The National Maritime Museum, Rotterdam

Witness the extraordinary maritime history of the Dutch come alive at the National Maritime Museum, which holds the distinction of having one of the world’s most notable and largest maritime collections. Situated in Amsterdam, the iconic destination attracts maritime enthusiasts as well as families with kids with its unique interactive exhibits and exciting collections. Experience five centuries of Dutch maritime history through a stunning collection of paintings, navigation instruments, ship models, sea charts, and much more.

As one of the most-visited family attractions of Amsterdam, National Maritime Museum offers exciting interactive exhibitions to visitors of all age groups in our Europe holiday packages. From the kid-friendly Doris the Diver exhibition to the thrilling East Indiaman installation which replicates the Dutch East Indiaman ship, the award-winning museum narrates the maritime success story of the Dutch intriguingly.

Explore more than 15 permanent exhibitions, a library filled with 60,000 books on maritime history, and special events of the National Maritime Museum on the iconic Dutch maritime culture. Replicas and models of ships and yachts, old and new ocean maps, navigation instruments, and other artifacts have been combined with modern technology like VR to recreate the world of the oceans and the deep connection shared by maritime history and Dutch society.

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• Visit one of the world’s largest and most notable maritime collections at the National Maritime Museum of Amsterdam.
• Designed to attract both maritime enthusiasts and families with kids, the popular Amsterdam tourist destination offers more than 15 permanent exhibitions on maritime history to visitors.
• Explore a stunning collection of paintings, navigation instruments, ship models, sea charts, and much more at the museum’s exhibitions.
• Witness a life-size replica of the Dutch East Indiaman ship and hang at the hammock, fire cannons, play around in the captain’s cabin, lift cargo, stand at the helm, and much more at East Indiaman.
• See one of the most important maritime historical collections of the world at the National Maritime Museum library, which houses a massive collection of 60,000 books, magazines, maps, and more.
• Experience 500 years of the iconic maritime history of the Dutch come to life at the interactive exhibitions and unique installations of the museum.

By Train: The museum is a 19-minute walk from the Amsterdam Central Station as you head east on Prins Hendrikkade.

By Bicycle: The National Maritime Museum is a 5-minute ride from the Amsterdam Central Station. Park your bicycle at the parking spaces available in front and near the museum.

By Car: Take the exit at S116 (IJ tunnel) as you drive on A10 Ring Road north. Four parking garages are available around the museum.

By Bus: Hop on bus no. N1, 129, 177, 188, 286 and get to the nearest stations for the National Maritime Museum Thamesmead, Lewisham (Shopping Centre), Peckham, Russell Square, and Greenwich, Cutty Sark respectively. You can take a small walk thereafter to reach the destination.

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The best time to visit the National Maritime Museum is during the early morning hours. As a popular family-friendly tourist attraction, the museum sees heavy crowds in the later hours of the day. Hence it is recommended that you visit early to explore the exhibits of the museum at leisure. Also, if you wish to avoid crowds, it is advised that you visit on the weekdays as weekends see families with kids visiting in higher numbers.

The best time to visit Amsterdam is in April and May or from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the crowds of tourists are fewer.

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Tips to visit

• It is recommended that you visit during the early morning hours so that you can avoid crowds who come in during the later hours. You would also get ample time to explore the exhibits at leisure.
• Weekends see heavier crowds than weekdays, so, if possible, plan your visit on Tuesdays to Thursdays to avoid the rush.
• The National Maritime Museum offers audio tours to visitors, which offer valuable information and help you explore the exhibits better. Hence, it is recommended that you take the audio tours for a better museum experience.
• The Museum organizes numerous events and temporary exhibitions, so it is advised that you check the events calendar before your visit and plan your trip accordingly.
• As a popular family attraction, the National Maritime Museum offers numerous fun activities for kids to keep them engaged and entertained with exciting information. So, bring your kids along with no worries and enjoy a fun day out with them.
• Visitors require at least two hours to explore all the museum exhibits at leisure, thus, plan your day’s itinerary accordingly.
• Remember to explore and shop for souvenirs at the museum shop and enjoy light snacks and delicious meals at the museum restaurant.
• Book your tickets online to avoid last-minute hassles and waiting time at the walk-in counters of the National Maritime Museum.

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