Bucket list experience:
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The Dutch were a naval superpower in the 17th century, a period of their history known as the Golden Age, when the Netherlands was the centre of international trade. During this time the Netherlands developed a reputation for tolerance, which helped to draw traders and immigrants from far and wide. The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) traces this heritage and is the second-largest maritime collection in the world.
Highlights within include the historic terrestrial and celestial globes, navigational instruments, incredibly detailed models of ships, and high-tech displays that bring to life seafaring in the Dutch Golden Age.
The museum has an excellent range of facilities and exhibits for children of all ages, from a ‘circus at sea’ show for under 6s, to a virtual adventure complete with sea storms and battles, for older kids. Children will love exploring the replica 18th-century sailing ship, and be engaged by the instructive exhibition on whaling.
Moored outside (so easy to overlook) is a full-scale, replica 18th-century sailing ship, The Amsterdam. You can clamber all over it, including the storage and living quarters.
The museum fits in well with a bike tour of the Eastern Docklands. Pick up information on interesting sights at the ARCAM (architecture) centre, just across the bridge from the museum.
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Destination Guide >The museum is a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station. Or catch bus 22 or 48 and get off at Kadijksplein. A range of themed tours are available if you book in advance; see the website for descriptions of each.
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. Given the scale of the building, the museum copes with high numbers of visitors, so crowds and queuing are unlikely to be a problem at any time.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Amsterdam
€18 | Rating 4.13 / 5 [69 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.5 miles]
A stylish yet unpretentious design hotel, housed in three 17th-century buildings, in a great city centre location.
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.5 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[1.7 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[1.9 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]
A 17th-century old people’s that is now the overseas outpost for St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. Lavish, must-see exhibitions of exquisite treasures selected from the Hermitage’s vast collections.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[2.1 miles]
Stroll the city’s most stylish streets, packed with independent boutiques and vintage fashion stores, the latest Dutch and Flemish brands, and locally-made soaps and luxe toiletries.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[2.1 miles]
The canal-house annexe – now a moving museum – is where Anne Frank hid and wrote her world-famous diary.
Best for ages: 8+ | £12
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[2.2 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.3 miles]
An interactive science centre offering the best indoor kids’ entertainment in Amsterdam – and a superb roof terrace for coffee with a view.
Best for ages: 3+ | £15
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.7 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[0.8 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[1 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
