Europe is basically one giant living museum.
Without setting foot inside a building, you can tour UNESCO World Heritage sites and medieval squares that are bafflingly considered “new” compared to the Bronze Age peoples that inhabited the same soil.
But we will confess that Europe keeps its best pieces of art, history, and culture behind the doors of its many museums, most of which you can access by train.
Best Museums in Europe
So many exhibits, so little time. The best museums in Europe are well-worth the transatlantic flight, requiring little more than an admission ticket and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. We hate to play favorites (looking at you, Italy), though we will utter the indisputable truth that some of the best museums in Europe are found in London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Best Museums in London
London is calling, but the forecast is also calling for rain. If you’re looking for somewhere other than a pub to escape London’s soggy streets, duck into these top notch museums in England’s capital.
Natural History Museum London
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington | Gloucester Road
From British wildlife to dinosaur bones and meteorites from outer space, the Natural History Museum has over 80 million objects in its collection. This ‘cathedral to nature’ has two-hour self-guided tours perfect seeing the highlights of the museum.
British Museum London
Closest Tube Station: Russell Square | Goodge St | Tottenham Court Rd | Holborn
If there’s one museum in London you must visit, make it the British Museum. Over 2 million years of human history and culture awaits inside, including an astounding Ancient Egypt collection.
London Museum FKA Museum of London
Closest Tube Station: Farringdon | Barbican
Sadly, the Museum of London has shut its doors. In 2026, the new London Museum will open nearby, ready to give visitors and Londoners alike a crash course in the capital’s history.
London Transport Museum
Closest Tube Station: Covent Garden | Temple
Of course, we’re going to send you to the museum that showcases the city’s railway and underground lines. The London Transport Museum may not boast a millennia of history, but you’ll be surprised at how much transportation in London has changed in 200 years.
Expert Trainline tip: Many of London’s best museums, including the Natural History Museum and British Museum are free to enter. Plan a cheap day exploring London’s best free museums with only an Oyster card and a comfy pair of shoes.
Best Museums in Paris
Look — we already know you’re going to the Louvre. Everyone wants some facetime with the Mona Lisa, but don’t think that all of Paris’ other museums are just side pieces. Speed date through the best museums in Paris with help from the Metro.
Dior Museum Paris
Closest Metro Station: Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau
Galerie Dior is the definition of Parisian Haute Couture. Step inside and be whisked into the history of Christian Dior, his successors, and the unmistakable style that you could only be born in Paris.
Picasso Museum Paris
Closest Metro Station: Chemin Vert | Saint-Sébastien - Froissart
Musée National Picasso does have a huge collection of art from the eponymous artist, but he’s not the only talent showcased in this gallery. Both contemporary and late artists who were inspired by Picasso have work displayed in the permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
Monet Museum Paris
Closest Metro Station: Rue de la Pompe | Ranelagh
Claude Monet fans will be overjoyed to find the world’s largest collection of Monet artwork within. Those who aren’t avid admirers of modernism need only look to the permanent collections stretching from the Middle Ages to Marmottan.
Expert Trainline tip: Looking for a friends with benefits situation? The Paris Museum Pass is always down for a no-strings-attached date. Pick one up and gain access to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris that’ll help you get over the girl in the glass pyramid.
Best Museums in Amsterdam
Fill your mind with a sensory experience in Amsterdam that you won’t find in the coffeeshops. The best museums in Amsterdam are soberingly spectacular.
Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
Closest Metro Station: Vijzelgracht
No, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum doesn’t have Starry Night on display, but it doesn’t need to. It’s still one of the best art museums in Amsterdam that not only flaunts some of Vincent van Gogh’s other masterpieces, but also has painting workshops for visitors.
Anne Frank House Amsterdam
Closest Metro Station: Rokin
No matter if you’ve read The Diary of a Young Girl, a visit to the Anne Frank House offers an equally intimate look into the story of the Franks, the Van Pels, and Fritz Pfeffer as they spent years hiding from the Nazis in a Secret Annex. A somber experience, but nonetheless an important visit for those who desire a deeper knowledge into this tragic yet inspiring story.
Moco Museum Amsterdam
Closest Metro Station: Vijzelgracht
The Modern Contemporary Museum, or Moco, is a great alternative stop to the more classical museums in Amsterdam. Featuring everything from Banksy street art to KAWS toys, Moco turns the mirror on modern society, reflecting the vision of our times.
Expert Trainline tip: The crowds at sites like the Van Gogh Museum will make you say Amsterdamn. The most popular museums in Europe sell out quickly, so book your tickets in advance.
Museum Hop Through London, Paris & Amsterdam By Train
You’ve got your museum passes, now get your Eurail Pass so you can explore the best museums in Europe without a rental car or plane ticket required. Download the Trainline app to buy and manage your train tickets in one convenient place.