Besides cuisine, one of the most recognizable elements of any culture is its traditional dress. Here’s an introduction to traditional Dutch clothing and the regional styles that shaped it. Although no longer part of everyday fashion—having given way to global clothing trends—traditional Dutch attire remains a powerful cultural symbol. The most iconic item is undoubtedly the wooden clog (klompen), often associated with the Netherlands worldwide. However, these shoes are just one small part of a much richer clothing tradition. Historically, each region in the Netherlands developed its own distinctive style of dress. Clothing varied not only by province, but sometimes even by village, and was worn differently for daily life, weddings, funerals, and religious occasions. Today, these traditions can be explored and even experienced at the Dutch Costume Museum in Amsterdam. Dutch Costume Museum: celebrating traditional Dutch clothing and culture Traditional Dutch clothing includes a wide range of garments such as dresses, skirts, trousers, blouses, aprons, hats, bonnets, and decorative accessories. Styles differ greatly from region to region and reflect local history, occupations, and craftsmanship. Some of the most recognizable costumes come from Volendam, a historic fishing village known for its women’s pointed and curled bonnets. Other notable garments found across the country include the kraplap—a stiff, often richly decorated shoulder cloth—and the klepbroek, a traditional style of men’s trousers. These items highlight how traditional craftsmanship played an essential role in shaping regional identity. While the familiar “little Dutch girl” costumes sold in souvenir and fancy-dress shops are loosely inspired by authentic outfits, they often lack the detail and variation seen in real historical clothing. The Dutch Costume Museum provides a far more accurate and nuanced picture. Housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house on Amsterdam’s Herengracht, the museum itself is part of the experience. The building features classic architectural elements such as twin gables and even an original Delft Blue toilet, adding to its historical charm. Inside, seven themed rooms each represent a different Dutch region, including Volendam, Marken, Hindeloopen, Staphorst, Spakenburg, Urk, and Zeeland. Each room showcases not only regional clothing, but also the traditions, crafts, and history that shaped local communities. Visitors can also view a striking photographic exhibition by Jimmy Nelson, featuring residents of Marken dressed in traditional attire. Exploring the museum offers more than a look at historic clothing—it provides an immersive journey into Dutch cultural heritage, past and present. Take a photo in traditional Dutch dress For a memorable souvenir from Amsterdam, visitors can have their photo taken in traditional Dutch clothing—most famously in the Volendam style—at the museum. After changing into the full outfit, complete with bonnets and accessories, guests pose in front of a classic Dutch backdrop featuring Delft Blue ceramics and tulips. While visitors change back into modern clothes, the photos are printed and ready to take home, making it a fun and uniquely Dutch keepsake. Host an event at the Dutch Clothing Museum Choosing the right venue is essential when organizing an event—especially when welcoming international guests seeking an authentic Amsterdam experience. The Dutch Costume Museum offers an intimate and distinctive setting within a historic canal house, which can be reserved in its entirety for private events. Custom-made event packages cater to everything from informal business gatherings to formal dinners. Guests can be welcomed with traditional Dutch jenever and classic snacks such as smoked sausage, pickles, and aged cheese, or enjoy a standing multi-course buffet followed by a private museum tour. For a hands-on cultural experience, the museum can also organize a one-hour workshop on Staphorster stipwerk, a traditional fabric-decorating technique using paint and needles. Participants create and take home their own decorated bag. To round off the event, guests can commemorate the occasion with a group photo dressed in traditional Dutch costume. Learn and shop at the museum A visit to the museum wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the shop. Here, visitors can browse traditional textiles, clothing, jewelry, handcrafted items, and unique gifts for children. The museum also hosts regular workshops—typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays—where participants can learn traditional techniques and crafts (dates vary, so it’s best to check ahead). Traditional Dutch clothing may rarely be seen on the streets today, but it remains instantly recognizable around the world. A visit to the Dutch Costume Museum offers a rare opportunity to explore the diversity of regional Dutch dress—and even step into it yourself.

From classical Dutch art and cultural heritage to modern history and hands-on science, the Netherlands offers an exceptional museum scene that easily rivals much larger countries. Despite its compact size, the Netherlands is home to hundreds of museums covering everything from Golden Age masterpieces and World War II history to contemporary design and innovation. Amsterdam alone has more than 50 museums, many of which are internationally renowned. With such variety, there truly is something for every interest. Below is a curated selection of some of the best and most visited museums in the Netherlands—well worth adding to your itinerary. Tip: If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period, consider purchasing a Museumkaart. This annual card costs €64.90 and provides free entry to over 400 museums nationwide. If you expect to visit several museums, it often works out far cheaper than buying individual tickets. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Located on Museumplein in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum houses one of the most important art collections in the world. It is especially known for its masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and works by many other Old Masters. The museum spans over 30,000 square meters and displays around 8,000 objects across four floors. These range from paintings and sculptures to Delftware, furniture, clothing, and archaeological artifacts dating back more than 800 years. A single visit only scratches the surface, making it a highlight for both first-time visitors and long-term residents. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam Also situated on Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. It houses the largest collection of his art worldwide, including more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings. Visitors can see iconic works such as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters, as well as many of his early self-portraits. The permanent collection also features works by Van Gogh’s contemporaries, including Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Monet. Temporary exhibitions regularly explore related themes from 19th-century art and history. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam The story of Anne Frank is one of the most well-known personal accounts of the Holocaust. Each year, over a million people visit the Anne Frank House to see where Anne and her family hid during World War II. Located on the Prinsengracht canal, the museum allows visitors to walk through the small secret annex concealed behind a movable bookcase. Here, Anne wrote her famous diary while living in hiding for more than two years. Personal belongings, photographs, and her original diary help bring her story to life. Visits are by timed ticket only, and advance booking is essential. Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem Situated in the historic city of Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum is dedicated to the 17th-century Dutch painter Frans Hals. Renowned for his expressive portraits, Hals painted people from all walks of life, from wealthy citizens to everyday townsfolk. The museum displays his most famous works alongside contemporary art exhibitions. Spread across two nearby locations—Hof and Hal—the museum also offers visitors a chance to explore Haarlem’s picturesque old town between visits. NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam The NEMO Science Museum is the largest science center in the Netherlands and one of the country’s most popular family attractions. Housed in a striking building near Amsterdam Central Station, it offers five floors of interactive exhibitions. Each level focuses on a different scientific theme, from genetics and chain reactions to the human brain and renewable energy. Visitors can participate in experiments, demonstrations, and workshops. The rooftop terrace and café also provide panoramic views of the city. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo Located in Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Kröller-Müller Museum holds the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world, with nearly 90 paintings and 180 drawings. In addition to Van Gogh’s work, the museum features pieces by artists such as Monet and Mondriaan. Its extensive sculpture garden, set within the surrounding nature reserve, contains more than 160 sculptures and is a major draw in its own right. Zaans Museum, Zaanse Schans The Zaans Museum is located in Zaanse Schans, an area famous for its windmills and traditional wooden houses. Spread across several historic buildings, the museum showcases regional heritage, crafts, and daily life. Visitors can explore working windmills, traditional homes, and artisan workshops, as well as the popular Verkade Experience, which focuses on Dutch chocolate and biscuit production. Mauritshuis, The Hague Located near the Binnenhof in The Hague, the Mauritshuis displays one of the finest collections of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art. Its masterpieces include Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and Potter’s The Bull. Housed in an elegant historic mansion, the museum itself is considered a cultural landmark and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Royal Delft, Delft The city of Delft is synonymous with blue-and-white Delftware, and Royal Delft is the last remaining factory still producing it by hand. Visitors can tour the original factory, learn about the centuries-old production process, and watch artisans paint porcelain using traditional techniques. The museum also displays exclusive pieces made for the Dutch royal family and features a large shop selling both decorative and collectible items. Groninger Museum, Groningen The Groninger Museum is widely regarded as an artwork in itself, thanks to its bold postmodern architecture. Located in Groningen, it consists of several striking pavilions designed by internationally renowned architects. Inside, the museum hosts collections of modern art, fashion, photography, and design, as well as a notable display of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Its temporary exhibitions frequently explore diverse themes, from music icons to international art movements, making it the most visited museum in the region.