Location: Amsterdam
Top Things to do in Amsterdam
The 10 Best Museums in Amsterdam, North Holland Province
This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe's most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor's itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals navigating Amsterdam's labyrinthine streets, or just take in the sights on foot. For an unusual and memorable alternative to hotels, consider staying in a houseboat.
Restaurants in Amsterdam
1. Museum Vrolik
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
The Museum Vrolikianum was the private anatomical collection of the Amsterdam anatomists Gerard (1775-1859) and Willem Vrolik (1801-1863). After their deaths, the collection was further expanded by other Amsterdam anatomists. The human body is the central focus in Museum Vrolik. What do we look like on the inside? What diseases did people suffer from in the past? Skeletons and wet specimens show the devastating effects of diseases like rickets (English disease), TBC and syphilis. Congenital malformations are also on display, such as cyclopia and conjoined twins. Museum Vrolik has a large collection of animal anatomy as well.
Reviewed By tonis927 - Bury St. Edmunds, United Kingdom
All those poor deformed babies in jars make for a fascinating yet sorrowful experience. Luckily modern medicine is able to prevent such horrors as Cyclopia and rickets but not for these poor souls. If like me you have a fascination for the bizarre and grotesque this is for you. It's situated in what looks like a hospital/medical college on the south side of Amsterdam which was about a 30 minute Uber from our hotel in the West of the city but I'm so glad we went. Entrance fee is €7.50, very cheap compared to BodyWorlds which is over double the price. It's also more interesting in my opinion. Having seen BodyWorlds 20 years ago in London and again the same week as the Vrolic Museum I can testify this is much better value for money. It's small and your not meant to take photos but what you will see will stay with you for a long time.
2. Micro Art Amsterdam
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By bluberri22
This exhibit seemed to be a hidden gem, I saw only four visitors during our 2 hour stay. Because each piece was so intricate and small, the small crowd allowed us to really take our time and appreciate the art. The work itself is mindblowing, incredible pieces of art on the teeniest, tiniest, oddest of canvases. A MUST SEE!!!
3. Youseum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 267 reviews
Youseum is a new immersive art experience, built for you. It's is kaleidoscopic. It’s a little cheeky. It’s a lot of fun. Embark on an uninhibited exploration of the self while tackling some of the most important topics of today, through 15 rooms with 25 experiential elements. Participate in a world that sparks question of what it means to see and be seen.
Reviewed By pablobrusseel - Maldegem, Belgium
If you love taking cool Instagram pictures, this is the place! They provide multiple rooms with cool props.
4. Rijksmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46,609 reviews
The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands. The completely renovated Rijksmuseum tells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and more! Most famous is Rembrandt's masterpiece the Night Watch. A new display of the collection, a renewed building, new public facilities, a revamped garden and a new Asian Pavilion. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Reviewed By Zzbbyy - Oxnard, United States
A fabulous museum This was truly a beautiful experience So loving the Dutch Masters and Rembrandt and all of the other wonderful artists and the sculptures were beyond beautiful Everyone there were friendly and helpful I would highly recommend this museum to anyone Breathtakingly beautiful
5. Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 769 reviews
Visitors can tour this 17th-century canal-side house in Amsterdam, which is filled with furnished period rooms and works of art that were donated by the owner Louisa Willet-Holthuysen to the city in 1895.
Reviewed By alicebenjipietro
This house is beautiful and I was in the mood for a small museum instead of one of the larger and more overwhelming ones. It consists of three floors with an audio guide and takes about an hour, and there is a lovely garden in the back. The paintings (especially of dogs) and art collection is quite impressive for the couples house. I was really amazed on how beautiful and intricate the details were - I would highly recommend giving this house a visit. Each room is so specifically designed and carefully thought through. The staff are also quite friendly. Another plus - there is a bathroom located on each floor. This is a place I would consider holding a private event. Loved it.
6. Joods Historisch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
The Jewish Historical Museum is a modern museum of Jewish heritage housed in four monumental synagogues near Waterlooplein in the heart of Amsterdam. Three permanent exhibitions present the history and culture of the Jewish people in the Netherlands. In addition to the three permanent exhibitions, the museum always offers two great temporary exhibitions and the fun JHM Children's museum.
Reviewed By MissEmilyMc - London, United Kingdom
The Jewish Historical Museum has a main focus on Jewish history, religion and culture which is located in the Jewish Quarter. Throughout the museum there are a range of different objects relating to Jewish life - some being interactive such as being to click on an object through a screen to find out more information regarding it to objects that can be used in the home but also serve a religious purpose. There's a clear contrast as to how religion has changed but in many ways stayed the same. The next floor focuses on the links with Israel, which is mainly seen through the use of an audio guide (which is free as it comes included with the ticket). The next floor represents the history of Jews moving to Amsterdam and the effect that this had on their life throughout the ages - since they had fled from their homes due to anti-Jewish actions and persecutions (during the Middle Ages). The next part of the museum focuses on the history of the Jews from the 1900's to present day, much of which includes information in the form of interviews, films, photos and interviews to see life for Dutch Jews during the Second World War. This museum takes about an hour at least to get through with each object containing detailed information as well as the audio guide serving as a personal guide for when walking around the museum. The museum also features a Children's Museum in which contains a study room in which is used to show visually the different forms of Jewish life such as a Torah as well as a board with letters from a Hebrew book. If you have a big rucksack or a handbag you won't be allowed to bring this in - there are lockers available - but like anything is, this is at your own risk.
7. Van Gogh Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63,781 reviews
Discover the world's largest collection of works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, featuring masterpieces such as Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom and The Bedroom. Book your tickets online. Please consult the museum website for current opening hours.
Reviewed By findlindatavares - Belfast, United Kingdom
you need to book online at least the day before but there are machines outside the museum so its easy to book. The actual museum is fantastic .... very easy to follow the audio tape around the different rooms...plenty of space just to chill and sit and admire the paintings... the history is fascinating and my 11 yr old granddaughter was so inspired she hasnt stopped painting since I loved my visit here and now want to go to New York to see the starry night painting..
8. Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,372 reviews
In the heart of Amsterdam's bustling centre lies one of the city's oldest museums: Museum Our Lord in the Attic. Here visitors get to experience the Dutch Golden Age in a special way: a 17th-century house with a top floor converted into a Catholic church.
Reviewed By ILoveDinglyDell - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Amazing to find what was hidden behind the facade of an old Dutch house bordering one of the canals. Fascinating insight into the life of the house from the 1600s to sometime in the 1800s with the family rooms, storage rooms and at the top of the house, a complete church. We wandered around up and down steep stairs, with our audio guides in hand which we found extremely helpful. Wonderful experience and one not to be missed!
9. Anne Frank House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62,301 reviews
The Anne Frank House (Dutch: Anne Frank Huis) is a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. As a visitor, you experience this story through a audio tour, quotes, photos, videos, and original items. The Anne Frank House can only be visited with an online ticket for a specific date and time.
Reviewed By Skiforever1223 - Salt Lake City, United States
This is a very special museum for many reasons but I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully the museum created the narrative and the spaces they created. My two teenage daughters and I will never forget this experience. I loved the amazing artwork at the end portraying scenes recreated from the hiding place and also recommend taking time to watch the touching tributes video at the end where you hear visitors’ experiences and guest book comments from Nelson Mandela, Steven Spielberg and more. Read or re-read Anne Frank’s diary prior to visiting to really feel the spirit of this young reminder of so many tragically lost. You do have to reserve tickets online. Per the website: 80% of tickets are released exactly two months in advance at 12:00* hours noon, 20% on the day itself. Every day at 9:00* hours, the tickets for the day are made available on this site. (*Amsterdam time). The museum recommends this for children 10 and older. I would recommend 11 yrs. for a well-prepared child. It is a quiet, sober tour and there is one brief concentration camp scene that is graphic. Bag check and audio guides included with your ticket and there is a cafe and shop for after your tour. No photography. You line up outside at your assigned time slot until it’s time for your group to go in and it’s best to take a picture of your ticket rather than try to pull it up in your email because connectivity is spotty. The actual house/store is encased and preserved by the museum surround on Prinsengracht street. We booked an evening visit which also added to the poignancy as you leave the museum and see the canals lit by street lights. Highly recommend.
10. Het Scheepvaartmuseum| The National Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,166 reviews
Het Scheepvaartmuseum, The National Maritime Museum, tells inspiring stories of how the sea is in our genes. Come and enjoy the stimulating, interactive exhibitions and the stunning 17th century building.
Reviewed By SPeeeAndDeeee - Toronto, Canada
One of the stops on the Hop on Hop Off is the National Maritime Museum.My wife who is museum averse loved the guided tour of the Amsterdam sailing ship replica which gave one a good insight into the real life on a ship instead of the romanticized"Pirates of the Caribbean" world. Some of the static displays in the very large main building were hard to find & visit without searching multiple floors . The service in the on site restaurant was absolutely atrocious. We gave up after half an hour with out our order being taken and asking three staff members to take it
