Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the world. Located in the heart of Amsterdam's Museumplein, it showcases over eight centuries of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces from the Golden Age. Home to world-renowned works such as The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer, the museum offers an unparalleled journey through the country's artistic heritage. With its grand architecture, vast collections, and thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the Rijksmuseum provides a rich and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages, making it an essential destination for anyone exploring Dutch culture.

Opening Hours:
Every day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Location:
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam.
The museum is located on Museumplein, where you'll also find the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum.

Tickets:
€25.00 - Adults
€00.00 - Children under 18
€00.00 - Dutch Museumcard
€12.50 - CJP
€11.25 - EYCA members
It is best to book your ticket online in advance through the official Rijksmuseum website
This guarantees your entry at your chosen time and helps you avoid waiting in line at the entrance.

Good to know:
Photography allowed but no flash.

Take a Peek Inside

Anne Frank Huis (House)

Few places in Amsterdam carry the same emotional weight as the Anne Frank House, located inside the canal house where Anne Frank and seven others hid during World War II. The museum preserves the original rooms of the secret annex, allowing visitors to step directly into the spaces described in Anne's diary. Exhibits focus on Anne's life, the Frank family's history, and the broader context of Jewish persecution, resistance, and wartime Amsterdam. The museum does not display traditional painting or sculpture; instead, it presents historical artifacts, documentary materials, personal objects, and multimedia installations centred on Holocaust history, memory, and human rights. The combination of preserved spaces and carefully curated visual and audio material creates a moving and reflective experience. Located on Prinsengracht in the Jordaan district, it attracts millions of visitors each year and is one of the most significant historical sites in the city. Advanced online booking is essential due to high demand and timed entries.

Opening Hours:
Open daily from 09:00 till 22:00.
Seasonal variations may apply - check the official calendar for specific dates.

Location:
Prinsengracht 263 - 267, 1016 GV Amsterdam
The Anne Frank House is located in the city centre of Amsterdam. The entrance to the museum is around the corner, at Westermarkt 20.

Tickets:
€16.00 Adults
€ 7.00 Youth 10 - 17 years
€ 1.00 Children 0 - 9 years
€ 1.00 Museumkaart - Valid for entry, but must be used with an online time slot reservation
The Anne Frank House can only be visited with a ticket bought online for a specific time slot.
Official website for ticket

Good To Know:
The Anne Frank House offers special programs for groups. You can opt for an Introductory program or an Educational program for your class. Tickets are only available through this website. Every Tuesday at 10am CET all tickets become available for a visit six weeks later. Large bags are not permitted inside; there are no lockers for suitcases. Photography is not allowed inside the museum.

Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Museum)

The Jewish Historical Museum, also known as the Joods Museum, tells the story of Jewish life, culture, religion and history in the Netherlands. Located in Amsterdam's old Jewish quarter, the museum is housed in a group of former synagogues near Waterlooplein. Its exhibitions include Judaica, archival documents, personal stories, art, ceremonial objects and multimedia displays that show the role of Jewish communities in Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands. The museum covers everyday life, religious traditions, cultural identity, persecution during the Nazi occupation and post-war memory. While it is mainly a history and heritage museum rather than a pure fine-art museum, it also includes visual culture, objects and artworks that help bring the story to life. Jewish Museum Junior, the museum's children's wing, offers a more interactive and family-friendly introduction to Jewish culture, designed especially for younger visitors. Together, the main museum and the Junior museum make this one of the best places in Amsterdam to learn about Jewish heritage in an accessible and engaging way.

Opening Hours:
The Jewish Museum is open from 11:00 to 17:00.
Closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Note: hours can change with exhibitions or special events; check the official site prior to visiting.

Location:
Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, 1011 PL Amsterdam

Tickets:
€30.00 Adult
€ 8.00 Youth (13 - 17)
€ 6.00 Child (6 - 12)
€ 0.00 Under 6
€10.00 Student
€ 0.00 Museumkaart
Official ticket website

Good to know:
One ticket remains valid for one week from first activation, allowing you to visit the separate sites at your own pace. The synagogue building is historic and not heated in winter — dress warmly if visiting in colder months. The tram and metro stop at Waterlooplein offers direct access to the quarter. Large bags should be left at the cloakroom lockers; audio guides in multiple languages are available.

National Holocaust Museum

The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam presents a deeply moving and meticulously researched exploration of the persecution and murder of Jews in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation. Situated in the former teacher-training college ("Hervormde Kweekschool"), the building itself is a historic site where many Jewish children were gathered for deportation and others were rescued by the resistance. The exhibitions combine personal objects, survivor testimonies, official documents, multimedia installations and architectural elements that highlight daily life before the war, the mechanisms of discrimination, deportation and the aftermath in the Netherlands. While not a conventional art museum, the visual presentation is powerful and immersive, engaging visitors with design-led displays, large-scale projections and contemplative spaces. Located in the historic Plantage district, the museum offers both educational depth and a place of remembrance, making it a significant destination for thoughtful visits. A major museum opened recently, documenting the persecution and murder of Dutch Jews using personal stories, objects, and architecture connected to wartime events.

Opening Hours:
Open daily (or almost daily) from 10:00 until 17:00.
Check the official website in advance for any holiday closures or special scheduling.

Location:
Plantage Middenlaan 27, 1018 DB Amsterdam

Tickets:
€20.00 Adult
€ 8.00 Youth (13 - 17)
€ 6.00 Child (6 - 12)
€ 0.00 Under 6
€10.00 Student
€ 0.00 Museumkaart (with booking/time-slot as required)
Official ticket website

Good To Know:
Because the museum deals with extremely heavy subject matter, allocate at least 1.5-2 hours for your visit. Time-slots must be booked online for this museum due to high demand. The museum is wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers, but due to the nature of the content, younger children may need supervision. Nearby and part of the same museum quarter is the Jewish Museum Amsterdam and the Portuguese Synagogue — considering buying a combined ticket might be worth it if you have more time.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam's most beloved cultural highlights, dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, master of Post-Impressionism. The museum houses the world's largest collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters, showcasing his bold brushwork, vibrant colours, and emotional artistic style. With changing exhibitions, an in-depth look into Van Gogh's creative journey, and iconic works like Sunflowers and The Bedroom, it's an essential stop for travellers exploring Amsterdam's art scene. Located at Museumplein, it's easy to reach by tram or foot and offers a spacious, modern setting with excellent accessibility.

Opening Hours:
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (extended hours in high season).

Location:
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam.
Right next to the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum.

Tickets:
€24.00 Adults
€ 0.00 Children under 18
€ 0.00 Museumcard
€ 14.00 Students

Good to know:
Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the Van Gogh Museum's official website. They sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is essential.

The Rembrandt House

The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam offers a captivating journey into the life and work of one of the world's most celebrated artists: Rembrandt van Rijn. Located in the historic building where Rembrandt lived and worked for nearly twenty years, the museum provides an intimate look at his everyday world. Visitors can explore the artist's restored living quarters, his atmospheric studio, and exhibitions showcasing Rembrandt's etchings, paintings, and the work of his contemporaries. With its unique blend of art, history, and authentic 17th-century surroundings, the Rembrandt House Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Dutch Golden Age art and the legacy of one of history's greatest masters.

Opening Hours:
10:00 to 18:00

Location:
Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam

Tickets:
€21.50 - Adult
€15.00 - Young adult 18-25 year
€ 8.00 - Kids 6 -17 years
€ 0.00 - Children under 6
€ 0.00 - Museumcard
Official Rembrandt House ticket page (online/reservation).

Good To Know:
There are live demos explaining etching and paint making. Etching demo times are posted at the entrance. Multimedia tours are often included. Be cautious, the building has historic stairs, they can be very steep.

Take a Peek Inside

Heritage Museums in Amsterdam:

Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)

The Resistance Museum offers an immersive exploration of civilian life under Nazi occupation in the Netherlands, focusing on the moral, social and political choices ordinary people faced. Its permanent exhibitions feature authentic objects, photographs, documents, film-soundscapes and recreated street scenes of Amsterdam during the 1940-45 period. Visitors will encounter personal testimonies of resistance, collaboration, hiding and daily survival – a narrative that goes beyond heroism to show the complex realities of wartime. Although not a "fine art" museum, the display uses visual and audio elements in a strongly designed museum-space, making it engaging for older children, families and adult visitors alike. A dedicated section, "Verzetsmuseum Junior", is designed for children aged 9-14, providing hands-on interactive experiences tailored to younger audiences. Located just across from the entrance to ARTIS zoo in the Plantage district, the museum is easily accessible and fits well into a visit to Amsterdam's "museum quarter".

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:00.
Saturday & Sunday (and public holidays): 11:00 – 17:00.
Closed on 1 Jan, 25 Dec and certain national holidays.

Location:
Plantage Kerklaan 61, 1018 CX Amsterdam

Tickets:
€ 16.00 Adults
€ 8.50 Children 7 to 17 years
€ 36.50 Family ticket
€ 0.00 Children up to 6 years, Museum card

Good to know:
A free multilingual audio-tour is included with your admission ticket. The "Junior" section for children aged roughly 9-14 offers activities and is ideal for families. The subject matter is emotionally intense; allocate at least 90 minutes. Large bags/backpacks should be stored in lockers; food & drink are not permitted inside the exhibition space.

Hermitage Amsterdam / H'ART Museum

H'ART Museum, formerly known as Hermitage Amsterdam, is one of the city's most distinctive cultural spaces—now housed in the historic Amstelhof building, which also serves as the temporary home of the Amsterdam Museum. Set along the scenic Amstel River, this 17th-century landmark provides a grand and atmospheric backdrop for the museum's large-scale international exhibitions.
H'ART Museum is known for collaborating with world-renowned institutions such as the British Museum and Centre Pompidou, bringing globally acclaimed art, history, and culture to Amsterdam in an accessible and beautifully curated way. With its spacious galleries, peaceful courtyards, and central riverside location, the museum offers a refreshing alternative to the crowded Museumplein area. For travelers looking to explore major international exhibitions within one of Amsterdam's most elegant historic buildings, H'ART Museum is an inspiring and memorable stop. Set inside a beautifully restored 17th-century building, the museum offers spacious galleries, peaceful courtyards, and a relaxed atmosphere close to Waterlooplein and the city's historic Jewish Quarter.
It's fully accessible, easy to reach by tram or metro, and includes a café and shop. Perfect for travelers who want high-quality art and history experiences without the large crowds.

Opening hours:
Daily 10:00–17:00.
Last entry is at 16:30.
25 December - 1 January the museum is open from 12:00 – 17:00.
H'ART Museum is always closed on Kingsday.

Location:
Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam.

Tickets:
Entry ticket for H'ART
€27.50 - Adult (18 years and above)
€ 0.00 - Youth (up to 17 years)
€17.50 - CJP/Student
€ 5.00 - Museum card
"All in" Tickets for entry to H'ART Museum, Museum of the Mind and Amsterdam Museum.
€38.50 - All-in Adult tickets
€ 5.00 - All-in Youth 13 -17 years
€ 0.00 - All-in Youth up to 12 years
€ 5.00 - All-in Museum card
Official Hermitage / H'ART Museum ticket page

Good to know:
Exhibitions change frequently, always check the current show and whether special timed tickets are needed.

Our Lord in the Attic / Amstelkring Museum (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder)

"Our Lord in the Attic" and "Amstelkring Museum" refer to the same museum. The historic museum is officially known as: Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder. Together, these names describe one museum complex that preserves a hidden 17th-century Catholic church and its associated devotional spaces.Our Lord in the Attic is the commonly used English name. Amstelkring is the traditional historical name for the Catholic community and heritage spaces associated with the building.
Our Lord in the Attic is one of Amsterdam's most remarkable historical museums, a fully preserved 17th-century canal house with a hidden Catholic church built in the attic. Dating back to a time when public Catholic worship was forbidden, the museum offers an intimate glimpse into Amsterdam's religious tolerance and daily life during the Dutch Golden Age.
Visitors can explore the original living quarters, historic kitchens, narrow staircases, and the beautifully restored "house church." The Amstelkring name also refers to additional heritage spaces and exhibitions connected to the museum's Catholic past.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Closed on holidays listed on the museum's official website

Location:
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, 1012 GD Amsterdam (in the historic Red Light District)

Tickets:
€16.95 - Adults
€ 7.50 - Youth (5–17)
€00,00 - Children under 5, Museumkaart, CJP
Official website for ticket

Good to Know:
Expect steep staircases; photography allowed (no flash); audio guides available. Stiletto heels, sharp walking sticks, umbrellas, large bags, food/drinks (including water), and touching artworks are prohibited. Phone calls are not allowed inside.
Temporary exhibitions are occasionally hosted in the Amstelkring annex spaces connected to the main museum.
The museum is down the street from the "oude kerk' Old church and great to visit together.

Take a Peek Inside

Amsterdam Noord Museum

Museum Amsterdam Noord focuses on the history of Amsterdam's northern district, a former industrial zone that developed around shipyards, factories, and working-class housing. The museum preserves stories of shipbuilding, migration, post-war neighborhood development, and the transformation of Noord into one of the city's fastest-growing districts. Exhibits include photographs, personal archives, architectural models, and thematic temporary shows that capture the evolving identity of this unique part of the city. Located in a former municipal bath-house in the garden village of Vogeldorp (built 1919) in Amsterdam Noord, this museum explores the social, urban and industrial history of the north side of Amsterdam. The blend of architecture (the bathhouse itself), local community history and wider urban themes makes this museum distinctive.

Opening Hours:
Thursday to Sunday: 13:00 - 17:00

Location:
Zamenhofstraat 28A, 1022 AG Amsterdam (Vogelbuurt).

Tickets:
€ 4,00 - Adult
€ 2,00 -Children 13 to 18 years
€ 2,00 - 65+ / City Pass
€ 00,00 - Children up to 13 years and special promotions
Official website for ticket

Good to Know
Small, community-focused museum. Visit Amsterdam Noord by taking the free ferry from Centraal Station (to NDSM-werf) or metro to Noord station, then bus/tram to Zamenhofstraat. The museum is smaller and more local-focused, which makes it relaxed. You could combine it with a walk around the NDSM shipyard or along the waterfront.

Oude Kerk Amsterdam

Oude Kerk (Dutch for Old Church) is the oldest building in Amsterdam, originally consecrated as a parish church in 1306 and standing on the Oudekerksplein in the heart of the historic city centre (De Wallen). Its origins go back even further to a 13th-century chapel. Today it functions both as a Reformed church and an art space/museum, combining medieval Gothic architecture and a rich past with contemporary art exhibitions and public programming. The church interior features historic chapels, elaborate woodwork, and tomb monuments of notable Amsterdammers, while a free multilingual audio tour guides you through its architecture and stories.

Opening Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 13:00 – 17:30

Location:
Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam
In the historic centre within walking distance of Central Station and Nieuwmarkt.

Tickets:
€14.50 - Adults
€7.50 - Students & Youth 13–17
€00,00 - Children 0–12
€00,00 - Museum Card, I amsterdam City Card, ICOM card

Good to Know:
The Oude Kerk blends heritage and modern art, contemporary artists create site-specific works for the space.
A free audio tour (multiple languages) is included with your ticket.
From April–October, you can join guided tours of the Oudekerkstoren (tower) for panoramic views.
There's a café De Koffieschenkerij in the former sacristy where you can enjoy coffee and cake, with a small discount for visitors. The church is still used for worship and Sunday services are open to the public.

The Grachtenmuseum Amsterdam (Museum of the Canals)

The Grachtenmuseum is located in a 17th-century canal-house on the Herengracht and offers a multimedia presentation about the development of Amsterdam's canal belt, its architecture, the role the canals played in commerce, transport, defence and urban expansion, and how they continue to define the city. Alongside interactive displays and models, there are period rooms and rotating exhibitions that give depth to the story of Amsterdam's physical growth and urban design. The experience helps visitors understand the city's shape, function and history in a new light. Through multimedia displays, models, and guided narratives, it shows how city planners created one of the most ambitious urban projects of its time.

Opening Hours:
Monday:12:00 to 17:00
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 to 17:00

Location:
Herengracht 386, 1016 CJ Amsterdam.

Tickets:
€17.50 - Adult
€12.50 - Student/CJP
€9.50 - Children 6 up to 17 years
€0.00 - Children 0 up to 5 years
€0.00 - Museumkaart, Stadspas, ICOM, Amsterdam City Card
Official website for ticket

Good to Know:
The museum is compact and ideal for a 1-hour visit; excellent for context before or after a canal cruise. A perfect museum to visit early on when you want to get oriented in Amsterdam's geography and history of the canals.

The Amsterdam City Museum

Amsterdam Museum, also known as the City Museum, presents the full history and identity of Amsterdam, covering its evolution from a small medieval settlement into a global trading hub and modern multicultural metropolis. The museum's collection includes paintings, maps, artifacts, photographs, and multimedia installations that highlight civic life, migration, trade, social movements, and urban development across the centuries. Exhibits range from Golden Age artworks to stories of everyday Amsterdammers, giving a complete look at how the city grew and how its people shaped it. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary issues, design, heritage, and Amsterdam's role in world history. It offers an accessible, narrative-driven introduction to the city's past, ideal for both first-time visitors and history lovers.

Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday :10:00 to 17:00
Check the museum's website for updates.

Location:
Kalverstraat 92, Amsterdam.

Tickets:
€20.00 - Adults
€ 7.50 - Student / CJP
€00,00 - Children (under 18)
€00,00 - Museumkaart
Official ticket website.

Good to Know:
The main museum on Kalverstraat is being renovated until 2026; exhibitions are currently displayed at the Amstel location. The museum is part of the "Amstel complex," shared with H'ART Museum and the Museum van de Geest, ideal for combining multiple visits in one trip. Waterlooplein and the Hermitage courtyard are just a few minutes' walk away. Exhibitions often include interactive and multimedia elements, making it suitable for families.

Weesp Museum

Weesp Museum tells the story of the former town of Weesp, now incorporated into Amsterdam. Housed in the historic Town Hall, the museum explores local crafts such as porcelain production, chocolate making, and jenever distilling. It also contains one of the country's most impressive collections of 18th-century Weesp porcelain. The building itself with its elegant halls, period rooms, and original council chambers, is part of the museum experience. The museum's collection of porcelain and artefacts from local manufacturing gives insight into how a small Dutch town developed economically and socially alongside larger cities like Amsterdam.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 - 17:00
Saturday and Sunday: 13:00 - 17:00

Location:
Nieuwstraat 41, 1381 BB Weesp.

Tickets:
€10,00 - Adults
€ 7,50 - Children (13 -18 yrs)
€ 7,50 - 65+
€00,00 - Children up to 12
€00,00 - Museumkaart, Member of Friends of Museum Weesp, Rembrandtkaart, ICOM.
Official website for ticket's info

Good to Know:
Located in a beautiful small town just outside Amsterdam, easy to combine with a walk along the Vecht river. Weesp is a short train ride from Amsterdam and worth the side-trip if you have time for a quieter, off-beat visit. Check opening