Bucket list experience:
Photo Roy Beusker
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.3 miles]
A cool, retro design complements the historical character of this wonderful, affordable canal-side bolthole.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
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
Amsterdam, North, Netherlands[1.3 miles]
Sedate and enjoyable tours (with audio commentary) are a great way to see the city and to learn some of its secrets.
Best for ages: 4+ | £20 | 75 minutes
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.3 miles]
One of Europe’s largest synagogues, this magnificent building has been in continuous use since its founding in 1675 and is still lit entirely by candlelight.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.4 miles]
The unheralded but delightful Hortus Botanicus is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens – founded in 1638. It’s just east of the city centre and well worth a visit.
Best for ages: 4+ | £10
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.5 miles]
From 1639 to 1656, Rembrandt lived and worked in this graceful townhouse, which features a recreation of his studio and period furnishings from the Golden Age; a modern addition displays his prints and lesser paintings.
Best for ages: 18+ | £13
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.6 miles]
Owned by the founders of the Dutch East India Company, this beautifully preserved Canal District house museum gives you of taste of how the 19th-century aristocracy lived.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
From New York to London, Paris to Berlin, here’s our round-up of the must-see art galleries and museums around the world that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
