Which Amsterdam Museums Are Worth The Visit?

Why visit Amsterdam? Some people choose to hit the city up because they want to enjoy its vibrant nightlife. Others go because they know this place is such a rich cultural hub. If the latter sounds like you, you'll probably be glad to know that the city has no shortage of incredible museums worth visiting.

It's unlikely you'll be able to see all of these places in one vacation unless you're going for several weeks. So, you probably wish to know which Amsterdam museums are worth the visit. Well, assuming this is your first trip to the "Venice of the North," these are the museums you should prioritize on your vacation.

Anne Frank Huis offers an emotional walk through the life of Anne Frank

Museums can be informative, but they can also be quite emotional. That's especially the case at one of Amsterdam's best museums - Anne Frank Huis. Those familiar with the story of Anne Frank will remember that it was in Amsterdam that she and her family hid during WWII. The museum itself is in the house where the girl wrote her famous diary and was ultimately captured by the opposing forces. Given the relevance of the location, it can be pretty harrowing to visit Anne Frank Huis. However, it's worth the heartache for the chance to better get to know the girl and what she went through. You won't forget this experience quickly.

The Rijksmuseum is home to work by some of the country's greatest artists

One of the reasons that Amsterdam has so many museums is that the Netherlands has been home to some of the world's greatest painters. The likes of Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Jon Steen were all Dutch and spent their lives creating some absolute masterpieces. You can see some of these pieces yourself at the Rijksmuseum. The likes of 'The Night Watch' and 'Milkmaid' stand on display here, along with other incredible collections that may leave you fascinated. Even the building itself is like a work of art, meaning this place is an absolute must, regardless of how long you're here.

The Van Gogh Museum has everything a Vincent Van Gogh fan could want

Another of the Netherlands' greatest artists was Vincent Van Gogh. Although his work wasn't appreciated that much while he was alive, he's gone on to become one of the biggest names in the artistic world. If you've always been a fan of his work or wish to learn more about him, Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum should be on your list of places to visit. Hundreds of his drawings and paintings are on display here, along with plenty of insight into his life and artistry. Plus, there are works from other artists linked to Van Gogh, so you can enjoy more than just his incredible creations during your trip.

The NEMO Science Museum is great for educating and entertaining kids

Trying to convince children that museums are fun can be tricky on occasion. That's why places like the NEMO Science Museum are so welcome. Definitely one of the best museums for families in Amsterdam, this spot has five floors of hands-on exhibits and some incredibly fascinating displays. For instance, children can learn more about the universe by battling comets and UV radiation or by handling a meteorite that's billions of years old. They can also get to grips with how renewable energy works on the panoramic rooftop deck. It ought to wear them out by the end of the day so you can enjoy some much-deserved quiet time afterward.

Fashion for Good aims to inspire change in the clothes people wear

More and more museums are setting out to try and make a positive difference in the world. That's certainly the case with Amsterdam's Fashion for Good. Offering a better insight into where clothes come from and how things can change, this museum has the potential to change people's mindsets. The insight that the exhibitions here provide into sustainable materials and industry innovations are something that many visitors may not yet know about. So, after seeing what Fashion for Good has to say, you may find yourself compelled to start thinking differently about the stuff you wear. If at least one person does that, this museum will have achieved something.

This is just a taste of the incredible museums that Amsterdam has to offer. If you decide to come back to the city in the future, it's definitely worth making time for some of the others. However, these are the best ones to prioritize on your first trip.