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Bucket list experience:

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

Amsterdam has a rich artistic heritage that stretches back centuries. In the 1600s, now known as the Dutch Golden Age, wealth flowed into the city, and prosperous merchants commissioned paintings and portraits, to decorate the walls of their gabled mansions. Artists set up workshops to meet the demand, including Rembrandt in the capital and Frans Hals in nearby Haarlem.

No surprise then that the city is now home to three of the world’s leading art museums – all within walking distance of one another.

Perhaps no Dutch artist is more revered than Van Gogh, and though he lived only briefly in Amsterdam, it’s here that you can see the largest collection of his works – some 200 paintings and 400 drawings – at his namesake museum. The nearby Rijksmuseum houses an unparalleled collection of Old Masters, including Rembrandt’s celebrated ‘The Night Watch’ and four paintings by Vermeer.

The 20th century saw important Dutch art movements such as De Stijl and CoBrA, whose influence spread far beyond the country’s borders. A stellar assortment of these works – including the precise, primary-colour-blocked paintings of De Stijl founder Piet Mondrian – can be seen at the Stedelijk Museum, which also holds a first-rate modern and contemporary collection by international artists.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Exterior view of the Moco museum during the daytime
Experience

Moco Museum

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

The newest addition to Museumplein’s art attractions, this small museum highlights modern and contemporary artists and is home to an impressive array of works by street artist Banksy.

Best for ages: 18+ | £17

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Exterior view of the museum during daytime
Experience

Rembrandt House Museum

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

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

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Exterior view of the museum at daytime
Experience

Stedelijk Museum

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

One of the city’s ‘Big Three’ museums highlights international artists of the 19th to 21st centuries, and features a fine collection of works by Piet Mondrian.

Best for ages: 18+ | £17

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The Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands

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

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

STRAAT Museum | Museum for street art and graffiti

STRAAT Museum | Museum for street art and graffiti

Amsterdam

STRAAT celebrates a wide variety of styles, shapes, techniques and messages, as told by the greatest art movement of our time: street art. T...

€20 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [38 ratings]

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Rijksmuseum Inside Out Private Tour With Locals

Rijksmuseum Inside Out Private Tour With Locals

Amsterdam

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. But what's the best way to enjoy this attraction to the max? Leave it t...

€117 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [81 ratings]

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Private Tour: Amsterdam Rembrandt Art Walking Tour Including Rijksmuseum

Private Tour: Amsterdam Rembrandt Art Walking Tour Including Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam

Your morning tour in Amsterdam will start at the Rembrandthouse. The most famous painter of the Dutch Golden Age is by far Rembrandt van R...

€167 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [33 ratings]

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Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum Tour (With Reserved Entry) - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum Tour (With Reserved Entry) - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Amsterdam

The 5.5 hour semi-private (8 guest maximum) guided museum combo tour includes entry to both Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum so you can skip th...

€222 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [162 ratings]

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

De L’Europe Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

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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Ambassade Hotel

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

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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Hotel Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Eclectic interiors, a stellar canal-front setting and the almost perfect location make this design hotel a true standout.

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Canal House

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

An intimate hotel in historic canal-facing buildings, with stylishly updated interiors. One of the trendiest places to stay in Amsterdam.

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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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Round-ups that include this experience