Body Worlds Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Exploring the Body and the Canals: A Balanced Look at the Body Worlds Amsterdam & Canal Cruise Tour

When visiting Amsterdam, most travelers look forward to iconic sights like the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, or simply wandering along its scenic canals. But if you’re craving something a bit different—an experience that’s as educational as it is picturesque—this combined tour offers a compelling option. For about $41.50 per person, you get admission to “Body Worlds: The Happiness Project” and an hour-long canal cruise. The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable way to add a meaningful layer to your Amsterdam itinerary.

What we love about this combo is the chance to peek inside the human body with real specimens, paired with some of the best views of the city’s unique canal architecture. The “Body Worlds” exhibit is genuinely fascinating, providing insights into how our bodies work, while the cruise allows you to relax and admire the picturesque waterways with informative audio guidance.

A potential drawback might be that the canal cruise requires a reservation upon arrival in Amsterdam, which could be an extra step in your planning. Also, some visitors expect to see actual cadavers at Body Worlds, but the exhibit primarily features plastic models and preserved real specimens, which might be less visceral than some anticipate. Still, this tour is ideal for those curious about human anatomy or travelers who want a blend of education and scenic leisure.

This experience fits best for visitors who appreciate well-informed guides, enjoy stunning views, and want to maximize their time in the city with a mix of learning and sightseeing. It’s especially suited for travelers who aren’t afraid to explore the human body from a scientific perspective, and for those who want a break from traditional museums or walking tours.

Key Points

• Educational and Scenic Combo: Combines a compelling anatomy exhibit with a beautiful canal cruise.
• Fast-Track Entry: Skip lines at Body Worlds with your pre-booked ticket.
• Authentic Experience: View real specimens that illustrate human anatomy, not just models.
• Informative Audio Guide: Enhances the canal cruise with multi-language commentary.
• Flexibility: Tour is booked in advance, but canal cruise time needs to be reserved in person.
• Great Value: At around $41.50, it offers a mix of education and relaxation that’s worth considering for a half-day activity.

The Experience in Detail

Visiting Body Worlds: The Happiness Project

Once you arrive at Body Worlds in Amsterdam, you’ll find fast-track entry, saving you from long lines—an advantage during busy seasons. The main event, the “Happiness Project”, showcases real human bodies preserved through plastination, revealing the intricacies of our muscles, organs, and nervous systems. It’s a hands-on approach to understanding ourselves that’s both educational and a little unsettling— in a good way.

According to reviews, visitors find the exhibits “well informative,” with many noting that “the real bodies really explained the human body” and that they learned a lot. One reviewer, William, mentioned that the guide’s excellent English and clarity made the experience even better. This indicates that the guides or the exhibit labels do a good job of making complex topics accessible.

Some travelers, however, anticipated to see cadavers in a more traditional sense—some expected real bodies rather than plastic models or preserved specimens. So, if you’re squeamish about the idea of seeing human remains, be aware that the exhibit features real specimens but not in an overtly grisly way.

Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the exhibit thoroughly, allowing you to absorb the information at a comfortable pace. The exhibit offers a chance to see how our bodies function and what happens when things go wrong—useful if you’re interested in health or medicine.

The Canal Cruise: Scenic Relaxation

After the anatomy fascination, you’ll head to Rederij Lovers B.V. for a 1-hour cruise along Amsterdam’s famous canals. The audio guide, available in several languages, points out notable canal houses, houseboats, and landmarks, making this more than just a boat ride—it’s a narrated journey through the city’s history and architecture.

The reviews highlight the stunning views and informative commentary as key highlights. One reviewer, Frank, called it “an absolute must,” emphasizing the pleasure of seeing the city from the water while learning about its history. The boat ride offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after the more intense anatomy experience.

You’ll enjoy views of iconic gabled facades and the unique charm of Amsterdam’s waterways, all while listening to stories and facts that bring the city’s history alive. Since the cruise requires reservation upon arrival, make sure to plan your timing accordingly.

Practicalities: What You Should Know

The ticket includes your fast-track access to Body Worlds and the audio-guided canal cruise. However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to and from the venues. The confirmation is immediate upon booking, and the tour is accessible to most travelers.

The price of around $41.50 is quite reasonable for the combined experience, especially considering the value of skipping lines at the exhibit and enjoying a guided cruise. Booking 20 days in advance is typical, so plan ahead to secure your preferred time slots.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This combo is ideal for curious travelers who want a thought-provoking experience blended with scenic views. It’s perfect for families, educators, or health enthusiasts. If you’re someone who enjoys informative guides, you’ll appreciate the knowledgeable narration during the cruise and the engaging exhibits.

It’s also suitable for those who prefer a slower paced, relaxing activity after a day of sightseeing. If you’re visiting during a busy season, be aware that reservations for the canal cruise are necessary upon arrival.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after a unique blend of education and scenery in Amsterdam, this tour offers an intriguing way to spend half a day. The “Body Worlds” exhibit provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the human body, making it especially appealing for anyone interested in medicine, biology, or health. Meanwhile, the canal cruise grants you a relaxing view of the city’s iconic waterways and historic architecture, all narrated by an engaging guide.

The tour’s value lies in its combination of skip-the-line access, informative exhibits, and scenic relaxation—a balanced offering for curious minds and sightseeing enthusiasts alike. It’s best suited for adults and older children who can handle the subject matter, and travelers comfortable with a self-guided reservation process for the canal cruise.

Overall, if you’re looking to broaden your understanding of the human body while soaking in Amsterdam’s scenic beauty, this is a solid choice. It’s a thoughtful, engaging, and well-priced activity that adds depth and interest to a city famous for its art, history, and waterways.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Do I need to reserve the canal cruise beforehand?
No, the cruise ticket is included in your package but must be reserved upon your arrival in Amsterdam, following the instructions on your voucher.

How long does the entire tour take?
The combined experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with 1 hour 30 minutes at the exhibit and 1 hour for the canal cruise.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but since the exhibit features real human specimens, it may not be suitable for very young children or sensitive viewers.

Are the tickets flexible or refundable?
Yes, the booking includes a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Changes or cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refunded.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers fast-track entry to Body Worlds and the audio-guided canal cruise.

Are there any additional costs?
Nothing extra if you’ve booked the package. However, transportation to and from the venues is not included.

With its blend of intriguing anatomy exhibits and picturesque canal views, this tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to experience Amsterdam beyond its typical tourist spots. Whether you’re a science buff or just looking to see the city from a different angle, it’s worth considering for your next trip.