20 Cool Museums To Visit in Amsterdam (and the river cruise!) @Iamsterdam
Have you seen the Amsterdam leg of our honeymoon? I shared few videos and photos on our Facebook account and I swear, these shots won’t give justice to how beautiful and rich Amsterdam really is. I am so glad that we included Amsterdam in our itinerary because as newly – weds, we want to learn new things together. And I tell you, this place will give you so much knowledge as it is jam – packed with museums of different kinds.
If you plan to go museum – hopping, I strongly encourage that you get an ‘IAmsterdam card‘ to avoid paying each museum individually. With this card, you can see as many museums as you want to within a specified time. We got mine which is valid for 72 hours and I would say it’s enough. You can get it for 75 Euros or less and get ready to enjoy not just the Amsterdam museums but also some tram rides and even a river or canal cruise!
Speaking of museums, I’ll give you a list of where to go to in Amsterdam. My advice, wear your most comfortable footwear!
1. Amsterdam Rijksmuseum
Do not miss the most visited museum in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Rijksmuseum is filled with arts and history that can give you an overview of the Dutch heritage. You know, it’s really important that you visit museums such as this so you will further understand the country’s culture.
Hours Open : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2. Stedelijk Museum
Are you a fan of modern or contemporary art? If you are, then one of the best places to visit would be Stedelijk Museum. Last year, over 675,000 visitors checked out this museum. Get to see some fine creations from the 20th to the 21st century.
Hours Open : 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
3. Anne Frank House
Another must – visit in Amsterdam is Anne Frank’s House which is considered a biographical museum. If you must know, Anne Frank’s family hid from the Nazi persecution in the secret rooms of a 17th – century canal house. Sadly, the little girl did not survive, but her words are pretty much alive.
Hours Open : 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. Van Gogh Museum
Get to see the largest collection of Van Gogh’s creation. In 1991, a number of Van Gogh’s paintings were stolen but were found minutes after in an abandoned car. To date, it is still considered one of the largest art theft ever committed. By 2002, there was another art theft committed which clearly gives us an idea that Van Gogh’s masterpieces are in demand. Sadly, some people are desperate to have one, or to get money from his works.
Hours Open : 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
5. National Maritime Museum
The museum is situated in an old naval storehouse which was constructed in 1656. Those who are fascinated with maritime history will definitely enjoy the collection. Outside the museum, you can find a replica of Amsterdam, an 18th- century ship.
Hours Open : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
6. Amsterdam Heineken Experience
How about some drinks? Why don’t you join the Amsterdam Heineken Experience and check the historical brewery. Obviously, the beer lovers would enjoy this tour. This is not just about tasting the beer, but rather understanding the evolution of Heineken.
Hours Open : 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
7. Artis Royal Zoo
If you are traveling with kids, then visiting the Artis Royal Zoo is recommended. Your children will love the aquarium and the planetarium as well. The zoo is considered small in size, but most visitors are amazed by how the management maintains the cleanliness and welfare of the animals.
Hours Open : 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
8. Electric Tram Line Museum
It feels great to ride historic trams! Check out this one that connects you from Amsterdam to Amstelveen Bovenkerk. You get to enjoy the view as well.
Hours Open : 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM (early April to late October, every Sunday)
9. Civic Guards Gallery – Schuttersgalerij Amsterdam
While this is not a big exhibit, people who have been here encouraged tourists to pay a visit. It is actually a passage way where you can see massive paintings depicting the lives of Amsterdam guards.
Hours Open : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
10. Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis in Amsterdam
See a beautiful patrician house museum and check out the equally stunning garden. The staff here are so passionate to answer your questions so you would definitely learn a lot from here too.
11. Body Worlds
At some point, it can be pretty scary to see real human bodies as an exhibit, but going to Body Worlds is something you should do. It will show you what happens to our body when we feel different emotions. Weird, yet fascinating at the same time.
Hours Open : 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
12. Museum Kromhout
Be fascinated with a collection of ship engines. Can you believe that some of the engines were used for more than a century? Talk about great quality!
Hours Open : 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Every Tuesday – appointment required)
13. Cheese Museum
Who doesn’t love cheese? Make sure you leave a lot of space in your tummy as you get to try different Dutch Cheese. These free cheese samples would actually make you crave for more!
Hours Open : 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
14. Photography Museum FOAM in Amsterdam
See great photos from this museum. It has different exhibits such as fashion, documentary, and arts among many others. You can find the works of well – known photographers and some great aspiring ones.
Hours Open : 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
15. National Holocaust Museum
Learn the unfortunate stories of Jews during the World War II. Get to know the rescue and survival tales they faced during the ghastly period in their lives.
Hours Open : 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
16. Chess Museum
If you are a chess enthusiast, you might want to consider visiting the museum in Amsterdam. The building where the museum was built, used to be a prison. Also, you will get to know the life story of Max Euwe, a world chess champion from 1935 – 1937.
Hours Open : 12:00 NN – 4:00 PM
17. Tulip Museum
It’s a small museum where you can learn the history of Tulips and its importance to Netherlands. You can buy some for yourself and have a piece of Amsterdam.
Hours Open : 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
18. Computer Museum
If you want to see some of the first ‘advanced’ computer technology, this is a good place to start. Let me tell you this, you would appreciate the technology we have right now even more.
Hours Open : By Appointment
19. Living Horse Museum
How about some horse riding experience? Your kids will love this as well.
Hours Open : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
20. Houseboat Museum
You get to see a real houseboat, and you can even try living in one if you wish to. That would be a great experience, don’t you think?
Hours Open : 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The fun never stops in Amsterdam Museums, with your ‘I am Amsterdam’ card, you can go on a canal cruise and fall in love with this already hard to forget tourist destination.
I’m sure there are still more that you can add to the list, let us know your thoughts and share it with us.
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I didn’t go in the Cheese Museum, but I snapped a pic of the outside and I’ve regretted not going in ever since!
Though living in Amsterdam there are couple of museums I didnt even hear about=) Will schedule some visits this week end. Thanks!