A’DAM Tower Amsterdam Swing – Terrifying or Brilliant?

Last updated on 30 January 2026

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Amsterdam already feels a little unreal when you’re wandering around it, in the best way. The canals, the skinny buildings leaning like they’re tired (reltable), bikes absolutely everywhere. It’s all very postcard cute, and I love it. And then you look across the water near Centraal Station and see this tall, modern tower, and suddenly the vibe shifts from charming Europe to “what is that?”

The A’DAM Tower really does stand out in Amsterdam, and when you’re visiting it for the first time at night, somehow it stands out even more. We had arrived in Amsterdam just hours before, and this was the first thing we did. We went from our accommodation with Contiki to the city and to the Tower.

Where the plan was to swing off the building.

What A’DAM Lookout Actually Is

A’DAM Lookout is an observation deck at the top of the A’DAM Tower, just across the water from Amsterdam Centraal. You go up for the views, and, apparently, for the swing. The one that goes “over the edge.” As in, dangling you out over the side of the building. 100m above the ground.

It’s part viewpoint, part thrill experience, part “how did I end up doing this” moment. And for me, it was definitely the latter.

Getting to A’DAM Tower

To get to the A’DAM Tower, you can hop on the free ferry behind Centraal Station, which already feels like a little adventure in itself. It’s more like a barge, really, and people bring their bikes on it, too. While we were dropped off near the tower by the coach, we headed back into central Amsterdam on the ferry.

We already had tickets for the Tower, thanks to our Contiki trip manager, but when you get into the building, you can join the line to buy a ticket, then you jump in the elevator.

Which is a ride in itself – there are lights, sound, interesting things to keep you entertained while you shoot up the tower. This was definitely unexpected, but now I think all elevators need parties inside them.

At the top of the A’DAM Tower

Before the swing drama begins, you step out onto the observation deck and… wowsers. You don’t quite realise how high it is until you’re up there. Amsterdam from above is a whole different city, especially at night when we were there. You can see lots of spires from churches and other old buildings, as well as the newer, modern builds, all interspersed with those famous canals.

We walked around the deck, taking photos from every possible angle, and did that thing where you say, “Okay one more,” about 17 times.

There’s also a bar at the top, too, so we definitely got a drink after we were on the swing. There’s also a large A’DAM sign and a big red horse, which lots of people were taking photos on.

The Amsterdam Swing

Ah! The famous Amsterdam Swing.

We headed to the swing as the first thing we did, actually, before walking around taking in the view. All 30-something of us joined the line (of which we made up most of it), and we handed our phones to friends when it was our turn so they could take photos of us risking our lives at the top of Europe.

My friend and I went together, and while I love heights, I hate things like roller coasters, so I was apprehensive as to how this would go.

You sit on this red metal swing that is like a Ferris wheel seat at a fairground, and are strapped in, with a bar in front of you, and then suddenly you’re moving up and out. And you swing there for a few minutes.

And honestly? The first bit was terrifying, and then once I knew I wasn’t going to fall out, back to All Good, No Worries.

Is the Amsterdam Swing worth it?

Honestly, yes, especially if you like experiences that feel a bit different from just walking around a city.

It’s touristy, sure, but in a fun way, not a cheesy one. The views are incredible, and the swing is one of those things you talk about later, like, “Remember when I did that completely unnecessary but iconic thing in Amsterdam?”

Buuuuuut if heights really aren’t your thang, then stick to the observation deck, or skip the Tower altogether.

I’m definitely glad that I did it, despite some initial hesitation (when in Amsterdam!), but I’d love to know if this is something that you’d do! Or have you been on the Amsterdam swing? Let me know!