Table of Contents
Why This Guide Matters
Amsterdam hosts more than 50 museums spanning art, science, history, design and culture.
Many guides stop at the major names; this one goes deeper: grouping by theme, supplying addresses, phone numbers and opening hours, and giving a richer “Why go” insight for each.
Whether you’re an art lover, travelling with family, or looking for hidden gems, this guide helps you plan, tailor and enjoy your museum visit with confidence.
Thematic Museum Trails
Here are four carefully curated trails chosen by your interest/time, or mix & match.
A. Golden Age & Dutch Masters Trail
1. Rijksmuseum (National Museum of the Netherlands)
- Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: +31 (0)20 674 7000
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Why go: The Netherlands’ flagship museum, housed in a grand 19th-century building and presenting more than 800 years of Dutch art and history.
Inside you’ll find icons like Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, as well as extensive collections of prints, decorative arts and international room galleries.
Whether you’re drawn to masterworks or curious about how art reflects society, this museum offers both depth and context.
2. Van Gogh Museum
- Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: +31 (0)20 570 5200
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 18:00 (Fridays often until 21:00)
Why go: Houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh: over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters.
It’s a finely crafted narrative of one artist’s evolution from early Dutch realism to the vivid, expressive style for which he is celebrated.
The museum makes its artistic journey accessible while delivering visually powerful works that resonate emotionally.
3. Rembrandt House Museum
- Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 5200 400
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Why go: Explore the actual house and studio where Rembrandt lived (1639-1658).
With his etching press, his collection of curiosities and restored period rooms, the museum offers an intimate, human-scale perspective of the great master’s daily life and creative process.
It complements the grandeur of the big galleries with a more personal experience.
B. Modern & Contemporary Art Trail
1. Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
- Address: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 573 2911
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Why go: This museum is Amsterdam’s centre for modern and contemporary art & design.
With nearly 90,000 objects from paintings and sculpture to industrial design, photography and sound installations, the Stedelijk invites you to explore how art evolves, challenges, and reflects modern society.
For visitors who want something beyond Old Masters, this is a must.
2. Moco Museum
- Address: Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 370 1997
- Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–19:00 | Fri–Sun 09:00–21:00
Why go: A bold, visually striking museum that features street art, pop art, and modern icons (think Banksy, Warhol).
It’s designed for impact and accessibility, shorter visits, dramatic visuals, and a younger or more casual visitor in mind.
Ideal for those wanting art with less formality and more immediacy.
C. History, Culture & Off-beat Trail
1. Anne Frank House
- Address: Prinsengracht 263–267, 1016 GV Amsterdam (entrance via Westermarkt 20)
- Phone: 020 556 7100 (info: 020 556 7105)
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00
Why go: The hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during WWII transformed into a poignant museum of memory, human rights and resilience.
The original Secret Annex, Anne’s diary pages, personal artefacts and interpretive installations make this far more than a historical stop: it’s deeply moving, thought-provoking and unforgettable.
2. Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum)
- Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 523 2222
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: This museum tells the story of the Netherlands as a seafaring nation, trade, naval power, and colonial links.
With full-scale ship replicas, interactive exhibits, and immersive galleries, it brings maritime history to life. Fun for families, rich for history fans.
3. Jewish Historical Museum
- Address: Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, 1011 PL Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 531 0310
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: Set in a cluster of restored synagogues, this museum explores Jewish culture, history and contributions in the Netherlands through art, ritual objects and personal stories.
Because it attracts fewer crowds, it offers a quieter, reflective visit that enriches your understanding of Amsterdam’s cultural fabric.
D. Family-Friendly & Science Trail
1. NEMO Science Museum
- Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 531 3233
- Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 – 17:30 (Closed Mondays except holidays)
Why go: A very interactive, hands-on museum of science and technology designed for families, curious teens and playful learning.
With five floors of experiments, roof terrace views, and dynamic displays, it’s the opposite of quiet galleries: it’s energetic, fun and engaging.
2. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
- Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 625 9021
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: Founded in 1638, this botanical garden is one of the oldest in the world.
With greenhouses, rare plant species, a café, and a calm setting near Amsterdam’s zoo, it’s an ideal counter-balance to museum-intensive days, fresh air, nature and relaxation.
Hidden Gems & Canal-House Museums
1. Museum Van Loon
- Address: Keizersgracht 672, 1017 ET Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 624 5255
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: A beautifully preserved 1672 canal-house with original furnishings, a formal garden and coach-house.
It allows you to step into the lives of Amsterdam’s elite in the 17th and 18th centuries, architecture, artefacts and gardens intact.
2. Willet-Holthuysen Museum
- Address: Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 523 1822
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: A 19th-century canal mansion museum showcasing silverware, porcelain, and grand interior décor gives you a taste of later upper-class city life on the canals.
3. Allard Pierson Museum
- Address: Oude Turfmarkt 127, 1012 GC Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 525 2556
- Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: An archaeological museum run by the University of Amsterdam, offering artefacts from 400 BC to 500 AD covering Greek, Roman and Near-Eastern civilisations.
Fewer crowds, high value, deep context.
4. Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum)
- Address: Prinsengracht near Elandsgracht (Johnny Jordaanplein), Amsterdam
- Phone: 020 427 0750
- Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: A unique floating home museum aboard a former 1914 freighter.
Provides a rare look into Amsterdam’s canal-houseboat lifestyle, accessible yet off the main tourist routes.
5. Tropenmuseum
- Address: Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Phone: 020 568 8200
- Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 – 17:00
Why go: Focuses on global tropical cultures and the colonial past, using large immersive halls and photography.
It broadens the narrative beyond European art and culture, offering alternative perspectives.
Practical Visitor Tips & Logistics
- Book in advance: Many top museums (Van Gogh, Anne Frank) require timed entry; book ahead.
- Museum cards / city passes: The I amsterdam City Card includes many museums + public transport; check cost vs. individual tickets.
- Visit timing: Arrive upon opening (09:00) or later afternoon (after 15:00) for fewer crowds; weekdays are usually quieter.
- Grouping geographically: Many major museums cluster on Museumplein (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Stedelijk, Moco). Use this to save transit time.
- Avoid fatigue: Alternate one “big museum” day with one lighter day (garden, canal-house museum) to stay fresh.
- Budgeting wisely: Mix one headline museum with smaller ones to manage cost and avoid overload.
- Accommodation location: Stay near Museumplein or the canal belt for easy access.
- Accessibility & comfort: All major museums offer lifts and mobility-accessible facilities; check individual sites for details.
- Download contact info: Save addresses & phone numbers from above for taxi drop-off, questions or help on the go.
Sample Itineraries
1-Day (Art-focused)
- 09:00 – 11:30: Rijksmuseum
- 12:00 Lunch near Museumplein
- 13:00 – 15:00: Van Gogh Museum
- 15:30 – 17:00: Stedelijk or Moco
- Evening: Canal-side dinner and stroll
2-Day (Balanced Culture)
Day 1:
- 09:00: Rijksmuseum
- 12:00 Lunch
- 13:30: Anne Frank House
- 15:30: Scheepvaartmuseum
- Evening: Relax at Hortus Botanicus
Day 2:
- 10:00: Stedelijk or Moco
- 12:30 Lunch in De Pijp
- 14:00: Hidden gem (Museum Van Loon)
- 16:00: Jewish Historical Museum
- Evening: Enjoy a canal cruise or revisit a favourite spot
3-Day (Immersive Experience)
Days 1 & 2 as above
Day 3:
- 09:00: NEMO Science Museum
- 11:30: Woonbootmuseum
- 13:00 Lunch
- 14:00: Tropenmuseum
- Evening: Pick your favourite museum revisit or unwind by the canals
What’s New & Trending
- Social-media-friendly museums (such as Moco) are gaining traction among younger visitors.
- Major exhibitions at places like the Rijksmuseum attract global attention. Check seasonal schedules.
- Sustainability and adaptive reuse of historic museum buildings are a rising trend.
- Museums increasingly offer extended evening hours and interactive experiences (AR/VR) to enhance engagement.
FAQ
Q: Should I buy a museum pass or a city card?
A: If you plan to visit 3+ major museums, a city card may give good value compared to individual ticket totals.
Q: Which museum is best if I only have an hour?
A: If limited by time and focusing on art, the Van Gogh Museum offers a compact yet rich experience. If heritage and human story appeal more, Anne Frank House delivers impact in about an hour.
Q: Are the museums kid-friendly?
A: Yes, the NEMO Science Museum is designed for children, and many others have children’s programmes or audio guides. But large art museums may be less suited for very young children.
Q: How can I avoid crowds?
A: Visit early (09:00), choose mid-week, pick less popular museums or opt for later afternoon visits.
Q: What makes Amsterdam’s museum scene unique?
A: It blends Golden Age art, modern design, intimate heritage settings (canal houses, houseboats), and global cultural perspectives all in a compact urban area.
Planning Checklist:
Book essential time-slot tickets
Choose your trail by interest
Consider a city card or skip-the-line tickets
Reserve accommodation near the museum cluster
Mix heavy and light visits
Pack water/snacks (museum cafés get busy)
Choose one hidden-gem stop
Save address & phone numbers in your mobile
Amsterdam Museums Quick Reference Table
| Museum | Address | Phone | Hours | Why visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rijksmuseum | Museumstraat 1 | +31 (0)20 674 7000 | Daily 09:00–17:00 | Dutch Golden Age, expansive collection |
| Van Gogh Museum | Museumplein 6 | +31 (0)20 570 5200 | Daily 09:00–18:00 (Fri till 21:00) | Van Gogh’s artworks, deep narrative |
| Rembrandt House Museum | Jodenbreestraat 4 | 020 5200 400 | Daily 10:00–18:00 | Artist’s home, personal insight |
| Stedelijk Museum | Museumplein 10 | 020 573 2911 | Daily 10:00–18:00 | Modern & contemporary art/design |
| Moco Museum | Honthorststraat 20 | 020 370 1997 | Mon–Thu 09:00–19:00 / Fri–Sun 09:00–21:00 | Pop & street art, visually bold |
| Anne Frank House | Prinsengracht 263–267 | 020 556 7100 | Daily 09:00–22:00 | Hiding place of Anne Frank, historic impact |
| Scheepvaartmuseum | Oosterdok 2 | 020 523 2222 | Daily 10:00–17:00 | Maritime history, interactive |
| Jewish Historical Museum | Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1 | 020 531 0310 | Daily 10:00–17:00 | Jewish heritage, quieter visit |
| NEMO Science Museum | Oosterdok 2 | 020 531 3233 | Tue–Sun 10:00–17:30 | Hands-on science, family-friendly |
| Hortus Botanicus | Plantage Middenlaan 2a | 020 625 9021 | Daily 10:00–17:00 | Historic botanical garden |
| Museum Van Loon | Keizersgracht 672 | 020 624 5255 | Daily 10:00–17:00 | 17th-century canal mansion |
| Willet-Holthuysen Museum | Herengracht 605 | 020 523 1822 | Daily 10:00–17:00 | 19th-century canal house |
| Allard Pierson Museum | Oude Turfmarkt 127 | 020 525 2556 | Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 | Archaeology, ancient civs |
| Woonbootmuseum | Prinsengracht at Elandsgracht | 020 427 0750 | Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 | Floating house-museum, unique |
| Tropenmuseum | Linnaeusstraat 2 | 020 568 8200 | Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 | Global culture & colonial history |
Final Word
Amsterdam’s museum scene is alive, layered and diverse, not just big names, but art, history, design, science, house-museums, canal settings and world cultures all within a compact city.
With this guide, you’re equipped to plan smart, enjoy deeply and escape the “tourist checklist” zone.
Pick your trail, book ahead, pace yourself, include at least one hidden gem and let Amsterdam’s museums surprise you in ways you didn’t expect.
15 Best Parks in Amsterdam
After immersing yourself in the art and history of Amsterdam’s museums, balance your itinerary with a stroll through nature.
Read our complete guide to Amsterdam’s Parks and Gardens for local favourites, picnic spots, and peaceful canal-side greens.