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Day trip
From: Dover
To: Calais
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip
Best Museums in Europe

Wherever you're heading, there are plenty of museums in Europe to choose from. Here's a breakdown of the biggest, best, and most brilliant types of museums you can visit:

Art Museums in Europe
  • Louvre (Paris): The most-visited museum in Europe, home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of timeless treasures.

  • Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (Rotterdam): This mirrored building holds over 150,000 artworks in special storage, lets you watch conservation work, and even has a rooftop restaurant surrounded by trees.

  • Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam): A stunning space showcasing Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

  • Museo del Prado (Madrid): Filled with Spanish history and culture that dates back centuries
History Museums in Europe

For history lovers, there are endless options of museums in Europe to visit including:

  • Imperial War Museum (London): A well-known museum which brings to life stories of bravery, battles, and the impact of war on the world.

  • Anne Frank House (Amsterdam): One of the city’s most visited museums, offering an insight into Anne Frank’s life and the history of World War II.
Niche & Car Museums in Europe
  • Cité de l’Automobile (Mulhouse, France): One of the best car museums in Europe, with over 400 classic vehicles.

  • Autoworld (Brussels): A family-friendly favourite filled with fantastic vintage vehicles and fascinating motoring history.
Museums in France

France is home to some of the largest museums in Europe, and not just in the capital. As well as the Louvre Museum in Paris there are plenty of other art museums that you need to visit:

  • Musée d’Orsay (Paris): Set in a stunning old station, this museum showcases standout 19th and 20th-century art from Monet, Van Gogh, and more.

  • Cité de l’Automobile (Mulhouse): Home to one of the world’s biggest car collections, it’s perfect for classic car fans.

  • Musée des Confluences (Lyon): A modern museum mixing science, society, and stunning design.

Get there with ease using our Dover to Calais route. For more trip ideas, plan your trip to France with P&O Ferries.

Museums in Belgium

Belgium may be small, but its museums are always popular. From chocolate to cartoons, this country packs in plenty of personality.

  • Belgian Comic Strip Centre (Brussels): A popular museum celebrating Belgium’s comic art heritage, featuring icons like Tintin and the Smurfs.

  • Choco-Story (Bruges): An engaging museum where visitors learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy tastings along the way.

  • Beer Museum (Louvain-la-Neuve): A lively attraction showcasing Belgium’s brewing traditions, with exhibits and samples to try and taste too.

Start your trip the easy way with Hull to Rotterdam, then cruise into Belgium by car. Want more inspiration? Plan your trip to Belgium with P&O Ferries.

Museums in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for one of the best cities for museums in Europe, Amsterdam is a top contender. With the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum there are also plenty of other museums to visit too.

  • Moco Museum: Modern art meets street culture with works by Banksy and beyond.

  • NEMO Science Museum: Full of interactive exhibits perfect for hands-on learning and family fun.

Arrive in comfort with our Hull to Rotterdam route. For more cultural tips and travel ideas, learn more about what things you can do in the Netherlands.

Travelling with P&O Ferries: Sail Smart, Start Sooner

With P&O Ferries, your museum trip starts before you even set foot in a gallery. Our ships offer comfort and choice, perfect for every kind of traveller.

  • Spacious lounges for relaxing and recharging.

  • Tasty food options, from snacks to sit-down meals.

  • Flexible luggage, bring as much or as little as you like.

  • No airport stress, just smooth sailing and scenic views.

Whether you're heading to Rotterdam, Calais, or beyond, your trip is off to a great start with us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 What is the most-visited museum in Europe?
The most-visited museum in Europe is the Louvre in Paris, a legendary landmark that draws millions of art lovers every year. From the world-famous Mona Lisa to rooms filled with ancient wonders, it’s a must-see for culture seekers. Sail there in style with P&O Ferries’ Dover to Calais route and start your art-filled adventure with comfort and convenience.
2 What is the oldest museum in Europe?
The oldest museum in Europe is the Capitoline Museums in Rome, founded in 1471. These historic halls are packed with Roman relics, sculptures, and stories from centuries past. It's a timeless treasure for travellers who love mixing history with holiday fun.
3 Which museums are free in Europe?
Wondering which museums are free in Europe? Many of the UK’s top spots, like the British Museum in London, offer free entry all year round. Across the continent, cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin also host free museum days every month. So if you are travelling on a budget check which dates they are to avoid disappointment and book your ferry to Europe now.