Backspace Escape Rooms: Escape Rooms in Westerpark, Amsterdam

The rooms

Mindcrime sends 2 to 6 players into someone's memories, with 60 minutes to crack his secret before he wakes. Budapest Express, also 60 minutes for 2 to 6, is set on a 1931 train and was called the Oriënt Express until a trademark issue forced a new name. Mindcrime Battle splits 6 to 13 players into two teams racing through the same game in separate rooms.

Black Box takes 7 to 24 players for 75 minutes in one 100 square metre space, and the puzzles adjust to the size of the group. It runs in English only. Aurum, for exactly 3, 4 or 5 players, lasts 75 minutes and is built around the Order of the Golden Dawn, with no number locks and nothing hidden: the challenges depend on working together. De Tijdmachine is the children's room, for 8 to 15 players from age 9.

Prices and booking

You pay per person, and the rate falls as the group grows. Mindcrime and Budapest Express cost €42.50 each for two people, dropping to €24.50 each for six. Aurum is €49 each for three and €39 each for four or five. Mindcrime Battle is €29.50 each for six or seven and €27.50 each for 8 to 13. Black Box is €27.50 each. Children pay €22.50 in any room.

Book online and pay in advance by iDEAL, PayPal or credit card, or pay by card on site afterwards. Cash is not accepted. Arrive 15 minutes before your slot. To play the same day, phone 020 244 3879. The terms and the FAQ page allow cancellation up to seven days before you play. Large groups can take the whole building, including the lounge. Lunch and dinner are not possible here, but there is a fridge of drinks and some snacks. Players who have been drinking or using drugs are turned away and still pay.

Children and families

Children can play from age 9 at a birthday party, and under-13s go in with a parent, who plays free as a chaperone. Mindcrime, Mindcrime Battle and Budapest Express have special children's versions, and staff watch on camera and give help when needed. In De Tijdmachine a member of staff stays in the room. Black Box works from age 13 with adults, and from 15 for a group without them. Families with children under 9 can ask for lighting and sound effects to be adapted. The rooms are tense but not designed to frighten, although Aurum has a few nervier moments.

Getting there and access

From metro Isolatorweg (line 50) it is about five minutes on foot, and from buses at Contactweg or Kabelweg (line 22) about two. Sloterdijk station is 1 kilometre away, a 15-minute walk. Cycling from Centraal takes around 15 minutes. Parking at the door is free at weekends and after 19:00, and €2.50 an hour on weekdays before that.

Mindcrime and Budapest Express are in the basement, down a steep staircase, so neither is wheelchair accessible. Aurum is not wheelchair accessible either, and it can be dark with thresholds to watch for.