Amsterdam: 3 lesser-known, Cheapo-friendly museums
With its vast number of museums, it is no wonder that Amsterdam is the cultural hub of the Netherlands. It is, of course, the quaint, lesser-known attractions that add color to this image.
The smaller museums in Amsterdam are interesting in their own right, and they also come with a smaller price tag than the more hyped favorites such as the Rijksmuseum.
Houseboat Museum
Prinsengracht opposite no. 296
(March-Oct) Tue-Sun 11 AM – 5 PM
(Nov – Feb) Fri-Sun 11 AM – 5 PM
You can hardly visit a city famous for its canals and not visit one of the houseboats! Touted as the world’s only museum of this sort, this vessel lets you catch a glimpse of life on the canal.
This freighter-turned-houseboat once was home to its owners for 20 odd years and thus, comes complete with a cozy living area, kitchen and other homely facilities. Admission costs €3.50, though entrance is free with the I’amsterdam card.
Tulip Museum
Prinsengracht 112
Open daily 10-6 PM
Since the Dutch are crazy about tulips, it makes sense that there would be a tulip museum. The museum takes you down memory lane, revisiting events like the tulip mania of the 17th century. The spot also has a shop with helpful books about growing these flowers as well as fun facts about various types of bulbs. Admission costs €4.
Willet Holthuisen
Herengracht 605
Mon – Fri 10 AM – 5 PM
Speaking of nostalgic trips, how about a glance at the life of ardent art fans? The Willet Holthuisen Museum was the house of Louisa and Abraham Willet, both of whom gathered an expansive art collection.
The house now showcases their fantastic collection of decorative ceramics, elegant furniture, and fancy cutlery. The collection also includes beautiful paintings. Perfect for the history buff, the fully-preserved interior provides a peek at the life of the upper class. Admission is €5.25 (free with I’amsterdam card).
