Things to Do & See in the Netherlands: Museums and Attractions Guide for Expats

The Netherlands offers an incredible array of cultural experiences, from world-class museums housing masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age to unique attractions showcasing the country’s rich heritage. As an expat in the Netherlands, you have the opportunity to explore these treasures at your leisure, often with special resident discounts and annual passes. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the most remarkable museums and attractions across the country, providing practical information and insider tips to enhance your experience.

Amsterdam: Cultural Capital

Rijksmuseum: The National Treasury

The iconic Rijksmuseum stands as the Netherlands’ premier art and history museum, housing masterpieces that span 800 years of Dutch cultural heritage. Located in Amsterdam’s Museum Square (Museumplein), this magnificent building reopened in 2013 after a decade-long renovation.

Key Collections:

• The largest collection of Rembrandt paintings in the world, including the famous “Night Watch”
• Four Vermeer masterpieces including “The Milkmaid”
• Works by Van Gogh, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen
• The Gallery of Honour featuring Dutch Golden Age masterpieces
• Extensive collections of Delftware, ship models, and historical artifacts

Practical Information:

• Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam
• Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 to 17:00
• Admission: €25 for adults, free for visitors 18 and under
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators on every floor
• Insider Tip: Download the free Rijksmuseum app for self-guided tours, or join the guided highlights tour to see the most important works in 90 minutes.

The Rijksmuseum is currently featuring “Operation Night Watch,” where researchers conduct an extensive study of Rembrandt’s masterpiece in a special glass chamber visible to visitors. For expats planning multiple visits, consider the Museumkaart (Museum Card), which provides unlimited access to most Dutch museums for a year.

Van Gogh Museum: A Journey Through an Artist’s Life

Housing the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, this museum offers a deeply personal journey through the artist’s life and development. The collection includes over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters.

Key Collections:

• Iconic paintings including “Sunflowers,” “Almond Blossom,” and several self-portraits
• Works by contemporaries who influenced Van Gogh, including Gauguin and Monet
• Comprehensive display of the artist’s development from early Dutch period to vibrant French works

Practical Information:

• Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
• Opening Hours: Varies seasonally, generally 9am-6pm with extended hours on Fridays
• Admission: Requires pre-booking with timed entry
• Accessibility: Information available for visitors with disabilities, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program
• Insider Tip: Visit on Friday evenings for “Vincent on Friday” events featuring music, workshops, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

The museum can get extremely crowded, especially during tourist season. As an expat, consider visiting during weekday mornings or becoming a “Friend of the Van Gogh Museum” for unlimited skip-the-line access.

Anne Frank House: A Powerful Historical Site

This profound museum preserves the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. The secret annex where the Frank family and four others hid for over two years has been preserved, creating a deeply moving experience.

Key Features:

• The original bookcase that concealed the entrance to the secret annex
• Anne’s original diary and notebooks
• Exhibitions about persecution of Jews during WWII and contemporary discrimination

Practical Information:

• Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, Amsterdam (entrance at Westermarkt 20)
• Visit Duration: Average visit takes about an hour
• Accessibility: Many steep stairs – may be difficult for those with mobility issues
• Photography: Not allowed in the museum
• Age Recommendation: Minimum age of 10 years recommended
• Insider Tip: Tickets sell out weeks in advance; book online as early as possible. From February 2025 to February 2028, there will be no tram running to the Westermarkt stop.

For expats, the museum offers educational programs and special exhibitions throughout the year that provide deeper context about Dutch history during WWII.

NEMO Science Museum: Interactive Learning for All Ages

Housed in a striking green copper building shaped like a ship’s hull, NEMO is the largest science museum in the Netherlands. This interactive museum makes science and technology accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages.

Key Exhibitions:

• Fenomena: Sensational Science – Discover everyday phenomena like light and sound
• Technium – Interactive exhibits about water power and everyday technology
• Laboratory – Hands-on experiments for budding scientists
• Humania – Exhibition about the human body and mind

Practical Information:

• Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
• Admission: €21.50 for adults and children 4+, free for children under 4
• Insider Tip: The rooftop terrace offers one of Amsterdam’s best panoramic views and is free to access even without a museum ticket.

NEMO is particularly popular with families, but adults will also enjoy the thoughtful exhibitions. The museum hosts regular evening events for adults only, making it a unique date night option for expats.

The Hague: Royal City of Arts

Mauritshuis: Intimate Masterpieces

The Mauritshuis houses a small but world-class collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 17th century Golden Age. Located in the historical and political heart of The Hague, this former city palace provides an intimate setting for viewing some of the world’s most famous paintings.

Key Masterpieces:

• “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer
• “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp” by Rembrandt
• Works by Jan Steen, Frans Hals, and other Dutch masters

Practical Information:

• Location: Plein 29, The Hague
• Opening Hours: Monday 1pm-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm
• Admission: €20 for adults, free for youth under 19
• Insider Tip: Visit after 15:00 to avoid crowds, and don’t miss the Prince William V Gallery included with your ticket.

The Mauritshuis offers excellent audio guides and regular tours in English, making it particularly accessible for international visitors and expats.

Rotterdam: Modern Architecture and Innovation

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen: Behind the Scenes of Art

While the main Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is closed for renovation until 2029, the Depot offers a completely unique museum experience. As the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, it allows visitors to see the entire collection of 155,000 objects and observe the behind-the-scenes work of art preservation.

Key Features:

• Striking mirrored bowl-shaped building with a rooftop garden
• Fourteen storage compartments with five different climate zones
• Visible restoration studios and art handling facilities
• Rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Rotterdam

Practical Information:

• Location: Museumpark, Rotterdam
• Opening Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Insider Tip: Take the glass elevator through the center of the building for a spectacular view of the storage facilities.

For those interested in contemporary art, also visit Zuid, Boijmans Van Beuningen’s creative workspace, open Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unique Dutch Experiences

Keukenhof Gardens: The World’s Most Beautiful Spring Garden

Known as “The Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden and a spectacular seasonal attraction. Open for just eight weeks each spring, it showcases the best of Dutch floriculture with over 7 million flower bulbs planted annually.

Key Features:

• 32 hectares of flower gardens with tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers
• Dutch windmill offering panoramic views of surrounding tulip fields
• Royal tulip pavilion
• Japanese garden
• Keukenhof maze

Practical Information:

• Location: Lisse, Netherlands
• Opening Season: March 19 to May 10, 2026
• Insider Tip: Combitickets include transportation from Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, or other major cities, making it easy to visit without a car.

As an expat, consider visiting on weekdays and early in the season (late March/early April) to avoid the heaviest tourist crowds.

Zaanse Schans: Step Back in Time

This unique heritage park showcases traditional Dutch windmills, green wooden houses, and crafts that were once the hub of world trade. Located just 15 minutes from Amsterdam, it offers a glimpse into the Netherlands’ industrial past.

Key Features:

• Traditional Dutch windmills (some still operational)
• Green wooden houses
• Traditional craft workshops including a weaver’s house and coopery
• Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience
• Mill Museum

Practical Information:

• Location: Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam
• Access: The area itself is freely accessible 365 days a year
• Attractions: Most are open from 9am to 5pm, but not all attractions are open daily
• Insider Tip: The Zaanse Schans Card provides access to museums, experiences, and two mills of your choice, plus a digital audio tour and discounts.

While popular with tourists, Zaanse Schans offers hiking trails and boat tours that allow you to escape the crowds and see the windmills from different perspectives.

Utrecht and Eastern Netherlands

Centraal Museum Utrecht: Art and Design Through the Ages

The oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands, Centraal Museum Utrecht houses an eclectic collection spanning centuries of art, design, and historical artifacts.

Key Collections:

• The world’s largest collection of works by Dick Bruna (creator of Miffy)
• Paintings by Utrecht Caravaggists
• Modern art and design
• Historical artifacts related to the city of Utrecht

Practical Information:

• Location: Agnietenstraat 1, Utrecht
• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
• Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site managed by the museum (requires separate tickets).

Utrecht’s compact size makes it easy to combine a museum visit with exploring the city’s beautiful canals and medieval center.

Northern Netherlands

Groninger Museum: Bold Architecture and Contemporary Art

Housed in a striking postmodern building designed by Alessandro Mendini, the Groninger Museum is one of the most visually distinctive museums in the Netherlands.

Key Collections:

• Contemporary art and design
• Fashion collections
• Porcelain and silver collections
• Rotating international exhibitions

Practical Information:

• Location: Museumeiland 1, 9711 ME Groningen
• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
• Insider Tip: The museum is directly opposite Groningen’s central train station, making it an easy day trip from other parts of the Netherlands.

The museum’s café offers excellent views of the surrounding water and city center.

Southern Netherlands

Efteling: A Fairy Tale Theme Park

While not a traditional museum, Efteling is a cultural institution in the Netherlands and one of Europe’s oldest and most unique theme parks. Based on fairy tales, myths, and legends, it offers a distinctly Dutch take on the theme park experience.

Key Attractions:

• Fairy Tale Forest with animated scenes from traditional stories
• Thrilling roller coasters and water rides
• Spectacular fantasy-themed shows
• Seasonal events and decorations

Practical Information:

• Location: Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel
• Opening Hours: Varies seasonally, generally 10am-6pm with extended summer hours
• Insider Tip: Consider staying overnight at one of the Efteling hotels to enjoy extended park hours and fully experience the magical atmosphere.

Many Dutch people have nostalgic connections to Efteling, making it a great way for expats to connect with Dutch culture beyond the traditional museums.

Family-Friendly Attractions

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: Wildlife in the City Center

One of Europe’s oldest zoos, ARTIS combines a traditional zoo with an aquarium, planetarium, and botanical gardens.

Key Features:

• Over 900 animal species
• Historical 19th-century buildings and gardens
• Micropia, the world’s only microbe museum
• Regular feeding times and keeper talks

Practical Information:

• Location: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam
• Opening Hours: Daily, hours vary seasonally
• Insider Tip: ARTIS hosts special evening openings during summer months, allowing visitors to experience the zoo at sunset.

The zoo’s central location makes it easy to combine with other Amsterdam attractions for a family day out.

Madurodam: The Netherlands in Miniature

This miniature park features 1:25 scale models of famous Dutch landmarks, historical cities, and infrastructure, offering a unique overview of the Netherlands.

Key Features:

• Detailed miniature versions of Dutch landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and Delta Works
• Interactive elements allowing visitors to operate windmills, load containers at Rotterdam port, etc.
• Indoor and outdoor exhibits

Practical Information:

• Location: George Maduroplein 1, The Hague
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9am-8pm in summer, shorter hours in winter
• Insider Tip: The park is particularly magical in the evening when all the miniature buildings are illuminated.

Madurodam provides an excellent introduction to Dutch geography and landmarks for newly arrived expats.

Outdoor Attractions and Natural Sites

Hoge Veluwe National Park: Art and Nature Combined

One of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands, Hoge Veluwe combines natural beauty with cultural significance through the Kröller-Müller Museum located within the park.

Key Features:

• 5,400 hectares of forests, heathlands, and sand drifts
• Free white bicycles for exploring the park
• Wildlife including red deer, wild boar, and mouflons
• Kröller-Müller Museum with the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world
• Sculpture garden with over 160 sculptures

Practical Information:

• Location: Houtkampweg 6, Otterlo
• Opening Hours: Daily, hours vary seasonally
• Insider Tip: Use the free white bicycles to explore the park efficiently and reach the hidden corners most visitors miss.

The combination of art and nature makes this a perfect day trip for expats looking to experience both Dutch culture and landscape.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Amsterdam Light Festival (Winter)

Each winter, Amsterdam’s canals transform into an open-air exhibition of light installations by international artists.

Key Features:

• Light installations throughout the canal ring
• Boat tours offering the best views of the installations
• Walking routes with detailed information about each artwork

Practical Information:

• When: December through January
• Insider Tip: Book a small boat tour rather than the large tourist boats for a more intimate experience of the festival.

The festival provides a magical atmosphere during the dark winter months and showcases Amsterdam’s canals from a new perspective.

Flower Parade (Spring)

The annual Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) features elaborate floats decorated with millions of flowers traveling from Noordwijk to Haarlem.

Key Features:

• Spectacular floats covered in bulb flowers
• 42km route through the heart of the bulb region
• Related events and exhibitions in towns along the route

Practical Information:

• When: April (exact dates vary annually)
• Insider Tip: Find a viewing spot in one of the smaller towns along the route rather than at the start or finish points to avoid the largest crowds.

This event showcases the Netherlands’ flower industry and provides stunning photo opportunities.

Practical Visitor Information

Museum Cards and City Passes

For expats planning to explore multiple museums, several passes offer significant savings:

Museumkaart (Museum Card):

• Provides unlimited access to over 400 museums throughout the Netherlands for one year
• Cost: €75 for adults, €39 for those 18 and under
• Available for purchase at most major museums
• Requires an address in the Netherlands or EU

I amsterdam City Card:

• Includes entry to most Amsterdam museums and attractions, plus public transport
• Available in 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120-hour versions
• Ideal for when you have visitors from abroad

Rotterdam Welcome Card:

• Offers discounts to Rotterdam attractions and free public transport
• Available in 1, 2, or 3-day versions

Accessibility Information

Most major Dutch museums and attractions have made significant efforts to improve accessibility:

• Wheelchair access is generally good at newer or renovated facilities
• Many museums offer resources for visitors with visual or hearing impairments
• Several museums participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program for visitors with non-visible disabilities
• Always check the specific accessibility information on the attraction’s website before visiting

Transportation Tips

The Netherlands has excellent public transportation, making most attractions easily accessible without a car:

• Major museums in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam are typically within walking distance of train stations or tram stops
• For rural attractions like Keukenhof, special seasonal buses often operate from nearby cities
• Combination tickets that include transportation and admission are available for many popular attractions
• The NS (Dutch Railways) offers group tickets and day passes that can save money on train travel

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Museums

Museum Voorlinden: Contemporary Art in a Natural Setting

Located in Wassenaar between The Hague and Amsterdam, this privately-owned contemporary art museum combines striking architecture with beautiful gardens.

Key Features:

• Permanent installations by artists like Leandro Erlich and James Turrell
• Rotating exhibitions of contemporary art
• 40 hectares of landscaped gardens
• Richard Serra sculptures in the garden

Practical Information:

• Location: Buurtweg 90, 2244 AG Wassenaar
• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
• Insider Tip: Allow extra time to explore the gardens, which are as much a part of the experience as the indoor galleries.

The peaceful setting makes this a perfect escape from the busier tourist attractions.

Teylers Museum: The Oldest Museum in the Netherlands

Founded in 1778, Teylers Museum in Haarlem is a fascinating time capsule of art and science from the Enlightenment era.

Key Collections:

• Scientific instruments and fossils
• Drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael
• Coins and medals
• The original Oval Room, unchanged since the 18th century

Practical Information:

• Location: Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem
• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
• Insider Tip: The museum is just a 15-minute walk from Haarlem station, making it an easy side trip from Amsterdam.

The museum’s historical atmosphere provides a unique contrast to the more modern museum experiences elsewhere in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers an extraordinary range of museums and attractions that cater to all interests, from world-class art collections to interactive science exhibits and unique cultural experiences. As an expat, you have the luxury of time to explore these treasures at your own pace, perhaps becoming a regular visitor at your favorites.

The country’s compact size and excellent transportation network make it possible to visit attractions throughout the Netherlands with ease. Whether you’re interested in Dutch masters, contemporary art, scientific discovery, or simply experiencing the unique culture of your new home, there’s always something new to discover.

Take advantage of annual passes like the Museumkaart, seek out special events and exhibitions, and don’t hesitate to explore beyond the most famous attractions. Some of the most rewarding experiences await in the smaller museums and hidden corners of this culturally rich country.