33 Best museums in Europe
Europe. Known to be home to many of the world’s most famous museums. You can visit a new one every single day! Wherever you go, make sure to explore new collections and exhibitions to dive into Europe’s rich history, or to explore its extensive genre of modern and contemporary art. This blog post is an overview of (in my opinion of course!) the 33 best museums in Europe I have visited over the past years.
Whether you are interested in Greek or Roman history, Europe’s film history or a visit to one of the most beautiful palaces that is still hidden away from large crowds, you will find everything you need in the overview below.
Please note: opening hours might be subject to change and do not include exceptions that might occur during public holidays.
33 Best Museums in Europe
Clearly, the most famous, largest museums are on top of the list. However, there are so many smaller, exquisite museums to visit, do scroll down to find your new favourite hidden gems and feel like a local in Europe!
1. RIJKSMUSEUM – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
The Rijksmuseum, situated in Amsterdam is an absolute must-see when visiting the Netherlands. The museum particularly is renowned for its impressive 17th-century art collection.
You can admire numerous of the most famous paintings from Rembrandt and Vermeer such as The Night’s Watch and The Milkmaid. Additionally, many sculptures and decorative arts are on display at the museum. They give you an insight into Dutch and European history. They provide context regarding the Dutch culture and local habits over the past centuries. Additionally, the building itself is a joy to walk through.
Good to know:
Be careful of the cyclists crossing through the gates of the building when you enter, they will not stop for you! Make sure to have a coffee or lunch at the restaurant in the gigantic atrium to enjoy the ever-changing light coming through the glass ceiling. Conveniently, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum are all located on the same square and therefore within close proximity of one another. Combine multiple visits on the same day if you want the full Dutch art experience!
Practical information: The museum is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm, and access is free for ages 18 and under. Ensure you pre-book tickets and timeslot in advance to be able to enter the museum.
➡️ Buy your tickets to Rijksmuseum here ⬅️
2. LOUVRE MUSEUM – PARIS, FRANCE
The Louvre Museum; Who hasn’t heard of one of the most famous museums in the world? Enjoy the specular entrance via the glass pyramid in the middle of the main square and get lost in the extraordinary collection spanning over 9,000 years of arts, culture and civilisation.
Of course, you will find the Mona Lisa painting at the heart of the building as well as Venus de Milo and Liberty Leading the People, but there is so much more to explore.
Personal favourite: Make sure to visit the Gallery D’Apollon to enjoy the mesmerizing ceiling paintings. Visit the Apartments of Napoleon III in the Richelieu Wing to see what the palace looked like when it was still in use until 1861. Often this is one of the quieter places of the museum, but definitely worth a visit!
Looking to book a trip across Europe? Have a look at this suggested 3-week Europe itinerary across Europe crossing France, Switzerland and Italy.
Good to know: Though you have to book tickets and a time slot in advance, often the queues to enter the museum are still very long. Save time by accessing the Louvre via the hidden Carrousel entrance. Rather than queuing outside, this entrance takes you to an underground shopping area. This entrance is usually a lot quicker than the main queue on the square. Address: Carrousel de Louvre 99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Practical information: The museum is closed on Tuesday and open 9 am – 6 pm the rest of the week. You have to pre-book your tickets to be able to enter.
➡ Buy your tickets for the Louvre Museum here ⬅️
3. SISTINE CHAPEL, VATICAN MUSEUMS – VATICAN CITY, ROME, ITALY
The Vatican Museums are situated within Vatican City and their impressive collections consist of paintings, sculptures and artefacts. This extensive collection was amassed by the Catholic Church over many centuries.
Clearly, the most famous must-see when visiting the museum is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. The work was completed in 1483 and interestingly, the chapel is still in use for the papal conclave; the process throughout which a new pope is chosen. Another famous work at the museum is Raphaels School of Athens painting, often named “the perfect embodiment of the classical spirit of the Renaissance”.
Good to know: Since the Vatican Museums are religious heritage, make sure to comply with the dress code they have in place, so make sure to dress appropriately e.g. no sleeveless, low-cut garments, shorts above knee and miniskirts.
Practical information: I suggest booking your tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during high season. Opening hours are Monday – Saturday 9 am-6 pm, and final entry at 4 pm.
➡️ Buy your tickets for the Vatican Museums here ⬅️
4. ACROPOLIS MUSEUMS – ATHENS, GREECE
The Acropolis of Athens is a historic site that consists of many architectural findings. When wandering this place you feel it is truly the heart of ancient Greek civilisation. The site undoubtedly speaks to anyone’s imagination and gives you the opportunity to learn more about the lives of the ancient Greek people. Some of the highlights include; The ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena in the 5th century BC, which is still largely intact. The Erechteion and its unique statues of six females serve as columns to the building. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus; This amphitheatre was built later (around 160AD) and is still largely intact and occasionally still in use for events and performances.
In addition to Acropolis Hill, the Acropolis Museum itself is located next to the site and covers everything related to the wonders of the Acropolis. It serves as a showcase of the archaeological discoveries found on Acropolis Hill. The glass floors let you walk over the ancient city right underneath the visitor’s feet.
Personal favourite: Visit Acropolis Hill right as soon as it opens, preferably on a weekday. During my visit (March 2023) I had the park largely to myself without any of the other tourists there yet. A unique opportunity to take the best pictures of the hill (without other people in it!) in the morning light. Additionally, this time of day it is still nice and cool.
Practical information: Note the museum and the Acropolis both require separate tickets. Opening hours for the Acropolis depend on the season so make sure to check the website.
➡️ Buy your tickets for Acropolis Hill and the Museum here ⬅️
5. PRADO MUSEUM – MADRID, SPAIN
The Prado Museum is found in Madrid and is a beacon of Spanish and European cultural heritage. Its collection of over 8.000 objects, includes many famous works such as: Goya’s The Third of May 1808; Commemorating Spain’s Resistance to Napoleons’ Armies, Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch and the Three Graces by Peter Paul Rubens. A museum you definitely want to visit when in Spain!
Good to know: In the first place, the Prado does not allow any form of photography of their collection, as highlighted on their website. Leave your camera at home as you will not be able to use it. Secondly, the afternoon slots are usually quieter than the morning hours in this museum, so it is worth considering entering the museum later in the day. Finally, keep an eye on the time of your visit; Access to the museum is free of charge during the last two opening hours every day!
Practical information: The museum is open 10 am-8 pm every day, apart from Sunday when the museum closes at 7 pm.
➡️ Buy your tickets for the Prado Museum here ⬅️
6. VAN GOGH MUSEUM – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
When you think about famous Dutch painters, Van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the first names that will come to mind. With his original style and the many challenges he faced during his life, this museum will share some great insights about the painter, his family and the 200 paintings he created. Additionally, you will find a great collection of the painter’s letters and drawings here too. The museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of his legacy.
Good to know: Pre-book your ticket and time slot online to be able to get in. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum are all located on the same square in Amsterdam and therefore within close proximity of one another. Therefore, it is easy to combine multiple museum visits on the same day if you want the full Dutch art experience!
Practical information: Opening hours vary, depending on the season, make sure you check them close to your visit.
➡️ Buy your tickets to the Van Gogh Museum here ⬅️
7. GUGGENHEIM – BILBAO, SPAIN
Who does not want to visit this sparkling, stunning and remarkable building that I located in Bilbao? This is one of several Guggenheim museums in the world and is one of the most remarkable architectural masterpieces of the 20th century. Even the building on its own would make this museum well worth a visit and inspired countless architects worldwide.
Clearly, the museum is known for its impressive collection of contemporary and modern art which includes many paintings from Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons and Willem de Kooning.
Practical information: The museum is open daily from 10 am – 8 pm in high season (July and August) and until 7 pm in low season. I recommend booking tickets in advance, the fee includes an audio-guided tour for anyone who is interested.
➡️ Book your tickets for Guggenheim Bilbao here ⬅️
8. UFFIZI MUSEUM – FLORENCE, ITALY
One of the most famous museums in Italy is probably the Uffizi Museum and for good reason. The palazzo is an absolute joy to visit with its prestigious corridors and extensive collection of Renaissance paintings. Wander across the endless museum and be surrounded by the most famous works of the Renaissance era.
Personal favourite: Have a coffee at Caffettaria Bartolini on the top floor. There is a lovely terrace with great views over Florence!
Looking to book a trip across Europe? Have a look at this suggested 3-week Europe itinerary across Europe crossing France, Switzerland and Italy.
Practical information: Book your tickets in advance, especially during high season. It will fast-track you into the museum. Opening hours are Tuesday – Sunday 8.15 am – 6.30 pm.
➡️ Book your tickets for Uffizi Galleries here ⬅️
9. MUSÉE D’ORSAY – PARIS, FRANCE
Musée d’Orsay is home to many of the most famous paintings of the impressionist era. They display works from the likes of Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and Renoir. Since the museum is established in an old train station the building itself is a joy to visit and the large clock still reminds its visitors of the original purpose of the site.
Good to know: The museum already announced the restrictions for accessing the museum for August 2024 during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, so if you plan to visit Paris next summer, this is worth looking into.
Practical information: I recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Opening hours are Tuesday – Sunday 9.30 am – 6 pm. Access to the museum is free for all visitors on the 1st Sunday of every month, but booking in advance is required for this service.
➡️ Book your tickets for Orsay Museum here ⬅️
10. NATIONAL GALLERY – EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
The National Gallery of Scotland is a delight to visit. The museum is located right at the heart of Edinburgh and is a real gem of European art. They display paintings from the likes of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Raphael and Da Vinci and from Scottish painters such as Sir Francis Grant and Sir Edwin Landseer. A stunning collection and moreover, access to the museum is free of charge!
Good to know: At the time of writing (summer of 2023) the museum is under construction, meaning only a small part of the building is accessible. The re-opening is scheduled for September 2023. Make sure to keep an eye on the specifics of the opening dates!
Practical information: Open daily 10 am – 5 pm, no pre-booking needed, admission is free.
11. VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM – LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Victoria and Albert Museum, often known as the V&A, is based at the heart of the museum quarter in South Kensington. The museum is home to a huge collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, fashion, jewellery and artefacts spanning over a timeline of 5,000 years of history. I am certain there is something of interest for everyone in the V&A museum.
Personal favourite: The museum has an immaculate collection of jewellery, presented in a dark room with perfect lighting on the many rubies, crystals and diamonds. The collection consists of over 3,000 items, so if you like glitter and bling, this is the place to be!
Good to know: Visit the museum whenever you feel like it. Conveniently, general admission is free of charge and there is no need to pre-book a time slot. Have a drink or some food at the Main Cafe with its stunning scenery. According to V&A, this is the oldest museum cafe in the world!
Practical information: Open daily 10 am – 5.45 pm, Friday’s open until 10 pm.
➡️ For guided and private tours of V&A buy tickets here ⬅️
12. CENTRE POMPIDOU – PARIS, FRANCE
Probably known as one of the most remarkable modern buildings in Paris, Centre Pompidou is home to over 140,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art. The work of the most famous artists in their collection includes paintings of Kandinsky, Delaunay, Mondrian, Frida Kahlo, Matisse and Chagall.
Enjoy climbing your way through the building on the escalators and they will lead you to a wonderful view over Paris.
Personal favourite: Make sure you visit the Stravinsky Fountain since it is located next to the Pompidou building. The Pond is home to 16 mechanically moving, colourful statues. Interestingly, the pond was designed by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle together, who were inspired by Stravinsky’s ballet Rite of Spring.
Good to know: To avoid disappointment, have a look at the dates of your visit to Centre Pompidou. Recently, the museum announced major renovations. Therefore the museum will close for 5 years starting in 2025.
Practical information: Open every day 11 am – 9 pm except Tuesdays.
➡️ Buy tickets for Centre Pompidou here ⬅️
13. NATIONAL GALLERY – LONDON UNITED KINGDOM
The National Gallery is located right at the heart of London at the famous Trafalgar Square. If you enjoy endless corridors, with wonderful ceiling paintings, the smell of old wood, and squeaky floors, this is the place to be. The museum offers an impressive collection of Western European paintings ranging from the 13th to the 19th century. includes many famous works from the likes of Titian, Seurat, Michelangelo, van Gogh and Turner.
Good to know: Since the museum is located at the heart of London City Center, I recommend combining your visit with a city walk along some of the most famous highlights London has to offer. You are close to Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, Pall Mall and The Strand. I will share a separate blog post on this topic soon!
Practical information: Like most of the main museums in London the National Gallery has free entrance. However, I suggest booking a timeslot in advance, especially during high season.
➡️ For guided and private tours at the National Gallery, buy tickets here ⬅️
14. SINGER LAREN MUSEUM – LAREN, THE NETHERLANDS
Only a thirty-minute drive from Amsterdam you will find the Singer Laren Museum in the charming village of Laren.
Originally, the museum was founded by the American artist Henry Singer and his wife Anna. The museum’s collection focuses primarily on paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries and is without doubt one of my favourite places to visit in the Netherlands. Famous works include paintings from van Dongen, Josef en Isaac Israels en George Hendrik Breitner.
Personal favourite: This is one of the cosiest museums I know. Have a coffee or lunch in the restaurant and curl up next to the woodfire, whilst you enjoy the paintings you are surrounded with.
Practical information: Open daily 10 am – 5 pm except Mondays.
15. RODIN MUSEUM – PARIS, FRANCE
Many people consider Rodin as one of the most gifted sculptors in history. His most famous sculpture is undoubtedly The Thinker. The Museum displays most of the work Rodin produced. Interestingly, a year before his passing, Rodin granted all of his works to the French state, who founded the museum in Hôtel Biron as per his request. Enjoy the extended collection the museum has to offer, both within the museum and in the accompanying garden.
Good to know: Make sure you check if the garden is open, especially if you are visiting during low season. During wintertime, the garden is closed and the statues are wrapped to protect them from the cold.
Practical information: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 6.30 pm.
➡️ Buy your tickets for the Rodin Museum here ⬅️
16. MUSEU PICASSO – BARCELONA, SPAIN
The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a real gem. As a matter of fact, the museum is housed in five medieval palaces, which makes the visit spectacular right from the start.
The museum guides you through the evolution of Picasso’s work throughout his life and the collection totals over 4,000 pieces of his work.
Good to know: The museum offers timeslots where the museum access is free of charge: Thursday afternoons 5 pm – 8 pm, and every first Sunday of the month.
Practical information: Open Tuesday until Sunday 9 am – 8 pm. I would recommend to book your tickets in advance.
➡️ Buy your tickets for the Picasso Museum here ⬅️
17. KUNSTHAUS ZÜRICH – ZÜRICH SWITZERLAND
I love this museum partially because of the building and obviously for the collection they have in place as well. The museum houses sculptures by the likes of Giacometti and paintings by Chagall and Ferdinand Hodler.
If you plan your visit keep an eye out on the temporary exhibitions the museum hosts, they are well worth a visit and often show famous and less famous masterpieces.
Practical information: The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm and you can buy tickets in advance.
18. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CINEMA – TURIN, ITALY
The National Museum of Cinema in Turin is such a fun experience. Because of the theme of the museum. Needless to say it is very different from your regular museum visit. The museum takes you on a journey sharing the history, art and technology of filmmaking. There are so many movie fragments, artefacts and equipment to look at, it will certainly not bore you!
Personal favourite: There are displays of films on the ceiling of the main area. Relax whilst you lie down in one of the many chairs on the ground floor.
Furthermore, there is a lift in the middle of the building with a 360 view. Use it to make your way to the top and enjoy a spectacular view over Turin.
Good to know: If you want to enjoy the scenic views from the roof of the building, make sure to visit the museum during low season. The Cupola ascent is closed in the summer.
Practical information: Book your tickets in advance, especially during high season to avoid long queues. Opening hours are 9 am – 7 pm every day except Tuesdays.
➡️ Buy your tickets for the Cinema Museum here ⬅️
19. PETIT PALAIS AND GRAND PALAIS – PARIS, FRANCE
The neighbouring Petit and Grand Palais are located in the heart of Paris on Avenue Winston-Churchill, right next to the Champs Elysees. They were built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition.
Petit Palais is a treat for anyone who loves fine arts. The collection ranges from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
Keep an eye on what’s on in Grand Palais before visiting. The enormous main area of the building lends itself fantastically for temporary exhibitions, fashion shows and events, but therefore is not always open to the public!
Personal favourite: Especially when the weather is nice the courtyard within the Petit Palais is a quiet oasis right in one of the busiest areas of Paris. Have a drink on the terrace right under the facade, it is super cute. Fancy something more extensive? Have a lush lunch at the Mini Palais. This restaurant is found under the façades of the Grand Palais building. Not many terraces are as enjoyable as the one Mini Palais has on offer.
Practical information: Petit Palais is open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm and entrance to the permanent collection is free. Opening hours for Grand Palais vary, make sure to check in advance.
20. KRÖLLER-MÜLLER MUSEUM – OTTERLO, THE NETHERLANDS
Right at the heart of the biggest national park in the Netherlands ‘De hoge Veluwe’, you can find the Kröller Müller Museum. Home to many masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Mondrian and Cézanne, this should be one of the museums high on your list to visit when in the Netherlands.
Furthermore, the museum offers one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe. The best time to visit is during spring and summer (during the winter many of the sculptures are covered up for protection). Especially Jean Dubuffet’s Jardin d’Email is a truly unique experience. It is not often you can actually walk ‘through’ a piece of art.
Personal favourite: Since the museum is in the midst of a national park they have hundreds of ‘white bikes’ throughout the park itself that you can hop on to explore the beauty of the national park. It is so much fun to combine with the museum visit.
Good to know: Tickets to the museum and the park are available at the entrance of the park. Opening hours are 10 am – 5 pm daily, except Mondays.
➡️ For guided tours at Kroller-Müller, buy tickets here ⬅️
21. THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY – EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is based in a Neo-Gothic palace and is a real hidden gem.
The entrance is outright spectacular because you will immediately find yourself surrounded by stained glass windows, soaring ceilings and beautiful arches. The light that comes through the multi-coloured windows makes it a surreal experience.
The museum itself takes you through a timeline of Scottish history and its people. A lot to read and learn. This museum is very informative and I came out with so much new knowledge regarding the history of Scotland.
Personal favourite: Close to the museum there is a restaurant called Tiles Cafe Bar Bistro. The bistro is based in the old Prudential building and has a stunning interior. I ate the best fish and chips of my entire trip in Scotland in this restaurant.
Practical information: Open daily 10 am – 5 pm, entrance is free of charge and no need to pre-book any tickets or timeslots.
22. MUSÉE DE L’ORANGERIE – PARIS, FRANCE
Musée de l’Orangerie offers an intimate experience for anyone who loves the work of Claude Monet. The small museum is based in the heart of Paris right between the Tuileries and the Seine and showcases eight of the compositions of the Water Lilies Monet created as part of his later works. The paintings were offered to the French state in 1918, the day after the armistice of World War 1, as a sign of peace. The museum opened a few months after Monet passed away in 1927.
Good to know: The Louvre, Grand Palais, Petit Palais and the Orsay Museum are all within walking distance from each other. As you cross the Tuileries Gardens and the Seine it is a very scenic area. It is easy to visit more than one of them in a day if you’re up for it!
Practical information: Opening daily 9 am – 6 pm except on Tuesdays.
➡️ Buy your tickets to Musée de l’Orangerie here ⬅️
23. PALEIS (PALACE) HET LOO, APELDOORN THE NETHERLANDS
If you are familiar with the Versailles Palace and you liked it, this is your call to visit Palace Het Loo in the Netherlands. The lay out and design were inspired by the Versailles Baroque style and even the ceiling paintings were designed by the same artist; Daniel Marot. The palace closed for years due to extensive renovations and re-opened in 2023 and oh my, the new entrance is mindblowing. The new underground spaces are bathing in daylight and there are various restaurants for a royal lunch or dining experience.
Personal favourites: When the weather is nice you can climb all the way up to the roof which offers you a lovely view over the Baroque gardens and the Estate of the Crown that lies right behind the gardens. If you feel like going for a walk do enter the Estates of the Crown, they are open to the public (outside of hunting season).
Practical information: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially in high season. Opening hours are daily 10 am – 5 pm but may vary during public holidays.
24. VIGELAND PARK AND MUSEUM – OSLO, NORWAY
One of the highlights when visiting Oslo is Frogner Park, commonly known as the Vigeland Park. The park is home to one of the largest collections of sculptures created by a single artist and you can find here over 200 sculptures designed by Gustav Vigeland.
The collection at the accompanying Vigeland museum consists of another 1600 sculptures as well as drawings, woodcuts, pastels and more, all donated by Gustav Vigeland himself.
Personal favourite: The park is open 24/7 all year round and entry is free. Why not enjoy a picnic in the park during one of the everlasting summer nights?
Practical information: The park is open 24/7 and access is free of charge. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. Opening hours may vary during public holidays.
25. COURTAULD GALLERY – LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Courtauld Gallery re-opened its doors in 2021 after major reconstructions that lasted for a number of years. You can find this magnificent museum in Somerset House in Central London. The museum offers a large collection ranging from the Medieval era to the present day and is famous for its many Rubens, Van Gogh and Manet paintings.
Personal favourites: There is a lush terrace on the riverfront side of Somerset House called Somerset House Terrace Bar. It is a great place for a drink after visiting the museum to enjoy the scenic river banks of the Thames. The terrace is seasonal, so make sure to check they’re open before you plan your visit.
Practical information: You can book tickets in advance, or at the venue itself. Open daily from 10 am – 6 pm.
26. LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur – MÜNSTER GERMANY
Undoubtedly a lesser-known city in Germany for anyone who lives further away. But, if you have a chance to visit the city of Münster, make sure you enjoy the wonderful architecture, shops and the weekly market this city has on offer. Right at the heart of the city center you find the LWL Museum and it is big! The museum takes you on a journey. The extensive collection of 350,000 objects spans over the past 1000 years.
Practical information: Opening hours are from Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm. The
second Friday of every month they are open 10 am – midnight, during which entry is free from 6 pm.
27. MUSÉE MARMOTTAN MONET – PARIS, FRANCE
Based in the 16th arrondissement Musée Marmottan is housed in a beautiful mansion with a lot of history to it. Interestingly, the Marmottan Museum owns the largest collection of paintings by Claude Monet in the world, over 100 works were inherited by the museum when Michel Monet, Claudes’ youngest son, passed away in 1966. Anyone who is a fan of impressionist art should visit this museum.
Practical information: Tickets are available online or during arrival at the museum. Opening hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm. On Thursdays, the museum stays open until 9 pm.
➡️ Buy your tickets for the Marmottan Museum here ⬅️
28. DEPOT BIJMANS VAN BEUNINGEN – ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Depot Boijmans van Beuningen is the world’s first publicly accessible art depot. It opened its doors in 2021 and is part of the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum and oh my, it is definitely worth a visit!
The building was designed by Winny Maas, a local Rotterdam architect and the outside shines like a giant mirror in the sun. The inside is a unique experience where you are guided through the most modern museum archives where over 152,000 works are carefully looked after.
Personal favourite: Have lunch at the top of the building in restaurant Renilde. The food and the view will not disappoint.
Good to know: The actual museum itself is under massive reconstruction and will not re-open until 2029. Don’t let this stop you. The Depot in itself currently hosts all pieces and is worth visiting without the Museum being open.
Fun fact: in Dutch ‘de pot’ is two separate words and means ‘the pot’. The building is designed in the shape of a giant pot.
Practical information: Open daily from Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – 5pm. Buying your tickets in advance is recommended.
29. TATE BRITAIN – TATE MODERN – LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Both museums are located along the riverbank of the Thames and are owned by the Thames network. Tate Britain shows you a great collection of over 500 years of British art, including a great collection of JMW Turner, David Hockney and Bridget Riley.
Tate Modern is housed in an old power station. The museum focuses exclusively on modern and contemporary art from around the world. The collection starts from early in the 20th century to the present day and includes works from Picasso, Andy Warhol and Hockney.
Practical information: Access to both museums’ standard collections is free of charge. Opening hours are 10 am – 6 pm daily for both museums.
For private guided tours, buy tickets here :
➡️ Tate Modern Private guided tour ⬅️
➡️ Tate Britain private guided tour ⬅️
30. MAUTO, MUSEO DELL’AUTOMOBILE – TURIN, ITALY
This car museum in Turin is a really great experience for everyone. The museum takes you on a journey of the evolution of the automobile in a versatile and interactive way. The collection consists of over 200 old and exclusive vehicles, of more than 80 different brands.
For any of the real race fans, there is a GT simulator experience available to feel the thrill of driving a GT yourself. Make sure to book in advance!
Practical information: Opening hours are Monday 10 am – 2 pm, Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am – 7 pm.
31. MAURITSHUIS – THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS
The Maurithuis is based in The Hague and is always a joy to visit. The building has been in use as a museum for over 200 years. Most of the works in their collection stem from the 17th century. Undoubtedly, the most famous painting is the Girl with a Pearl earring by Johannes Vermeer.
Personal favourites: Gallerij Prins Willem V is part of the Mauritsmuseum and is only a five-minute walk away from the palace. You can find more works by Rubens, Jan Steen and Rembrandt here, hidden gem! You get there by walking through the famous ‘Binnenhof’ Square which is the heart of Dutch politics. The walk takes you right past one of the oldest parliament buildings in the world that is still in use!
Practical information: Open daily 10 am – 6 pm, Monday 1 pm-6 pm. Opening hours vary on public holidays.
32. THE WALLACE COLLECTION – LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Wallace Collection was originally a private collection owned by the Marquess of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. In 1897 the collection was given to the state and made available to the public in their own mansion; Hertford House. The collection is a delight to visit. Works on display include paintings from Fragonard, Titian, Rembrandt, and Velázquez.
Practical information: Open daily from 10 am – 5 pm and regular entrance is free of charge, no need to book in advance.
➡️ For private guided tours at the Wallace Collection, buy your tickets here ⬅️
33. COPENHAGEN GLYPTOTEK – COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Not many museums can claim they have a winter garden inside their building, but Glyptotek most certainly can. The museum is based in the heart of Copenhagen and was founded by beer magnate Carl Jacobson; the famous Carlsberg beer brewer who collected art during his life. His impressive collection includes over 10,000 items which includes a significant collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures.
Practical information: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, Thursday open until 9 pm. Tickets are available online or upon arrival.
Best time to visit Europe
Depending on your preference and the type of trip you are planning to visit Europe, here are some recommendations on the best seasons to visit.
My personal favourite is spring in Europe. Cherry blossom trees are at their best around May-time and this is before the high season during the summer. During spring in Europe you might be able to avoid the large crowds and prices for accommodation are more manageable. Temperatures across Europe are much more enjoyable as well, especially for city trips.
Alternatively, you can come and visit later in the year of course. In many cities across Europe, the lead-up to Christmas is a wonderful time to come over. Many Christmas markets are hosted, ice skating rinks are set up and many of the streets in any city you visit are nicely decorated and lit up. Make sure to try a glass of Glühwein, our seasonal speciality.
Getting around Europe
There are many different ways to make your way across Europe. You can find a few different options to consider, as well as the pros and cons.
By rental car
Getting around Europe by rental car is probably one of the most convenient ways to see an extraordinary amount of different landscapes across different countries. Of course, a rental car offers you flexibility if you want to explore remote areas. It allows you to travel whenever you want, without the dependency on the timetables of trains and planes.
When booking a rental car, consider booking a hybrid or electric model. Especially in western Europe there are rapidly increasing networks of charging points along the highways. This makes it very easy to travel long distances in a sustainable electric vehicle. This applies mainly to the following countries: Norway, Germany, France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Spain and Denmark.
Note eligibility to drive in Europe to drive is 18 years old.
By train
Europe is known for its extensive railway network which offers many national and cross-border, high-speed connections. For example, between Amsterdam, London, Paris and Brussels you will find excellent connections that offer multiple services a day. Especially when visiting cities in Europe during your next trip, travelling by train is a great way to move around, as most train stations are located right at the heart of the city center. Additionally, security checks for train travel are less extensive compared to air travel. Quick boarding can save you hours of time and yes, the seats are more spacious! On top of all, many routes by train offer wonderful scenery for a great Europe experience. You will come across many places you would have missed out on if you travelled by plane.
By plane
Clearly, if you are looking for the quickest way to travel longer distances across Europe you can travel by plane.
However, it is no news that travelling by plane has one of the highest carbon footprints. Additionally, if you calculate the total travel time to head to the airport, go through security checks and wait for your luggage, train travel might be more efficient after all. Especially when you take into consideration air travel is often prone to delays across Europe, leading to additional travel time.
Visiting Europe FAQ’s
There is a lot to think of when planning your next trip to Europe, especially if you want to visit as many of the famous museums in a short amount of time. The below information might be of help!
What European country has the best museums?
I might be prejudiced being a Dutchie myself. But I highly recommend The Netherlands for some of the best and most internationally renowned museums. The convenience of our small-sized country means everything is within close proximity. This makes it easy to plan a jam-packed trip! Make sure to include visits to Rijksmuseum, van Gogh Museum, Mauritshuis, Singer and Palace Het Loo. Their collections offer a wide variety of art, history and background information many of the great masters of painting and more!
Where in Europe are the most museums?
It is hard to answer this question as there are many thousands of museums all across Europe. Counting the number of museums by country, Germany has the most museums in Europe with a stunning amount of 7245 as of 2022 according to Statista. London is the city with the most museums with a total of 192 museums, which include 11 national museums.
What is the largest modern art museum in Europe?
Though there are many modern art museums in Europe. Out of the above list, you will want to visit Centre Pompidou if you are a fan of modern and contemporary art. Especially since the museum announced it is closing its doors for 5 years from 2025 onwards, you might want to ensure to visit the museum the next time you are here. The museum has an impressive collection of 140,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art.
Where is the art capital of Europe?
I am certain the answer to this question will vary depending on who you would ask this question. However, since I am writing this blog I will share my personal favourite with you: Paris.
Paris is known for its deep artistic roots over centuries and was home to the impressionistic movement as well as cubism and surrealism in the 19th century and early 20th century. These movements drew many famous painters, composers, artists and writers to form a tight-knit community in Paris, which defined the art world during this era.
However, I would also want to highlight another city for anyone who wants to dive into Europe’s earlier history and learn more about the defining Renaissance era; Florence.
Florence was the beating heart of the Renaissance movement in Europe between the 14th and the 17th century. This era defined much of Europe’s cultural heritage due to its renewed interest in classical antiquity and the emergence of many masterpieces in painting, sculpture and architecture. Many famous Renaissance works by the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael are located in Florence’s most famous museums such as the Uffizi Museum and they will take you back in time.
Conclusion: Best museums in Europe
As you can see there is so much to choose from when you are looking to plan your next trip to Europe. In summary, this overview is just a glimpse of Europe’s best museums to put at the top of your list. As I continue to write about specific destinations, I will make sure to include more local and less renowned must-visit museums for you.