Amsterdam is one of the most culturally rich capital cities in Europe. The lively streets are full of history, unique quirks, and quintessentially Dutch experiences. With so many things to do in Amsterdam, one of my personal favourites is museum hopping around the city’s countless museums!
With this guide, I’ve selected the top ten best museums in Amsterdam for you to visit, with a mix of popular and unique museums in Amsterdam. For those looking to visit Amsterdam on a budget, there are a handful of cheap and free museums in Amsterdam included as well! Pick one, a handful, or try to tick them all off the list – with history and culture, classic and modern art, there’s something in this guide for everyone and you’ll definitely leave having learned a lot about the wonderful city of Amsterdam.
Make sure you read to the end, where I’ll take you through some of Amsterdam’s museum cards, which can save you a lot of money if you plan to visit a few of these museums in Amsterdam.
If you’re just starting to plan a trip to Amsterdam, make sure you check out my Complete Amsterdam Travel Guide. It has everything you need for the perfect trip to the Dutch capital and is the best place to start!
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Popular Museums in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
Arguably the most iconic of all of the museums in Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ national museum. The 8,000 artefacts on display tell the story of the Netherlands through history, from the year 1200 to the current day. As the largest museum in the country, Rijksmuseum dominates Amsterdam’s dedicated museum space, Museumplein.
You can see art from famous Dutch painters such as Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer, as well as a wide array of other paintings, sculptures, furniture, and more. You’ll also find various temporary exhibits, which in the past have showcased stories of Dutch slavery, and portraits from Dutch photographers.
Address | Open Daily 9 am-5 pm | Website | Book Tickets
Van Gogh Museum
A short walk along the grassy park of Amsterdam’s Museumplein sees you at the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of art from famous Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh and is the most visited museum in the country.
The museum has over 200 pieces of art in Van Gogh’s iconic post-impressionist style, and seeing so much of his art collected in one place is an incredible experience. Some of the highlights include The Bedroom, Van Gogh’s self-portrait, and Sunflowers.
Address | Open Daily 9 am-6 pm (seasonal closures of 5 pm, check website before visiting) | Website | Book Tickets
The Heineken Experience
One of the world’s most famous beers started along a canal in Amsterdam over 150 years ago. Although their rapid expansion has moved the production process outside of Amsterdam, you still have the unique opportunity to visit the old brewery and learn about Heineken’s story.
During the Heineken experience, you’ll tour the brewery, learning all about the history of the brand and how they make the iconic beer. What’s more, you’ll get to enjoy some Heineken beer after the tour in the dedicated bar – an experience you won’t get from many other museums in Amsterdam!
Address | Open Sun-Thurs 10:30 am-7:30 pm; Fri-Sat 10:30 am-9 pm | Website | Book Tickets
Top Tip: If you’re a beer fanatic, you might like this VIP guided tour of the Heineken Experience for a truly special experience in Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
One of the most widely-known and devastating stories to emerge from Dutch history is that of Anne Frank. The young Jewish girl spent some time in hiding in Amsterdam during the Nazi regime. The diary she kept during this time was published after her death and is one of the most famous pieces of literary work worldwide.
In Amsterdam, visitors have the opportunity to enter the house and annex where Anne Frank hid with her family. As you move through the space, you’ll learn about Anne and her family’s story, as well as the history of the Holocaust itself.
Visiting the Anne Frank house can be a heavy and emotional experience, but this is one of the most important museums in Amsterdam to visit, due to the insight into war and persecution throughout this dark period of European history.
Address | Open Daily 9 am-10 pm | Website | Book Tickets
Unique Museums in Amsterdam
Fabrique des Lumières
If you’re looking to experience something new, visit Fabrique des Lumières for an immersive art experience. This museum puts such a unique spin on a traditional museum visit, with a concept of digitalising art.
Fabrique des Lumières opened in the spring of 2022 and looks to have a bright future ahead as one of the most unique museums in Amsterdam, and a thriving cultural space. Their opening exhibition, ‘Gustav Klimt’, sees the works of some of the most famous Viennese artists brought to life on the screens and walls of this enormous space.
Address | Open Daily 9 am-5 pm (9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) | Website | Book Tickets
Moco Museum
The Moco Museum, another offering of Amsterdam’s Museumplein, takes its name from the modern and contemporary art that the museum is centred around. This is one of the most interesting museums in Amsterdam, with a famous exhibit on Banksy, other fun temporary exhibits, and a sculpture garden at the end of the museum visit. It’s colourful, funky, insightful, and perfect if you’re looking for something a little different to the traditional historical art museums.
Since 2020, the Moco Museum has been home to the Reflecting Forward exhibit, a favourite of visitors that offers an immersive light experience through 4 infinity mirror rooms. It’s definitely a must-see!
Address | Open Mon-Thurs 9 am-7 pm; Fri-Sun 9 am-9 pm | Website | Book Tickets
Red Light Secrets Museum
-this museum features adult content and is restricted to those aged 18+-
Although somewhat controversial, sex work and Amsterdam’s red light district play an important role in Amsterdam’s identity. The Red Light Secrets Museum provides an interesting insight into the world of Dutch prostitution.
It’s funny and shocking at times, but you’ll also learn a lot about the history of prostitution in Amsterdam, the personal stories of sex workers, and how prostitution exists in Amsterdam today. Everyone will engage with the Red Light District in a different way, and personally, I loved the opportunity to gain cultural insight through the Red Light Secrets Museum.
Address | Open Daily 11 am-10 pm (11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) | Website | Book Tickets
Discover more things to do in Amsterdam!
Cheap and Free Museums in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Cheese Museum
There aren’t many free museums in Amsterdam, but those looking to travel to Amsterdam on a budget will love the cheese museum.
The tiny, independent museum will guide you through the history of cheese making, teach you about some Dutch cheeses, and then offer samples of some artisan cheeses that you could choose to buy. It’s a short and interesting experience, but the perfect opportunity to embrace all the weird and wonderful quirks of Amsterdam, and learn a thing or two about cheese!
Address | Open Daily 9 am-7 pm | Website | Free Entry
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Just next door to the cheese museum is the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, which doesn’t need much of an explanation! The tulip museum is one of a few cheap museums in Amsterdam, costing just a few euros to enter.
This museum is all about another iconic part of Dutch culture – the tulip. You’ll learn all about the history of this symbol of the Netherlands, from how tulips arrived in Holland, through their turbulent history, to the tulip industry in the Netherlands today. After your tour, you can browse the gift shop for loads of tulip-related trinkets.
Address | Open Daily 10 am-6 pm | Website | Buy tickets on-site; €3-5
Top Tip: If you want to see more flowers and tulips in Amsterdam, visit Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market, right in the centre of the city.
Houseboat Museum
In case you thought you’d experienced all the cultural offerings of Amsterdam and the Netherlands, the last of our museums in Amsterdam takes us to a traditional Dutch houseboat. These sit all over the canals, and one of them is open to the public so you can experience what it’s like to live on one of them. The houseboat museum is small, naturally, but the chance to see inside an Amsterdam houseboat is rare, and this makes for a great experience.
In fact, all three of the cheap and free museums in Amsterdam in this section (the Cheese Museum, Tulip Museum, and the Houseboat Museum) are on the same street and could easily be visited one after the other for a refreshing afternoon of Dutch culture.
Address | Open Tuesday-Sun 10 am-5 pm (Open Mon during high season in July and August | Website | Buy tickets on-site; €4,50
Amsterdam City Museum Cards
There are a few museum cards that can save you some money if you plan to visit a lot of museums in Amsterdam, as well as other attractions, during your trip. They can also save a lot of hassle, as you don’t need to worry about organising individual tickets for each museum.
I Amsterdam City Card
The I Amsterdam City Card is the ultimate hassle-free way to enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer. Not only will this gain you free or discounted entry into almost all of the Amsterdam museums in this guide, but it also gives you access to over 70 museums and attractions across Amsterdam. What’s more, you’ll have unlimited public transport access, and a free canal cruise is included.
Tickets range from 24 hours to 120 hours (5 days), and prices start at £60 increasing to £120.
Below is a breakdown of the museums in this guide that are included in the I Amsterdam City Card. For a full list of attractions included, check out their website.
Rijksmuseum: FREE ENTRY
Van Gogh Museum: Not included
Anne Frank House: Not included
Heineken Experience: 25% discount
Moco Museum: 25% discount
Fabrique des Lumières: 25% discount
Red Light Secrets: 25% discount
Cheese Museum: FREE ENTRY
Tulip Museum: FREE ENTRY
Houseboat Museum: FREE ENTRY
Go City All-Inclusive Pass
The Go City All-Inclusive Pass is similar to the I Amsterdam City Card in both cost and concept. However, the free activities included vary slightly, so it could be more suited to your interests. The Go City Amsterdam Pass doesn’t include public transport access like the I Amsterdam Card but does include a canal boat tour.
As well as museums, the Go City All-Inclusive Pass also includes some free excursions to other cities in the Netherlands, which can save you loads of money if you’re planning to take a day trip from Amsterdam. They have to be booked so make sure you’re prepared in advance to take full advantage!
Below is a breakdown of the museums in this guide that are included in the Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass. For a full list of attractions included, check out their website.
Rijksmuseum: FREE ENTRY
Van Gogh Museum: Not included
Anne Frank House: Not included
Heineken Experience: FREE ENTRY
Moco Museum: FREE ENTRY
Fabrique des Lumières: Not included
Red Light Secrets: Not included
Cheese Museum: FREE ENTRY
Tulip Museum: FREE ENTRY
Houseboat Museum: FREE ENTRY
Museumkaart
The Museumkaart is a card that gains you access to over 400 museums across the whole of the Netherlands. Although the Museumkaart is mainly targeted toward residents of the Netherlands, tourists visiting the country can purchase a temporary card that’s valid for one month and includes 5 museum visits.
Costing €65, the Museumkaart could be worthwhile if you plan to visit a lot of museums in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands. Notably, some of the pricier museums that aren’t included in the I Amsterdam card are included in the Museumkaart, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House. However, only the most popular museums in Amsterdam are included, so you’ll need to weigh up the cost with where you plan to visit.
As a tourist, the best way to buy the temporary Museumkaart is inside one of the museums. Visit the Museumkaart website for more info. A breakdown of the museums included is below.
Rijksmuseum: FREE ENTRY
Van Gogh Museum: FREE ENTRY
Anne Frank House: FREE ENTRY
Heineken Experience: Not included
Moco Museum: Not included
Fabrique des Lumières: Not included
Red Light Secrets: Not included
Cheese Museum: FREE ENTRY
Tulip Museum: Not included
Houseboat Museum: Not included
Coming to the end of this list of the ten best museums in Amsterdam, you’re well equipped to discover the best of Amsterdam’s culture and quirks. In reality, this list barely scratches the surface of all of Amsterdam’s museums, but it provides a great range of popular museums in Amsterdam, unique museums in Amsterdam, and cheap and free museums in Amsterdam for budget travel lovers!
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and the Netherlands, you might like these guides:
Also, as mentioned at the start of this guide, make sure you check out the Complete Amsterdam Travel Guide for everything you need to plan a trip to Amsterdam in one place!
First published in February 2020.
Alanna Koritzke says
A tulip museum! How adorable. I love that! Thanks for sharing.
Jessica says
Oh my! If only I had known there was a cheese museum when I visited Amsterdam! I loved the Van Gogh museum so much!
Paula Martinelli says
I have been in Amsterdam before and I loved it, but I didn’t have the time to do the museums, and I know they have so many amazing options. Thanks for putting this guide together, I am saving for my next trip!
Megan says
Beautifully written, but I’m most impressed with how clean and clear this is. This is my ideal travel guide. Please teach others how to be so organized lol
Kiana says
These look like so much fun to visit! I especially want to see the Anne Frank House and the Cheese Museum because yum! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Marika says
Ohh, I have been to Amsterdam loads of times but I never knew there was a cheese museum. It’s one of my favorite cities and will hopefully head back in the near future. I’ll save this post for when I do.
Christine says
This is perfectttttt! I’m actually planning to visit Amsterdam soon and was looking for some detailed information! Thank you!!!
Megan Elliott says
This is so great! I’ve only ever been to Amsterdam for quick day trips on layovers, but I really want to go for longer. It’s such a cool city and these museums look awesome!
Dana Berezowitz says
I’ve only been on a layover. Need to come back to Amsterdam to see these!
Katie Diederichs says
Amsterdam is such a wonderful city for museums. I’ve been to the Ann Frank House and it was a great tour. I’ll have to check out the others when I’m in Amsterdam next!
Megan Lawrence says
I’m not much of a museum person, but this may convince me otherwise. Although I’m not sure about the blue cheese!
LAUREN GAY says
The cheese museum and the tulip museum are high on my list of places I would like to see.
Lisanne says
Great post! There are still a lot of great museums in Amsterdam that I would love to visit.