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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jennifer Ceaser

A 17th-century old people’s home by the Amstel River has been cleverly converted into exhibition spaces to display exquisite treasures from the vast collections of St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum.

Some of the collections focus on Russian history and culture, others on wider European art – recent and forthcoming exhibitions have included masterpiece Impressionist paintings. Usually, two blockbuster exhibitions take place each year.

It may seem odd that Amsterdam is home to such fine Russia art, but Amsterdam has a special relationship with Russia – Peter the Great once lived in the city, and it inspired him to build St Petersburg. He founded the original Hermitage Museum using exhibits collected while in Amsterdam.

Price from: £22
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest tram stop is Waterlooplein.

Check the museum website for information on current and upcoming exhibitions. Audio tours, in English and Dutch, are created for each exhibition.

The on-site Café Neva is a stylish place, serving international and Dutch dishes (plus drinks and snacks), open daytime and evenings.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. Most exhibitions are extremely popular, meaning there are often queues to get in, and crowds inside. Late mornings on weekends are usually busiest, while Wednesday evenings and weekday afternoons tend to be the quietest.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

De L’Europe Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.6 miles]

Ultra-plush five-star luxury in a landmark hotel. Perfectly located on the southern of the character-filled Canal Ring, walking distance to the big art museums.

Official star rating:

Ambassade Hotel

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.1 miles]

Character-filled hotel in historic canal-facing buildings. The quintessential heritage stay, and perfectly located for exploring the city and enjoying up the Canal Ring atmosphere.

Official star rating:

W Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.2 miles]

Swanky design hotel in the picturesque heart of the city, offering an array of bars and restaurants, plus the city’s largest rooftop pool.

Official star rating:

Hoxton Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.3 miles]

A cool, retro design complements the historical character of this wonderful, affordable canal-side bolthole.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands

Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.1 miles]

One of the city’s most popular attractions is the historic 1867 Heineken brewery, which has retained the original brewing room with its enormous vintage copper vats and antique brewing equipment.

Best for ages: 18+ | £18

National Maritime Museum

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.1 miles]

The second-largest maritime collection in the world charts the golden age of Dutch seafaring, with interactive exhibits and memorabilia including a replica 18th-century sailing ship.

Best for ages: 13+ | £12

The Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[1.3 miles]

The Netherlands’ premier art museum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Over 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms trace 800 years of Dutch art and culture. The must-see masterpiece is Rembrandt’s massive Night Watch.

Best for ages: 18+ | £16

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