The A’dam Lookout Swing, or the highest swing in Europe, is one of Amsterdam’s more popular tourist attractions. But what’s it all about and is it worth it?
I live in Amsterdam and here’s my take.
The A’dam Lookout and the A’dam Lookout Swing are located on the observation deck, aka the top floor of the Amsterdam Toren. The rest of the building holds the trendy, music-themed Sir Adam Hotel. From here, you’ll get some of the best views of Amsterdam as well as the surrounding countryside and the Ij river. For this reason, I’d say it’s worth swinging over Amsterdam, at least once.
The experience at the A’dam Lookout Swing
The A’dam Looking Swing is the highest swing in Europe. When you arrive at the ‘Over the Edge’ experience, you take the elevator to the top floor. Already, you’ll love the views from here. But are you ready for a little thrill?
Join the queue and wait your turn. The attendants will take away your phone, bags, slip on shoes and anything else that looks like it may plummet to the ground. They stow it at your feet for the next 3 minutes or so while you sore over Amsterdam.
The giant red two-seater swing is quite impressive (there are actually three of them). And the feeling, well it’s pretty cool too. Your feet hang over the edge and you swing back and forth. While you’re up there there are of course a few cameras snapping embarrassing photos of you from all angles.
If you’re smart, you’ll pass your own phone to the most Instagram-experienced looking chick behind you so that she can take some amazing photos of you too.
Tips for visiting the A’dam Lookout Swing
Tip 1
On your way out they’ll show you all the photos they took of you up there, as well as the ones from the start of the experience. Don’t pay for them! In the end, you’ll receive all the photos and videos via email and you can print them out (or do whatever else you please) yourself.
Tip 2
Go in the evening to see the sunset. And preferably, on the weekend. From Friday to Sunday there is a DJ up there and a cocktail bar. It’s the perfect place to let your adrenaline drop after swinging over the edge.
Tip 3
The floor below the swing is a restaurant with floor to ceiling glass windows as well as an exhibition space. Explore the exhibition, but skip the restaurant. Instead, head back to the ground floor and walk outside and over to The Butcher. It’s located in the Sir Adam Hotel lobby.
The Butcher has some of Amsterdam’s best burgers in my opinion. The Butcher with Cheese or the Daddy with Cheese are my go-to orders. They also have vegetarian options and fun cocktails at this location.
Where is the A’dam Lookout Swing?
The A’dam Lookout Swing is located in the Amsterdam Toren in Amsterdam Noord. It’s just across from Amsterdam Central station and super easy to get to. Simply hop on the free ferry to Buiksloterweg. The journey takes about a minute and the ferry runs every 5 minutes or so. Plus it’s quite a unique way to travel.
Ready to swing? Grab your tickets in advance.
Have fun swinging over Amsterdam! To explore the rest of Amsterdam, here are 15 free things you must do from a local point of view as well as all the articles I’ve written about Amsterdam.
