The city of Amsterdam is known for its rich cultural heritage and it offers a wide range of museums to explore.
Now, it may not be possible to visit all the museums in the city if you're only spending just three to four days there. And that's because you would need to allot at least two hours to truly enjoy what each museum has to offer.
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| the stunning facade of the Rijksmuseum |
So if you have limited time, here are three museums to visit in Amsterdam. These are museums that you shouldn't miss out on. Let's get to it!
Rijksmuseum
I was told that if I only had just enough money and time to visit one museum in Amsterdam, it should be the Rijksmuseum. This museum is the biggest one in the Netherlands and it's packed to the brim with a mind-blowing collection of Dutch art and history.
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| a damaged oak wood sculpture of the crucified Christ |
One of the highlights is checking out the works of legendary painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. These artists were absolute masters of their craft, and their paintings will leave you in awe. You'll be able to admire Rembrandt's famous "Night Watch" and Vermeer's "The Milkmaid" up close and personal. Trust me, it's a whole different experience seeing these masterpieces in person.
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| "The Milkmaid" by Johannes Vermeer |
But it's not just about the paintings. The Rijksmuseum features a huge array of historical artifacts. From stunning Delftware ceramics to intricately crafted furniture and jewelry, you'll get a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands. Plus, there's an impressive collection of medieval sculptures and ancient weapons that would make you feel as if you're stepping into a time machine.
The museum also houses the Cuypers Library which is the largest and oldest art historical library in the Netherlands.
The building itself is a sight to behold too. It's a grand masterpiece of architecture with its striking façade and majestic interior. If you need a breather from admiring all the collections, the museum has beautiful gardens where you can chill out and soak up the atmosphere.
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| the Rijksmuseum gardens |
A ticket to the museum costs €22.50 for adults while students get a discount. Depending on the season, there may be long queues just to get a ticket so I'd highly recommend buying in advance through Klook.
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to the life and works of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, this museum showcases a comprehensive collection of his paintings, drawings, and personal correspondence.
Walking around the Van Gogh Museum is like diving headfirst into his artistic journey. You'll get to see his famous self-portraits, his sunflower series, and his breathtaking landscapes that make you feel like you're right there in the scene.
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| one of Van Gogh's self-portraits |
Apart from the paintings, the museum takes you on a wild ride through Van Gogh's life. You'll learn about his struggles, his friendships, and his crazy moments. The museum also has his personal letters on display, giving you a glimpse into the mind of this artistic genius.
To visit the museum, you'd have to pay €20 but you can always skip the queues and get your ticket in advance through Klook.
Anne Frank House
Located in the actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, this museum provides a powerful insight into the life of Anne Frank and the horrors of the Holocaust.
It's not your typical museum experience as this house tells you the story of Anne Frank who's a brave and remarkable girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II. Anne and her family stayed in this house for over two years.
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| a normal-looking house with a lot of historical significance |
As you walk through the rooms, you'll get a real sense of what life was like for Anne and the other occupants of the Secret Annex. You'll see the cramped quarters, the hidden bookcase entrance, and even some of the personal belongings they left behind. It's a somber reminder of the immense challenges they faced and the constant fear they lived with.
And it's not just about the house itself. The museum takes you deeper into Anne's world through her diary. You'll see the actual diary she wrote in, filled with her thoughts, dreams, and struggles. It's a raw and honest account of a young girl trying to make sense of a world that has turned upside down.
Tickets to the Anne Frank House can be purchased online through their official site. A regular ticket costs €16 while visitors below 18 years old can get it at a discounted rate. When you buy your ticket, you'd also have to book a slot since visitors can only enter at certain time slots.
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| portraits of Anne Frank |
Other Museums to Visit in Amsterdam
If you're spending at least a week in the city, then you'd be able to visit more museums. Here are other notable museums to visit in Amsterdam.
Stedelijk Museum
This contemporary art museum features a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Mondrian, Warhol, and Van Doesburg.
Rembrandt House Museum
Housed in the former residence of the famous artist Rembrandt, this museum provides an intimate look into his life. It also features some of his most impressive works, including his studio and a collection of his etchings.
I Amsterdam City Card
Visiting all the popular attractions and museums in Amsterdam can be quite costly but it doesn't have to be. With the I Amsterdam City Card, you get free entry to over 70 major museums and tourist attractions in the city.
The card also entitles you to free public transportation during its validity period, plus it includes a free boat tour on the canals. Just imagine how much money you can save while not missing out on the must-see attractions!
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| The Cuypers Library inside the Rijksmuseum |
You can purchase the I Amsterdam City Card through Klook. You can get a 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, 96-hour, or 120-hour card, depending on how many days you plan to stay in the city and which attractions you want to visit.
If you have some questions or need more Amsterdam travel tips, feel free to comment below!
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