Top 5 best museums in the Netherlands2026 ranking

We wanted to see those iconic Dutch windmills. Just north of Amsterdam, we found the town of Zaandam and its famous Zaanse Schans neighborhood. It is an area that houses historic green houses and well preserved 18th century windmills along a canal. It was pretty crowded the day we visited, even in the off season, so plan your trip carefully if you go during peak season. There are tons of things to do, like touring the windmills and traditional Dutch houses, visiting museums, watching wooden clog making, and cheese tastings. We spent a good part of the day there. We headed closer to the center of Zaandam for lunch, which was way cheaper than eating right next to a windmill.

Right by the train station, this science museum is a must-do with kids. For me, it is not really a museum in the strict sense. It is more about booths and small demonstrations, which are certainly interesting for introducing young people to science, but there are not really any collections to admire. We went with friends and we were disappointed by the visit. Plus, the entrance fee is quite expensive, and you often have to wait in line to see the different experiments. My best memory is still the roof of the building, which offers a pretty view of the city. Be careful, the signs are only in English and Dutch. You will therefore have to translate for the kids.

Although this museum isn't the most well-known in Amsterdam, I had a lot of fun during the visit. It's a playful museum that really gets you involved. It's perfect if you have kids. You can touch things and do experiments. Really a great time.

I am not always a huge fan of 19th-century painters, but I have to admit I appreciate Van Gogh's work and his unique style. As for the museum itself, I found the rooms were well organized, and the explanations regarding his journey and technique were very clear. It is a true immersion into the artist's world, and I can only recommend this museum to all art lovers.

The Anne Frank House is a very moving place, especially if you have read her diary. Walking through the narrow rooms where she lived makes you feel the fear, but also the hope of this family during World War II. Go with your children if you have the chance, it is a very good way to talk about the Holocaust with them.

Very beautiful museum, a must-see for art lovers. It has an impressive collection of Dutch paintings, including works by Rembrandt. There are also many sculptures and ancient objects. Plan for several hours for the visit, because it is very big.

Visiting the Anne Frank House is a very moving experience. You discover the place where she lived in hiding and feel the full intensity of her story. The audio guide along with the photos and videos provide valuable information. The visit lasts about 1 hour. Remember to book your tickets in advance.

The museum is impressive and features the largest collection of the artist's works. Each room immerses you in his world. I recommend getting the audio guide, which lets you learn more about Van Gogh's life, his inspirations, and his various works.

I was surprised by the size of this museum, which is truly very rich. It offers so many works, especially Flemish paintings. It is the ideal place to discover this very unique world. To see everything, you will need to stay for several hours.

In a fishing village that is pretty well known in the Netherlands, this small museum that does not look like much is a nice surprise. You can see how people lived back in the day and it is informative.