Heineken beer is easily one of the most recognizable Dutch brands worldwide, and this famous brewing company has created an interactive experience for brew lovers right here in Amsterdam. The Heineken Experience is easily one of the top attractions in the city, with thousands of tourists each week flocking to learn more about the beer and company. The story of Heineken, once known as Haystacks, is an inspiring marketing and business tale (and even includes a kidnapping of the beer tycoon). You can learn all about Heineken’s history, how they craft their beers, and how they reinvented 0% alcohol beers at its historic brewery.
We here at Road Affair want you to have the best experience at the Heineken brewery, which is why we have created this guide on how to buy tickets to the Heineken Experience! There are several ways to go about getting Heineken Experience tickets, and we have all the information you’ll need to save your time and your wallet.
Quick Answer – How to Buy Tickets to the Heineken Experience: The best way to buy tickets to the Heineken Experience is online in advance here. These tickets cost the same as on the official website but they are refundable up to 24 hours in advance. If you want to visit the Heineken Experience and do a canal cruise, purchase a combination ticket instead.
Best Ways to Get Tickets to the Heineken Experience
As we already said, the Heineken Experience sees hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. So you may be wondering how and where to buy tickets to the Heineken Experience so that you can have the most enjoyable experience. Well, the best way to buy tickets to the Heineken Experience depends on how you want to visit and whether you combine it with other Amsterdam attractions. We’ll lay out all the best options below!
Book Online
Tickets to the Heineken Experience are only available online. You can opt to book tickets to the Heineken Experience on Heineken’s official website or through a third-party seller like GetYourGuide. We recommend using the ladder, as Heineken Experience tickets on GetYourGuide are the exact same price, but unlike on the official website, they are refundable up to 24 hours prior to your visit. GetYourGuide also offers a ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ feature for those who may not be quite ready to pull the trigger on their tickets yet.
Book a VIP Tour
Now, if you’re interested in taking a guided tour of the Heineken Experience, then consider booking a VIP tour package. The VIP tour includes a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the historic brewery, exclusive access to a private hidden bar, five samples of premium Heineken beer, and a souvenir gift. Again, we recommend purchasing your VIP tour tickets on GetYourGuide as it’s the exact same price as on the official website plus the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to your visit.
Book a Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Combo Ticket
A trip to Amsterdam really isn’t complete without exploring the beauty of the Amsterdam canals (they are a UNESCO World Heritage site, after all). So why not combine a boat tour with that of the Heineken Experience? This canal cruise and Heineken Experience ticket gives you an open ticket for a 75-minute boat tour so that you can choose which time works best for you and your group. Of course, you’ll also get a standard timed ticket for touring the Heineken Experience, all for one price!
Purchase a Tourist Pass
If you’re planning a jam-packed itinerary filled with other Amsterdam attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Keukenhof Gardens, or A’DAM Lookout, then consider purchasing a tourist pass to save on entrance tickets and tours. Each tourist pass comes with its own perks, so we suggest laying out all the attractions you want to visit first to help determine which pass will benefit you the most.
An Iamsterdam City Card includes free public transit throughout the city, along with free entrance to several attractions and 25% discounts on food, rentals, and other attractions. You can pick how many days you would like the card to be valid for, from one to five days.
The Go City Explorer Pass is another excellent option, as it gives you the choice between three to seven popular attractions and tours at one low price. The Go City All-Inclusive Pass works a bit differently. Instead of choosing how many attractions you want to visit, simply pick how many days you would like the pass to be valid for, and then you’ll have unlimited access to all the attractions included in the card! This is especially handy if you’re staying longer than a weekend in Amsterdam.
Useful Information for Visiting the Heineken Experience
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Heineken Experience?
If you’re planning on visiting the Heineken Experience but you want to avoid the crowds, then the best time to visit is when it opens first thing in the morning at 10:30 a.m. on a weekday. Weekdays in general are less packed than weekends, as you’ll avoid the crowds flying over for short holidays. The brewery doesn’t get super busy on weekdays until after 1 p.m., so any time before that should be less crowded!
What Are the Heineken Experience Hours of Operation?
The Heineken Experience is open every day from 10:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The last entry time is allowed an hour and 15 minutes prior to closing time.
How Do You Get to the Heineken Experience?
It’s extremely easy to get to the Heineken experience using Amsterdam’s public transit system or your own two feet! The brewery is located in the De Pijp neighborhood, which is very central. If the weather is nice, you can easily stroll over to the Heineken Experience from the Red Light District in less than 30 minutes or from Museumplein (Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum) in about 15 minutes. You can also opt to take the Metro 52 blue line to Vijzelgracht station, tram lines 1, 7, and 19 to Vijzelgracht stop, or tram line 24 or 4 to the Marie Heinekenplein stop.
Insider Tip: Download the 9292 app to see real-time updates and the best routes to get to your destination.
How Do Heineken Experience Tickets Work?
There are two types of tickets to the Heineken Experience, standard admission and VIP. The standard admission ticket will give you access to the original Heineken brewery on a self-guided tour and two Heineken beers at the Best ‘Dam Bar after your tour. If you want to visit the rooftop bar, you can add it on to the standard ticket or when you get to the brewery.
The VIP ticket package includes a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the original Heineken brewery, including access to the rooftop and a hidden bar. After your tour, you’ll enjoy sampling five of Heineken’s premium beers at the bar. After, you are welcome to walk around the interactive self-guided tour on your own. The VIP ticket also includes a personalized souvenir.
Once you’ve chosen a ticket type, you can choose a specified entry time. Try to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your specified time. If you’re a little bit late (10 minutes or less), they should still let you right in, but any time after that, they may not let you enter.
How Much Do Tickets for the Heineken Experience Cost?
Tickets to the Heineken Experience are surprisingly affordable, considering what’s included. A standard ticket without access to the rooftop will run you €23.00 (about $25) per person, while a standard ticket with access to the rooftop chimes in at €27.50 per person. If you’re looking to purchase the VIP package, then the price is €59.50 per person. The combo cruise and brewery ticket price is €32.50 per person.
The starting price on the Iamsterdam City Card (which includes free transportation throughout the city) starts at €60 for a one-day pass. If you’re looking to bundle and save on a Go City pass, then the Go City All-Inclusive Pass will run you a starting rate of €59 for a one-day pass or €54 for the Go City Explorer Pass three-attractions pass.
What Are the Best Hotels Near the Heineken Experience?
De Pijp is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam, with plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars. It’s also a convenient walking location from several popular attractions. So if you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, why not stay near the Heineken Experience?
If you want to stay where all the celebrities stay while on vacation in Amsterdam, then book one of the elegant, luxurious rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. This five-star, pet-friendly hotel features private parking, an indoor pool, and a spa.
For a more modern boutique hotel, check out De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel located near Museumplein. This four-star hotel boasts on-site parking, family rooms, and an excellent continental breakfast.
Another great choice is the five-star Hotel 717. This gorgeous hotel offers a fantastic breakfast with the option of Full English/Irish breakfast, a la carte, or continental. There is also a lovely garden and laundry service.
What’s the Security Process at the Heineken Experience?
There isn’t any security checkpoint that you’ll need to go through to get into the Heineken Experience. However, there are a few prohibited items that may get you in trouble if you have them on you. For instance, Heineken does not allow outside food and drink, rucksacks, umbrellas, or large bags. However, you can check bags and umbrellas in the cloakroom.
What About Visiting the Heineken Experience With a Disability?
Since the Heineken Experience was built in the original brewery in the 1900s, the building is not as disability-friendly. If you wish to go to the Heineken Experience with a disability, you need to reach out to customer service to inform them of your intent to visit so they can set you up with a guide. Heineken also notes that it is easier for those with disabilities to visit during weekdays when there are fewer visitors in the building.
FAQs: Facts About the Heineken Experience
When Was the Heineken Experience Built?
The Heineken Experience first opened its doors to the public in November of 2008. However, the building the experience was built in is the original Heineken brewery, which was built in 1867.
Can I Buy a Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Heineken Experience?
Technically, there aren’t any skip-the-line Heineken Experience tickets. All tickets are set on a timed system with 15 minute intervals between entrances, so there shouldn’t be much of a line to skip!
Can Children Visit the Heineken Experience?
No. No one under the age of 18 years old can participate in the Heineken Experience.
What is the Heineken Experience?
The Heineken Experience is an interactive exhibit located in Heineken’s original brewery where visitors can learn about the brand’s history and how they brew its famous beers. The complex is quite large and also houses a rooftop bar.
How Long Does it Take to Do the Heineken Experience?
Most people spend about two hours inside.
Guess what? You’re now an expert on all the best ways to visit the Heineken Experience. Now all you have to do is figure out which ticket works best for you and your group. Regardless of which ticket option you choose, we know you’ll have a fantastic time learning about all things Dutch beer!
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