchair users? No, the cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchairs. If accessibility is a priority, consider checking other options or preparing accordingly.

Do I need to pre-book the canal cruise? Yes, the cruise requires you to reserve a specific time slot upon arrival at the ticket office at Damrak 26.

How long is the entire experience? The combined tour lasts about two hours — roughly an hour for the exhibition, and an hour for the canal cruise.

Are children allowed? Yes, children under 6 can enter the exhibition for free, and there are child tickets for the cruise for ages 4-13. Kids 3 and under go free if they don’t occupy a seat.

Does the ticket include an audio guide at the exhibition? No, the audio guide is not included in the ticket price.

What should I keep in mind about the timing? You’ll need to book your exhibition entry and canal cruise separately. The exhibition timing is flexible, but the cruise requires a reservation for a specific time.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compelling blend of scientific discovery and city sightseeing. The Body Worlds exhibition provides a rare opportunity to look at the anatomy of the human body in a way that’s both educational and engaging. Paired with the scenic canal cruise, it gives a comprehensive snapshot of what makes Amsterdam special — from its historic architecture to its innovative displays.

It’s best suited for adults and older kids with an interest in health, science, or simply a desire to see the city from a new vantage point. The experience’s overall positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, reflect its appeal and quality.

While not the cheapest option, the combination of learning and leisure makes it a worthwhile outing if you’re looking for something different from the usual tourist spots. Just be mindful of accessibility and plan your timing ahead for a smooth, enjoyable day.

Happy exploring — and enjoy your trip through body, mind, and cityscape!

You can check availability for your dates here: