Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Why the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is Worthwhile

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

In a nutshell

  • The Rijksmuseum is the most famous art museum in Amsterdam.
  • In our article, you will get a helpful overview of the highlights in the Rijksmuseum.
  • We also share our personal experience with you after visiting the museum several times.
  • Finally, you will find all the answers to questions about visiting museums and buying tickets and 3 great museum alternatives.

What Can You See in the Rijksmuseum?

If we were to be brief, we would say that the Rijksmuseum is a museum for which the word “impressive” is not enough.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Amsterdam awaits you, with rooms that only continue to surpass each other in their beauty.

Not only is the exhibition the highlight here, but the whole museum is a huge work of art in itself.

Gallery of honour in Rijksmuseum
Gallery of honour in Rijksmuseum (© Erik Smits)

Highlights in the Rijksmuseum

  • The Night Watch by Rembrandt
  • The Maid with Milk Jug by Vermeer
  • Self-Portrait by Van Gogh
  • Winter Landscape by Avercamp
  • Gallery of Honor
  • The Great Hall
  • Cuyper’s Library
Van Gogh in the Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh in the Rijksmuseum

Our Experience at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

We have visited the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam several times and we got never tire of it.

Although opinions differ as to whether it is the best art museum in Amsterdam – for us personally, the super authentic Rembrandthuis and the modern Moco Museum take the lead – we are always impressed.

We just can’t get enough of the combination of really magnificent architecture and all the famous and less famous works.

You can learn a lot about Dutch art at the Rijksmuseum
You can learn a lot about Dutch art at the Rijksmuseum (© b_deboer)

What’s more, you can’t get lost despite all the rooms. The museum is designed to give you the perfect visitor experience.

From time to time, it gets a bit tiring for your head and eyes to look at even more paintings. But the Rijksmuseum offers a great solution for this with its café right in the museum. After a cup of coffee, it’s much easier to look again.

The Rijksmuseum is therefore not just worth a visit, but – at least for museum fans and art lovers – a must-see in Amsterdam.

To the Rijksmuseum without art knowledge?

You don’t need any knowledge of art to visit the Rijksmuseum. Even if you see people with weird heads standing in front of the paintings in the halls, no one will ask you to analyze the paintings, hehe.

It’s simply about discovering the beauty of art for yourself.

And that’s also the great thing about the Rijksmuseum. The art here is so diverse that every visitor can find a work that will never let them go. Whether you are an art connoisseur or not.

Is “The Night Watch” really that great?

Room with Rembrandt's Night Watch
Room with Rembrandt’s Night Watch (© Erik Smits)

Admittedly, I, Jaike, am really enthusiastic about Baroque art, and I am therefore perhaps a little biased.

Nevertheless, “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt is a super impressive work even without a great love of old painting. Because of its enormous size, its great age and Rembrandt’s incredible talent.

Rembrandt was famous for his dramatic use of light and contrasts. And that’s exactly what you can see here.

Note: “Operation Night Watch” has been running since 2019. A comprehensive research and restoration project on Rembrandt’s work. The painting is to be optimally conserved for the future. The work takes place daily in front of visitors in a glass box.

You can watch Operation Night Watch
Operation Night Watch runs daily (© b_deboer)

Can I skip rooms in the Rijksmuseum?

With 8,000 objects in 80 rooms, the Rijksmuseum is really super extensive. However, we recommend that you don’t skip a room on your first visit to the Rijksmuseum.

The museum simply has such a large and extensive exhibition that it would be a shame to miss anything.

So make sure you allow enough time to visit the museum. We recommend 3 hours.

If you want to visit the Rijksmuseum again at some point, you can limit yourself to your favorite halls or works and save time. That’s what we did.

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Tickets & Prices

Maritime collection in the Rijksmuseum
Maritime collection in the Rijksmuseum (© Felker)

#1 How much do Rijksmuseum tickets cost?

A ticket for the Rijksmuseum costs an average of 24 euros from all providers. Admission is free for children and young people up to the age of 18.

#2 Where can I buy tickets for the Rijksmuseum?

The best way to buy tickets for the Rijksmuseum is online via GetYourGuide.

Tickets are rarely sold out here, you can cancel until shortly before your visit and the price is super fair.

The Rijksmuseum website also sells tickets online. However, we find the booking process a little complicated and tickets sell out relatively quickly.

Alternatively, you have the option of buying tickets on site at short notice. However, you’ll have to be prepared for a long queue.

#3 How far in advance do I have to buy my tickets for the Rijksmuseum?

Getting tickets for the Rijksmuseum is easy. You don’t have to book far in advance. We have never experienced running out of tickets.

You can usually even book tickets online spontaneously for the same day.

Book your Rijksmuseum ticket online

Demand is higher during the vacations or for very special exhibitions. Tickets can then sell out more quickly.

Furniture is also on display in the Rijksmuseum
Furniture is also on display in the Rijksmuseum (© b_deboer)

#5 Is the Rijksmuseum included in an Amsterdam City Pass?

A visit to the Rijksmuseum is included in all four Amsterdam City Passes. Our favorite for first-time visitors is the I Amsterdam City Card.

You can find detailed information here:

#6 Is there an alternative if the tickets are sold out?

If the tickets for the Rijksmuseum are really sold out, there are great alternative art museums in Amsterdam.

Near the Rijksmuseum, for example, you will find the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum.

If you really wanted to see The Night Watch by Rembrandt, we recommend the Rembrandthuis as an alternative. Our favorite art museum in Amsterdam!

Here we show you even more Amsterdam museums:

#7 Are there Rijksmuseum combination tickets?

Yes, there is a really cool combination ticket that includes admission to the Rijksmuseum and a canal cruise through Amsterdam. This gives you two Amsterdam must-dos at once.

Book a combined ticket Rijksmuseum + canal cruise

#8 Can I book a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you can book a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum.

You’ll spend two hours learning all about the masters of the Dutch Golden Age and the historical and social background. Super exciting for art lovers!

Book a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum

#9 What time is the best time to visit the Rijksmuseum?

We recommend going to the Rijksmuseum between 9 and 10 in the morning. Then the crowds aren’t as big, you don’t have to queue for long at the security checkpoint and you have a better view of all the works.

Read more about the best time to visit Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Admission & Museum Visit

The Rijksmuseum on Museumplein
The Rijksmuseum on Museumplein

#1 Where is the Rijksmuseum and how do I get there?

The Rijksmuseum is located on the Museumplein, at the south-western end of the city center. The best way to get there is on foot.

It’s a 10-minute walk from the 9 Straatjes, about 20 minutes from the Anne Frank House and a 30-minute walk from Central Station.

#2 Can I park at the Rijksmuseum?

There is paid parking in the immediate vicinity of the Rijksmuseum. There is also an underground parking garage under the Museumplein.

Enter the following into your navigation system: Q-Park Museumplein, Van Baerlestraat 33b.

You can find more information about parking in Amsterdam here:

#3 Are there security checks at the entrance?

At the Rijksmuseum, you go through an airport-style security check at the entrance. You will be scanned and only allowed to take an A4-sized bag into the museum.

Baby carriages and buggies are allowed in the museum. However, large diaper bags are not.

#4 Is there a checkroom or lockers?

You can leave anything you are carrying but are not allowed to take into the museum at the free guarded checkroom at the entrance.

Luggage, folding bicycles, musical instruments and skateboards cannot be stored.

#5 Is there an audio guide in the Rijksmuseum?

You can hire an audio guide at the entrance for 5 euros.

We think the 5 euros are definitely worth it. You learn more about the works and don’t just stand in front of them like Hein Blöd without knowing what’s going on, haha. We’ve been there too.

#5 Is the Rijksmuseum barrier-free?

The Rijksmuseum is barrier-free and therefore accessible to everyone. All levels have elevators and assistance dogs are also allowed in the museum.

#6 What must I see in the Rijksmuseum?

When you are at the Rijksmuseum, you must have seen the following 6 highlights:

  • The Night Watch by Rembrandt
  • The Maid with Milk Jug by Vermeer
  • Self-portrait by Van Gogh
  • Gallery of Honor
  • The Great Hall
  • Cuyper’s Library
Vermeer's Maid
Vermeer’s Maid (© Felker)

#7 Am I allowed to take photos in the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you are allowed to take photos in the Rijksmuseum. But only without flash. Tripods and tripods are also prohibited. It’s best to take photos with your cell phone or a camera that you can easily hang around your neck.

#8 How much time should I plan for the Rijksmuseum?

Allow about 3 hours for the Rijksmuseum. You can see everything once in this time.

If you want to stroll through the halls at your leisure and listen to the entire audio guide, we recommend that you make 4 hours out of 3.

#9 How long can I stay in the Rijksmuseum?

With a valid ticket, you can stay in the Rijksmuseum for as long as you like. Well, the museum closes at 5 pm. Then you should leave.

#10 Does the Rijksmuseum have a store?

Yes, the Rijksmuseum has a museum store. And a really good one. Here you can buy books, prints, figurines and other super cool souvenirs.

More FAQ about the Rijksmuseum

Tunnel through the Rijksmuseum
Tunnel through the Rijksmuseum

How big is the Rijksmuesum?

The Rijksmuseum covers 14,500 square meters with 80 halls.

How old is the Rijksmuseum?

The museum’s collection was founded in The Hague in 1800. Construction of the building in Amsterdam began in 1876. The museum was opened in 1885.

Is the Rijksmuseum suitable for children?

The Rijksmuseum offers children a scavenger hunt through the museum. Using an app, kids can discover the paintings and answer quiz questions.

However, we would only recommend the scavenger hunt for children aged 6 and over.

Of course, the scavenger hunt should be carried out quietly so as not to disturb other visitors.

Another plus point is that children up to 18 years of age come to the museum free of charge. So you can look at art and your child is busy with the scavenger hunt. Win-win.

But keep in mind that the mass of halls and objects will become really tiring at some point, even for adults. You can best decide whether the Rijksmuseum is suitable for your child.

Book your Rijksmuseum ticket online

Is the Rijksmuseum a good place to visit when it rains in Amsterdam?

Yes, definitely! You can even get tickets spontaneously when it starts to rain.

Read more about what to do in Amsterdam in the rain
Read more about the weather in Amsterdam

5 Facts about the Rijksmuseum that Not Everyone Knows

Garden of the Rijksmuseum
The garden is free of charge

We have a few facts for you that make the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam even cooler and more interesting:

#1 The Rijksmuseum is the only museum in the world that has a street running through it. Nowadays, however, it is only open to pedestrians and cyclists.

#2 You can see around 8,000 exhibits in the Rijksmuseum. However, the museum actually owns 1 million works of art of all kinds.

#3 Rembrandt’s famous work “The Night Watch” was actually larger than it is now. in 1715, the painting was transferred to what was then the Town Hall, now the Royal Palace. Because the painting was too large for its new place between two doors, it was simply cut off on both sides. The cut-off parts were never found again.

#4 The Dutch Stroopwafel is so popular that you can even see it on a painting in the Rijksmuseum. In Jan Steen’s ‘The Feast of St. Nicholas’, the waffle lies in a basket with other pastries. We think it’s really funny.

#5 In the 1960s, the walls of the museum were bleached. The museum director at the time was of the opinion that the colorful walls distracted from the paintings. in 2013, this was all reversed and the Rijksmuseum shines again in colorful, patterned splendor.

3 Great Alternatives for the Rijksmuseum

Tickets for the Rijksmuseum are sold out just when you’re in Amsterdam? No problem! Then you’ll definitely like one of these 3 art museums:

...and teaches.
The Rembrandthuis is our favorite art museum in Amsterdam

Rembrandthuis: Visit the house where Rembrandt lived, painted and taught. You will also see many of his works and works by his students.

Van Gogh Museum: Discover the world of Vincent Van Gogh and learn all about his life and his most important works of art.

Moco Museum: Take a look at modern and contemporary art by Banksy and co.

These were our Rijksmuseum experiences and tips!

Do you also have a good tip or would you like to share your experience with us? Then write us a comment. We look forward to it!