Known for its iconic canal network, charming townhouses, art scene and cycling culture, Amsterdam has plenty to explore. Millions of visitors travel to Holland each year to visit its world-class museums and learn more about the Netherland’s fascinating capital.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast hoping to lay eyes on famous masterpieces or a visitor looking to immerse yourself in the city’s culture and history, read on to find out everything you need to know about the most interesting museums in Amsterdam.
How to Get to Amsterdam
You can get to Amsterdam by taking a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam. With daily crossings taking just under 16 hours, bring your vehicle, the kids and as much luggage as you can carry for your Holland adventure!
What to expect onboard
Our Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry offers an unforgettable onboard experience, featuring comfortable, spacious cabins designed for ultimate relaxation. Choose our sea view cabins for breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea, and make your journey just as exciting as the destination.
Our on board restaurants are perfect for family dining, while kids’ activities include our wildlife watching experience and the always-exciting kids’ club.
Amsterdam’s Rich Culture and History
Amsterdam weaves together centuries of captivating history with a vibrant culture. Once a modest fishing village, the city blossomed into a thriving metropolis during the Dutch Golden Age, when it burst onto the global stage as a hub of trade, finance and art. Traces of this transformation unfold throughout the city, from the winding curves of its UNESCO-listed canals to world-renowned museums where Rembrandt and Van Gogh’s masterpieces hang side-by-side.
Today, the city blends historic charm with modern innovation, offering diverse dining options, an active cycling culture and a dynamic social scene, rooted in openness and creativity. Whether you’re visiting Holland with the kids or with your partner, a trip to Amsterdam is one you won’t forget.
Must-See Museums
Bursting with culture and history around every corner, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is home to many world-famous museums. From the most bizarre to the most fascinating museums in Amsterdam, we’ve categorised some must-see spots, including the Netherlands’ iconic national museum:
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, home to more than 8,000 works of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Charting 800 years of Dutch history, the museum offers tours and workshops, making it a must-see for tourists hoping to soak in the city’s rich culture.
Ticket price: €25 per adult
Iconic Amsterdam Museums
With more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters, the Van Gogh Museum is home to the world’s largest collection dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh. Learn about his life and works, and admire some of his most iconic pieces, including the Van Gogh Museum’s Sunflowers collection.
Ticket price: €24 per adult
The Anne Frank House Museum is dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager who diarised her life during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. Today, the museum occupies the unassuming house where Anne and her family hid from their persecutors, preserving the secret annexe and displaying original artefacts, including pages from Anne’s diary.
Ticket price: €16 per adult
Art and Design Museums
The Stedelijk Museum features works of modern and contemporary art and design, home to over 90,000 pieces, including artists Kandinsky, Matisse and Warhol. Known for its bold architecture and innovative exhibitions, the museum blends classic and cutting-edge styles, making it an exciting space for exploring visual culture and artistic movements.
Ticket price: €22.50 per adult
H’ART Museum Formally known as the Hermitage Amsterdam, the H’ART Museum is located on the Amstel River, showcasing a range of world-class exhibitions. Housed in the historic Amstelhof building, which dates back to the 17th century, the museum offers a mix of modern and classical art, including some fantastic temporary exhibitions.
Ticket price: €38.50 per adult
Unique Museums
KattenKabinet (The Cat Cabinet)
KattenKabinet (the Cat Cabinet) is a quirky museum dedicated to cats, featuring paintings, sculptures, posters and photographs that celebrate feline charm, including works by Picasso and Rembrandt. It’s a must-see for cat lovers and anyone seeking a twist on a traditional museum experience!
Ticket price: €12.50 per adult
Electric Ladyland – The First Museum of Fluorescent Art
The only museum of its kind in the world, Electric Ladyland is entirely dedicated to the phenomenon of fluorescence; visitors step into a glowing, multi-coloured space, where they become part of the artwork itself. The museum showcases dazzling fluorescent minerals, vintage fluorescent adverts and artworks that light up under UV light.
Ticket price: €5 per adult
Free Museums in Amsterdam
While many major Amsterdam museums require ticket purchase, there are some cultural experiences you can enjoy for free, including:
The Amsterdam City Archives – Home to historic maps, drawings, objects, a library and extensive sound, film and photo archives, you could spend hours here exploring the history of Amsterdam.
Open Space Contemporary Art Museum (OSCAM) – Showcasing a blend of art, fashion, design and craftsmanship, the museum highlights Amsterdam’s cultural diversity, with exhibitions from known and unknown artists.
The Amsterdam Cheese Museum – The perfect place for cheese lovers, you’ll learn about the history of Dutch cheese, old vintage cheese tools and enjoy a free tasting, with the opportunity to buy souvenirs.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam’s Museums
Ticket Information and Discounts
Many popular attractions require advanced booking, especially during peak tourist season, so make sure you check before you arrive. Look for online discounts for families, students or seniors, as some museums offer reduced admission fees.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
Enhance your museum experience by taking advantage of guided, audio and private tours, which are available at most attractions. For families, some museums provide special audio tours for kids, with engaging storytelling and interactive elements designed to keep young visitors entertained.
Are museums open on Sunday in Amsterdam?
Most museums in Amsterdam are open on Sundays, but check each museum’s website to confirm.
Making the Most of Your Museum Visits
To help you make the most out of your museum trips, we’ve devised some helpful tips:
Start your day early to avoid crowds, especially at popular tourist attractions like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.
Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.
Wear comfortable shoes to be ready for plenty of walking.
Bring a small bag for essentials, including water and snacks, personal items, souvenirs or museum maps.
Take breaks throughout the day and visit museum cafés and restaurants, which often serve delicious Dutch refreshments.
Organise a rough itinerary for your day so you don’t miss out on any must-see museums.
