Madame Tussauds is located right in the heart of Amsterdam, on Dam Square. It’s a perfect place for tourists to enjoy a little light-hearted culture without straying too far away from the action.

If you’re new to Amsterdam, you’ll want to visit Dam Square at least once during your time in the city. It’s a bustling hub for street performers and entertainment, with something to enjoy at all hours of the day. So why not head into Madame Tussauds while you’re there?

In this guide, we’ll take you through what to expect when you visit Madame Tussauds. At the same time, we’ll explain the history of the attraction and provide everything you need to plan your trip. Let’s get started.

　　Getting to Madame Tussauds Amsterdam by train

Thanks to its Amsterdam Square location, getting to Madame Tussauds is a breeze no matter where you’re coming from. The Dutch capital is served by an excellent public transport system, including trains, trams, metros, and buses. You can hop on any of these and easily make your way to Dam Square, which boasts lots of stops all around.

　　Which station is nearest to Madame Tussauds?

If you’re taking the metro to Madame Tussauds, alight at Rokin, which is just a five-minute walk from Dam Square. By tram, you can alight at the stop called Dam. There are actually several Dam stops scattered all around the square, which are served by lines coming in from different parts of the city. Get off your service at whichever one it stops at, and you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw from Madame Tussauds.

When it comes to choosing your transport ticket, we recommend a multi-day pass. A travel card like the I Amsterdam Card or OV-chipkaart will let you swipe on and off local transport for the entire duration of your stay. You’ll choose this period when you buy your pass, which you can do online or at the station.

　　What to see at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

There are lots of famous faces to see at Madame Tussauds, as well as some exhibitions which show you how the life-like wax sculptures are made. Let’s look at some of the most notable things you’ll see while you’re there.

　　A-Listers

As you might expect, there are lots of waxwork A-listers to meet at Madame Tussauds. These include Hollywood stars like George Clooney, Johnny Depp, and Angelina Jolie. Have your picture taken or grab a selfie with your favourite. It might be the only chance you get!

　　Musicians

Plenty of recognisable musicians join the A-listers as part of the Madame Tussauds lineup. Lots of these famous faces are displayed on stage, striking all kinds of rhythmic poses, and you’re invited to join them. Stand next to Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Adele, or Taylor Swift. Music and lighting effect makes the experience even more realistic.

　　Marvel Avengers

Step into the world of Marvel and come face-to-face with your favourite Avengers! All the Avengers figures at Madame Tussauds are accompanied by impressive 3D sets, so you can step right into an iconic scene. Try to lift Thor’s hammer, or test out the latest tech on Iron Man’s lab screen. You can even grab a shield and fight alongside Thor, The Hulk, Captain America, and Iron Man.

　　Film

If you have a favourite film, you might just find the lead character hidden at Madame Tussauds. From James Bond to E.T., there are plenty of picture opportunities in this part of the museum.

　　Fashion

Hit the runway under the watchful eye of Anna Wintour, or snap a selfie with Kate Moss in the fashion room. There are several famous models to meet here. At the same time, visitors can also pose to be featured on the Madame Tussauds magazine cover.

　　Royals and World Leaders

Ready to meet some of the most significant leaders in the world? Say hallo to the Dutch royal family and take your place on the throne. You can also meet waxwork world leaders, including Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama!

　　I Am Art

This exciting interactive exhibition is a perfect way to enhance your cultural exploration of Amsterdam. If you’re checking out the Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt’s famous masterpieces while you’re in the city, the exhibits here will be ideal. Put yourself in a Van Gogh landscape or try your hand at some interactive street art. There are lots of waxwork artists to meet in this section, including Picasso, Dali, and Mondriaan.

　　Madame Tussauds History and Facts

Madame Tussauds, who’s real name was Marie Grosholtz, first exhibited her wax figures in England in 1802. The artist travelled with her son, showing her sculptures all around Britain before settling in London, at the Baker Street Bazaar.

　　Establishing the attraction

In 1884, over three decades after Madame Tussauds’ death, the exhibition was moved to the London location where it remains today. The original attraction suffered devastation due to fire and war over the following decades. Still, it was rebuilt each time with dedication and skill.

　　Opening Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam was opened to the public in 1972, the second home of the iconic waxwork figures. Locations would open in America, Asia, and elsewhere in Europe in the following decades, while plans to expand continue. Who knows where the attraction will pop up next?

　　Restaurants, Bars, and Shops near Madame Tussauds

Visiting Madame Tussauds will take an hour or two, depending on how long you spend with each of the exhibits. After all that excitement, you’re sure to be ready for refreshment. The best thing to do after a visit to the waxwork wonder house is head out into Dam Square and grab a drink or a bite to eat.

There are lots of excellent bars and restaurants in the atmospheric area surrounding Madame Tussauds, so you might find yourself feeling spoilt for choice. That’s where we come in. Read on for some of the best places to eat and drink near Madame Tussauds.

　　The best restaurants near Madame Tussauds

Thanks to its central location in Amsterdam Square, Madame Tussauds is conveniently close to lots of the best restaurants in central Amsterdam. You can expect all the usual fast-food joints around the square too, so it’s easy to grab a family-friendly bite if you’re short on time. If you’re after something a little fancier, here are a few of our favourites.

Pizzeria La Piazza – Right on Dam Square, this cosy pizzeria is perfect for a family dinner after an afternoon at Madame Tussauds.Majestic – A spacious restaurant with a terrace that stretches into Amsterdam Square. Head here for international dishes to suit everyone.Mas Y Mas – A bustling Argentinian spot, perfect for meat-eaters.Miu – This sleek Asian-fusion restaurant is a great place to start a night out.ROYAL98 – This sleek and spacious Italian restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a perfect choice for delicious food off Dam Square.The White Room – Fancy some fine dining? The White Room is elegant from top to toe, ideal for a special occasion.Grand Café Krasnapolsky – Another fancy spot close to Madame Tussauds, pay a visit for traditional dishes with a modern twist.La Boca – A laid-back Argentinian restaurant.Restaurant Bougainville – A cosy restaurant for a gastronomic experience to remember.

　　The best bars near Madame Tussauds

Since you’ve spent a few hours having fun in Madame Tussauds, you might be in the mood to continue the festivities. Why not head to a central Amsterdam bar around Dam Square for a couple of drinks and see where the night takes you? Here are some of the best places to get a drink near Madame Tussauds.

Three Little Bottles – A cosy café-bar with a traditional vibe. There’s a barrel-filled room for sampling jenever, or Dutch gin, which you must try if it’s your first time in Amsterdam!Cafe the Minds – This punk-themed bar boasts a rugged interior and lots of traditional beers on the menu. There are bar games like pool and pinball, too.Beer Temple – There are almost 100 varieties of beer to choose from, and some tasty bar snacks in case you get hungry.The Tailor – Now for something a little swankier. The Tailor is a sleek cocktail bar with a varied menu, but ask the bartender to whip up your favourite if you don’t see it listed.De Blauwe Parade – A casual yet classy spot, perfect for a quiet drink in central Amsterdam.Bar TwentySeven – A lavishly decorated hotel cocktail bar. Settle in and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

　　The best places to shop near Madame Tussauds

When it comes to shopping in central Amsterdam, you’re bound to feel spoilt for choice. The central canal area alone is home to innumerable vintage, designer, chain, and independent stores, with something to suit every taste and fancy. If you leave Madame Tussauds in the mood for retail, you’re sure to find something nearby.

From the 9 Little Streets filled with hidden gems to large shopping roads like Rokin, which stems from Dam Square, there are plenty of areas to explore. Since you’re in the square, why not pop into the Bijenkorf? It’s the city’s premier department store, packed with luxury bits to satisfy your craving.

Head out of Madame Tussauds and enjoy a wander around the city centre. You’re almost guaranteed to leave with something exciting in-hand.

　　Madame Tussauds Opening Times and Ticket Prices

When you’re planning your visit to Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam, it’s a good idea to book tickets online before you arrive. Opening times vary from season to season, so checking online is the best way to plan the time of your visit. You’ll be able to book a timeslot online, which means no waiting in line outside the attraction. Simply arrive, head inside, and let the fun begin!

　　How much does it cost to visit Madame Tussauds Amsterdam?

The cost of your visit to Madame Tussauds will depend on who you’re visiting with and the type of ticket you choose. Children’s entry is a little less than adults, while there are family tickets and combined options available too.

You can even combine your ticket with one for the Amsterdam Dungeon, just a stone’s throw from Madame Tussauds. The combined ticket lets you save money if you’re planning to visit both attractions during your stay. Amsterdam Dungeon is another fun family experience, where you can learn about the darker side of the city’s history and enjoy plenty of screams and squeals along the way.

Here are the most recent ticket prices for entry to Madame Tussauds, as well as some combined ticket costs.

Whatever way you enjoy Madame Tussauds, whether it’s a rainy day activity or as part of a tour around Amsterdam’s best attractions, we’re sure you’ll have a blast.

　　Taking the train to Amsterdam?

It's easy to take the train to Amsterdam from many major destinations across Europe. Travel direct with 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 takes just 1h 46m.

You can find out more about travelling around the Netherlands by train in our trains in the Netherlands guide.