Amsterdam: Moco Museum Entry Ticket and Canal Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want a blend of contemporary art and scenic waterways, this combo experience might catch your eye. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on reviews and details, it offers a convenient way to see some of the city’s highlights without too much hassle.

What we like about this tour? First, the skip-the-line access to the Moco Museum makes it easier to explore modern and street art masterpieces without waiting. Second, the one-hour canal cruise offers a fresh perspective of the city’s famous waterways and landmarks. But, a possible downside is that some travelers found the cruise a bit disappointing due to schedule issues and mismatched audio guides.

This experience seems best suited for art enthusiasts and first-time visitors who want a quick, well-rounded taste of Amsterdam’s cultural and scenic treasures. If you’re short on time or prefer a streamlined visit, it could be a good fit. Now, let’s take a closer look at what this tour involves and whether it matches your travel style.

Key Points

• Convenient skip-the-line entry to the Moco Museum saves time and lets you enjoy the exhibits at your own pace.
• Discover artwork by famous names like Lichtenstein, Dalí, Banksy, and more, in a beautiful, historic villa.
• Enjoy a scenic canal cruise that passes key landmarks, bridges, and districts of Amsterdam.
• Included GPS audio guides are available in 19 languages, enhancing the cruise experience with historical and cultural context.
• Price point of $37 offers decent value for a combined art and sightseeing experience, especially considering the skip-the-line advantage.
• Note on scheduling: The museum and cruise require pre-booked time slots, so planning ahead is essential.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Moco Museum: A Modern Art Haven in a Historic Setting

Your day begins with access to the Moco Museum, located in a charming early 20th-century villa designed by Eduard Cuypers. This setting already sets a tone of elegance mixed with contemporary edge. You’ll use your smartphone or printed ticket to skip the lines, which means more time enjoying art rather than waiting around.

Once inside, you’ll find a curated selection of modern masterpieces, including works by giants like Banksy, whose urban art has become iconic, as well as pieces by Dalí and Lichtenstein. The museum is known for its focus on urban and contemporary art, and many visitors appreciate how accessible and engaging the exhibits are.

One reviewer mentioned, “The Moco Museum is really worth visiting. I took some teenagers there and they loved it.” The variety of art makes it suitable for all ages, especially if you’re traveling with teens or art-curious adults. The setting in a beautiful villa adds a touch of historic charm, contrasting nicely with the edgy, modern works displayed inside.

The Canal Cruise: Seeing Amsterdam from the Water

After soaking in some modern art, you’ll head to the meeting point for the 1-hour canal cruise, which departs from Damrak. The boat takes you through the city’s famed waterways—Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht—giving a different view of Amsterdam’s iconic architecture.

From the boat, you’ll pass under historic bridges, see slender merchant houses, and spot landmarks like Westerkerk, the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) district, and the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). It’s a classic way to see the city, especially if you’re short on time but want to tick off multiple sights.

What’s useful here is the GPS audio guide available in 19 languages. It promises to tell you about the sights around you, making the water journey both relaxing and educational. However, some reviews point out that the audio guide may not always align perfectly with what’s visible, and schedule issues can impact the experience. One traveler said, “The canal cruise was disappointing. They didn’t stick to the schedule and the audio didn’t match the sights.”

Practical Details and Considerations

• The museum ticket is only valid for a selected time slot, which you must confirm in advance.
• The cruise also requires a pre-reserved time slot at Damrak 26, so planning your day is essential.
• The price of $37 covers both entries, which strikes us as a fair deal for the convenience and variety packed into this experience.
• Be aware that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, which might matter if mobility is a concern.
• The museum hours vary seasonally, with extended hours in summer months, so check the schedule before booking.
• Children 0-9 enter free with a paying adult, and the cruise is suitable for children aged 4-13.

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What Travelers Say

The overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 146 reviews. Many appreciate the value for money and the ability to see key artworks without long lines. One reviewer mentioned, “The Moco Museum is really worth visiting.”

However, the cruise isn’t for everyone. As one person noted, “The canal cruise was disappointing. I should have chosen another company. They didn’t stick to the schedule and the audio guide didn’t match the sights.” This highlights the importance of managing expectations, especially regarding the cruise experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This combo tour is particularly good for art lovers who want to see major modern artworks without waiting in line and enjoy a concise sightseeing experience. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a structured, guided approach without the concern of logistics, as both parts are scheduled and included.

If you’re traveling with family, the museum’s engaging exhibits and scenic boat ride could make for a fun day out. But if you’re seeking a more in-depth or personalized experience, or are particular about the cruise’s audio guide quality, you might want to look into other options.

The Sum Up

The Amsterdam: Moco Museum and Canal Cruise experience offers a well-balanced glimpse of the city’s vibrant contemporary art scene combined with the scenic beauty of its waterways. For those who value convenience and good value, this package delivers a seamless way to see key sights without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or navigating schedules. The skip-the-line access to the museum is especially appealing, making sure you spend more time enjoying art rather than waiting.

The canal cruise adds a relaxing touch, giving you a chance to see Amsterdam from a different angle. While some reviews point to issues with the schedule and audio guides, many find the overall experience enjoyable and worthwhile, especially considering the price. It’s a solid choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a quick, curated overview of the city’s highlights.

If you’re after an easy, straightforward way to blend modern art with scenic sightseeing, this tour is worth considering. Just be sure to reserve your time slots early and keep your expectations about the cruise’s audio component in check.

FAQ

Do I need to pre-book the museum and cruise tickets?
Yes, both the museum and cruise require pre-booked time slots. You’ll need to show your tickets at the museum and at Damrak 26 for the cruise to confirm your slots.

How long is the museum visit?
The ticket gives you access at your chosen time slot, and you can explore the exhibits at your own pace within the museum’s opening hours.

Can I visit the museum and cruise on the same day?
Absolutely. Just plan your schedule to accommodate the museum’s time slot and the cruise reservation, which are both for the same day.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-13 can join the cruise, with children aged 0-3 entering for free. The museum is also family-friendly for kids aged 10-17.

What languages are the audio guides available in?
The GPS audio guide during the cruise is available in 19 languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Dutch, French, German, and more.

Does the cruise run year-round?
Yes, the cruise departs daily, with schedules adjusted seasonally—9:00 AM to 10:00 PM from March 22 to October 28, and 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM from October 29 to March 21.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, so check accessibility options if needed.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers skip-the-line entry to the Moco Museum and a 1-hour canal cruise, plus the GPS audio guide during the cruise.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
No, the listed price of $37 covers everything. However, transportation to the meeting points isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Hopefully, this overview helps you decide if this combination of art and waterway sightseeing matches your trip plans. It offers a practical and enjoyable way to get a taste of Amsterdam’s modern culture and scenic beauty without too much fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: