Ripley’s Believe it or Not Amsterdam

Posted on: February 1, 2026

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam: tickets, what to see & visitor guide

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam is the city’s museum of the strange and the unbelievable, right on Dam Square in the heart of the centre. Spread over five floors, it packs in more than 500 oddities – from a genuine shrunken head and a two-headed calf to record-breakers, optical illusions and hands-on exhibits.

It is an easy, offbeat stop between the big sights, and a reliable rainy-day plan with kids. This guide covers what you actually see inside, current ticket prices and opening hours, how long to allow, how to get there, and whether it is worth it.

Last updated: October 2026.

Plan your visit: prices, hours & location

Ripley’s sits at Dam 21, directly on Dam Square beside the National Monument and only a few minutes’ walk from the Red Light District. Standard adult entry starts at around €22.50, and booking online is usually cheaper than the door and lets you skip the queue on busy days.

Most visitors spend about one to one-and-a-half hours inside. Opening hours shift with the season, so always check the current times before you travel.

What to see at Ripley’s Amsterdam

The collection runs to more than 500 artefacts across 19 themed galleries on five floors. Robert Ripley gathered oddities, record-breakers and curiosities from his travels, and the Amsterdam branch mixes genuine artefacts with hands-on, photo-friendly exhibits.

Oddities and curiosities

This is the classic Ripley’s material: a genuine shrunken head and a two-headed calf, alongside taxidermy curiosities and objects that look impossible until you read the story behind them.

Record-breakers and unusual art

Among the highlights are a real Olympic torch and an ornate Fabergé-style egg. Ripley’s is also known for its “bean art” – large celebrity portraits made from sweets – and you will spot mosaic and candy-art pieces among the galleries.

5D cinema and the rooftop lounge

A 5D cinema on the fourth floor adds a moving-seat film to the visit, and the top-floor lounge has a café and a VR experience with one of the best views over Dam Square.

Who was Robert Ripley?

Robert Ripley was a real American cartoonist and collector who travelled to more than 200 countries over roughly 35 years, publishing his famous “Believe It or Not!” cartoons about the strangest things he found.

His newspaper feature grew into radio, television and a chain of “odditoriums” around the world. The Amsterdam museum, which opened on Dam Square in 2016, is one of those venues.

Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam worth it?

It depends what you want. Ripley’s is a fun, slightly kitschy attraction rather than a serious museum – best for families, a rainy afternoon, or anyone who enjoys the weird and offbeat. If you are after fine art or deep history, this is not that kind of place.

For a central, hour-long stop with plenty to photograph, most visitors find it good value, especially with an online ticket.

“You can see there many interesting, weird and funny things. Fun for any age! My daughter and my mom enjoy it, me too.” – Google review

“Great experience! We didn’t realise how much there is to do. Great for all ages! Would definitely recommend!” – Google review

How to get to Ripley’s on Dam Square

On foot

From Central Station, walk straight down the Damrak for about ten minutes until you reach Dam Square. Ripley’s is on the square near the Royal Palace and the National Monument. This is the easiest and cheapest way to arrive.

By tram

Several trams stop at Dam Square, including Tram 2, 12, 13 and 17. Get off at the Dam stop and the museum is a few steps away.

By car or taxi

A taxi or Uber can drop you at the square, but public transport is faster and far cheaper, and central parking is expensive and limited. For most visitors, tram or walking is the better choice.

Tickets & discounts

The simplest option is to book a dated online ticket, which is usually cheaper than paying at the door and lets you walk straight in. Combination tickets that pair Ripley’s with a canal cruise or another attraction can lower the per-stop cost if you are doing several things.

Ignore random “discount code” sites that promise huge savings – the reliable discounts are the online price, combo bundles and city attraction passes. Always check what is actually included before you buy.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam: frequently asked questions

Is there a Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Amsterdam?

Yes. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam is at Dam 21 on Dam Square, in the heart of the city centre. It opened in 2016 and is open to visitors daily.

How much does Ripley’s Amsterdam cost?

Standard adult entry starts at around €22.50 when booked online, with combination tickets (for example with a canal cruise) also available. Prices change, so check the live price on your ticket before booking.

What are the opening hours of Ripley’s Amsterdam?

Ripley’s is open every day. Hours can vary by season, but are generally around 10:00 to 22:00, with last admission roughly an hour before closing. Confirm the current hours before you travel.

How long do you spend at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam?

Most visitors spend about one to one-and-a-half hours working through the five floors and 19 galleries. Families with curious children, or anyone who reads every exhibit, may stay a little longer.

Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not Amsterdam worth it?

For families, a rainy day, or fans of the strange and unusual, it is a fun and central stop that is easy to enjoy in an hour. If you prefer traditional art or history museums, it may feel too light for you.

Where exactly is Ripley’s in Amsterdam?

It is on Dam Square at Dam 21, beside the National Monument and a few minutes from both Central Station and the Red Light District, which makes it easy to combine with other central sights.

What is the jelly bean picture at Ripley’s?

Ripley’s museums are famous for “bean art” – mosaic portraits of famous people made from jelly beans and other sweets. It is a signature of the brand, and you will find candy-art and mosaic pieces among the Amsterdam galleries.

Is Ripley’s Amsterdam good for kids?

Yes. The mix of weird exhibits, interactive spots and the 5D cinema works well for children and teens, which is why it is a popular family and rainy-day choice.

Have you visited one of Ripley’s attractions? Let others know what you thought in the comments below.

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About the author — Martijn, Amsterdam guide

Martijn has guided hundreds of tours through Amsterdam’s Red Light District and De Wallen over the past years. He writes from first-hand experience — the shows he has seen, the bars he knows and the streets he walks every week — and his tours and photos also feature on TripAdvisor. Everything here is checked against what he and our local guides see on the ground.

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