Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise

If you’re thinking about adding some fun and unique experiences to your Amsterdam trip, this combo tour featuring Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and a 1-hour canal cruise could be worth considering. It’s a popular option for visitors who want a bit of everything—some light-hearted oddities and a scenic tour through the city’s famous waterways. With a solid 4-star rating based on four reviews, it’s clear many travelers find it offers a decent bang for your buck.

What we love about this experience is how it combines two very different but equally engaging activities in one ticket. First, the canal cruise gives you a relaxed view of Amsterdam’s iconic UNESCO-listed waterways, complete with audio guides in 19 languages, making it accessible for a wide audience. Then, stepping into Ripley’s Believe It or Not! adds a quirky, fun twist to your day—perfect for those who enjoy oddities and oddball displays.

Of course, there are some things to keep in mind. The cruise is about an hour long, and the overall itinerary is designed more for entertainment than deep historical exploration. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a laid-back, enjoyable experience without spending an entire day. If you’re after comprehensive sightseeing or have limited time, this could be a great way to tick two popular attractions off your list efficiently.

This tour works well for those who appreciate a mix of scenic views and curiosity-driven exhibits. It might not be the best choice if you’re craving in-depth historical tours or traveling with very young children who might find the museum’s quirks a bit overwhelming. But if you’re open to a relaxed, engaging, and somewhat whimsical experience, you’ll likely find this combo a worthwhile addition to your Amsterdam itinerary.

Key Points

• Convenient combination: Book two top attractions with one ticket and save up to 27% on admission costs.
• Flexible planning: Choose departure times that fit your schedule, with direct boarding options.
• Multilingual audio guides: Enhance your canal experience with guides in 19 languages.
• Engaging for curious travelers: The museum’s displays are varied and interesting, with reviewers mentioning the fun of exploring at their own pace.
• Paced sightseeing: The cruise lasts about an hour, offering plenty of time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.
• Accessible for most: Most travelers can participate, with near public transportation options at departure points.

The Experience in Detail

Booking and Pricing

At $42.14 per person, this package offers a pretty decent deal, especially considering it includes tickets to two popular spots. If you were to buy the canal cruise and Ripley’s museum separately, you’d likely pay more, so this setup makes sense financially. Plus, if you’re traveling with a group or family, the savings can add up.

The ticket offers flexibility—you can use it to board the canal cruise at any of four designated departure points, including near Amsterdam Central Station and the Rijksmuseum. Reserving your canal cruise time in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons, to ensure you get your preferred slot.

The Canal Cruise

The canal tour is mostly about soaking in the views of Amsterdam’s historic waterways. You’ll pass by landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, with the boats offering a tranquil way to see the city from a different perspective. The audio guide in 19 languages guarantees that most travelers will find the narration understandable and informative.

While the cruise isn’t overly long, it’s a good way to relax after walking around the city or as a gentle introduction to Amsterdam’s layout. The boat gets you close enough to snap photos of famous sights, and the commentary adds context without being overwhelming.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

The museum portion is often highlighted as the highlight for those who enjoy quirky, bizarre displays. According to reviews, visitors appreciated the variety—some mentioning the “absurdities of the world” and the chance to explore at their own pace. The fact that you have a pre-booked timeslot helps avoid disappointment during busy periods.

Ripley’s isn’t a typical museum. It features oddities, strange exhibits, and curiosities that are entertaining rather than educational. It’s a fun break from the more serious sightseeing and can be particularly amusing if you’re into the weird and wonderful.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers seem pleased with the overall experience. One mentioned, “It was quite fun to walk about and view the absurdities of the world,” appreciating the freedom to explore at their own pace. Another was impressed by the mix of displays, calling it “very interesting and informative” with a good variety of topics.

However, keep in mind that the tour’s main appeal isn’t in-depth storytelling or historical insights. It’s about entertainment and visual intrigue, which suits casual visitors and those seeking a lighthearted stop on their trip.

Practical Details

• Duration: The combined experience is roughly 2 to 3 hours, making it a manageable part of a day.
• Group Size: Limited to 60 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation options make it easy to access from different parts of the city.
• Booking & Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

Highlights for Your Visit

• Choose your time slot wisely, especially if you want to avoid peak times or combine with other activities.
• Board the canal cruise at any of the four departure locations, which makes it convenient to fit into your schedule.
• Enjoy the audio guide, adding an educational layer to the relaxing boat ride.
• Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at your preferred time, with the chance to explore at leisure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a gentle overview of Amsterdam’s scenic waterways combined with some fun, quirky entertainment. It also suits travelers who prefer a laid-back pace and enjoy lighthearted exhibits. If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates a bit of oddity and humor, this is a good fit.

It’s less suitable for those seeking deep historical insights or longer, more immersive museum visits. Likewise, if you’re traveling with very young kids, you might want to check if the museum’s displays will hold their interest, but overall, it’s generally family-friendly due to the casual nature.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this combined ticket for Amsterdam’s canal cruise and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers a practical way to see part of the city while also enjoying some fun, quirky entertainment. The audio-guided cruise delivers lovely views and useful commentary, while the museum adds a dose of whimsy that will appeal to many.

For those wanting a moderate, engaging experience without the need for extensive planning or big crowds, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers looking for something light and memorable, especially if you enjoy seeing the city from the water and having a few laughs along the way.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s generally family-friendly, especially if you enjoy quirky exhibits. However, very young children might find some displays overwhelming, so use your judgment.

Can I choose my cruise departure time?
Yes, you can pick the departure time that works best for you. Just remember to reserve your cruise in advance, especially during busy periods.

Where do I board the canal cruise?
You can board at any of four locations: Prins Hendrikkade, Leidseplein, Westerdok, or Europakade, making it quite convenient.

How long does the entire experience take?
Expect around 2 to 3 hours total, which makes it easy to slot into a half-day or part of a day exploring Amsterdam.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers both the canal cruise and access to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, with a pre-booked timeslot for the museum.

Is the audio guide available in English?
Yes, the canal cruise features an audio guide available in 19 languages, including English.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. If rain is forecast, bring an umbrella or raincoat, especially for the canal cruise.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the ticket is fully refundable if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled experience.

Are there options to upgrade or add more experiences?
The package as described only includes these two activities. For more options, consider exploring other tours or tickets.

Is this experience accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the departure points are near public transportation, making it easy to reach without hassle.

This combo tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience parts of Amsterdam—whether you’re new to the city or just looking for a light-hearted, relaxed outing. It balances scenic views with amusing curiosities, making it a solid choice for a flexible, fun addition to your trip.