Amsterdam Cheese Museum
112 Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Celebrating its specialty, this Amsterdam museum takes you from the history of Dutch cheesemaking to, yes, free samples of some of the Netherlands’ best cheese. In fact, the majority of the experience is dedicated to cheese sampling and perusing countless styles of the good stuff, so come hungry—and leave happy.
The basics
The Amsterdam Cheese Museum looks like a storefront from the street, but the small museum is in the basement, where exhibits showcase the cheesemaking process and Holland’s role in developing the creamy wonder. Back upstairs is where the magic lies: massive displays of cheeses, many of which are available for sampling from dedicated cheese assistants. (All are available for purchase, vacuum-packed to toss in your suitcase.)
Things to know before you go
Admission is free.
You are welcome to sample cheeses to your heart’s content. No, really.
For a small fee, kids can have their photos taken in the museum’s cheese farmer costumes.
How to get there
The museum is in central Amsterdam, a block or so from the Anne Frank House. Take tram line 13 or 17 to the Westermarkt stop, or walk about 15 minutes from Dam Square. When you see towering cheese displays in the windows, you’re there.
When to get there
As long as you’re visiting within open hours (morning to evening every day), there’s no bad time to stop by the Amsterdam Cheese Museum; most visitors spend about 30 minutes here. Afternoons, especially on Thursdays through Sundays, can get busy, but the cheese-loving crowds can be part of the fun.
Get cheesy with it
Amsterdam’s Cheese Museum is just the beginning. If you’re craving more, hop on a canal cruise that includes Amsterdam-based snacks (cheese is practically mandatory to any tasting menu) or a food tour of the city’s best specialty shops and restaurants. With the latter, you’ll get some pro tips from your guide on where to go for the best, cheesiest eats.
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