Our top 3 museums in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has so many museums to offer. But if you ask us, these 3 are by far the best museums in the city and real must-sees:
Anne Frank House
What do you need to know? The Anne Frank House is undisputedly the most important museum in Amsterdam. It was here that Anne and her family hid from the Nazis and wrote her famous diary.
Is it worth it? The Anne Frank House should be at the top of your list for Amsterdam. Yes, the subject is difficult to digest, but it’s also super important. We’ve been to the house on the Prinsengracht several times and are always overwhelmed. It’s not just worth it, it’s a must.
Our tip: You should book tickets around 6 weeks in advance! Demand is so high that the museum does not have a daily quota. A spontaneous visit is not possible.
The museum visit takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Anne Frank House online
You can find more information about the tour here:
- Anne Frank House Amsterdam
- All information about the tour
Rembrandthuis
What do you need to know? The Rembrandt House is the former home of the Amsterdam painter Rembrandt van Rijn. He lived, painted and taught here with his family in the 17th century.
Is it worth it? For us, the Rembrandthuis is the best and most authentic art museum in Amsterdam. Not only do you see important works of art here, but also how a famous artist lived and worked. A really successful combination!
Our tip: don’t miss out on the audio guide! It’s really great and even reveals one or two of Rembrandt’s family secrets. Pssst!
The museum visit takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Rembrandthuis online
Rijksmuseum
What do you need to know? The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam. World-famous art, impressive halls and even a library await you here.
Is it worth it? We have visited the Rijksmuseum several times and are always overwhelmed. Everyone finds that one painting here that never lets them go. Of course, we particularly like the visitor magnet “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt – Amsterdam’s Mona Lisa.
Our tip: Take enough time for the Rijksmuseum. We always plan a visit to the museum for an entire morning. If you need a break in between, you can have a drink and a bite to eat at Het Café right in the museum.
The museum visit takes about 3 hours.
Book your ticket for the Rijksmuseum online
You can find our personal experience here:
- Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
- Is it worth the visit?
More great art museums in Amsterdam
If you enjoy art and would like to visit even more museums in Amsterdam, then we recommend these 4 museums:
Van Gogh Museum
What do you need to know? The Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein is the largest Van Gogh collection in the world and was even built by Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law and nephew.
Is it worth it? The museum is great for fans of the painter! Some of his best works are on display here and his tragic life story is explained to you in a varied way. The audio guide gives you great additional information.
Our tip: Make sure you book your ticket online in advance! There are no purchase options on site.
The museum visit takes about 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Van Gogh Museum online
Stedelijk Museum
What do you need to know? The Stedelijk Museum on Museumplein is Amsterdam’s best museum for modern and contemporary art.
Is it worth it? If you like modern art, then the Stedelijk Museum will blow you away. Here you’ll find works from Cézanne, Picasso and Matisse to Warhol. Super cool. And on top of that, there’s a really creative museum store for nice souvenirs.
Our tip: The museum also offers constantly changing special exhibitions. You can find out about the exhibition on the Stedelijk website and decide whether you would like to visit it as well. You don’t need an extra ticket for this.
The museum visit takes about 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Stedelijk Museum online
Moco Museum
What do you need to know? The Moco Museum is a museum for modern and contemporary art in an old villa on Museumplein. Banksy and Warhol, among others, are exhibited here. And there are really cool digital immersive art exhibitions with music and lights.
Is it worth it? The mixture of graffiti, videos, painting and photography is really well done and the pieces are all beautifully staged. Something different and super exciting for the eye. And to be honest, the pretty Villa Alsberg alone is worth a visit to the museum.
The museum visit takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Book your ticket for the Moco Museum online
Foam Photography Museum
What do you need to know? The unusual Foam Fotomuseum is located in a renovated canal house and exhibits images by the world’s greatest photographers as well as works by up-and-coming young talents.
Is it worth it? We love photography museums. That’s why a visit to Foam was an absolute must for us. The museum always has changing exhibitions and has an excellent reputation. No matter what kind of pictures the curators choose, the quality of the exhibitions is considered outstanding.
The museum visit takes about 1 hour.
Book your ticket for the Foam Museum online
More historical museums in Amsterdam
Would you like to learn more about the history of Amsterdam? The city also has great museums for this:
Royal Palace
What do you need to know? The Royal Palace is still one of the residences of the Dutch royal family and is located directly on Dam Square in the city center. You can visit the palace when there are no award ceremonies or state visits taking place.
Is it worth it? The building is beautiful – both inside and out. However, in most cases you don’t enter the rooms but look at them through plexiglass. That’s a real shame.
Our tip: If you don’t have enough time in Amsterdam for all the museums, then the Royal Palace is definitely a building where viewing and photographing from the outside is enough.
The museum visit takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Royal Palace online
Het Grachtenhuis
What do you need to know? The Grachtenhuis is a museum on Amsterdam’s Herengracht canal, housed in one of the best-preserved canal houses from the 17th century.
Is it worth it? Here you can take a real journey through time and learn all about the construction of the historic canal belt in Amsterdam. After you’ve seen the interactive exhibition, you’ll see the idyllic canals with completely different eyes.
The museum visit takes about 1 hour.
Book your ticket for Het Grachtenhuis online
Amsterdam Museum
What do you need to know? The Amsterdam Museum is located in the old town and is – as the name suggests – a museum about the history of Amsterdam. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are changing exhibitions on various cultural themes.
Is it worth it? If you are interested in the history of the city and the Dutch Golden Age, you will find a great exhibition here that is not as crowded as other museums in Amsterdam. The additional interactive installations and the audio guide round off the visit really well.
The museum visit takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Amsterdam Museum online
Het Scheepvaartmuseum
What do you need to know? The Maritime Museum is located directly on the Oosterdok and is huge! Here you will find the world’s largest maritime collection with paintings, ship models, navigation instruments and nautical charts.
Is it worth it? Whether you’re a ship enthusiast or not, there’s a lot to see here! You get a great insight into the maritime history of the Dutch and can even visit an entire ship. Varied and authentic.
Our tip: The area around the museum is also super beautiful. You can stroll along the water, look at ships and, if you’re hungry, eat delicious fish, for example in the harbor restaurant Hannekes Boom.
The museum visit takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Book your ticket for the Maritime Museum online
Unusual museums in Amsterdam
Fancy something different? Then Amsterdam is the place for you. There are not only totally educational museums here, but also some really unusual ones:
Red Lights Secret
What do you need to know? The Red Lights Secret Museum is also known as the Museum of Prostitution and is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District – a popular tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Here you can learn all about the history of prostitution in Amsterdam since the 14th century.
Is it worth it? The Red Lights Secret gives a good insight into the work of the women and also tells of the dangers of the business. We never felt uncomfortable and the museum is also great for a spontaneous visit.
The museum visit takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Red Lights Secret Museum online
Heineken Experience
What do you need to know? Heineken beer from Amsterdam is known all over the world. That’s why the Heineken Experience is one of the city’s best-known and most popular attractions. You can visit the building of the original brewery and taste the beer.
Is it worth it? If you like to drink a beer every now and then and are interested in the brewing process, then you’ve come to the right place. You can tap your own beer, get a look behind the scenes and a full 3 glasses of beer on the tour!
The brewery tour takes about 2 hours.
Book your ticket for the Heineken Experience online
Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
What do you need to know? The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum is located in the red light district of Amsterdam. The exhibition focuses on the processing and use of hemp, which is known to be very popular in Amsterdam.
Is it worth it? The museum is manageable and therefore great for a spontaneous visit. You get some interesting and funny information about hemp and have lots of opportunities to take fun photos.
The museum visit takes about 1 hour.
Book your ticket for the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum online
You can find out more about hash in Amsterdam in our coffee shop guide:
- Amsterdam coffee shops
- Our tips & info
Torture Museum Amsterdam
What do you need to know? The Torture Museum is one of the most bizarre museums in Amsterdam. Historically accurate instruments of torture are exhibited in labyrinthine rooms and explained with pictures and information boards. Tickets are available retro at the entrance.
Is it worth it? On the condition that we learn something, it can also be a little macabre. And you’ll definitely find that combination here – macabre, but educational. When else can you learn so vividly how terrible the Middle Ages were – even in Amsterdam?
Our tip: You can visit the Torture Museum spontaneously and it’s also a great option when it’s raining in Amsterdam.
The museum visit takes about 1 hour.
NEMO Science Center
What do you need to know? NEMO is the largest science center in Holland and is specially designed for inquisitive children between the ages of 6 and 16. Here, science and technology are shown in an entertaining way.
Is it worth it? The museum is perfect for a trip to Amsterdam with children. The kids can try out, touch, smell, hear and see lots of things for themselves.
Our tip: During the school vacations, it can get so busy here that children have to queue for the activities. You’ll have the most fun outside peak times – during the week and in the mornings.
The museum visit takes about 3 hours.
Visit museums with the I Amsterdam City Card
If you would like to visit more than 3 museums in Amsterdam, then the I Amsterdam City Card is definitely worthwhile!
The time-based pass has different purchase options between 24 and 120 hours and gives you access to 70 museums and attractions in Amsterdam, among other things.
You can not only save money with the card, but also time and nerves.
The following of our favorite museums are included in the I Amsterdam City Card:
- Rembrandthuis
- Rijksmuseum
- Stedelijk Museum
- Moco Museum
- Amsterdam Museum
- Foam Photography Museum
- Het Grachtenhuis
- NEMO Museum
These were the 16 best museums in Amsterdam!
Have you already visited one of the museums or do you know of another cool one? Then write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!