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

Looking for a way to experience both the iconic waterways and the eccentric side of Amsterdam in one go? This combined ticket offering a 1-hour canal cruise paired with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum is designed for travelers eager to enjoy the city’s picturesque views and its offbeat attractions without breaking the bank.

What we like about this experience is how it balances scenic sightseeing with a dash of whimsy—giving you a well-rounded glimpse of Amsterdam’s lively culture and playful surprises. Plus, the flexibility to choose your preferred cruise departure times and the convenience of pre-booked tickets make it an attractive option for busy itineraries.

A potential consideration is that the overall duration of around 2 to 3 hours might feel a bit rushed if you want to linger at each stop, especially during peak tourist seasons. Still, if you’re after value for money and a taste of both waterway views and curious exhibits, this tour hits the right notes. It’s best suited for first-time visitors** who want a quick, engaging overview of Amsterdam’s highlights with a quirky twist.

Key Points

• Two-in-One Convenience: Enjoy a canal cruise and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! with one booking.
• Cost Savings: Book both attractions together and save up to 27% on admission.
• Flexible Scheduling: Pick departure times that suit your sightseeing pace.
• Multilingual Audio Guide: Learn about the sights in 19 languages during your canal cruise.
• Pre-Booked Tickets: Secure your spots in advance for a smoother experience.
• Small Group Feel: Tour groups are limited to a maximum of 60 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

An Introduction to the Experience

This combined tour offers an excellent way to get a quick dose of Amsterdam’s scenic beauty alongside some of its most quirky attractions. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, the mix of a canal cruise with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! provides a balanced glimpse into the city’s famous waterways and its more offbeat cultural side.

What makes this package particularly appealing is the value—booking both attractions together not only saves money but also simplifies planning. You can choose your departure times for the canal cruise, and the pre-booked Ripley’s ticket guarantees a specific time slot, avoiding long waits.

That said, the duration of about 2 to 3 hours means this is a snapshot rather than an in-depth tour, but for many travelers, the convenience outweighs the rushed feeling. It’s ideal if you want a fun, lightweight experience that fits into a busy day of sightseeing, especially if you’re eager to see the iconic sights and have a laugh at the oddities.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start: Convenient Location and Easy Access

The tour begins with the purchase of tickets that are valid for four departure points: Prins Hendrikkade, Leidseplein, Westerdok, and Europakade. These locations are all easily accessible by public transportation, making it simple to fit into your plans. You can reserve your canal cruise slot in advance either online or at the departure points, which is recommended during busy times.

The Canal Cruise – Highlights and Experience

The 1-hour canal cruise takes you along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, weaving past iconic sights like Anne Frank House and Westerkerk. The onboard audio guide—available in 19 languages—offers playful insights into the landmarks and the city’s history, culture, and architecture.

As you glide past Lovers Canal, Magere Brug, and other famous bridges, you’ll enjoy stunning views of historic buildings, lively neighborhoods, and the peaceful water reflections. The small group size (up to 60 travelers) ensures a comfortable, unhurried experience, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos or simply soak in the sights.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – The Oddities and Fun

After the cruise, you’ll head directly to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Amsterdam, where your pre-booked time slot guarantees quick entry. The museum showcases absurd, bizarre, and astonishing exhibits—perfect for those who enjoy a laugh and marvel at the unusual.

From the reviews, visitors appreciate the variety of displays and the ability to explore at their own pace. One reviewer noted, “It was quite fun to walk about and view the absurdities of the world,” highlighting that the museum is a relaxed, engaging space for curious minds.

The museum’s quirky nature makes it a fantastic break from more traditional sightseeing, offering a lighthearted, entertaining experience that appeals especially to families or anyone with a sense of humor.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

The Canal Ring – Not Just a Pretty View

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the main reason many visitors fall in love with Amsterdam. The cruise offers an intimate perspective on the city’s unique layout, with narrow houses, gabled facades, and historic bridges providing perfect photo opportunities. The audio guide enriches this experience by bringing context to what you see, making it educational as well as scenic.

Dam Square and Nearby Sights

Passing by Dam Square, you glimpse the heart of Amsterdam’s bustling city life. While not stopping there, the views from the water give you a sense of the city’s vibrancy—something that’s hard to capture from land alone.

Westerkerk and Magere Brug

The Westerkerk, with its iconic tower, is a striking feature, and the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is a favorite for photographers. Watching the bridge open at certain times (if you’re lucky) adds an extra layer of local charm.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum

Inside, expect a curated collection of curiosities, from bizarre art to strange artifacts. Reviewers appreciated the variety of displays and the self-paced exploration, which makes it suitable for all ages and interests.

The Practical Side: Pricing, Duration, and Group Size

At $42.14 per person, this combined experience offers good value, considering it includes two popular attractions and the convenience of pre-booked tickets. The duration of approximately 2 to 3 hours makes it an efficient way to cover some of Amsterdam’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule.

The tour’s small group size (max 60 travelers) helps keep the experience intimate and manageable, especially during peak seasons when larger crowds can diminish the enjoyment.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One reviewer praised the knowledgeable guides during the cruise, saying, “Very interesting and informative. There was a good variety of displays and topics to learn about,” which underscores the educational value of the audio guide. Another shared that it was their first experience in Ripley’s, and they found it “quite fun to walk about and view the absurdities,” which highlights the museum’s appeal for first-timers and those seeking lighthearted fun.

The views during the canal cruise are consistently rated as stunning, with travelers appreciating how the waterway perspective offers a different view of the city’s famous sights.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This combo experience is a smart choice for travelers who want to maximize their time and budget. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors eager to see iconic sights from the water and enjoy some quirky entertainment. The flexibility of departure times and the pre-booking option make it easy to fit into a busy itinerary.

If you’re someone who appreciates scenic views combined with lighthearted curiosities, this tour hits the spot. It offers value without sacrificing the quality of experience, and the small group size ensures a comfortable, engaging journey.

However, if you prefer in-depth exploration of each site or a more extensive tour, you might find this experience somewhat rushed—yet for many, it hits just the right balance.

FAQ

Is the canal cruise suitable for all ages?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, providing relaxing scenery and engaging commentary in 19 languages.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you can select departure times for the canal cruise when booking, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Where can I board the canal cruise?
You can board at any of four locations: Prins Hendrikkade (opposite Amsterdam Central Station), Leidseplein, Westerdok (near the Anne Frank House), or Europakade. Advance reservation for your specific time is recommended.

How long does the entire experience take?
Expect about 2 to 3 hours total, including the cruise and time at Ripley’s museum.

What is the price of this combined tour?
It costs around $42.14 per person, offering good value by bundling two popular attractions.

Is it necessary to book in advance?
While walk-up tickets are possible, booking in advance guarantees your preferred time slots and smoother experience, especially at busy times.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The canal cruise features an audio guide available in 19 languages, enhancing the sightseeing with informative commentary.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket covers the 1-hour canal cruise and admission to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, with the option to skip lines using pre-booked tickets.

To sum it up, this combo ticket for a canal cruise and Ripley’s museum delivers great value, flexibility, and a fun mix of scenery and surprises. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a lightweight, engaging experience that gives a snapshot of Amsterdam’s beauty and its curious side—perfect for first-timers or those wanting a quick, memorable outing in the city.