If you are day dreaming about a visit to Amsterdam, you may also be dreaming about visiting the best museums in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is home in fact to more than 50 thought provoking and interesting museums. Here is a partial list of some of the very best museums in Amsterdam:
BEST MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM
Het Grachtenhuis Museum
This museum is located on the beautiful and upmarket Herengracht canal. The canal district itself is a UNESCO world heritage site, and its history is told with 3D animation, models, projections and an interactive multimedia exhibition. It’s a very modern look at Amsterdam’s history and a great way to start to your visit.
Tulip Museum
The tulip is synomous with the Netherlands, so this museum is quite popular with both Dutch people and tourists alike. If you love tulips, botany, or history in general, this is the museum for you.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is one of the world’s most thought provoking and popular museums. The main building of the museum is the actual hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary during World War II. As you walk through the rooms of the house, you’ll easily imagine how hard it was to live there during World War 2. The original diary is on display at this location. This is a must visit (I’ve been twice) but get there early because the lines can be long. Here’s my post on the Anne Frank House.
NEMO Science Museum
NEMO is a hands on museum and is very popular among children. It’s a must visit if you’re on vacation with kids or adults who are interested in science and technology. The “I Amsterdam” City Card or Museumkaart will get you free admission.
Torture Museum
This place brings out the macabre in everyone. View a bizarre collection and learn about some of the oldest and cruellest torture methods in history. Thankfully most of these methods are no longer in use. Most of the artifacts on display were actually used which makes this museum just a little more disturbing.
National Maritime Museum
The museum contains many artifacts associated with shipping and sailing and is dedicated to maritime history. The collection here contains world maps, models, paintings and weapons. A replica of the 18th-century ship Amsterdam (which sailed between the Netherlands and the East Indies), is located in the waters just outside the museum.
Van Gogh Museum
The world’s largest collection of Van Gogh work is located here and needless to say is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam. In addition to seeing many of his works, you’ll learn about the man himself and his life story. You won’t be disappointed!
The Rijksmuseum
Dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam, this is the Dutch national museum. Over 800 years of Dutch history is showcased with national treasurers and artifacts. The museum is located in the Amsterdam South borough at the Museum Square, and is very close to the Van Gogh Museum. Again, a must visit!
These are just a few of the best museums in Amsterdam, but there’s many more. There’s also the Museum of The Canals, the Costume Museum, the Heineken Experience, and the Houseboat Museum among others. Amsterdam’s museums make for an interesting day and a way to quickly immerse yourself in Dutch culture and history.
Can you think of any other interesting or strange museums that are in Amsterdam?
Mark's Travel Journal 
That was a good read. Which one was your favorite?
The Anne Frank House is an amazing experience – it has to be first. Followed by the Rijksmuseum for its amazing collection.
Wow I did not know Amsterdam had 50 museums, that is quite a lot of things to showcase! The Tulip Museum does sound quite interesting, since I never knew the tulip was an integral part of the culture. Interesting read!