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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 111,344 reviews
Type
Art museum
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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
"I can't recommend the Rijksmuseum enough! It's one of Amsterdam's most incredible institutions and truly needs a full day to be properly explored. This was my fifth time visiting, and it still feels completely new to me every time.
My number one piece of advice is to get your tickets in advance and arrive as early as possible. I was able to walk right past a huge line, which made a world of difference. Trust me, you'll be on your feet for hours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
While storage is available, I found that bringing as little as possible made it so much easier to move through the crowds and the many different galleries.
The collection is simply breathtaking. The sheer volume of Dutch masterpieces like Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid is mesmerizing. But the museum has so much more to offer. From antique dollhouses to historic ships, there's a new surprise around every corner.
I set aside an entire day for my visit, and I still felt like I only saw a fraction of what was there. Rushing through this beautiful journey through Dutch history and art would be a huge mistake.
Finally, while the café is convenient for a quick break, the food isn't anything special. If you're looking for a great meal, I suggest planning to eat outside the museum."
Ali k
"This is the national museum of the Netherlands, showcasing over 800 years of Dutch art and history. It is home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and many others. Originally founded in 1798 as the Nationale Kunst-Galerij in The Hague, it was relocated to Amsterdam in 1808. The current building, designed by Pierre Cuypers in a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, was completed and opened in 1885. From 2003 to 2013, the museum underwent a major renovation led by the Spanish firm Cruz y Ortiz, which focused on opening up the central atrium to natural light with a glass ceiling. The museum holds a collection of one million objects, with more than 8,000 on permanent display, making it the most visited museum in the Netherlands."
Seokjin Ham
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit