5 Fascinating Museums for Your Next City Break in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous for its charming canals and tilted houses but it is also a powerhouse of culture. The city has a higher density of museums than almost anywhere else in the world. When you are planning your city break Amsterdam itinerary it can be hard to choose between the big names and the quirky hidden gems.

We have curated a mix of the classic and the cool to help you decide. These spots will give you a perfect taste of Dutch history and modern creativity. Before you rush off to book your tickets take a moment to read our top picks and remember to check out the City Guide Amsterdam for the best tips on hotels and restaurants.

The Rijksmuseum celebrating Dutch art in the grandest way.

1. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the crown jewel of the Museumplein and a non-negotiable stop for art lovers. It is home to an astonishing collection of works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. The building itself is a stunning mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles that will leave you in awe before you even step inside.

You can stand face to face with The Night Watch and marvel at the intricate details of the Great Hall. It is a huge space so booking a guided tour or an entry ticket in advance is a smart move to save time. This is the perfect place to soak up the Golden Age history that built this incredible city.

• Price: Adults approx. €22.50 / £18.70 (Free for under 18s)

• Opening Times: Daily 09:00 – 17:00

2. Van Gogh Museum

Just a stone's throw from the Rijksmuseum you will find the Van Gogh Museum. This modern building houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. It takes you on a journey through his troubled life and his incredible evolution as an artist.

Seeing Sunflowers and Almond Blossom up close is an emotional experience that pictures just cannot capture. The museum does a fantastic job of storytelling and makes the art accessible for everyone. It is incredibly popular so you absolutely need to book your slot ahead of your trip to avoid disappointment.

• Price: Adults approx. €22.00 / £18.30 (Free for under 18s)

• Opening Times: Daily 09:00 – 18:00 (often open until 21:00 on Fridays)

3. Moco Museum

If you want a break from the 17th century then the Moco Museum is the place to be. Located in a townhouse right on Museumplein it focuses on modern, contemporary and street art. It is famous for featuring works by Banksy, Basquiat and Warhol.

The vibe here is young and rebellious and perfect for a lively euro city break. The exhibitions are often interactive and very Instagram friendly. It offers a sharp and refreshing contrast to the classical art next door and proves that Amsterdam is still at the cutting edge of culture.

• Price: Adults approx. €21.95 / £18.25 (varies by date/time)

• Opening Times: Daily 09:00 – 20:00 (until 21:00 on Fri-Sun)

4. Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

For something truly unique you have to visit Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder or Our Lord in the Attic. From the street it looks like a normal 17th-century canal house but the top three floors hide a secret Catholic church. It dates back to the time when Catholics were forbidden from worshipping in public.

Climbing the narrow stairs to find a fully furnished church with an altar and organ is a surreal experience. It gives you a tangible sense of the religious tensions and tolerance that shaped the city. It is a quieter and more intimate museum that offers a deep dive into the daily life of the past.

• Price: Adults approx. €16.50 / £13.70

• Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00 – 18:00 | Sun 13:00 – 18:00

5. STRAAT Museum

Head over to the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam Noord to find STRAAT. This is a museum dedicated entirely to street art and graffiti. It is housed in a massive former shipyard warehouse which provides the perfect gritty canvas for oversized artworks.

You can see more than 150 huge pieces created by artists from all over the world. It is raw and impressive and totally different from the velvet ropes of the city center. Taking the free ferry across the IJ river to get there is an adventure in itself and adds a cool twist to your city break.

• Price: Adults approx. €19.50 / £16.20

• Opening Times: Tue-Sun 10:00 – 18:00 | Mon 12:00 – 18:00

Discover the Soul of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that never stops reinventing itself. One minute you are walking through the hushed halls of the Golden Age and the next you are standing in a graffiti-filled warehouse on the edge of the harbor. These five museums capture that exact magic. They offer a window into the rebellious, creative and historic spirit that makes this city so addictive.

Don't just walk past the pretty facades on your next trip. Dive inside these stories and let the culture of the city surprise you. For the best local secrets to pair with your museum hopping make sure to visit the City Guide Amsterdam. Your perfect Dutch escape starts there.