Not a traditional "museum" by any stretch, but with Amsterdam being the city boasting the world's…read moremost museums, I can see how the claim is made with places like this. It's a really nice spot, and the guy who runs it is extremely open and friendly with a wealth of information. He truly lives for this! If you arrive before it opens, you'll see people gathered around the door entrance, and you're there wondering what kind of place this really is. Doesn't look big from the outside at all, and looks like a shop more than a museum. Once you get inside the small space, you're greeted with black lighting above which illuminates all of the fluorescent artwork. There are paintings and sculptures with bright colors across the spectrum. Then you walk down these steps into the dark basement and see his special rock collection with the makeup of the rocks highlighted under the black lighting. Reminded me of geology class. Cool place, quick 30 minute experience.

Fluorescence is LIFE…read more Me and my wife did this tour in March 2018. This museum opened my eyes to another world of Fluorescence. Fluorescence is pretty much a living organism. It takes energy, consumes it, produces the brightest colors you would ever see. The vibes in this place are exceptional. The location is very close to the Ann Frank Museum. Its just 5 Euros & they let you use a really trippy bathroom for free. The couple who are the owner are in their 70s but their energy and will to give back to the world, still keeps them coming back to the museum everyday. They do this without the help of a young person or receptionist to handle your reservations. Remember that before, giving a bad review and saying they cancelled your reservation. We did not have reservation but they let us in, because they could. I would advise to call them in advance, they are doing their best in their capacity to handle the online reservations. They not only let us in, but allowed us to stay for as long as we want, despite of the small space and huge crowd. Nik explained in detail, about the physics behind this & inspired me for the rest of the life to explore this amazing world. I have bought a black light even. The pigment he uses, makes his paint way more brighter than you would find anywhere else. Some of the artifacts on the first floor are for sale as well, and can spin your head around. We bought what we could. I forgot my wallet and the lady was kind enough to keep it open extra time, so i could pick it. Although the museum closes at 7 but if you are interested Nik can talk to you the whole day about it.

CLOSED. Sign's gone. Sad to have missed it. Anywhere else…read morehave decent pinball in Amsterdam?

It is a small arcade with a decent selection of games and machines. Even boardgames. Best of all -…read morethey have 5-6 pinballmachines. Even they latest - Wrestlemania. You change money for tokens - €1 for 1 token or €5 for 6. So the pins are 1 per credit. It gets crazy at times when herds of drunk people floods in. But on a Saturday night around midnight it was still pretty calm for being an arcade. They serve food and drinks (soda and great selection of bottled beer). Don't mind the neighborhood, you are perfectly safe to go here.

I am so bummed!! After being there for 5 hours, I still failed to make it to the 1700-1800 and the…read more2000s zones!! This place is HUGE! I now understand why tourists would plan an entire day there. Unfortunately, I had 2 other stops that day that I couldn't miss, so I had no choice but left at 2pm. I am soo glad I made it to the main hall first to see Rembrandt's Night Watch (granted it was through a piece of glass due to the restoration process). I would've been devastated if I couldn't. Love the info cards for almost all of the major art pieces to explain in detail on how it was created. Some tips: Buy your ticket ahead of time. Get there 15 minutes before your entrance time to get in line and for bag check. No water inside the exhibits. The coat check is your only option if you don't show up right at when they open. The lockers filled up within minutes. Don't be fooled by the opened ones because that means the lock is broken. Definitely worth a stop at the gift shop. (Like I said above) Plan to spend the whole day there.

Beautiful museum... Incredible Rembrandt and other masters…read more Love the architecture... And the café

I guess the "Disney" experience wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but a fun way to pass the time…read morenone the less. First and foremost, I have to give credit to all the cast members working in each of the different "rooms" who really give it their all, even if it's a bit cringey, and even if the crowd response is awkward. I used to work the Halloween events at Eastern State Penitentiary, so I know what it's like to interact with the public with varying levels of response or enthusiasm. Having said that, it is a little bit corny and not my general cup of tea. If you like the amusement park sort of vibe (that's horror themed) then this will be a short, fun excursion. A couple jump scares, sometimes they will ask you to participate in small roles. No wheelchair access, and disabled may have a bit of trouble in some sections. Several stairs, dark and cramped passageways, etc. The cast is there to guide you for the most part, but you may definitely get "stuck" in a couple places.

Think haunted house decor and dark humor. It's like a low budget Tim Burton film…read more Costumed actors move you from room to room and involve the audience in the presentation. It was not a fright-fest, nor was it gruesome... it was humorous, though some might say in poor taste, or even tasteless. The stories centers around old Amsterdam loosely. The costuming and makeup aren't half-bad. No real history lessons to speak of. You pose for several pictures that they want to sell ya at, I believe, 15 a pop. It is DEFINITELY a tourist trap, but one that may come in handy to break up the day with a bit of comic relief, especially if in a group, since there is the likelihood of at least one of you being called to the stage. I was burned at the stake as a witch & another in our group of 4 had the pleasure of being castrated. No cameras allowed, all electronic devices off.

I was informed by several travel blogs that this is a tourist trap, but honestly, SO WHAT IF IT…read moreIS?? In my opinion, t's absolutely worth the time and money for a 90-minute Heineken experience! Not to mention, my husband and I each got 2 beers for free!! We had to wait a little bit to get in, even though it was a weekday. The lockers were almost full, but I heard that there was a coat check area. The tour guide was very interactive with the audience and we also had moments to sit down and watch a 360 degree video in an elevator. I didn't pay for the roof top extra access, because I wanted to spend more on souvenirs and customized beer bottles. Next time if I ever go back to Amsterdam, I would absolutely go back again just for the gift shop and the beer.

Touring the original Heineken brewery and learning how their beer is made was a delight. There is a…read moresmall walk-through history exhibit in the old grain silo area that describes Heineken's origins and how the business grew. I appreciated the honest look at the company's humble beginnings. Every great business venture has to start somewhere. The most critical lesson: success is rarely an overnight feat. It takes years of dedication, effort, and learning. Learning not just from your mistakes, but from other people who've gone before you. My experience featured a "Brew You" immersive attraction that puts you in the brew chamber and production line. The bottling line is (not really) transformed into a roller coaster, ending in a taste of the Heineken signature beer. There's a brewery-style bar where you can hang out and enjoy your beer. I opted to go up to the rooftop. You get a few more options for your drink and you get to enjoy views of the Amsterdam skyline. I liked their rooftop and will happily go up there again. I can see it from my hotel.

Paradiso had a very cool atmosphere as it was built inside the church. Get tickets before for a…read morelower fee. We paid €20 on a Friday night and it wasn't crazy fun of a crowd. It was latin night where the salsa was fun but there weren't that many people.

This place is right along the river behind the Hard Rock Cafe. It's hard to miss this enormous…read morechurch looking building. My one gripe, which I expected because I've been to Amsterdam before, is the 4 euro membership charge for concerts. I'm sure it's well known among locals but beware that your ticket price will not be the only charge. The inside of this venue is beautiful. We were there to see Kevin Devine. He was playing in the smaller room upstairs. They had a full bar and a very intimate feel. Sound and lighting was great. Always an awesome time when I get to see KD.

I've been chomping at the bit to write a review on this puppy. You know the saying "When in…read moreRome...", well, this stop falls into the category of "When in Amsterdam..." I don't typically find myself at sex museums, but this time, I figured what the hell. Located in the Red Light District, this charmer of a museum aims to strike visitors from the get go with a Dutch female mannequin perched upon a bicycle with a dildo pumping in out and out as she merrily pedals along. Oh what? You don't regularly see Dutch gals on bikes getting it as they roll along? I have to say it was a sour start to the visit. I had hoped the museum would take a moderate stance that didn't objectify women throughout every inch of the four-story building. However, my friend and I entered with an open mind (he seemed to be especially excited) and curious approach. The museum is organized into four small rooms that continue to wind upward floor after floor. One would expect even an Erotic Museum to have nameplates to describe the clay sculptures of Chinese women double-teaming a man sporting a golden, leg-like rod and papyrus covered with naked fairies you find yourself gazing upon. Unfortunately, their were no such nameplates - rather, they were described with simple plates like "China 1945" or "Madonna 1989". In addition to a lack of nameplates, there seems to be no particular organization or pattern from room to room (other than the dedicated S+M floor complete with a mannequin draped upon a chained chair perfect for perverted picture opps). I prefer my sex museums orderly and with rhythm. Maybe I'm a snobby museum-goer, but I'm not going to deny that I like to know what the hell I'm looking at and a building full of sex-related nicknacks isn't going to cut it. One last note, be sure to peek your head in the cartoony side room complete with ceramic mushrooms to sit upon and the.weirdest.fucking.film. you've ever seen. I believe this cartoon porn was created in America based on the English dialect. Imagine (yes, I said imagine - so play along): a cartoon female with only her breasts exposed and cats and other talking animals "putting it to her" or battling raging boners. Weird. Really weird. Like kinda sorta made my skin crawl watching it. But, I'm going to tell you to check it out, but only because it was THAT weird and I want to hear what you think of it.

This place is not particularly 'Erotic', and would not per se fall in the traditional category of…read more'Museum'. It is however exactly what you would imagine that dirty old man from across the streets basement looks like. The collection of artifacts and..things.. is eclectic, outrageous and humorous. Do not come here if you are of the conservative kind, expecting to see G rated paintings and statues. It's pretty much dicks and dildos galore, and most of the depicted scenes are pretty demented. The room full of black and white antiquated porn is interesting, but not nearly as great as the room filled with mushrooms. Take a seat on one of these huge mushrooms, maybe pop a magic one you bought earlier in the day and enjoy the most fucked up movie you will ever watch. It's a cartoon involving beastiality with cutesie characters if that says enough. I came here as a total joke and to kill some time one day, and actually had a pretty alright time here, considering. If you are visiting Amsterdam for say, three days, this is not the place you'd want to waste your time. However, if you are done 'windowshopping' around the neighborhood, or end up needing shelter for one of the Netherlands' famous downpours - go ahead and push your boundaries for a few minutes. Please try not to fall down the steps tho, with your touristy feet that aren't used to STEEP stairs. I don't know how Dutchies are the tallest folk on Earth and can stand the tiny-ness of everything in their country. Good thing I am fun-sized. Anyways, like I said; this place is not for the faint of heart - but if you have a cooky sense of humor you will be sure to share a few laughs with your buds. PS. Going here you might finally understand why us Dutchies are so keen on biking everywhere. I'm totally kidding of course.. Maybe.

Fun history of Bols and the distilling of different flavors of alcoholic liqueurs…read more Self-guided tour with audio. After you pay for your ticket at the front desk, you put your jackets and loose items in a locker (free) and pickup an audio tour device and program it for your preferred language (easy). You get a yummy cocktail to savor at the end! And there's a fun gift shop to peruse, where we bought tulip glasses for the purpose of drinking Genever . We enjoyed the Espresso martini and Red Light Negroni at the bar at the end. Both were made skillfully and tasted delicious! The highlight of the experience, honestly, was meeting Lars (aka "Larson") and Julia at the front desk. They were hilarious with each other and delightful with us. They helped us package the 6 tulip glasses in paper within styrofoam boxes for sturdy protection during travel. They are the true stars of this operation.

I enjoy distillery tours when I travel. I browsed the list of attractions that accept the I…read moreAmsterdam card and came across Bols Amsterdam. It's located near Museumplein by all of the major museums which was so convenient. I was interested in doing a cocktail class with the tour, but wasn't sure if I could book the class with the I Amsterdam card. I sent an email through the website and a DM on Instagram and no one responded, which was disappointing. When I arrived, I inquired about it. They offered to let me upgrade my ticket, but I declined. Once I got checked in, I received a vial of a mystery flavored genever to taste at the end of the tour. The tour is self guided and it is truly a sensory experience. The tour starts with the history of Bols, then goes into the process of making genever. There are interactive elements throughout. It was really cool to see Lucas Bols' original recipe book from 1820. Towards the end of the tour, I tried the mystery genever in the sensory booth. I don't remember the flavor, but it was red and it was sweet. The sensory booth contains a camera that records your reaction as you're tasting it. At the end of the tour, guests are able to enjoy a complimentary cocktail. The bar area was really cool. They have a flair booth where you can learn how to spin and throw cocktail bottles. They also had house music playing which created a fun vibe. The bartender that made my drink was Serchan (pronounced "Sar-John"). He was so nice and let me sample a couple of genevers. I ordered the First Aid cocktail. It was citrus forward and refreshing! He also printed out a receipt with the cocktail recipe. I threw some cash in the tip jar and learned that they accept cash in any currency! This was a fun experience! Any activity where I can have a delicious cocktail and learn something new is right up my alley.

This was a great, life-affirming experience. The people whose bodies are featured all donated them,…read morewhich was good to know. (It's not the case for some other exhibits.) The exhibit features plastinated human bodies and organs and is organized by system. It really puts things in perspective--it is absolutely WILD to see how many blood vessels are in your feet, for example. Alongside the bodies and organs themselves are clear descriptions that include information about them--for instance, we can see a comparison of a healthy brain next to one that is affected by dementia. We can see what a joint replacement looks like inside the body. You can see the difference between a smoker's lungs and a non-smoker's lungs, the difference between a healthy liver and one with cirrhosis, and what the insides of arteries look like. It's really wild, and woven throughout are reminders of how our bodies and our choices can contribute to our happiness,

To call this "distasteful" would be an understatement. Controversy surrounds this freak show,…read moreparticularly with regard to questionable sourcing of human bodies, which are disrespectfully dusplayed often in odd positions and circumstances, with a few items placed to support claims that this has been done in the name of education. I highly doubt family members of "explosion man" or "drawer man" would appreciate the bodies of their loved ones being hacked up and displayed for the world to marvel at.

I cried. I cried the day before…read more I cried the moment the curator said "today we're going to discuss Anne Frank." There is a window that opens on a certain day and it'll cover the next 6 weeks. If you miss this window, you won't get tickets. I almost missed the window as I completely forgot my 9hour time difference. For me, it opens midnight on Monday! Keep that in mind. So we got the 30 minute presentation + the tour of the place. There are no cameras allowed - that's to preserve the integrity of Anne's diary. There was also a section dedicated to Margot. Margot would have been 100 years old if she was here today. May god rest her soul. Turns out, Margot also kept a diary but it was lost when the bad people came to take the family away. Additionally, there was an entire team of people dedicated to keeping the family safe during their difficult time. Walking through the staircase to the annex felt - eerie and heartbreaking, you can see and experience the tight conditions in which the family lived. I had to duck my head to get to through the bookshelf that lead to the annex. Lots of the areas were bare because the bad people destroyed mostly everything. Though Anne's actual posters and pictures remained. There were also anecdotes from the friends and helpers about Anne and Margot. And even Peter as well. This is something I think every human should experience at least once in their lives. If you haven't read her diary, please do. Because sadly history tends to repeat itself.

I went into the Anne Frank House expecting something deeply moving, and while the history behind it…read moreis undeniably powerful, the experience itself felt more lackluster than I anticipated. The biggest issue for me was how crowded it was. The space is very small, which makes sense given the history, but paired with the constant flow of people, it created a "cattle line" feel that really took away from the experience. You're shuffled through room to room without much time to pause, reflect, or fully take in where you are. It felt more rushed than reverent. The museum itself is very minimal, which I understand is intentional, but combined with the crowding, it made it harder to connect emotionally. I was hoping for something more immersive or at least a bit more space to absorb the significance of it all. That said, the historical importance is undeniable. Standing in the actual place where Anne Frank and her family hid still carries weight, and the final section with excerpts from her diary was the most impactful part. Overall, I'm glad I went because of its significance, but the overcrowding and rushed flow made it difficult to fully appreciate the experience. I'd still recommend visiting, just be prepared for a tight, busy environment and manage expectations going in. Also pre-book in advance (far in advance)