The Amsterdam Dungeon is a unique walk-through experience. Visitors can enjoy interactive shows, characterful actors, state-of-the-art special effects, and lots of stories about the city’s history. It’s a winner for families and groups looking to spend a hilarious few hours learning about Amsterdam.
The attraction is, in essence, a horror theatre show. But there are lots of fascinating facts to discover along the way, making this an excellent stop for historians too!
First thing’s first, let’s figure out how you’re going to get to the Amsterdam Dungeon from wherever you are in the city.
Getting to the Amsterdam Dungeon by train
The easiest way to get around Amsterdam is by train, tram, or bus. The city is home to a quick and convenient public transport system which lets you nip between central spots in no time.
The Amsterdam Dungeon is handily located close to Dam Square, right in the heart of the city centre. That means you might be able to walk there if you’re staying in a central hotel.
If you’re based a little further out, you might like to take public transport to Dam Square no matter what you’re planning to do that day. There are lots of things to see and do in the area while getting to nearby attractions on-foot is an excellent way to see more of the city.
Which station is nearest to the Amsterdam Dungeon?
The closest public transport station to the Amsterdam Dungeon is Rokin. This is a large underground station just a couple of minutes’ walk away and will be the best place to get off the metro if you’re looking for convenience.
If you’re taking the tram around Amsterdam, alight at Dam, in Dam Square, and enjoy the five-minute walk along bustling Rokin to get to the Amsterdam Dungeon. We recommend taking the tram, so you can see some parts of the city you might otherwise miss along the way.
Trams, busses, and metros run all day in Amsterdam, from 06:00 to 00:30. If you need to travel outside these hours, you can take a night bus. If you’re staying in the Dutch capital for a few days, a multi-day pass will be your best ticket option. This will let you travel around as much as you need while you’re in the city.
The Amsterdam Dungeon Experience
The Amsterdam Dungeon is a unique and thrilling attraction that’s sure to entertain visitors of all ages. But what can you expect when you visit? Here, we’ll take you through some highlights of the Amsterdam Dungeon experience, so you can prepare before you get there.
Descending in the medieval lift
Your spooky experience starts with the lift. You’ll descend into the Amsterdam dungeon in a medieval lift, where chains and mechanisms grind and clash! The creepy operator will welcome you and some other visitors into the ride, then close the gate and transport you down. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the dungeon, with the actor playing their role to perfection.
The torture chamber
Next up, the torture chamber. You’ll make your way into the dark torture chamber, where you’ll learn – and see! – about old torture techniques and corporal punishment. Remember, these are just actors bringing the past to life, there’s nothing to be scared of in the Amsterdam Dungeon.
In the torture chamber, you’ll learn about why torture was used and how much being scared made prisoners suffer. You’ll also meet the Torturer, who plays the creepy role brilliantly. The Torturer will choose members of your tour group to ‘demonstrate’ on, so be sure to stand at the back if you don’t want to be selected!
The autopsy of Black John
After you visit the torture chamber, you’ll move onto Doctor Deyman’s surgical theatre. Here lies the body of ‘Black John’ a notorious criminal from Amsterdam. Get ready for a gory anatomy lesson. You’ll learn about which body parts go where during this haunting show.
The autopsy room is inspired by Rembrandt’s iconic 1656 painting, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Deijman. This is one of the most famous artistic masterpieces of a brain dissection and shows Dr Deijman dissecting the brain of Joris ‘Black Jack’ Fonteijn. In the Amsterdam Dungeon, Dr Deujman is Doctor Deyman, and Black Jack Fonteijn is Black John.
The Spanish Inquisition
The Spanish Inquisition experience buts you and your fellow visitors on trial for a variety of crazy crimes. Deal with the judge in the Amsterdam Dungeon’s court and learn about the way things were done in the old times.
This is an often hilarious experience and fun for the whole family, who can argue with the judge and try to defend themselves for all manner of historical crimes.
The gallows
This could be the scariest part of the Amsterdam Dungeon experience, so be warned! The field of gallows is a haunting part of the tour where you’ll be separated from your group and learn what it’s like to feel scared. Can you find your way out?
The Zeedjik cellar
Finally, descend into the Zeedjik cellar and learn the story of Helena, one of Amsterdam’s most famous ghosts. The Zeedjik is one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam. Learn why this renowned street is considered haunted on this final spooky stop on your tour.
Amsterdam Dungeon History and Facts
The Amsterdam Dungeon has been open to visitors since 2006. However, the neo-Gothic church it occupies has stood there much longer. Some elements of original architecture remain visible inside the church, which only adds to the spooky historical atmosphere.
The Spanish Inquisition in Amsterdam
During some of the 16th century, the Spanish Inquisition had power in the Netherlands. The Inquisition applied lots of famously brutal methods to maintain their role and achieve their goals, including various types of torture.
The Council of Blood were the religious leaders of the party. They sentenced torture and execution to anyone who offended the Catholic Church or acted against the norm. These behaviours included things like witchcraft and other anti-religious actions.
In the end, the Council of Blood had condemned more than 16,000 people to death by burning at the stake, beheading, hanging, and other terrible methods. This is just one of the things you’ll learn about when you visit the Amsterdam Dungeon.
Restaurants, bars, and shops near the Amsterdam Dungeon
Feeling peckish? After such an adrenaline-pumping experience, we don’t blame you! Thankfully, there are lots of excellent cafés and restaurants close to the Amsterdam Dungeon. Not to mention plenty of bars to grab a local beer or soft drink.
You can find some of the best shopping spots in Amsterdam nearby too, which means you can get your mind off the spooky dungeon in no time.
Where to eat and drink near the Amsterdam Dungeon
Here are some of our favourite lunchtime spots near the Amsterdam Dungeon, perfect for grabbing something delicious after your tour.
- De Laatste Kruimel. A cosy and traditional lunch restaurant with all manner of freshly baked goods to try. You can sit out the back on the little terrace for a perfect way to spend an hour.
- The Lobby Nesplein. For excellent food and drinks and a buzzy Amsterdam atmosphere.
- Tinner. This beautiful brunch spot serves everything you’d expect and a few menu surprises. Try to grab a table outside to soak up the local atmosphere while you eat.
- Gartine. A tempting organic restaurant in the heart of the city, close to the Amsterdam Dungeon and other nearby attractions. There’s something on the menu to suit every taste.
- Jungle Burger. You guessed it. This is a hamburger restaurant with several traditional and unique combinations to choose from.
If you’ve paid a visit to the Amsterdam Dungeon in the late afternoon, you might be looking to eat more than a quick bite. You can find lots of dinner spots nearby too, so head straight out and get the night started! Here are some of the best restaurants for dinner near the Amsterdam Dungeon.
- Kapitein Zeppos. This locals’ favourite is a hidden gem in the city centre. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant hits the mark every time, while the cheerful atmosphere and playful décor set a perfect scene.
- Restaurant Tomaz. Grab some traditional Dutch food and beer at Restaurant Tomaz, where the fuss-free setting is sure to win you over.
- Haesje Claes Restaurant. For traditional food served in an elegant setting, head here for dinner.
- The Seafood Bar. Lives up to its name – great seafood in a clean, modern setting.
- Bierfabriek Amsterdam. A local brewery serving craft ales, shell-on peanuts, and beautifully presented dishes. It’s a perfect choice for a laid-back but stylish dinner.
The Amsterdam Dungeon Opening Times and Ticket Prices
We recommend you book your ticket and timeslot online before heading over to the Amsterdam Dungeon. While you can always show up and buy tickets on the door, the prices are often higher, and you might need to wait for an opening.
Who can visit the Amsterdam Dungeon?
Technically, anybody can visit the Amsterdam Dungeon, although it is advised that children under ten avoid the attraction. Some of the shows can be a little too scary for kids, but nobody will stop you from taking them inside if you think they can handle it. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over.
Tours last around 40 minutes, and you’ll be on your feet for most of the time. Visitors with mobility problems can call ahead to figure out the logistics of a visit. The Amsterdam Dungeon is also not recommended for visitors with claustrophobia.
Opening times
The Amsterdam Dungeon is open every day from 11:00 to 19:00, with a new tour starting every ten minutes. Shows run in English and Dutch, depending on whichever guest is at the front of the queue. You can wait for the next tour if you need to.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the Amsterdam Dungeon on Halloween, you can enjoy extended spooky opening hours between 02:00 and 22:00.
How much does it cost to visit the Amsterdam Dungeon?
These are the most recent ticket prices for a visit to the Amsterdam Dungeon, but be sure to check online as these are subject to change.
|
Online |
On-the-door |
|
|
Amsterdam Dungeon only: |
€19.00 |
€24.00 |
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Amsterdam Dungeon and Madame Tussauds: |
€28.00 |
€48.00 |
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Amsterdam Dungeon and canal cruise: |
€32.25 |
N/A |
|
Amsterdam Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, and canal cruise: |
€42.50 |
N/A |
Whatever way you’re spending time in Amsterdam, a visit to the city’s spookiest attraction is an experience you’re guaranteed to remember forever!
Travelling to Amsterdam by train
It's easy to take the train to Amsterdam from many major destinations across Europe. Travel direct wiht Eurostar from London to Amsterdam in just 4h 2m or from Paris to Amsterdam in just 3h 12m. Brussels to Amsterdam is also another well-connected route, taking just 1h 45m.
The journeys won't take long on the way back either: Amsterdam to London takes just 5h 11m, Amsterdam to Paris takes just 3h 13m and Amsterdam to Brussels take just 1h 46m.
You can find out more about travelling around the Netherlands by train in our trains in the Netherlands guide.
Image: "Amsterdam Dungeon Sign" by Tobias Niepel / Flickr is licensed under CC BY 2.0