These houses of historical and artistic wonders are Amsterdam’s most treasured museums, and every visitor to Amsterdam should try to reach at least one or two of them. Once you’ve reached “the big three,” you might also consider other Amsterdam museum ideas.
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Rijksmuseum
Direction
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 674 7000
Web
Visit the website
Since the country’s largest national museum completed its extensive ten-year renovation, the Rijksmuseum has been better than ever – no wonder the number of visitors has increased since its completion in 2013. For a decade, visitors were limited to an abbreviated exhibition of Dutch art from the 17th and 18th centuries (confined to just one wing of the huge neo-Gothic building); Now, the museum has reoccupied all of its premises for a series of exhibits that fit the scope of its massive collection. The highlights of the collection include works from the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Netherlands colonization and commercial endeavors made it the richest country in the world. The collection features impressive displays of Delftware, silver, and other artifacts, as well as paintings by the Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. The imposing exterior architecture of the museum is a sight to see.
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Museum Van Gogh
Direction
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 570 5200
Web
Visit the website
One of Amsterdam’s favorite attractions for all ages, the Van Gogh Museum allows visitors to get up close and personal with the dotted brush strokes and somewhat troubled life of one of the world’s most beloved European artists. The Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, and also houses works by other 19th century artists, including Cézanne, Gauguin, Monet, Seurat, Sisley, and Toulouse-Lautrec, in its permanent collection. The temporary exhibitions in the modern annex are also impressive.
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Anne Frankhuis (Anne Frank House)
Direction
Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Telephone
+31 20 556 7105
Web
Visit the website
Don’t miss the chance to see where Anne Frank wrote her now world famous diary, which tells the story of a young Jewish woman in hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in WWII. Seeing the secret annex and many other rooms in this restored canal house is a moving experience and well worth enduring the ever-present crowds. Skip the lines by visiting early or late in the day, or by purchasing special-access nightly tickets in advance.
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Visitor tip: Amsterdam tourist discount passes
Museums in the Netherlands are expensive. If you plan to visit more than two or three, consider one of the city’s tourist discount passes. Please note that the “i amsterdam” card only entitles visitors to a € 2.50 discount on entry to the Rijksmuseum; The other two museums are free for cardholders. The cost of the three museums is € 47 at the time of publication, while the pass, which includes free public transport, a canal tour, free entry to 40 museums in the city and other benefits, starts at € 55 for 24 hours.
The Museumkaart, on the other hand, costs € 59.90 and is valid for one year of museum visits across the country; However, since it is aimed primarily at Dutch residents, it does not include specific benefits for the tourist, such as free public transport and a canal tour.
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Visitor tip: where to eat near the Museumplein
Direction
1071 Amsterdam, The NetherlandsGet directions
Web
Visit the website
There is much to do in the immediate vicinity of the Museumplein. For starters, don’t miss these recommended restaurants near the Museumplein. If you need a break from the room after the heated room of priceless artworks, head to the Vondelpark for a breath of fresh air.
Another option is to take a stroll along the Ruysdaelkade (10-minute walk) to explore the De Pijp district and the fantastic multicultural restaurants centered on Marie Heinekenplein. The city south of the Canal District is one of the best areas for a leisurely stroll, with new places to discover each season, so be sure to coordinate your museum visits to allow some free time to explore!
Edited by Kristen de Joseph.
