Is NEMO worth it?
Worth itUnderrated · +10Hands-on science centre in a ship-shaped Renzo Piano building, with a free public rooftop
Worth it. Google 4.5 from 38k reviews; families rave, while complaints focus on noise, crowds and busy or broken exhibits.
Hype60How famous and hyped it is
Reality70Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.5 ★ Google · 38,052 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to NEMO? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 families with kids vote
Amsterdam's best rainy-day option for children; reviewers report kids staying until closing.
Why Reality is 70
Lives up to its fame4/5Google 4.5 from 38k reviews; families rave, while complaints focus on noise, crowds and busy or broken exhibits.
Value for money4/5€21.50 buys hours of hands-on play for kids, the roof is free, and card holders enter free; weaker value for adults alone.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Many cities have similar science centres; the Renzo Piano building and free rooftop view are the distinctive parts.
Easy to do4/510 minutes' walk from Centraal with timed tickets; weekend and holiday crowds and Monday closures are the main friction.
What people loved
Genuinely hands-on: labs, experiments and interactive exhibits that keep kids busy for hoursFree rooftop square with one of the best free views over the old city and harbourFree with Museumkaart or I amsterdam City CardStriking ship-shaped building a short walk from Centraal StationWhat wore them down
Mainly aimed at children (floors 1–3); adults without kids may find only Floor 4 worth itNoisy and crowded on rainy weekends and school holidays; popular exhibits often occupied or brokenClosed most Mondays outside holidaysNon-refundable timed ticketsKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Reservation required. Tickets are sold with a start time; card holders should also reserve a slot. Weekdays after 14:00 are usually quieter.
Entry€21.50 ages 4+; under 4 free; students €14; free with Museumkaart and I amsterdam City Card. Tickets non-refundableSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationTickets carry a start time; Museumkaart and I amsterdam holders booking ahead must also reserve a start timeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursTue–Sun 10:00–17:30; usually closed Mondays except school/public holidays and set dates (e.g. 12, 19, 26 Oct; 2 Nov; 21, 28 Dec 2026)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
RooftopRooftop square is free with no ticket, reached by outdoor stairs on the east side, Tue–Sun 10:00–17:30Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed2–3 hours with children (often 3–4 with ages 6–12); about 1 hour for adults doing Floor 4 and the roofSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereAbout a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal; ~20 minutes on foot from Dam SquareSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
In their words
“A perfect way to get your children interested in science and the world around them.”
“a hands-on science museum for kids like there are many others”
“It is a steep climb up the steps to the viewing platform but it’s well worth the effort if the sun is shining!”
“We visited on a weekday, and it was well organised with little to no waiting time.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
Is the NEMO rooftop free?
Yes. The rooftop square is free with no ticket, via outdoor stairs on the east side, Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–17:30.
How much are NEMO tickets?
€21.50 for ages 4 and up, free under 4, €14 for students, and free with Museumkaart or I amsterdam City Card.
Is NEMO open on Mondays?
Usually not, except during school and public holidays and selected dates (in late 2026: 12, 19, 26 October; 2 November; 21 and 28 December).
Is NEMO worth it without kids?
Mostly for the free roof and Floor 4 (Humania, 12+); the lower floors are designed for children.
When is NEMO least busy?
The museum says weekdays after 14:00 are often quieter; avoid rainy weekends and school holidays.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- NEMO Science Museum — Tickets (official)
- Art Visit Guide — NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam Tickets 2026
- Google Maps — NEMO Science Museum