REVIEW · AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam: Racing Experience at A’DAM VR Game Park (no VR)
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by A'DAM VR · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A’DAM VR Game Park is speed you can touch.
You sit in a powerful Formula 1-style rig and race on multiple circuits, and yes, it’s not VR. I like the straight-up thrill of driving a track-focused setup, and the way the experience works for different skill levels, from fun laps to faster-than-you-were moments.
What I really appreciate is the social angle. You can race with up to 14 players, so it’s not just a solo stunt, it’s a proper group challenge with friends. One thing to consider: a couple of reports point to occasional hiccups with timing and staffing, so keep an eye on your session clock and speak up quickly if something goes wrong.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you race
- Where A’DAM VR Game Park is (and how to find it fast)
- What the 30-minute F1 simrace is like (and why it’s not VR)
- Racing format: multiple circuits, speed records, and up to 14 players
- Instructor support and the language advantage (English and Dutch)
- After the race: your included drink token (and what’s missing)
- Price and value: is $18 for 30 minutes worth it in Amsterdam?
- A note on timekeeping and staffing
- Who this is best for (and who should skip it)
- Quick planning tips so your race goes smoothly
- Should you book the A’DAM VR Game Park F1 simrace in Amsterdam?
- FAQ
- Is the A’DAM VR F1 simrace experience in virtual reality?
- How long is the race experience?
- What is the price per person?
- What’s included in the ticket?
- Is food included?
- Where is the meeting point?
- How many players can race at once?
- Are there staff or instruction available, and what languages do they speak?
- Who can’t participate?
- What’s the cancellation policy and can I pay later?
- What’s not allowed during the activity?
Key things to know before you race
- Not VR: you’re racing in a sim-style setup, not putting on a headset
- F1-style thrills, 30 minutes: enough time to feel the competition without it dragging
- Up to 14 players: a good choice for groups who want real head-to-head rivalry
- Multiple circuits for all levels: there’s room for beginners and competitive drivers
- A drink is included: you get a token after your race, but food isn’t included
Where A’DAM VR Game Park is (and how to find it fast)
A’DAM VR Game Park sits at Overhoeksplein, right behind the A’DAM Toren. From the square, go to the entrance and look for the hatch-style entrance down from the main level—this is where you’ll start.
This location is great for planning because you can easily pair it with other North Amsterdam sightseeing. And since the activity time is only 30 minutes, you don’t need a half-day block to make it work.
If you have tickets that let you skip the ticket line, you’ll want to show up at the entrance and move straight to the check-in flow. That saves time you can put toward racing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Amsterdam.
What the 30-minute F1 simrace is like (and why it’s not VR)
This is a driver-seat racing experience. You take control of a Formula 1-style car and run a simrace on track. Even though the venue name includes VR, this specific race experience is clear about it: it’s not in virtual reality.
So what does that change? You avoid the VR headgear factor entirely, and the focus stays on driving, racing, and pacing yourself around different circuits. It’s still a high-energy activity, just not the headset kind of high-energy.
You’ll also have an instructor who speaks English and Dutch. That matters more than it sounds. In a fast, timed experience, a quick explanation helps you avoid wasting the early minutes figuring out the controls or what the game expects from you.
The other key point: your time is 30 minutes, not a whole arcade session. That makes it easier to plan around it, especially if you’re doing other Amsterdam activities the same day.
Racing format: multiple circuits, speed records, and up to 14 players
The best part for me on paper is the structure. You’re not doing one generic track and moving on. You race on multiple circuits designed for different levels, which means the experience can feel fun even if you’re not a “serious sim” person.
For people who like to test themselves, there’s also a strong competition angle: you can race to push your limits, and you can try to beat your own speed record. That turns the activity into more than just entertainment—it becomes a mini challenge you can aim at.
Then there’s the group racing side. The experience supports up to 14 players, so it’s built for groups. If you show up with friends, you can make it competitive right away, and the results give you something to talk about while you’re getting that included drink afterward.
Practical tip: if you’re going with a larger group, try to coordinate who goes together so you don’t end up with people waiting while others race. The activity is timeboxed, and group pacing matters.
Instructor support and the language advantage (English and Dutch)
A big slice of a timed attraction is the moment before you start. This one includes an instructor who speaks English and Dutch, which helps you get set quickly and understand what you need to do.
If you’re traveling as a mixed-language group, this is a win. You don’t need perfect Dutch to participate, and the presence of an instructor usually means you’re less likely to get stuck mid-race on basic questions.
Also, an instructor can help you interpret the rules of racing in that setup. Since this is not VR, the instructions tend to focus more on controls and race expectations than on headset behavior, which can make it easier for first-timers.
After the race: your included drink token (and what’s missing)
Included with your booking is a drink. In plain terms, you race, you wrap up, and you have something to reset with.
What’s not included: food. That’s important in Amsterdam, because you can find plenty of snacks nearby, but you shouldn’t assume your race ticket includes a full refresh meal. If you’re doing the race at a time when you’d normally eat, plan your food stop separately.
Also, based on real-world reports, it’s worth paying attention to how the drink token is handled during your session. In one case, there was confusion about whether a drink token was included, even though it was listed in the booking details. Your best move: check the drink arrangement right when you finish, so you’re not standing around later trying to untangle it.
Price and value: is $18 for 30 minutes worth it in Amsterdam?
Let’s talk money the practical way. At $18 per person for 30 minutes, you’re paying for a short, intense session with a few built-in value drivers:
- You’re getting a guided race setup (instructor support in English/Dutch)
- You’re getting multiple circuits rather than one track
- You’re getting a drink included
- You can involve a group of up to 14 players, which makes it easier to spread the fun
Where the price can feel less satisfying is if you’re comparing it to a longer entertainment block, like a full VR arcade session. But this experience is deliberately timeboxed, so you should treat it like an activity pick, not a hangout.
One review point that matters for value: a couple of people felt it was slightly overpriced and noted that other parts of the broader VR park can also be expensive. That doesn’t automatically make the race bad value, but it does mean you should decide what you’re paying for: the 30-minute racing moment, not the whole building’s retail and extras.
If you’re a solo rider, this may feel like a splurge. If you’re going with friends and you’re aiming to race against each other, it usually lands better.
A note on timekeeping and staffing
The experience is 30 minutes, and for a timed attraction, minutes feel personal. There have been reported issues where races were interrupted, and the session time wasn’t fully restored after a fix took place. In another case, staff assistance took time, and the final time received was shorter than expected.
You can’t control staffing, but you can protect your experience. If something interrupts your race, flag it quickly, ask for an immediate resolution, and make sure your end time reflects what you booked. That simple step reduces the risk of ending up disappointed with the final total.
Who this is best for (and who should skip it)
This is a solid fit for:
- Teenagers and adults who want a fast, competitive activity
- Small groups and larger groups who can make use of the up-to-14-player format
- People who want F1-style thrills without the VR headsets
It’s not suitable for:
- Children under 8
- Wheelchair users (access isn’t listed as available for wheelchairs)
And there are basic rules you should follow:
- Alcohol and drugs are not allowed
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes hands-on fun over museum time, this is an easy add-on. If you’re expecting a full VR world experience, you’ll be disappointed, because this race experience is specifically not in VR.
Quick planning tips so your race goes smoothly
Since the key details are about timing and location, plan around those:
- Go to Overhoeksplein, behind the A’DAM Toren, and use the entrance down the hatch area
- Aim to arrive when you’re scheduled, since the race experience is only 30 minutes
- If you’re a group, coordinate who’s racing together so you don’t waste time
- After your session, confirm your included drink right away
Also, if you care about language support, pick sessions where English/Dutch instruction will work for your group. The instructor languages are stated as English and Dutch, so plan around that expectation.
Should you book the A’DAM VR Game Park F1 simrace in Amsterdam?
I’d book this if you want a short, high-adrenaline group activity in Amsterdam and you’re okay with a timeboxed 30-minute session. The not VR factor makes it a good option if you don’t want headsets but still want that “I’m driving” feeling.
I’d think twice if:
- you’re looking for a long entertainment hangout, since there’s no food included and it’s only 30 minutes
- you’re traveling with someone who gets frustrated by technical interruptions, because a couple of reports describe timing issues when something went wrong mid-race
Overall, for the price, the combination of multiple circuits, up-to-14-player racing, and an included drink makes it a fair value choice—especially when you split the fun with friends.
FAQ
Is the A’DAM VR F1 simrace experience in virtual reality?
No. This race experience is not in virtual reality.
How long is the race experience?
It lasts 30 minutes.
What is the price per person?
It’s $18 per person.
What’s included in the ticket?
A 30-minute race experience and a drink.
Is food included?
No. Food isn’t included.
Where is the meeting point?
At the entrance of A’DAM VR Game Park on Overhoeksplein, right behind the A’DAM Toren, going down the hatch on the square.
How many players can race at once?
Up to 14 players.
Are there staff or instruction available, and what languages do they speak?
Yes. There is an instructor who speaks English and Dutch.
Who can’t participate?
Children under 8 aren’t suitable, and wheelchair users aren’t listed as suitable.
What’s the cancellation policy and can I pay later?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.
What’s not allowed during the activity?
Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
