These insanely huge steel giants once ruled the seas. They fought battles, defended nations, and shaped our world history. Today, they’re preserved as floating museums where history buffs, veterans, and curious travelers alike can walk the decks and relive their glory days. Here are 15 legendary warships now open to the public. (Prepare yourself, they’re humbling!)
USS Midway – San Diego, California, USA
One of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers, the USS Midway is now a floating museum in San Diego. With 60+ exhibits and restored aircraft on deck, visitors can explore the engine room, flight control tower, and even climb into fighter jets. It’s a hands-on experience that takes us back to the days of the Cold War.
HMS Belfast – London, England
Moored on the River Thames, HMS Belfast fought in WWII and the Korean War. It is now part of the Imperial War Museums and offers an immersive look at life aboard a Royal Navy cruiser. Visitors can explore the nine decks packed with hundreds of fascinating and sobering stories, from D-Day landings to Arctic convoys.
IJN Mikasa – Yokosuka, Japan
Here’s an eye-opener. This pre-dreadnought battleship served as Admiral Togo’s flagship in the Russo-Japanese War. The Mikasa is the only surviving battleship of her kind and a symbol of Japan’s naval heritage. It has been restored and docked in Yokosuka, and truly is a must-visit for maritime history enthusiasts. (Kids love it too)
USS Intrepid – New York City, USA
Now the dazzling centerpiece of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, this aircraft carrier survived numerous kamikaze attacks and served in both WWII and Vietnam. Located on the Hudson River, it also houses a space shuttle (obviously), Concorde (naturally), and a nuclear submarine, all under one historic roof. Museums do not get any more impressive than this.
Aurora – St. Petersburg, Russia
The Russian cruiser Aurora fired the shot that sparked the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. What a champion! Today, she’s permanently moored in St. Petersburg and serves as a floating museum. Visitors can explore her restored interiors and learn about her pivotal role in shaping Russian history. (You can’t help but feel a sort of love for her)
USS Missouri – Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA
The ‘Mighty Mo’ hosted the signing of Japan’s WWII surrender, and she’s every inch as powerful as the pictures imply. Now berthed at Pearl Harbor, she stands watch over the ocean near the sunken USS Arizona. Tour her massive guns, bridge, and living quarters for a deeply moving and historically rich experience. The mere sight is enough to stir emotions.
HMS Warrior – Portsmouth, England
Launched in 1860, HMS Warrior was Britain’s first iron-hulled warship, a major leap in the world of naval technology. Though she never got to see battle, her sheer presence deterred conflict, and that makes her a winner. Painstakingly restored, she now sits in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, offering visitors a glimpse of Victorian naval innovation and opulence.
USS Yorktown – Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Part of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the USS Yorktown fought in WWII and recovered the famous Apollo astronauts. Visitors can climb aboard to explore aircraft displays, living quarters, and war exhibits. Don’t miss the ghost tours; you might see a lost WWII sailor. And you wouldn’t be the first.
BAP Abtao – Callao, Peru
This retired submarine served in the Peruvian Navy for over 40 years. Now serving as a museum, it offers a unique chance to step inside a preserved diesel-electric sub. Walk the narrow corridors, peek through periscopes, and get a sense of life beneath the sea. It’s slightly claustrophobic, but it gives a realistic view of life underwater.
HNLMS Buffel – Rotterdam, Netherlands
This 19th-century Dutch ironclad was powered by both sail and steam. The Buffel never saw combat but served as a training ship and coastal defender. Today, she’s moored in Rotterdam, where visitors can explore her engine room, officers’ quarters, and vintage weaponry. It’s still a sight to behold, and she’s beautiful to look at.
USS Alabama – Mobile, Alabama, USA
Nicknamed ‘The Mighty A’ (anyone can see why), this WWII battleship is the star of Battleship Memorial Park. She’s a vision of beauty and power! Visitors get to explore 12 decks, including massive gun turrets and a fully restored command center. The park also includes aircraft, tanks, and the USS Drum submarine. It’s a full military museum experience.
HMAS Vampire – Sydney, Australia
Australia’s largest museum vessel, HMAS Vampire, was a Daring-class destroyer serving through the Cold War. Now docked at the Australian National Maritime Museum, it offers insight into the modern Royal Australian Navy. You can take guided tours of its bridge, mess halls, and armaments. (The name is testament to her stealth and cunning!)
Drazki – Varna, Bulgaria
Less visually impressive than its counterparts, she makes up for what she lacks in appearance with her action. This torpedo gunboat is the pride of the Bulgarian Navy. She’s best known for her daring attack on an Ottoman cruiser in 1912. Moored at the Naval Museum in Varna, Drazki now hosts school groups and history buffs.
USS Texas – Galveston, Texas, USA
Commissioned in 1914, this dreadnought fought in both world wars. Currently undergoing extensive preservation work, the USS Texas is one of the last remaining WWI-era battleships. When open, she offers an honest look at century-old naval warfare and engineering. She’s well-loved, and you’ll be moved if you pay a visit.
ORP Błyskawica – Gdynia, Poland
The Błyskawica, aptly meaning ‘lightning,’ served with distinction in WWII and remains the oldest preserved destroyer in the world. Docked in Gdynia, she’s now a museum ship that honors Poland’s maritime resilience. Walk her decks to see anti-aircraft guns, torpedo tubes, and preserved cabins. She’s a precious national relic and well worth a visit.
