Best Museums In Amsterdam

From historical monuments to world famous art, a cultural celebration and a tribute to bags and purses, when it comes to Museums, Amsterdam has a wide choice. But where to start? Where should you go? Here’s a run down of some of the best.

1. Museum of Bags and Purses

Set in a 17^th century canal front house, the Museum of Bags and Purses chronicles the history of the humble handbag from medieval times to the present day. With over 5,000 pieces on display, it’s a delight to browse for fashionistas and is a wonderful tribute to items we use everyday but take for granted.

See a silk French bridal handbag from the 1700s, a Louis Vuitton trunk and bamboo picnic basket then head to the museum’s café for some afternoon tea overlooking the lovely courtyard. You could even treat yourself to a unique handbag from the museum shop too!

Buy tickets here: https://tassenmuseum.nl/en/

Photo Credit: NBTC

2. The Cheese Museum

Small and unassuming, the Amsterdam Cheese Museum is more like a shop with a small exhibition in the basement. That being said, it is still well worth a visit as the choice of cheese to taste is fantastic and they make a great gift to bring back for a loved one – just maybe avoid the smelliest ones, you don’t want to stink out your suitcase!

Learn about the art of cheese making, see the most expensive cheese slicer in the world and dress up like a traditional Dutch cheese farmer.

Entry to the museum is free of charge, just turn up and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Photo Credit: NBTC

3. Anne Frank House

See the house where schoolgirl Anne Frank hid with her family for several years during The Holocaust and penned her famous diary. You can also find out more about Jewish life and persecution in Amsterdam before and during WW2. Outside on Prinsengracht stands the bronze statue of the iconic schoolgirl who became a symbol of hope in the horrors of the Holocaust.

We recommend booking your visit ahead as there are daily long queues outside for tickets on the day. Book your tickets here: https://www.annefrank.org/en/

Photo Credit: NBTC

4. Van Gogh Museum

Learn more about one of Holland’s most famous sons, Vincent Van Gogh, at the Van Gogh Museum, home to over 1,400 pieces of his works including his iconic ‘Sunflowers’ painting. The museum is well worth a visit to find out more about his tumultuous life and discover his lesser known works too.

It’s consistently one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands, drawing visitors from around the world. Gain an insight into the mind of a creative, troubled artist who painted some of the most beautiful works in the world.

Buy tickets here: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/

5. Heineken Experience

If you’ve had your fill on art, history and cheese, head to the Heineken Experience to find out about the history of the Dutch beer, tour the brewery and feel for yourself what it’s like to be a hop brewed to perfection!

The visit wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the world-famous beer which you can enjoy in the ‘Best ‘Dam Bar’ within the brewery. A nice pit-stop in the middle of a day of sight-seeing and museum hopping!

Buy your tickets here: https://www.heineken.com/heineken-experience

Photo Credit: Heineken Experience

6. Rijksmuseum

This museum is the place to go for art and history lovers, with ancient sculptures, hand-crafted furniture and world class artworks on display. Browse over 2,000 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age including Rembrandt’s famous ‘The Night Watch’.

It also has a stunning library with shelves from floor to (a very high ceiling) – a book lovers dream!

Once you’ve browsed the exhibitions head outside to the manicured gardens to enjoy the fresh air.

Buy tickets here: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en

7. National Maritime Museum

Housed in a building from 1656, on an island in Amsterdam harbour where Dutch warships once prepared for battle, the National Maritime Museum traces over 500 years of Dutch naval history. Browse over 400,000 objects, artwork and artefacts and discover more about Holland’s seafaring history. Visit the multiple exhibitions, step back in time to the Dutch Golden Age with a Virtual Reality tour and step onboard a replica of the East Indiaman ship which was lost on its maiden voyage in 1749.

Buy tickets here: https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.com/whats-on/east-indiaman-amsterdam

Photo Credit: NBTC

8. NEMO Science Museum

Nemo Science Museum is a great place for families to spend an afternoon in Amsterdam. Through a series of interactive exhibitions, the museum introduces visitors to concepts of science and technology in playful ways. Five floors are filled with exhibitions, theatre performances, films, workshops and demonstrations, helping children and adults alike experience the wonders of science through the senses. NEMO’s Laboratory even lets you try some scientific experiments for yourself.

After a busy afternoon in the museum, head to the rooftop cafe for a bite to eat and fantastic views across the city.

Buy tickets here: https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en/

Photo Credit: NBTC

9. Eye Filmmuseum

Situated opposite Central Station in the heart of the city, the Eye Filmmuseum showcases the best of cinematic history. As well as a museum, it is also a functioning cinema and a state-of-the-art events venue. It screens a range of films from classics to independent releases, experimental films and more unusual genres.

A permanent exhibition sits on the ground floor which documents the history of film with interactive exhibitions including one which lets you appear in your own film scene. Upstairs four exhibitions take place throughout the year on a range of topics related to film and visual art.

Its canal-front location means you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat by the water while chatting about the latest film you’ve seen there.

Buy tickets here: https://www.eyefilm.nl/en/visit/plan-your-visit

10. Tropenmuseum

Head to the east of the city to visit Tropenmuseum, an art deco building with a colourful history. Throughout the building you can see references to Holland’s colonial ties with mythological animals, proverbs and religious references on pillars, windows and even doorknobs.

During the second world war the German’s occupied the building adjacent to the museum and at the same time, Jewish people were hiding in parts of the museum too with some important documents hidden in hollow statues.

These days it is a museum of world cultures with a range of exhibitions surrounding a central Lichthal or Hall of Light. Exhibitions focus on universal themes that connect people globally and they even have a children’s museum to engage youngsters from an early age.

Buy tickets here: https://www.tropenmuseum.nl/en

Photo Credit: NBTC

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DFDS run daily, overnight ferry crossings from Newcastle to Amsterdam. Find out more here.