Travel bucket list idea:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
© Twycer / www.twycer.nl
The Dutch were a naval superpower in the 17th century, a period of their history known as the Golden Age, when the Netherlands was the centre of international trade. During this time the Netherlands developed a reputation for tolerance, which helped to draw traders and immigrants from far and wide. The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) traces this heritage and is the second-largest maritime collection in the world.
Highlights within include the historic terrestrial and celestial globes, navigational instruments, incredibly detailed models of ships, and high-tech displays that bring to life seafaring in the Dutch Golden Age.
The museum has an excellent range of facilities and exhibits for children of all ages, from a ‘circus at sea’ show for under 6s, to a virtual adventure complete with sea storms and battles, for older kids. Children will love exploring the replica 18th-century sailing ship, and be engaged by the instructive exhibition on whaling.
Moored outside (so easy to overlook) is a full-scale, replica 18th-century sailing ship, The Amsterdam. You can clamber all over it, including the storage and living quarters.
The museum fits in well with a bike tour of the Eastern Docklands. Pick up information on interesting sights at the ARCAM (architecture) centre, just across the bridge from the museum.
The museum is a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station. Or catch bus 22 or 48 and get off at Kadijksplein. A range of themed tours are available if you book in advance; see the website for descriptions of each.
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. Given the scale of the building, the museum copes with high numbers of visitors, so crowds and queuing are unlikely to be a problem at any time.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Amsterdam
Price €18
Min age 4
Rating 4.14 / 5 [89 ratings]
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