From a museum dedicated to Sex Work and erotica to a museum all about EDM, and a museum about microorganisms and the human body – Amsterdam is one of those cities that truly has a little bit of everything to offer its visitors, in its museums alone!
Known as one of the best destinations in Europe and the world, it’s easy to see why that is with its varied, engaging, and down-right unique museums!
With a variety of modest and small museums like the Amsterdam Tulip Museum and the Dutch Resistance Museum, all the way to the world-famous Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum – narrowing down which museums to visit might be one of the toughest “problems” you’ll have when planning your trip to Amsterdam.
With 40+ museums to offer the world, you could easily spend your whole trip museum-hopping, and never completely see them all in detail!
But not to worry! You’re in the right place to see our list of the best museums in Amsterdam to discover! Are you ready to get into it? Get your notebook and pen out!
1 – Understand Dutch history through art at Rijksmuseum
Go back 800 years into Dutch history, art, and culture at the beautiful Rijksmuseum, located in the famous Museum Square in the Amsterdam South neighborhood.
At the world-class museum, you’ll see many examples of classic Dutch paintings by national artists, from the Milkmaid and the Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer, The Merry Family by Steen, and the Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters by Avercamp.
Spend your time browsing through the 80 galleries, browsing over 5,000 art pieces, connecting the images to the times, and their symbolism to today in modern Dutch culture.
Make sure to book your Rijksmuseum tickets ahead of time, and consider booking a guided tour to fully immerse yourself in this beautiful museum. Sign language tours are also available!
Learn more about Rijksmuseum tickets price here.
2 – Explore the mindset of Van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum
Also located in the Museum Square in Amsterdam South, is perhaps one of the most famous art museums in the city, the Van Gogh Museum.
Browsing through the more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings, you’ll not only get to see some of Van Gogh’s famous work and fine sketches but also, get to learn more about Van Gogh as a person.
Take a look at the more than 500 letters written by him, getting detailed glimpses into the way his mind worked, and where Van Gogh found the inspiration behind his famous works, including Starry Night.
After learning about Van Gogh and his work, stroll through other examples of 19th-century art, created by other famous Dutch artists.
Tickets are sold out? Find out how to buy Van Gogh Museum Last Minute Tickets.
3 – Experience modern art unlike anywhere else at Moco Museum
Set inside the historic Villa Alsberg in central Amsterdam is the modern Mecca of art in Amsterdam – the Moco Museum. Known to house various examples of contemporary art, from pop art to graffiti, including various art pieces of the world-famous Bansky, and more, it’s a must-see while in Amsterdam!
From works of art by Warhol, to the “Banksy of Iran” Keith Haring, to the digital art exhibition by Studio Irma, Yayoi Kusama, and many more – you’ll be surprised by the stretch of creativity and human imagination when browsing through the genius exhibitions.
The museum is designed to make art accessible to all, especially the younger generation, but no matter your art preferences, this museum will make you feel and think unlike anywhere else!
4 – Get close to your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds
Take a selfie with your favorite celebrity (almost) and appreciate the detailed work of the multitudes of wax figures at Madame Tussauds!
Located centrally in Amsterdam, Madame Tussauds houses famous figures from historical people like Einstein and the Mona Lisa to modern-day celebrities, sports stars, the Royal Family, and more!
Those looking for something slightly creepier, consider getting the Madame Tussauds + The Amsterdam Dungeon Combi, allowing entry into the Amsterdam Dungeon. The Amsterdam Dungeon features wax figures displayed in the cruel ways people were tortured if they committed a crime.
Lastly, check out the I AM ART section, featuring an interactive and immersive experience with famous painters like Rembrandt van Rijn and Dalí.
5 – Read some excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary at the Anne Frank House
Learn more about the history of Anne Frank’s life on an Anne Frank tour. Visit the house where Anne Frank and 7 other people hid during World War ll in central Amsterdam while learning more about the tumultuous 2 years that Anne Frank and her family had to endure until they were discovered.
Step behind the moveable bookcase, and into the small space where Anne and her family lived, taking in the walls with passages from Anne’s diary, and exhibitions with some of their belongings.
Photographs, documents, and even a digital section of the museum will give you a glimpse into the Anne Frank House, giving you a wider idea of what life was like for many Jewish people escaping during this time.
Make sure to book your tickets online as soon as possible, as they sell out quickly!
Hot tip: Explore the rich art and culture of the Dutch capital with the best city tours in Amsterdam.
6 – Learn curious facts about the human body at Body Worlds
With over 200 different plastinates available to show you how different organs and parts of the body work, the Body Worlds museum is one of the most unique museums in Amsterdam to check out!
Learn about human anatomy, analyze what’s going on right under your skin using the fascinating InBody Scan, and check out the different areas of specialization inside.
From happiness and the mind, sports and the body, diet and the body, and overall health – you’ll not only learn a thing or two about our amazing bodies, but you’ll have some real takeaways to add to your wellness lifestyle!
Animal lovers, check out the exhibit of animal anatomy, sure to help you see your pets in a different light!
7 – Do a double take at the oddities inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not
From weird genetics to rare animal species, and unreal human talents, and much more, enter the world where anything is possible at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Walk through the 19 unbelievable themed galleries, taking in the different oddities, artifacts, and stories. From the world’s longest fingernail to the kooky items inside The Jungle Room like the “Long Necked Women” and the famous collection of Shrunken Heads – you will find yourself in disbelief of how varied the world and its people truly are!
Book your tickets ahead of time, with general admission starting at $24 USD. There are ticket options for skip-the-line as well as bonus activities included in some tickets to treat yourself to a combined experience of museum entry and a 1-hour canal cruise!
8 – Walk amongst the best pieces in modern art at Stedelijk Museum
Another stop for modern art lovers is the Stedelijk Museum, commonly known as just Stedelijk – most famous for housing over 80,000 pieces of art inside, ranging from drawings, pictures, paintings, furniture, sculptures, and photographs!
Located next door to the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, it makes it a complete no-brainer to also stop by Stedelijk to check out the fascinating arrangements inside. Famous for being one of the most forward-thinking and interesting museums in the world, you’ll want to see what all the talk is about, and analyze the pieces inside yourself!
Check out the ever-changing temporary exhibits prompting thoughts in its visitors, and challenging the status quo, while adding even more interest to the already impressive art museum!
9 – See the home of graffiti art in Amsterdam at Streetart Museum STRAAT
Make plans to visit the cool and impressive Streetart Museum STRAAT, housing the best examples of graffiti art within a warehouse-style space!
Differing from the Moca Museum, the Streetart Museum focuses on highlighting graffiti art from international artists that may not yet reach the status of Banksy for example, but equally have incredible skills to share.
Walk through its 86,000 square feet and browse over 150 examples of graffiti created by artists reigning from 32 different countries. To get impressively wide views of the museum from the top, step up to the Panorama Terrace, seeing all the paintings from a privileged vantage point!
Lastly, be aware that the museum is located in a warehouse with no heating in the winter, so make sure to dress appropriately!
10 – Learn about the connection between Amsterdam at Saint Petersburg at Hermitage Amsterdam
Found inside the walls of the magnificent Amstelhof, right beside the Amstel River is the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum, a satellite museum of the Hermitage Amsterdam – the state museum of Saint Petersburg in Russia.
Inside, you’ll get to learn about the deep and historical connections between Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg, from the name of the Russian city and its Dutch influence to the help of the Dutch when it came to building the former capital city on marshy lands.
Check out exhibits that display artifacts from Russia, from pottery, art, and other artifacts, including a bust of the tsar Peter the Great.
After you walk around the museum, stick around for lunch at the chef-led restaurant Neva, and if you have children take them to the museum library!
11 – Get a little tipsy learning about gin at House of Bols
Set foot inside the oldest distillery in the world and one of the best alcohol museums in Amsterdam, House of Bols, dating back to 1575! Originally started by the Bols family, today the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Dutch gin!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the more than 30 Bols liqueurs are made, some of them originating in the 1500s and still made today while stepping inside the grand tasting room to get a taste of this age-old drink! Taste the “Grandfather of Gin” Dutch Spirit Genever, while learning about how gin production has changed over the years.
Lastly, you’ll be able to let the bartender mix the perfect drink, or you can even try your hand at mixing your own behind the counter at Mirror Bar!
12 – Step inside the art at Fabrique des Lumières
Located only 11 minutes from central Amsterdam in the Westergas area, and situated inside the old 19th-century gas plant, is the immersive and beautiful Fabrique des Lumières!
Lovers of art, feel the images of the world’s most well-known paintings from Dalí and Gaudí literally bounce off the walls, and invite you in as you step inside the large space filled with art projections.
From modern art to classical pieces, and more, you’ll see a beautiful display of art accompanied by a moving soundtrack to help stimulate your senses to a whole new level.
To get your tickets, make sure to prebook them online, and that you take advantage of the discount of buying ahead of time. Skip-the-line tickets are also available!
13 – Feel mesmerized by the digital displays at Nxt Museum – Digital Art Museum
If digital art is your kind of masterpiece, then don’t skip out on visiting Nxt Museum – Digital Art Museum, featuring a digital art experience unlike anywhere else!
Feel like you’re inside a whole different world as your senses start to engage with all there is to see in the large-scale art installations, filled with mesmerizing designs, beautiful art pieces, and so much more!
Accompanied by attention-grabbing music that’s in sync with the moving art displays, the museum is sure to move you in more ways than one!
Lastly, don’t forget to check out the fascinating UFO – Unidentified Fluid Other exhibit, posing the question and analyzing the boundaries between the physical and digital world, to truly complete this trippy yet intriguing experience!
14 – Get spooked at the immersive Amsterdam Dungeon
Dig deeper into the curiosities and dark past of Amsterdam at the Amsterdam Dungeon!
Be entertained by the costumed actors appearing from the dark, as you walk through the dimly-lit dungeon, and listen to them share and showcase examples of how Amsterdam used to trial people.
Learn about famous murders, the Plague, and other dark things that took place in the city as early as the 1600s!
What’s more is that you won’t be able to see much or when the different actors come into view until they pop out of nowhere, adding a bit of adrenaline to the experience!
As part of the experience, you’ll also get to hop on the thrilling indoor rollercoaster if the other activities didn’t pump up the thrill enough!
15 – Stare at the world-class photos at the Huis Marseille – Museum for Photography
The Huis Marseille – Museum for Photography is the first and oldest photography museum in Amsterdam and it houses a wonderful collection of photography inside a beautiful and traditional-style canal house worth exploring.
Inside, gander at the beautiful ceiling murals, and enter the minimalistic rooms with marble chimneys and other beautiful details, as you wander about and analyze the photographs of national and international photographers.
Whether you’ve visited the museum before or not, there will always be new photographs updated and changed around, no matter the time of year you visit. You’ll also get to learn more about when photography rose in popularity as a famous style of art, and its evolution in the Netherlands.
Pro tip: don’t forget to stop by to enjoy the canal gardens inside!
16 – Stroll through the nature and art-filled Kröller Müller Museum
See a little bit of everything at the Kröller Müller Museum, featuring a stunning sculpture garden with famous works by varied talented artists, art pieces by the famed Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso, and architectural elements to admire.
Though the museum is located around a 1-hour drive, the museum is well worth the visit to the estate of the art collector Helene Kröller-Müller where you’ll be amid art and culture!
Wander through Futurism & Europe, or check out the world of Dutch Tiles, and more as you make it to Van Gogh Gallery. The Sculpture Garden offers a beautiful walk amongst modern figures, any time of the year. Two not to miss are the “Floating Sculpture, Otterlo” by Marta Pan and “Needle Tower” by Kenneth Snelson.
17 – Learn about Rembrandt’s artistic techniques at the Rembrandt House Museum
Feel closer and more connected to the work and life of the famed Dutch artist, Rembrandt at the Rembrandt House Museum.
The museum, which is the house where Rembrandt lived between 1639-1658, is located in central Amsterdam and showcases more than 70 drawings, etching plates, and other famous paintings. Follow the hallways of the home, decorated to the times in which Rembrandt lived, and you’ll see not only the famous paintings but also learn more about his artistic techniques.
Learn more about the “Dutch Golden Age” of art, as well as about his life and inspirations not commonly seen anywhere else! Step inside his workshops, his living spaces, and other sections of his home, now a museum.
Book your museum tickets ahead, starting at $16 USD.
18 – Admire the lines and designs at the Museum Het Schip
Walk around one of the earliest and best examples of the expressionist apartment complex in Amsterdam called Museum Het Schip after its red-bricked architectural design, at the Museum Het Schip.
Throughout the museum, learn more about the style of homes that people would live in before the housing laws in the early 1900s, while also learning about the social, political, and cultural implications of this apartment complex like who lived there, and why.
You’ll also gain knowledge of the unique Dutch architectural design, seen around the city.
Today, the apartment complex is still inhabited by people, so when you visit, you’ll be able to get a sense of how these apartments were utilized by everyday people.
Guided tours are offered as well as general entry tickets, which start at $16 USD.
19 – Get a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making at the Eye Film Museum
The perfect museum to entertain all in your travel group, the Eye Film Museum is a modern, trippy, and futuristic experience offering a deep look into movie production, creation, and movie viewing, giving a new definition to the term “movie magic”.
Step inside, and immerse yourself in the 360° space where you can surround yourself with film elements all around, learn about the different important moments in cinema history, see different types of cameras used in filmmaking, movie theaters showing art films, and a few classics, and a behind-the-scenes look at movie making tricks!
Aside from the museum’s interior, admire the museum’s modern architecture designed by Vienna-based architects, and now becoming one of the unofficial, modern symbols of Amsterdam.
Tickets to the Eye Film Museum start at 15 euros.
20 – Check out the paintings inside Beurs van Berlage
In its very own style, step inside the opulent Beurs van Berlage building, a former stock exchange building that is currently used for cultural events and concerts.
View different figures inside some of Amsterdam’s most notable and historical figures, ceramic decorations, as well as paintings depicting images of Dutch history. Look up at the glass ceiling, which adds a touch of illumination to the building’s interior!
Also inside are a few cafes and restaurants to enjoy, such as Tony’s Chocolonely shop, or if you’d like to rent a bike to explore the city, you can find that inside!
Look up upcoming concerts and events happening on their website! The Beurs van Berlage is located 12 minutes away from central Amsterdam.
21 – Stretch your scientific knowledge at the NEMO Science Museum
Dive deep into the world of science and technology at the NEMO Science Museum, located a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam’s city center!
Inside the country’s largest science museum, learn some interesting ways in which science works in our everyday lives, from how light and shadows are created, how bridges work, how skyscrapers are built so they don’t tumble over, and so much more! Have fun with the interactive exhibits, allowing you a first-person experience of how science works and much more.
From physics labs to science experiments on light and sound, fun ways to learn about chemistry in everyday life, and much more, this museum is perfect for everyone – from the whole family or for solo travelers!
Lastly, visit the rooftop square to get views of the city!
22 – Learn the origins of EDM at Our House Museum of Electronic Dance Music
Jump around and shuffle over to another unique museum in Amsterdam – Our House Museum of Electronic Dance Music – a museum where you not only learn about the evolution of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) music but also get to experience it!
From the Defining Moments Exhibit, showcasing the most important moments through the decades of this famed music genre, and its expansion throughout the world, to analyzing the art and culture of EDM, and looking specifically at music from famous EDM artists like Avicii and Diplo amongst many others, this museum is a MUST to learn and move a little!
Learn about the world’s largest festivals, and clubs across the world known in the EDM world, and lastly, jam out to the top 150 iconic EDM tracks with the fun interactive vinyl player!
23 – See an attic church at Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
Translated into “Our Dear Lord in the Attic” the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, is a Catholic church that was tucked away in the attic of a Victorian-style canal house, and today, it’s one of the most unique museums to check out while in Amsterdam.
Duck into the canal house, where the first floor is a showroom of religious artifacts, from holy paintings to silver religious relics, and many more items that were used during masses held at the attic church.
The second floor (the attic) is where the actual Catholic church is, and where you can see with your own eyes the gathering space of dozens of Catholics who couldn’t freely worship in 1663.
Guided tours of the museum are available online, as are general admission tickets!
24 – Soak in the local maritime history at the National Maritime Museum
Head off to the Old Harbor, and explore the records, imagery, and fascinating facts about the rich maritime history in Amsterdam!
Overflowing with more than 5,000 items inside the s’Lands Zeemagazijn historical building, the museum sits right in front of a replica of the ship “Amsterdam” which originally sunk on the English Channel on its first voyage.
See the various exhibits, each highlighting a different part of Dutch maritime, from items found in the shipwrecks to displays showing what a typical voyage was like, and the different important ports around the world. Lastly, stop by the covered courtyard and see dozens of LED lights replicating a starry night!
If you have children, they’ll enjoy the child-inspired exhibits to introduce them to this fascinating piece of Dutch history and culture.
25 – Step inside the fascinating Cobra Museum of Modern Art
Expand your taste in art and knowledge of art movements at the Cobra Museum of Modern Art, located 23 minutes outside the city center.
Overflowing with unique and modern art pieces, the Cobra Museum of Modern Art showcases pieces that are semi-abstract paintings with bright colors, typically of humans in a deformed way.
The art movements were popular in the late 40s, with its founding members originating from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Enjoy pieces of art created by some of the main artists, Karel Appel, Corneille, and more, and the temporary displays of other forms of modern art.
26 – Learn about the oldest profession in the world at Red Light Secrets Museum
Want to learn more about Amsterdam’s Red Light District? Visit the Red Light Secrets Museum, which offers insight into one of the oldest professions in the world, and goes into the stories of some of its workers.
Housed inside a building that was previously a brothel, take a peek at what the rooms look like, learn about why some people decide to make this their profession, and how local laws protect sex workers in Amsterdam.
Step into their shoes, and take the chance to stand in front of the large windows for people to see you, just as the sex workers do on a daily.
Demystify the doubts and rumors about how the Red Light District works by visiting this museum!
27 – Figure out which way is up at The Upside Down Museum
Visit this trippy optical illusion museum for a head-scratching good time! Step inside and feel your world literally turned Upside Down, as you enter themed rooms, each offering a bit of insight into Dutch culture.
Check out the Royal Room, upside down of course, and feel free to touch all the props inside, further bending your mind to try to figure out what you’re feeling and experiencing. Go clubbing inside The Club, upside down with music and lights, and experience the Dutch Design room.
So make sure to bring your charged-up cameras and phones as you’ll surely have enough opportunities to take photos to share on your socials more than once! Tickets to this funky and fun museum start at $28 USD.
28 – Learn about the diamond industry in Amsterdam at the Diamond Museum
Did you know that Amsterdam is also known as the “City of Diamonds”? Inside the Diamond Museum, you may get a hint as to why that is!
Get to know the origins of diamonds, how they made their way to the Netherlands, and learn about how the Sephardic Jewish people were the ones to establish the diamond-cutting industry in Amsterdam, hence giving the city its nickname, and so much more!
Walk through the incredibly detailed International Crown Collection, and see tiny diamonds make up designs on some of the most extravagant crowns! Lastly, check out the Diamond Ape Skull, made up of 17,000 tiny diamonds!
Located conveniently inside a historic 19th-century building in Museum Square, the Diamond Museum is rather easy to get to!
29 – Let your creativity flourish inside the WONDR Experience
Full of colors, sensations, and a space to unleash your creative side, the WONDR Experience is more than a play pit or room of discos balls, but a place to find inspiration and happiness!
From jumping into a pink ball pit to entering a room of twinkling “night” stars, and many more themed rooms created for the pure sake of fun, you’ll feel time fly by with all the fun and funky experiences inside this unique Amsterdam museum!
Located in the Noord neighborhood, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city, finding the museum isn’t a problem at all!
Tickets to this interactive museum start at $28 USD.
30 – Peek inside a canal house at Museum Van Loon
Ever wanted to step inside a historic canal house in Amsterdam? Now is your chance when you visit the Museum Van Loon!
Belonging to the wealthy Van Loon family, they decided to open the doors to one of their homes, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of what a wealthy canal house from the 17th century looks like.
View some of the living quarters, from the beautiful kitchen to the art-filled living room, and a few rooms upstairs. Glance at the porcelain and silver pieces reigning from different countries, and stop by the gorgeous garden. Enjoy the feeling of stepping inside a home that feels like it’s still lived in (when it’s not).
The museum is located along the Keizergracht, just a few blocks away from the Anne Frank House.
31 – Learn all things Amsterdam 101 at the Amsterdam Museum
Get a crash course on all things Amsterdam history at the Amsterdam Museum!
The building where the museum is housed used to be an old orphanage, and has various details from the Golden Age and a bit of Classicist style in its architectural design, so the building is also worth noting when you visit.
Inside, check out impressive displays sharing some local history, from its founding, all the way to contemporary culture, ranging from its people, customs, arts, fashion, and artisanally made objects.
Wander through the 3 floors, check out the social and religious aspects of the city, and by the end, don’t forget to listen to the Amsterdam carillons!
Tickets for the Amsterdam Museum start at $18 USD, and audio guides are also available!
32 – Taste test the best cheese at the Cheese Museum
Producing some of the best cheeses in the world, and making up a large portion of the classic Dutch diet, a visit to the Cheese Museum is definitely in order!
Wander about the small yet complete Cheese Museum, learning about what elements make the Netherlands a great producer of cheeses, and what types of specialty cheeses are commonly enjoyed by the locals.
Try a sampling of Gouda, Edam, Leyden, Maasdam, and other typical hard and semi-hard cheeses that are most common in the Netherlands.
Located only steps away from the Anne Frank House, make sure to swing by and get your cheese fix, and don’t forget to buy some for a snack later on by the canals!
33 – Look closely at the essential microbes inside the Micropia Museum
A unique museum that you won’t find pretty much anywhere else in the world is probably the Micropia Museum, offering insight into the secret life of microbes, and their essential role in everyday human life.
The Netherlands is the home of microbiology, therefore where else than in Amsterdam to dive into this scientific topic where the first bacteria was ever witnessed? View dozens of larger-scale petri dishes showcasing different microbes, interactive exhibits with body scanners, and even microbe-inspired art.
Lastly participate in the “Collect Your Favorite Microbes” exhibit, collecting and learning about all sorts of bacteria, and then releasing them onto the Microbe Wall.
Discover multiple microorganisms, and fungi of different sorts, taking a closer look at this powerful life form that coexists with us daily.
34 – See the contrast between Oude Kerk and its surroundings
Step inside Amsterdam’s oldest building, Oude Kerk (The Old Church), constructed in 1213, which today, has been transformed into a beautiful art institute and space for all to visit, located scandalously in the middle of the Red Light District.
Inside the Oude Kerk, see the grand 17th-century organ, and check out the upcoming concerts inside the church, as well as the International Organ Festival which takes place July-September. Want to dig into the history a bit more? Grab a free audio guide to enrich your visit!
If you’re visiting between April-September on a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, you can enjoy a tour of the church!
35 – See how spacious a houseboat is at the Houseboat Museum
Walk on board the Houseboat Museum, and step inside the only museum of its kind in the world to see what it’s like to live inside a real houseboat!
Take a look at the interiors to see what the sleep bunkers look like, how spacious the kitchen is, and the multiple living spaces that make houseboats a popular way to live!
This houseboat in specific was built in 1914, but has since been renovated to show what a traditional houseboat consists of, and how it would be maneuvered around the canals!
The museum is only steps away from the Anne Frank House, and tickets start at 5 euros for adults, and children less than 5 are free.
36 – Spend hours appreciating creative photography at the Foam Photography Museum
Capture the best photography exhibition in Amsterdam at the Foam Photography Museum, an art space with 4 permanent exhibits showcasing different genres of photography, from film, art, and fashion.
Set inside a traditional canal house with large windows, the light and airy feeling inside adds a lovely ambiance to enjoy the large-scale photography. With temporary exhibits, you’re sure to always see something new, whether it’s a new genre of photography, or it’s a focus on a specific photographer.
With an emphasis on up-and-coming talent, you’ll be able to see a new wave of photography inside the museum!
The Foam Photography Museum is located in the central Grachtengordel neighborhood, near the Museum Van Loon.
37 – See how the wealthy lived inside the Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Book your tickets to enter the Willet-Holthuysen Museum, an art space to experience inside an 18th-century house that belonged to the wealthy Abraham Willet, a Dutch art collector, and painter.
From the living quarters on the first floor to the kitchen and beautiful garden room, enjoy browsing through the historic house frozen in time, while appreciating Mr. Willet’s art collection, mainly consisting of classical art pieces.
Decked out in historic furniture, gold details, and a large French-style garden, this museum offers a window into the traditional life of high society in Amsterdam.
Free audio tours are offered in multiple languages, and tickets start at $13 USD. The Willet-Holthuysen Museum is located in the Grachtengordel neighborhood.
38 – Learn a piece of Jewish history at the Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam
Built in 1671, the Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam is a historical piece of architecture and culture, specifically belonging to the Sephardic Jewish community of Amsterdam at the time.
After being prosecuted by Spain and Portugal, the religious group found refuge in the religious freedom of the Netherlands, and therefore, the synagogue was constructed. The temple is modeled after the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, and was once one of the bigger synagogues in Amsterdam!
Visit the synagogue and get a historical sense of the Jewish community in Amsterdam, and if you want, you can even book a guided tour online!
Tickets for the Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam start at $18 USD.
39 – Travel the world from the Tropenmuseum Of World Cultures
Originally built as a museum that was created to educate local Dutch people on the local cultures of the Dutch overseas territories, the Tropenmuseum Of World Cultures today is a large window into many world cultures, customs, traditions, and more!
Known as the largest anthropology and ethnography museum in the Netherlands, the Tropenmuseum highlights specifically African culture as well as Southeast Asia and even Latin America.
Step inside one of the most beautiful and large museums in the city, browsing over the 450,000 different objects, from jewelry, pottery, documents, photos, and musical instruments.
Admission starts at 16 euros, and the museum is located a 15-minute train ride from central Amsterdam, near the Oosterpark.
40 – Try not to get creeped out at the Torture Museum
Dark tourism lovers, this one is for you! Head over to the Torture Museum, and see the different ways in which people in the Old World used to get tortured before more humane laws were established in Amsterdam.
See how the museum exposes some of the torture tools, from an old guillotine to chairs with spikes, and instruments that would stretch the human body to death, and so much more!
Learn the many ways in which anyone could end up at the torture chambers as well as some of the people that suffered a cruel death with these torture devices.
Tickets to this dark tour start at 9.50 euros, and should be booked ahead of time on the museum’s website!
41 – Peek at Amsterdam’s erotic history at the Erotic Museum
There are a few reasons why the Red Light District is one of the most famous districts in Amsterdam and another way to learn why the intrigue and fascination in the world of eroticism, is to visit the award-winning Erotic Museum.
Located in a warehouse within the Red Light District, step inside the 4-leveled museum, and learn about the history of erotica in the Netherlands, learn about taboo subjects, with items such as posters, photographs, and other objects.
Learn about the history of sex work in Amsterdam, and check out the erotica-inspired art inside, including an adult version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, interesting cartoons, and much more!
Tickets for the Erotic Museum start at 8 euros per adult.
42 – See what Amsterdam was like during WWll at Dutch Resistance Museum
Built as a sign of resistance towards the Nazi occupation, the Dutch Resistance Museum sheds light on how Dutch citizens of all different backgrounds got together to push against this difficult moment in European history.
Walking through the museum is created to emit a sensation of walking down the streets of Amsterdam in 1933, with propaganda on the walls, posters, sounds, and imagery. As you walk around, you’ll get a sense of what it was like during the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands, specifically.
The building itself which was previously a Jewish cultural center and synagogue, was transformed into the Resistance Museum in 1999. Even though the museum is small, it leaves quite a lasting impression that should not be missed while you’re in Amsterdam!
Admission starts at 13 euros.
43 – Find out more about the charming canals at the Museum of the Canals
Sure, the canals are an indicative highlight when visiting Amsterdam, and one of the city’s official sights, however, what about learning about the way they’ve influenced the city’s history?
Get your tickets to the exciting Museum of the Canals, situated inside a 17th-century canal house on the Herengracht. Inside, you’ll see beautiful classical-style rooms, with tons of exhibits showcasing the 400+ years of history of the canals in Amsterdam!
With cutting-edge technology and audio-visual exhibits, discover the way the city was built on top of a marshy lake, take a look at drawings of the city, life-size dioramas of typical canal houses, and lastly, step inside the quaint Museum’s Canal Garden.
Free 40-50 minute audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, for your convenience.
44 – Explore the history of tulips at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Have you ever wondered why tulips are one of the main symbols of the Netherlands? It’s time to find out about this, and so much fascinating history relating to the scenic landscape of tulips that takes over the country every spring at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum.
See how the tulip plant arrived in the Netherlands in the 16th century from the Ottoman Empire and the spread of intrigue and love of this beautiful and colorful flower.
Learn about its cultivation in the Netherlands with numerous multimedia screens, and if you’re a true gardener at heart, make sure to stop by the museum shop to buy a few items for your garden back home!
The museum is located near the Anne Frank House.
45 – Visit the Royal Family’s church at De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam
Check out the fascinating history behind the De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam (The New Church Amsterdam) a church located near the Royal Palace, used as the scene of many important Royal Family affairs.
From royal coronations to funerals, and other important moments, De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam has played an important role in Dutch history. Inside, check out the detailed altar, grand organ, and even the tomb of Michiel de Ruyter, a Dutch war hero of the 1600s.
See as the sun pours into the church through its colorful stained glass windows, however, if you want to take pictures, you may need to ask permission first.
The church is located in the heart of the city and has free entry.
46 – Get high on knowledge at the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
If you’re interested in learning about all the Coffee Shops in the city, while also learning more about the recreational uses of the hemp plant (a historic crop) and all its other uses, then a visit to the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum is in order!
Learn about how the hemp plant has been used in textiles, medicine, paper, and even as oil for lamps, and how today, it’s a great eco-alternative to cotton. Go to the second exhibit and browse the Hemp Gallery, and see the different ways in which this plant has also been the focal point in art.
The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum is located in central Amsterdam. General admission starts at 9 euros, and children are free with an adult.
47 – Get educated at the Sexmuseum
Wander through one of the most-visited museums in the Netherlands, the Sexmuseum, offering a glimpse into the world of human sexuality throughout history, with other fun exhibits including a wax figure of Marilyn Monroe and more.
Filled with suggestive decor that you’re allowed to take photos with, the Sexmuseum unapologetically showcases the different realms of sexuality freely, with a bit of comedy infused, through art, photographs that playfully suggest sexual novelty.
At this museum, you won’t find any kind of advanced technology or multimedia screens sharing facts and statistics, it’s all about what’s in front of you.
Visit it any day of the week between 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. General admission starts at 9 euros, and only people 16 years and up are allowed inside.
48 – Have a purr-fect time at The Kattenkabinet Cat Museum
Cat lovers! Amsterdam didn’t forget about you! Step inside the fascinating and quirky The Kattenkabinet Cat Museum, showcasing funky art depictions of cats, from paintings, and sculptures, to drawings, from famous artists.
Enjoy browsing through Picasso and Rembrandt’s cat-inspired art inside this curious-filled museum, which was opened by a wealthy Dutchman called William Meijer, who wanted to commemorate the memory of his cat, Tom.
Situated inside a historic 1667 house, surrounded by office buildings that belong to the city’s top attorneys, this museum is filled with fun curiosities worth the visit even if you’re not a cat person! You may even bump into the 5 residents of the museum inside, so keep an eye on where you’re stepping!
Admission is 10 euros for adults.
Need a place to stay in Amsterdam?
Rest up at the whimsical and chic Hotel Estheréa, situated in the center of Amsterdam, and with proximity to the Museum of the Canals and the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, both under a 10-minute walk!
Stay at the artsy and modern nhow Amsterdam Rai hotel, and enjoy the exceptional hospitality, clean rooms, and amazing city views! Stay close to the famous Rijksmuseum, only a 13-minute train ride or 12-minute bike ride!
Enjoy the classic digs at the Amsterdam Barangay, featuring exposed brick, thick wooden beams, and all the modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Only a 5-minute walk is the famous Anne Frank House!
Stay near the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum when you stay at the De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel. Relish the clean and chic rooms, enjoy the evenings on the terrace, and take your breakfast in the garden every morning.
Visiting Amsterdam museums on a budget?
Stretch your travel budget a bit more when you purchase the I Amsterdam City Card! With one single price, you’ll be able to pick out a handful of Amsterdam tourist attractions to explore all over the city with priority entry, while enjoying extra perks like unlimited free public transport and a 24-hour bike rental!
As a bonus, cardholders also get a free canal cruise!
Looking for other fun things to do in Amsterdam?
Looking for other incredible things to do in Amsterdam? From a scenic cruise through the canals, admiring the varied neighborhoods of the city, and stunning canal houses, to a city-wide scavenger hunt where you make the city your playground – enjoy all the incredible things left to see in this world-class city!
Want to explore beyond the city limits? Wander out to Zaanse Schans Windmills, breathing in fresh Dutch countryside air, as you stumble upon the cute windmill village. Learn about the eco-friendly properties of windmills, and take your pictures with the colorful tulips!
Lastly, enjoy the incredible views of the city from the top of the A’DAM Toren Lookout! The city’s most popular observation deck with more than just a 360-degree viewpoint.
Daredevils, swing from the top of the world on the Swing Over The Edge activity, or those who want to take it easy, can hit the rooftop bar instead.
Final thoughts
Alright, you made it through the best museums in Amsterdam! Which ones caught your eye? From the taboo to the holy, the classical art to the cannabis-inspired art – you can now make the best choices based on what you’re looking to experience while in Amsterdam!
Let us know which one you’re hitting up first!
Happy travels!