A truly remarkable city to travel to, Amsterdam is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. Not to mention, it’s home to some of the best museums in the country (in all of Europe, for that matter).
The Netherlands’ capital has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many of its most famous institutions located around Museum Park.
If you’re keen on learning more about the Dutch masters, contemporary artists, or anything related to Dutch history and culture (and beyond), the best museums in Amsterdam cover all bases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my disclosure and disclaimer. This post may show pop-ups.
Planning a last-minute trip? Check out these highly-rated accommodations (if you’re looking for the best places to stay in Amsterdam, note that this city is pricier than other European destinations):
1. Nine Streets Inn (mid-range)
2. Hotel Asterisk 3 star superior (mid-range)
3. Hotel V Nesplein (luxury)
How to Visit the Best Museums in Amsterdam for Free – I Amsterdam City Card
City passes are not always guaranteed to save you money, so to decide if the I Amsterdam City Card is worth it, you need to consider which and how many attractions you’re going to visit.
If you only have a weekend in Amsterdam, don’t try to see too many museums (as awesome as they are), and be sure to enjoy other aspects of the Dutch capital.
The card is a bit pricey, but it offers free entrance to many museums in the city, one canal cruise, and unlimited use of public transportation (including bike rental).
If you’re taking a day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, the card also gives you free access to most museums and attractions.
I think it’s best to decide on the museums you’ll visit and then understand whether the card will save you money or not.
Check out the full list of attractions you can visit for free with the card and buy your I Amsterdam City Card here.
Art and History Amsterdam Museums
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The Royal Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the Netherlands. In an unassuming building, the museum hides in plain sight in the beautiful European square, Dam Square. The façade hides one of the richest and most decorative buildings in the Netherlands.
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam was originally designed as the Amsterdam town hall during the Golden Age of the Netherlands. It reflects all the riches and wealth the Dutch had gathered during this golden era in the 17th century.
Much of the palace is still original from that time, and you’ll see many marks of the Golden Age when visiting. The main hall is rife with symbols of Amsterdam, depicting its role as a major player in the European trade.
Use the free audio tour to learn how the marbles, sculptures, world maps, and chandeliers in the main hall tell Amsterdam’s history.
The Amsterdam town hall became a palace during the French occupation of the Netherlands in the 19th century. French emperor Napoleon installed his younger brother, Louis Napoleon, as the king of the Netherlands.
The old Town Hall subsequently became his palace. He created living quarters brimming with luxurious furniture still present in the palace today.
The Dutch royal family continued to use the palace, mainly to welcome foreign leaders and royal guests. When the Royal Palace is not in use for receptions, it is open for visitors.
Price: €13.50 (not free to visit with the city card). It is highly recommended to book your Royal Palace tickets in advance.
Rijksmuseum
One of the best museums to visit in Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum (located at Museum Square).
It is the Dutch National Art Museum which houses some true masterpieces of famous Dutch painters, such as Vincent van Gogh, Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals, and of course Rembrandt van Rijn.
The latter is also the creator of the museum’s most famous artwork – The Night Watch (no, this is not a painting of Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly for all you Game of Thrones fans).
The Night Watch, officially called Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq, is mostly famous for its enormous proportions (almost 4 by 4 meters) and the brilliant use of light and shadows. Note that it is temporarily not visible.
Even if Dutch art is not quite your cup of tea, there is still no need to skip the Rijksmuseum. Apart from Dutch art, the museum also has an extensive international art collection.
It is not only the most visited Dutch museum but also the largest art museum by size and collection, so it must be on your Amsterdam itinerary.
Price: €25. It is one of the most popular Amsterdam museums, so book your ticket in advance here.
It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card, and you can reserve your spot here (and mark the “other free or reduced admissions” option).
Moco Museum (Modern and Contemporary Museum)
An exciting addition to Amsterdam’s top museums, this one offers a fresh take on the “usual” museum experience. There are striking contrasts between the contemporary artwork on display here and those at most other museums.
Enjoy an amazing display of Banksy artwork at the Moco Museum, as well as the rotating exhibitions from some of the most talented pop artists in the world.
Price: From €19.95, depending on the hour of the visit. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card. You can book your ticket here (with the city card, you don’t have to pick a timeslot in advance – see notes here).
Van Gogh Museum
One of the top museums in Amsterdam to visit is the Van Gogh Museum. It is the most popular museum in the country, and it is one of the best places for modern art in the Netherlands.
The Van Gogh Museum is, obviously, all about Van Gogh, and it houses the world’s largest collection of his artworks. These include Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossoms, and many others.
What’s also great about the museum is the order in which you can see the works of art as Van Gogh made different types of art during certain phases of his life.
Besides the paintings, you can see other objects at this museum. For example, you can see drawings and letters by Van Gogh as well as works by other artists from the same genre like Claude Monet, John Russell, and others.
Price: €25. You need to get your ticket in advance.
Anne Frank House
While Amsterdam is quite famous for its wacky and fun museums, the Anne Frank House falls to the other end of the scale being one of the most serious museums in the city.
That being said, it is also one of the most compelling, impactful museums in the world and a place that everyone visiting Amsterdam should set aside an entire day to see.
You have probably heard of the famous diary of Anne Frank, the personal story written by a young Jewish girl who went into hiding in the attic of a small home in Amsterdam during WWII. The Anne Frank House is just that, the actual home where she and her family hid from the Nazis.
The museum was set up in 1957 with the help of Anne’s surviving father, Otto Frank. It will surely leave an impact on you for the rest of your life.
If you haven’t read the book, it is a great idea to read it before visiting the museum. Still, even if you haven’t, you can wander the rooms and read excerpts from her diary, which speaks of the very walls and windows at which you are looking.
Note that Anne Frank’s home has a lot of steep stairs and is unfortunately not accessible for those who have mobility limitations. However, the modern addition to the museum which houses temporary exhibitions is accessible via ramps.
Price: €16.5 for adults (not free to visit with the city card). As it is quite small and extremely popular, tickets often sell out quickly, so book yours here.
Every first Tuesday of the month, all tickets for the following month become available, and you must choose a specific time slot for your visit.
If you only have 1 or 2 days in Amsterdam, you cannot miss this museum!
Rembrandt House Museum (Rembrandthuis)
If you’re a fan of Baroque paintings and Rembrandt in particular, you should visit the house where this Dutch master lived and worked between 1639 and 1656.
Rembrandt went bankrupt in 1656, and the 17th-century interior was reconstructed with furniture and objects from this era based on the inventory drawn up when he declared bankruptcy. It is full of charm and quite different from what you might be used to.
Here you’ll find a great number of Rembrandt’s etchings, as well as some paintings by other Dutch Golden Age painters.
Besides the etching demonstrations, perhaps the most interesting to see is the artist’s studio. This is where you’ll find a vast array of objects he collected from all over the world, some of which were featured in his paintings.
Price: €23.5. You can purchase your museum ticket here. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card, and you can still reserve your spot here (see the city card’s €0 admission option).
The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
Known in Dutch as Het Scheepvaartmuseum, the National Maritime Museum is a must-visit museum in Amsterdam dedicated to the rich maritime history of the Netherlands and how it influenced Dutch culture.
This museum is located by the water and features a replica of a Dutch East Indiaman ship from the 18th century. Maps, models, paintings, and weapons are also on display as well as an array of interesting artifacts.
It is a unique place with lots of fun and fascinating exhibitions, and a visit here will give you a fresh perspective on just how influential the Netherlands was in shipping and sailing.
Price: €20. Get your ticket in advance here.
It’s also free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card, so if you purchase it, reserve your spot here (and mark the suitable admission option).
Stedelijk Museum
As the largest museum in the Netherlands dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk Museum is without a doubt a must-see museum in Amsterdam.
It boasts a collection of tens of thousands of art and design pieces from the late 19th century to the present day, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and many others.
It’s the kind of museum you can spend hours exploring, so consider that when planning your itinerary.
Price: €22.5. You can purchase your museum ticket here. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card, and you can still reserve your spot here (see the city card’s €0 admission option).
Jewish Historical Museum
The only museum in the Netherlands dedicated to Jewish history, culture, and religion, the JHM is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural Quarter and housed in four former synagogues.
Through a magnificent collection of art pieces, religious objects, photographs, and other exhibits, you’ll get to know the history and life of the Jewish community in the Netherlands (and worldwide).
Your visit can also include the Portuguese Synagogue, which dates back to the 17th century and is one of the largest in the world.
Price: €20. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card. If you’re not getting the city card, you can purchase your museum ticket here (though it is not mandatory to book it in advance).
Wereldmuseum
The Wereldmuseum (formerly Tropenmuseum) in Amsterdam was founded in 1864 as the Koloniaal Museum (Colonial Museum) to showcase ethnographic artifacts from overseas Dutch colonies. The goal was to study these cultures and educate the public about these distant parts of the kingdom.
While the goal of the museum is still education, the tone is much more critical. The Tropenmuseum regularly hosts exhibitions on social justice issues, such as race and gender, as well as cultural diversity around the world.
Even the permanent collection does not shy away from the brutal Dutch history of colonialism and slavery. Yet the atmosphere in the museum is not dark or hopeless. The focus remains on the beauty of cultural diversity and fostering open-mindedness.
It is also suitable for children, with very accessible exhibitions and fun activities. The building itself is a historical monument, built in the early 20th century, and a gorgeous example of Dutch architecture.
Price: €18. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card. You can book tickets or reserve your spot here (see the city card’s €0 admission option).
Foam
The Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, or Foam, is a world-renowned photography museum in Amsterdam that houses a massive collection of old photographs.
This museum aims to inspire and inform its visitors about the art of photography in all its forms.
In addition to still photos, the museum also showcases multimedia displays. Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions and events take place at Foam.
On top of that, you can attend workshops organized by Foam and purchase limited-edition photographs from time to time.
Price: €8. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card.
Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
One of the most interesting museums in Amsterdam is the Dutch Resistance Museum, aka Verzetsmuseum.
It is a small museum that offers insight into daily life during the Nazi occupation in Amsterdam and the brave residents who stood up for their freedom.
There are many permanent exhibits in the museum depicting the streets of the city during the German occupation in WWII.
In addition to the photographs, papers, mini-films, letters, and other artifacts, there is also a collection of newspaper articles recovered from this dark period in the city’s history.
This is the perfect way to cap off a day of learning about the Dutch Resistance Movement and the heroic, seemingly average citizens who risked it all to help those in need.
Price: €17.5 (there’s also a special ticket deal for families). It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card.
Other Museums to See in Amsterdam
Nemo Science Museum
A popular attraction for all ages and the largest science museum in the Netherlands, NEMO is a great addition to any Amsterdam itinerary. The five-floor building designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano will surprise you.
The museum houses the most amazing interactive exhibitions, including sections teaching you about humankind, DNA, light, sound, different sources of energy, chemistry, and so much more. If you’re looking for cool museums in Amsterdam, this one ticks that box.
Price: €21.5. You must purchase your ticket in advance. It’s also free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card (reserve your spot here and mark the suitable admission option for the city card under “show more tickets”).
Diamant Museum
The Diamant Museum is the only museum of its kind in Europe that encapsulates 300 years of the history of diamonds. It’s a great place to learn and realize why Amsterdam was called the “city of diamonds”.
In the 17th century, Amsterdam became the Diamond Capital of the World – a center for the polishing and trading of diamonds. In the second half of the 20th century, it shifted to Antwerp, Belgium, but Amsterdam remained a trading hub.
Besides the history, you will also learn about the entire process of cutting diamonds and making jewelry. You will also learn what distinguishes good quality diamonds from regular ones – the 4 C’s of the diamond industry. These are Color, Carat, Cut, and Clarity.
The museum also has an incredible collection of royal crowns from all over the world. Other attractions here are the diamond tennis racket, diamond sword, and the bridal tiara of Queen Elizabeth II.
**The museum is currently closed and will reopen in a new location in 2026.
Canal House Museums (Top 3)
Amsterdam is famous for its charming canals surrounding the old city center. They used to be the most popular place for wealthy citizens to build their city palaces.
Nowadays, their old monumental canal houses are still among the most expensive places to live in the Netherlands.
Luckily, some of those city palaces have survived time and still look like they did during the Golden Age. And you can visit them as museums when exploring Amsterdam.
The three best canal house museums to visit are Museum Willet-Holthuysen, Museum Van Loon, and the Museum of the Canals.
The Willet-Holthuysen House dates back to the 17th century. It has the most stunning period rooms, and its 18th-century garden is a must-visit as well.
Price: €15. You can book your ticket here. It’s also free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card.
The Museum Van Loon was constructed during the Golden Age in the 17th century and was named after the family that owned the house since the 18th century.
The houses on this part of the Keizersgracht canal have a coach house in their garden. The one at Van Loon is now a museum café.
Price: €17.50. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card.
The Museum of the Canals (Grachtenmuseum) should be on your Amsterdam museum wishlist as well. It’s located in one of the most beautiful canal houses in the city.
However, you’re not going to visit it for its authentic period rooms as it has been transformed into a museum depicting the history of Amsterdam.
Price: €18.5. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card.
Electric Ladyland
Given Amsterdam’s reputation coupled with the name of this interesting museum, you’ll be in for a surprise when you realize what is actually behind the doors of Electric Ladyland.
It is the only museum on this list devoted to fluorescent light, making it incredibly different from the rest.
The museum is a great choice if you have paid a visit to Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops beforehand. Guests take part in creating a wild light show experience as the light reflections create a reflection off their clothing, skin, and teeth.
This is the first fluorescent art museum of its kind in the world, and it was founded by American artist Nick Padalino who decided to call it Electric Ladyland. Jimi Hendrix, anyone?
Price: €5. You must reserve your spot here.
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, grandmasters such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, and the Dutch tulips. There are several options for enjoying tulips in and around Amsterdam.
You can go to the flower market, visit Keukenhof, or visit the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, where you will learn everything about the special history of the tulip.
It takes you back to the first discovery of the contemporary way tulips are used in the Netherlands. It takes about 30-60 minutes to see everything.
The biggest advantage of the museum is that it is one of the best places to buy tulips. You can ask the staff which tulips you can get past customs without any problems because this differs per country.
Price: €7 per person, but there are also discounted family tickets. The museum is free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card.
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder
Founded in 1888, the Our Lord in the Attic Museum (as it is known in English) is set in a 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam’s center.
Formerly, the top three floors of the building housed a clandestine Catholic church used by devout worshipers who could not practice their religion in public.
Despite this, the authorities turned a blind eye, and the exhibits on display demonstrate the long-standing tolerance and freedom of religion in the Netherlands.
This church and the rooms below it are preserved well, and it is truly an amazing place to visit – unlike any other church you’ll ever see.
Price: €18. It’s free to visit with the I Amsterdam City Card. You can book your ticket here (and mark the free admission option if you’ve purchased the city card).
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*Most of this post was written by Jade Laurenza.
You forgot the most beautiful museum in Amsterdam: Huis Marseille, the first photography museum of Amsterdam.
Thank you for the recommendation, René 🙂