Hey there! Let me tell you about the time I accidentally stumbled into the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. I was a bit lost, looking for a coffee shop, when I wandered into this massive building. Imagine my surprise when I found myself surrounded by some of the most incredible artwork I’d ever seen! That happy accident kicked off my love affair to explore the top 5 museums to visit in The Netherlands.
Now, I’m excited to share with you the top 5 Dutch museums, which you absolutely must visit. You will also get details of the entry cost, their open timings, and how you can get there. Trust me, these places are way cooler than any coffee shop!
1. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is like the superstar of Dutch museums. It’s in Amsterdam and it’s packed with amazing stuff from the Netherlands’ history. You’ve got to see Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” – it’s this huge painting that’ll make your jaw drop. And don’t miss “The Milkmaid” by Vermeer. It’s smaller but just as awesome. This is also one of the top things to do in Amsterdam, btw.
What is the cost for each museum? If you’re a grown-up, it’ll cost you €20 to get in. But here’s some good news – if you’re under 18, you get in for free! They’ve also got special deals for students and older folks.
What are the timings and days each museum is open? The Rijksmuseum is open every single day, even on holidays. You can visit from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening. So you’ve got plenty of time to explore!
How to visit each of these museums from the city central? Getting to the Rijksmuseum is super easy. If you’re at Amsterdam Central Station, just hop on tram 2 or 5 and get off at the Rijksmuseum stop. It only takes about 10 minutes. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk there in about 20 minutes. It’s a nice stroll through the city!
2. Van Gogh Museum
Next up is the Van Gogh Museum, also in Amsterdam. This place is all about Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous painters ever. They’ve got more of his paintings and drawings here than anywhere else in the world!
What is the cost for each museum? For adults, it costs €19 to get in. And guess what? Just like the Rijksmuseum, kids under 18 can visit for free! If you buy your tickets online, you might get a specific time to enter. This helps keep the crowds under control.
What are the timings and days each museum is open? The Van Gogh Museum is open every day too. You can visit from 9 in the morning until 6 in the evening. But here’s a cool thing – on Fridays, they stay open late until 9 at night!
How to visit each of these museums from the city central? To get to the Van Gogh Museum from Amsterdam Central Station, you can take the same trams as for the Rijksmuseum – that’s tram 2 or 5. But this time, get off at the Van Baerlestraat stop. It takes about 15 minutes. The best part? It’s really close to the Rijksmuseum, so you could visit both in one day if you want!
3. NEMO Science Museum
Now, if you’re into cool science stuff, you’ve got to check out the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. It’s not just about looking at things – you get to touch and play with everything! It’s super fun for kids and grown-ups too.
What is the cost for each museum? To visit NEMO, it costs €17.50 for adults and kids 4 years old and up. If you’ve got little ones under 4, they can get in for free. They also have family tickets and yearly passes that can save you some money if you plan to visit a lot.
What are the timings and days each museum is open? NEMO is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening. During school holidays and in the summer, they’re open on Mondays too. So you’ve got plenty of time to explore all the cool exhibits and join in the fun activities.
How to visit each of these museums from the city central? From Amsterdam Central Station, you can actually walk to NEMO in about 15 minutes. It’s a nice walk over the Oosterdok. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take bus 22 or 48 and get off at the Kadijksplein stop. Easy peasy!
4. Mauritshuis
Let’s take a trip to The Hague now, to visit the Mauritshuis. This place is famous for its amazing collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. You know the “Girl with a Pearl Earring” painting? Yeah, it’s here!
What is the cost for each museum? For adults, it costs €17.50 to get in. And just like the other museums, kids under 18 can visit for free. They’ve got some good deals too, like combo tickets with other museums in The Hague.
What are the timings and days each museum is open? The Mauritshuis is open every day from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening. On Thursdays, they stay open late until 8 at night. So you can visit in the evening if that works better for you!
How to visit each of these museums from the city central? If you’re at The Hague Central Station, you can walk to the Mauritshuis in about 10 minutes. Or, if you prefer, you can take tram 16 or 17 and get off at the Buitenhof stop. It’s pretty easy to get to from anywhere in the city.
5. Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Last but not least, we’ve got the Naturalis in Leiden. If you’re into nature and animals, you’re going to love this place. It’s all about biodiversity and natural history.
What is the cost for each museum? For grown-ups, it costs €16 to get in. Kids between 4 and 17 years old pay €10, and if you’ve got really little ones under 4, they can visit for free. They’ve also got family tickets and yearly passes if you think you’ll visit a lot.
What are the timings and days each museum is open? Naturalis is open every day from 10 in the morning until 5 in the evening. They’re even open on most holidays, so it’s a great place for a family day out any time of the year.
How to visit each of these museums from the city central? From Leiden Central Station, you can walk to Naturalis in about 10 minutes. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take bus 10, which stops right in front of the museum. It’s super convenient!
So there you have it – the top 5 museums to visit in the Netherlands and one of the top reasons to visit Amsterdam! Whether you’re into art, history, science, or nature, there’s something here for everyone. Remember to check the current prices, opening times, and how to get there before you go. And most importantly, have fun exploring these amazing places!
Also, don’t forget to buy an unlimited 3-day travel ticket you can pick from Schipol Airport or Centraal to move around the city.