Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam Admission Ticket

Honest Review of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam Admission Ticket

Traveling to Amsterdam and looking for something a bit different? If curiosities, oddities, and eye-popping artifacts pique your interest, then Ripley’s Believe It or Not! might be worth a visit. While I haven’t personally been through it, I’ve gathered enough info to give you a clear picture of what to expect—and who it’s best for.

One thing I really like about this experience is the skip-the-line entry, which saves you from potentially wasting precious sightseeing time waiting in queues. Plus, the museum offers a good mix of bizarre artifacts and interactive features, making it engaging enough for a range of visitors. But, on the flip side, some visitors have found the displays underwhelming and the space quite small—so it’s not the most extensive attraction out there.

This tour is particularly suited to curious travelers of all ages who enjoy quirky exhibits and don’t mind a bit of fun with oddities. Families with children up to around 10 years old seem to get the most out of it, especially with the interactive elements. If you love a quick, light-hearted break from more serious sightseeing, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Fast entry keeps you from waiting in line, maximizing your time inside.
• Varied collection of oddities and artifacts that appeal to curiosity and fun.
• Great view of Dam Square from the lounge, a nice spot to relax after exploring.
• Ideal for families and groups, particularly those interested in oddities and interactive exhibits.
• Flexible time inside the museum, with about two hours recommended but no strict limits.
• Price is reasonable at around $26, considering the quick access and variety of displays.

What Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam?

Imagine entering a five-story building packed with the world’s most unusual artifacts, oddities, and curiosities. That’s essentially what Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers. Located right on the central Dam Square, it’s an attraction that combines a museum with a bit of an entertainment venue—all curated by the famously eccentric Robert Ripley.

The experience begins with your skip-the-line ticket, letting you bypass lengthy queues. It’s a smart move if you’re visiting during a busy time, as this museum can get crowded. Once inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of artifacts, from Faberge eggs to deformed skulls from the Amazon. It’s like walking through a cabinet of curiosities—only modernized and more interactive.

You can expect to see a replica of Robert Wadlow, one of the tallest men in history, and navigate through Holland’s only Space Tunnel, which adds a sci-fi twist to your visit. There are optical illusions, interactive mind games, and spots to sit in large wooden clogs—perfect for snapping memorable photos.

Inside the Museum: What Will You See?

The museum’s exhibits are designed to entertain and educate. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll get a snapshot of human oddities, natural wonders, and artistic curiosities from around the world. The collection merges ancient artifacts with contemporary art, creating an intriguing contrast that keeps things fresh.

Some highlights include the Space Tunnel, which Jeff from a review called “the highlight of the experience,” offering a fun, immersive journey. Also, many visitors enjoy snapping selfies in quirky spots like the giant wooden clog, adding a bit of humor to their trip.

However, not all reviews have been glowing. Some visitors, like anniem75, have expressed disappointment, citing poor displays and non-functioning interactive parts. This inconsistency is worth considering if you’re a perfectionist or expecting a gallery that’s flawless.

How Long Should You Spend There?

The recommended visit duration is around two hours, but you could easily spend more if you love reading every exhibit and trying all the interactive features. The museum is open from 9 am to 10 pm, giving you plenty of flexibility in scheduling your visit.

One reviewer, Eve_P, said, “It took an hour to get around and was really interesting,” which sounds about right for most visitors. If you’re on a tight schedule, a quick hour might suffice, but to fully enjoy all the oddities, plan for at least a couple of hours.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Skip-the-line tickets save time and frustration
• The collection of artifacts is diverse and genuinely intriguing
• The view of Dam Square from the lounge is a nice touch for relaxing after your exploration
• Interactive elements like optical illusions and tunnels keep things lively
• Reasonably priced, considering the quick entry and variety of exhibits

Cons:

• Some reviews mention disappointing displays and non-working interactive parts
• The museum space is not very large and can feel cramped during busy times
• Some visitors felt the exhibits were short or not as extensive as expected for the price
• A few reviews note inconsistent staff friendliness and ticket issues, so be prepared

Is It Worth the Price?

At roughly $26 per person, this ticket feels fair for a quick, quirky experience—especially with the skip-the-line bonus. It’s not a sprawling museum, but it packs enough oddities and fun features to justify the cost if you’re into curiosities and interactive exhibits.

For families, it’s a manageable outing that offers a break from walking tours or shopping. If your kids love strange facts or optical illusions, they’ll likely find this amusing and engaging.

Final Thoughts: Who Is It For?

If you’re after a lighthearted, fun, and slightly weird experience during your Amsterdam trip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will serve you well. It’s best suited for those who enjoy quirky artifacts and don’t mind a smaller, sometimes crowded venue.

This tour works great if you’re nearby Dam Square and need a quick, entertaining stop—perfect for a rainy day or a family outing. Keep in mind, if you prefer expansive collections or highly polished displays, this might fall a bit short.

FAQs

Is the ticket a physical or mobile ticket?
It’s a mobile ticket, so you can show it on your device for quick access.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 14 days in advance, which ensures availability and sometimes better prices.

Can children under 16 visit alone?
Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What are the opening hours?
The museum is open from 9 am to 10 pm, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Does the experience include any virtual reality?
No, virtual reality isn’t included in this ticket.

Are there any additional costs inside the museum?
Some reviews mention upcharges for extra experiences, but the main ticket covers the core exhibits.

Is there a place to rest or grab a snack?
Yes, there’s a small café inside where you can buy snacks and drinks, and the lounge offers a nice view of Dam Square.

In the end, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Amsterdam offers a compact, quirky peek into the bizarre and fascinating. It’s perfect if you want a fun, offbeat activity that’s easy to fit into your day. Be prepared for some mixed reviews—some visitors love every moment, others leave a bit disappointed—but overall, it can be a memorable, lighthearted stop during your city exploration.