Amsterdam: Body Worlds Exhibition and Canal Cruise

Exploring Amsterdam through a combined visit to Body Worlds: The Happiness Project and a canal cruise offers a unique blend of education and sightseeing. This tour, rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 138 reviews, is perfect for curious travelers who love learning about the human body while taking in the iconic sights of the city from its famous waterways.

What makes this experience stand out is its interactive exhibition featuring over 200 authentic anatomical specimens—an eye-opening look at how our bodies function and how happiness impacts health. The 1-hour canal cruise complements this with stunning views of the historic city, making for a well-rounded, engaging half-day. A potential consideration is the need to book your canal cruise time slot in advance, which requires some planning, especially during busy periods.

This tour is best suited for those with an interest in health, anatomy, or history, and families with children over 6 who want an educational adventure. It’s a great way to combine learning with leisure, especially if you’re keen to see Amsterdam from a different perspective.

Key Points

• Unique combination of science exhibition and city sightseeing in one tour
• Over 200 authentic specimens demonstrate the complexity of the human body
• Happiness-themed exhibits explore the impact of mental well-being on physical health
• 1-hour canal cruise offers scenic views of UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals
• Audio guides available in 19 languages, enhancing the experience
• Pre-booking required for the canal cruise, with flexible timing options

What to Expect from This Tour

This experience offers a fascinating look at what makes the human body tick, intertwined with a scenic cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canal district. It’s designed to be both educational and visually captivating, blending science with picturesque city views.

The Body Worlds Exhibition

Your journey begins at Damrak 68r, where you’ll enter the Body Worlds exhibition—The Happiness Project. Created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, the exhibition features more than 200 real anatomical specimens. These displays are not just for shock value; they serve as powerful visual tools that reveal the delicate balance between physical health and emotional well-being.

We loved the way the exhibit showcases how happiness influences the body, making it particularly relevant in today’s stress-filled world. The specimens are preserved with incredible detail, demonstrating everything from muscles and organs to complex bodily systems. The exhibition is suitable for both adults and children, with interactive elements that make learning about the human form engaging and accessible.

A standout feature from reviews is the thought-provoking nature of the displays. Carolyn, a visitor, pointed out that the exhibit is “extremely interesting, and reveals that everything we do affects how our body works.” It’s a reminder of the importance of healthy habits and mental health, making the visit both inspiring and educational.

Practical Details and Considerations

Your ticket grants access to the permanent exhibition—which is worthwhile at around $40 per person, given the volume of specimens and insightful displays. It’s an excellent value, especially considering that over 40 million visitors worldwide have experienced Body Worlds, attesting to its popularity and educational impact.

While the audio guide isn’t included in the ticket, the exhibition’s layout and interactive elements make it easy to follow along. For those who want added context, bringing your own guide device or using a smartphone app could enhance the experience.

The Canal Cruise

Once you’ve finished exploring the anatomy, it’s time to unwind with a 1-hour cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt**. You’ll board your boat at Prins Hendrikkade 25, with the cruise departing frequently throughout the day—perfect for fitting into your sightseeing schedule. Make sure to reserve your specific time slot at Damrak 26, as access is only granted with pre-booked tickets.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy stunning views of historic merchant houses, gabled facades, charming churches, and the famous Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). The recorded narration, available in 16 languages, provides context about the city’s landmarks, making it an accessible experience for international travelers.

From the reviews, we see that knowledgeable guides and beautiful views were highlights. Weiming mentioned that they appreciated the flexible timings, which allowed them to plan their day efficiently. The cruise provides a relaxing way to see Amsterdam’s architecture and get a sense of the city’s history from a different perspective.

Practical Tips for the Canal Cruise

• Pre-book your time slot to ensure smooth entry. The process involves showing your ticket at Damrak 26.
• The cruise is suitable for most travelers, but not wheelchair accessible.
• Audio commentary is available in 19 languages, enriching the experience.
• Children aged 4–13 can enjoy a dedicated child ticket, and those under 6 join free.

Combining Education and Sightseeing: Why It Works

This tour offers a balance of educational insight and scenic relaxation. The exhibition dives deep into the anatomy and physiology of the human body, making it particularly appealing for those interested in health, science, or just seeking a different kind of cultural experience.

The canal cruise acts as a perfect complement, allowing you to digest what you’ve learned while taking in the beauty of Amsterdam’s historic waterways. The expert-guided narration and stunning views make this a memorable way to explore the city with minimal effort.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Reviewers highlight the entertaining guides and the stunning views that make the cruise memorable. One visitor mentioned that the timings are flexible, which is helpful for fitting into a busy itinerary. Another noted that the specimens at Body Worlds are “very unusual but extremely interesting”, indicating the exhibition’s capacity to surprise and educate visitors.

How This Tour Offers Value

At $40 per person, the combined experience provides good value when you consider the depth of content and scenic beauty it offers. The exhibition’s focus on happiness makes it a thought-provoking visit that encourages reflection on personal health.

The 1-hour canal cruise is a classic Amsterdam experience, and the combination with Body Worlds makes this tour appealing for those looking to get a comprehensive cultural and educational experience in a short period. It’s especially suitable for families, science enthusiasts, or anyone curious about how our minds and bodies are interconnected.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers with a curiosity about the human body and how mental well-being influences physical health. Families with children over 6 will find it both fun and educational, while history lovers will enjoy the scenic views of the city’s golden age architecture. It’s perfect for those who appreciate well-organized experiences with ** flexible scheduling**.

However, if you require wheelchair access or are traveling with very young children under 6, you may want to explore alternative options. The tour’s core appeal is its interactive and visually engaging exhibits combined with relaxing city views.

FAQs

Do I need to pre-book the canal cruise?
Yes, the canal cruise requires a pre-booked time slot, which you can reserve at Damrak 26. This ensures smooth access and allows you to plan your day effectively.

Is the exhibition suitable for children?
Yes, the exhibition is suitable for children over 6, with interactive displays that make learning about the human body engaging. Children under 6 can enter for free but do not occupy their own seats.

How long does the entire experience last?
The combined tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including both the Body Worlds exhibit and the 1-hour canal cruise.

Is the audio guide included?
The audio guide for the canal cruise is included and available in 19 languages. However, it is not provided at the exhibition, which relies on the displays and signage.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling is not explicitly mentioned but can be checked with the provider.

Are pets allowed on the canal cruise?
Only service dogs are permitted on the boat, and they must be identifiable as such. Pets are generally not allowed.

Final Thoughts

This combined tour of Body Worlds: The Happiness Project and a canal cruise offers a compelling way to experience Amsterdam’s culture and science side by side. The exhibition’s focus on happiness and health delivers a meaningful message, while the cruise offers a serene, picturesque escape through the city’s historic waterways.

It’s a thoughtful choice for curious minds, families, and anyone eager to see a different facet of Amsterdam beyond the usual museums and landmarks. The flexible scheduling, multiple language options, and overall value make it a practical and rewarding addition to your travel plans.

Whether you’re intrigued by anatomy or simply want to enjoy the city from its famous canals, this tour balances education with relaxation, leaving you with plenty to think about—and beautiful views to enjoy.

Note: Always check the latest availability and book your canal cruise in advance to secure your preferred time slot.