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Museums & galleries

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

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Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Overview

Het Scheepvaartmuseum is a maritime museum dedicated to the history of Dutch seafaring and navigation. The facility houses extensive collections of historical maps, navigational instruments, ship models, and maritime art, alongside full-scale historical vessels moored outside. Visitors go to explore how maritime trade, exploration, and naval conflicts shaped the Netherlands over hundreds of years.

Getting There

The site sits in the Oosterdok area, just east of Amsterdam's central core. Walking from Amsterdam Centraal Station takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes along the waterfront. Local buses from the central station also reach the museum area in approximately 10 minutes.

Visit Duration

Plan to spend roughly 2 to 3 hours to view the indoor exhibitions and explore the historic ships outside.

When to Visit

Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon provides a calmer experience. The venue experiences heavier crowds on weekends, public holidays, and during school vacations.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine your visit with several nearby attractions within walking distance:

  • NEMO Science Center (0.3km)
  • Natura Artis Magistra (0.6km)
  • Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam (0.7km)
  • Portuguese Synagogue (0.8km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Good to visit alongside

NEMO Science Center

Museums & galleries

NEMO Science Center

NEMO Science Museum is a hands-on science center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Housed in a building designed by Renzo Piano, it spans five floors of exhibits and is considered the largest science museum in the country.

0.3 km away

Natura Artis Magistra

Zoos & aquariums

Natura Artis Magistra

Artis is an attraction in central Amsterdam that combines a zoo and a botanical garden. It's the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands and ranks among the most historic in the world.

0.6 km away

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Zoos & aquariums

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It's a wonderful spot for a relaxed stroll among a wide variety of plants.

0.7 km away

Portuguese Synagogue

Museums & galleries

Portuguese Synagogue

The Portuguese Synagogue is a synagogue in Amsterdam completed in 1675. It offers a chance to experience Jewish culture while touring this historic building.

0.8 km away

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

Culture & venues

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ is a contemporary classical music venue on the IJ waterfront, a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Opened in 2005, it also houses the jazz venue Bimhuis, offering a wide range of performances.

0.8 km away

Jewish Museum

Museums & galleries

Jewish Museum

Located in Amsterdam's Jewish Cultural Quarter, this museum explores the history, culture, and religion of Jewish communities in the Netherlands and around the world. It is the only museum in the Netherlands dedicated specifically to Jewish history.

0.9 km away