Don’t miss the best museums in Amsterdam on your next trip. After several visits we’ve rounded up our favorite museums in the city—museums worth planning time for. Below you’ll find highlights, standout works to look for, and tips to get the most from each visit.
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Best museums in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for art lovers. Its focused collection shows the progression of Vincent van Gogh’s work and life with many iconic paintings on display. We’ve returned several times and always discover new details in familiar works.
Book your ticket to the Van Gogh Museum
Don’t miss these paintings!
View of a Butcher’s Shop, 1888
Sunflowers, 1889
Self-Portrait in a Straw Hat, 1886
See more in our dedicated Van Gogh Museum post.
Book your ticket to the Van Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum (one of the best museums in Amsterdam)
The Rijksmuseum houses an outstanding collection of Dutch Golden Age painting and decorative arts. Its galleries are expansive and reward slow, attentive visits. Plan enough time to enjoy the highlights as well as some of the less-crowded rooms.
Book your ticket to the Rijksmuseum
A guided tour can deepen your appreciation of the collection and provide historical context for the masterpieces on view.
Guided Rijksmuseum tour (includes entry)
For a different perspective, consider combining a museum visit with a canal cruise—an enjoyable way to see the city after exploring art and history indoors.
Rijksmuseum visit + canal cruise
Don’t miss these paintings!
The Milkmaid, Vermeer, 1657
The Night Watch, Rembrandt, 1642
View of Houses in Delft (“The Little Street”), Vermeer, 1660
Read more in our Rijksmuseum Amsterdam guide.
Book your ticket to the Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt House (Museum Rembrandt Huis)
The Rembrandt House was the artist’s actual home for many years and offers an intimate look at his daily life, studio, and working methods. We’ve enjoyed multiple visits; the house brings Rembrandt’s world to life with period rooms and prints.
Exhibits showcase his etchings, tools, and personal collection, and the layout helps you understand how his style evolved.
Book your ticket to the Rembrandt House
Don’t miss!
The Cabinet of Curiosities
Rembrandt’s Etchings
The Grand Entryway
Book your ticket to the Rembrandt House
The Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a powerful, moving museum. A visit can be emotionally intense, but it offers an important, personal perspective on history. If you read Anne Frank’s diary, visiting the annex where she and her family hid adds depth to the story.
Book your ticket to the Anne Frank House
For fuller historical context, consider a guided walking tour that focuses on Anne Frank’s life and Amsterdam during World War II.
Anne Frank small group walking tour
Don’t miss!
The Anne Frank House gift shop
The museum shop offers books, postcards, and Anne Frank’s diary—useful resources to continue learning after your visit. It’s worth spending time browsing for a meaningful souvenir or reading material to bring home.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
- The Pulitzer – Stay in multiple connected canal houses that form this boutique hotel for an authentic, upscale canal-side experience with a charming bar and restaurant.
- The Dylan – An elegant, centrally located hotel with refined rooms, a notable bar, and excellent dining.
- Eden Hotel Amsterdam – A well-priced four-star boutique option with comfortable, stylish rooms in a convenient location.
- NH City Centre Amsterdam – Reliable, comfortable accommodations with a good central location for exploring the city and museums.
Don’t miss these other activities in Amsterdam!
- Canal cruise with cheese and wine – A relaxing way to see Amsterdam’s canals while sampling local treats.
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum – A highlight for art enthusiasts.
- Visit the Anne Frank House – An important historical visit.
- Visit Rembrandt’s House – See the artist’s residence and learn about his life and work.
More Amsterdam posts to help you plan your trip!
- 2 Days in Amsterdam (what to see, where to stay, what to eat and more)
- Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam (planning tips and highlights)
- Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (visitor guide and must-see works)
Best museums in Amsterdam
Which museums will you visit during your time in Amsterdam?
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