There is nothing like visiting Amsterdam. It took me way too long to get back to this amazing city. There are so many things to do, but one of the best things is visiting one of the many museums. You might say that you are not into museums, but here, there is something for everyone. I guess you can say that in a lot of the major cities, but the vibe in Amsterdam is just different. So whether you have two days, a week or two, make sure at least one museum is on your itinerary.

The Best Museums in Amsterdam, Netherlands

There are so many museums to choose from. This list has whittled the unending list of museums down to about 6. Could be 7 depending on what you think about the last one.

After the last museum idea, continue to read on to see how you might get to see some of these museums for free!

Anne Frank House

I visited this museum 25 years ago and it still has the intensity as it did then. While things have changed and it has become incredibly popular, it is still one of the top museums in Amsterdam. We visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. and while it may not have the intensity of the entire holocaust, just knowing that you are standing in a house where someone was living through one of the worst points in history and as young as she was, still able to document what she went through, is immense.

Visiting Anne Frank House: You will need to plan ahead and buy tickets for a designated start time. There are no tickets sold at the museum. You can find all you need to here about visiting and tickets: Ann Frank House

Van Gogh Museum

If you love Van Gogh, then this is the museum for you. Three floors of paintings, information, history and artifacts. You’ll also learn about his family and inspiration, old works and what he did while he was finding his way. You can do this museum on your own and you can also get the listening devices. I will forewarn anyone that this museum is incredibly busy. Do not think that you will get to meander and enjoy each of his paintings. People don’t really get other people are around, even though it is very noisy. You could be looking at a picture and someone will bump into you, step in front of you, or go in for a selfie. Still worth it? Yes.

Visiting the Van Gogh Museum: This museum is € 25 and if you only have a certain amount of time it is best to make sure to get tickets ahead of time. When purchasing your ticket, you choose an entrance time but there is no regulations on how long you can be in there. Aside from the museum they have a cafe, shop and appointment only library. You can get tickets and all visiting information here: Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

Visiting the National Museum of the Netherlands is a true treat. You will need the entire day to explore this museum. Aside from potentially getting lost here, there is SO much to see. While we were there they had a Rembrandt that they were restoring. Somehow it was interesting to sit there and watch two people painstakingly remove and add stain to small quadrants. I loved that they allowed people to watch this. There are multiple floors and sections of paintings and artifacts from different eras.

My favorite was the special exhibition of random artifacts. Old key, handmade ships, instruments, clothes, weapons and the list goes on.

Visiting Rijksmuseum: Again, this museum is also very busy. You have to purchase tickets ahead of time, because like the Van Gogh museum you have to choose your entrance time. You can then stay as long as you like. This museum also has a cafe, store and interactive things like paint this character from toy story, small lectures, etc. There is really so much to do here and the building itself is beautiful! Tickets are also € 25. You can find everything you need to know here: Rijksmuseum

Nemo Science Museum

If you are traveling with kids this is a great museum. Or just solo or as a couple. There is really so much to do and the area is awesome. It’s right along the water and a beautiful building.

Visiting Nemo Science Museum: Tickets are € 21,50 and again you choose your entrance time. You can find out all you need to here: Nemo Science Museum

STRAAT Museum

Have a thing for street art and graffiti? This is the museum for you. I have always been enamored with this. I know that it can be vandalism and annoying but some of the art out there is truly amazing. Places around the world are embracing this. Aside from museums there are buildings that pay for it, streets and alleys that allow artists to showcase what they are made of. Yes, this isn’t chunks of buildings being brought here or anything like that but they are all originals. So, this museum was pretty cool and unique!

Visiting STRAAT Museum: You do need to buy tickets ahead of time and they are € 21,50. Everything you need to know about visiting this cool museum is here: STRAAT Museum

Banksy Museum Amsterdam

On our travels throughout the United States, we have always stopped by a Banksy piece. Whether in Park City, Utah or New Orleans, LA, it is really cool to see. Some cities have encased it in glass, others, you would have no idea it was there because it is on a dilapidated building. This museum was cool because you get to see almost 160 of his works in one place.

Visiting Bansky Museum Amsterdam: Again you should get tickets ahead of time and you will have to choose your entrance time. These tickets are a bit cheaper at € 14,00. Everything you need to know about tickets is here: Banksy Museum Amsterdam

Tony’s Chocolate Superstore

You can’t really call this a museum, but it sure felt like a chocolate museum! Explore all the chocolates that they make and even make your own! I still added it because it is a whole lot of fun.

Visiting Tony’s Chocolate Superstore: The great thing about this is that you don’t need a ticket and it’s free! Find out more about this chocolate superstore here: Tony’s Chocolate Superstore

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How can you see some of Amsterdam’s museums for free? Check out the I Am Amsterdam City Card. There are different options of what can be included and the duration of time. The other cool thing about this is, it includes public transportation around Amsterdam. You can rent bikes or get set up on a canal tour. There is so much this card offers.

Everything you need to know can be found here: I Am Amsterdam City Card

Let us know what your favorite museum in Amsterdam is!

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