Rijksmuseum
Home to Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, this grand museum showcases centuries of art and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Rijksmuseum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, this grand museum showcases centuries of art and history.
"A treasure trove of Dutch art and home to a stunning historic library."
🎯 Download the Rijksmuseum App
Plan your visit and get insights into artworks. Essential for navigating the vast museum!
✨ Focus on the Gallery of Honour
If short on time, head straight to the 'eregallerij' for iconic masterpieces.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Night Watch
Gallery of Honour
Rembrandt's monumental masterpiece, a dynamic portrayal of civic guards. A true icon of Dutch art.
Vermeer's Milkmaid
Gallery of Honour
A serene and intimate depiction of domestic life by Johannes Vermeer, showcasing his mastery of light.
Cuypers Library
Research Library
The oldest and largest art history library in the Netherlands, with a stunning, almost Harry Potter-esque atmosphere.
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Exhibition
Special Exhibitions
A powerful and often overlooked part of Dutch history, offering a critical perspective on the Golden Age.
Planning Your Visit
Book Rijksmuseum Tickets in Advance
Prioritize Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download the Rijksmuseum App
Plan your visit and get insights into artworks. Essential for navigating the vast museum!
✨ Focus on the Gallery of Honour
If short on time, head straight to the 'eregallerij' for iconic masterpieces.
📚 Explore the Cuypers Library
A hidden gem! Admire the architecture and vast collection of books. 
🎧 Consider a Guided Tour
More engaging than the audio guide, offering deeper context.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download the Rijksmuseum App
Plan your visit and get insights into artworks. Essential for navigating the vast museum!
✨ Focus on the Gallery of Honour
If short on time, head straight to the 'eregallerij' for iconic masterpieces.
📚 Explore the Cuypers Library
A hidden gem! Admire the architecture and vast collection of books.
🎧 Consider a Guided Tour
More engaging than the audio guide, offering deeper context.
🚶♀️ Wander the Gardens
Enjoy the free outdoor spaces and art installations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Rijksmuseum for its world-class collection, particularly the Dutch Masters. The sheer scale and beauty of the building, especially the Cuypers Library, are frequently highlighted. However, some find the museum overwhelming due to its size and recommend planning ahead.
"So cool! Yes it is busy but the line inside doesn’t take too long. No longer than 20 minutes when I went on Tuesday at about 11:00. It helped to pass the time with the easy ticket QR code! The structure of this beautiful building helps too!!!! The folks letting us in were just fantastic! They were very nice and got us in quickly! I recommend going to the bathroom before the museum though. Everything inside is so cool to look at! The collections are so thorough and cover a variety of artists from Europe! Just amazing! Take your time and if something interests you definitely read the plaque! They are super informative. Over all would recommend!"
Hailey McCain
"A must-visit museum filled with incredible art, history, and iconic works like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. The layout is easy to follow, and the collection is world-class. My only complaint is the lack of seating areas throughout the museum. It would have been great to have more spots to rest and reflect between exhibits, especially during a long visit. Still, a truly enriching experience overall."
Arsham Parsi
"Visiting the Rijksmuseum was an incredible experience, and I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in art and history. The building itself is stunning – beautiful classical architecture that perfectly blends with the museum’s modern interior. Inside, you can really feel the soul and history of the place.
What I enjoyed the most were, of course, the works of the great masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” is truly breathtaking – seeing it in person gives you a completely different sense of its scale, details, and emotions. Vermeer’s paintings amazed me with their precision and the way he masterfully used light.
Besides that, the museum is very well organized – it’s easy to navigate, and the descriptions next to the exhibits are interesting and helpful. I also liked that besides the classical works, you can see various exhibits showing Dutch life and culture from different periods.
Overall, I spent several hours there, and the time flew by. This place is definitely worth every minute and every penny of the ticket price. If you’re in Amsterdam, you absolutely shouldn’t miss it!"
AR
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rijksmuseum is easily accessible by public transport. Take tram lines 2 or 12 from Amsterdam Centraal Station, or tram lines 7 or 19 from other parts of the city. It's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from the city center.
Yes, there is paid parking available at the Rijksmuseum's underground car park. However, public transport is generally recommended due to potential traffic and cost.
If your hotel is in the city center, walking to the Rijksmuseum is a great option. It's located on Museumplein, a central hub for many attractions. Check your map for the best walking route.
The most convenient way is to take a direct train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station, then transfer to a tram or bus. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-share service is available but more expensive.
Yes, the Rijksmuseum is largely accessible. There are elevators and ramps available. It's advisable to check their official website for detailed accessibility information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to purchase your Rijksmuseum tickets online in advance through the official Rijksmuseum website to avoid long queues.
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, adult tickets are around €22.50. Children under 18 are free. Check the official website for the most current pricing and any special offers.
Yes, when booking your Rijksmuseum tickets online, you will need to select a specific entry time slot to manage visitor flow.
Children under 18 get free admission. Discounts may be available for specific groups or through museum passes. It's best to check the official website for details.
While possible, buying tickets at the door is strongly discouraged due to potentially very long wait times. Booking online is the best way to guarantee entry and save time.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
To see the highlights, allocate at least 3-4 hours. For a more in-depth exploration, you could easily spend a full day.
Don't miss Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch,' Vermeer's 'The Milkmaid,' and works by Frans Hals. The Gallery of Honour is packed with masterpieces.
Yes, the official Rijksmuseum app is available for download and offers audio tours, information about artworks, and helps you navigate the museum.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas, but without flash. Some special exhibitions may have restrictions. Always check signage.
The Rijksmuseum is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially on holidays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Rijksmuseum has a cafe and a restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments and meals. The cafe offers lighter options, while the restaurant provides a more substantial dining experience.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. There are designated areas where you can consume your own snacks if needed.
The Museumplein area surrounding the Rijksmuseum offers various cafes and restaurants. You can also find more options a short walk away in the De Pijp neighborhood.
Prices in museum cafes can be slightly higher than outside. It's a convenient option for a quick bite, but for more budget-friendly meals, consider dining outside the museum.
The cafe typically offers a range of options, including vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check their current menu or ask staff for specific vegan offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is permitted in most of the Rijksmuseum, but without flash. Always check for specific signage indicating restrictions.
The Cuypers Library, the grand staircase, and the Atrium are popular for photography. Of course, capturing the masterpieces themselves is a must!
Tripods and selfie sticks are generally not allowed inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging artworks.
The 'Shylight' installation by Studio Drift is a visually stunning piece that makes for unique photos.
You can photograph 'The Night Watch,' but remember to disable your flash to protect the artwork and ensure a better viewing experience for everyone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider downloading the Rijksmuseum app which often has family-friendly tours or scavenger hunts. The gardens outside the museum are also a great place for kids to run around and enjoy some fresh air between gallery visits.
Focus on a few key pieces like 'The Night Watch' and 'The Milkmaid' to keep their attention spans engaged.📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
+3 Beyond the library, the museum's extensive collection of historical artifacts, from ship models to period costumes, provides a rich tapestry of Dutch history. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Atrium and the main staircase also provide excellent architectural shots. Remember to check photography rules, especially regarding flash, and be mindful of other visitors. Capturing the iconic masterpieces like 'The Night Watch' is a classic, but explore the less obvious corners for unique perspectives. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Rijksmuseum Collection
Visitors often highlight the Gallery of Honour as the heart of the museum, where 'The Night Watch' and 'The Milkmaid' reside. However, don't overlook other significant areas. The Rijksmuseum Research Library, also known as the Cuypers Library, is a breathtaking space that feels like stepping into another era, perfect for book lovers and photographers alike.
+3For a more critical understanding of Dutch history, the exhibition on the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade offers a vital perspective, shedding light on a complex and often under-discussed aspect of the nation's past.
Navigating the Rijksmuseum with the App
Users can create personalized tours, focusing on specific themes or periods. This is particularly useful given the museum's vast size; without a plan, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The app can help you navigate efficiently, ensuring you don't miss the highlights. Some visitors find the app's audio tour more engaging and informative than a physical audio guide, as it can be tailored to your interests.
Beyond navigation and information, the app can also offer interactive features and behind-the-scenes content, enriching your understanding of the art and history on display. It's a modern way to engage with a historic institution, making the experience more personal and informative.
The Enchanting Cuypers Library
+2Visitors can admire the library from a viewing platform, offering a fantastic perspective of its scale and beauty. While access to the stacks might be restricted, the visual experience alone is worth the visit. It's a serene escape from the bustling museum galleries, providing a moment of quiet contemplation amidst incredible surroundings.
The library's collection is extensive, housing a vast array of books on art history, architecture, and related subjects, making it a vital resource for researchers and art lovers. Its presence within the Rijksmuseum underscores the institution's commitment to both the display and the study of art and culture.
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