VISIT RIJKSMUSEUM – THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING THE RIJKSMUSEUM 2026
Best Time to Visit the Rijksmuseum | Rijksmuseum Visiting Tips
Everything you need to know before visiting the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands located in downtown Amsterdam full of Dutch art by some of the country’s most famous artists – Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and more. It is one of the most famous museums in the world and covers 800 years of Dutch history.
Because the Rijksmuseum is so popular, it is recommended that you book your tickets online and in advance. That way, you can secure the date and time you want, and you can find the best option possible. Book our Rijksmuseum entry ticket and visit the museum by yourself, or with an expert guide on a guided tour. You can also opt for a private tour, or combine your Rijksmuseum visit with a cruise on the Amsterdam Canals!
About the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is home to more than 8,000 exhibits spanning 800 years from 1200 to today. You can see Dutch masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s self-portrait, the “Night Watch” by Rembrandt, “The Milkmaid” by Vermeer, “The Merry Family” by Jan Steen, and more. The museum also holds an armory, a collection of dollhouses, and an Asian art collection. You can also visit the charming Cuypers Library, the country’s oldest art historical library, which is perfect for an aesthetic photo.
Getting to the Rijksmuseum
If you are driving, you cannot park in front of the entrance. It is only accessible on foot and by bike. Paid parking is available, as well as disabled parking spaces. You can park underground at the Q-Park Museumplein at Van Baerlestraat 33b.
Another option is to park a bit further away for cheaper and then take public transportation or ride a bike to the museum. You can park your car at the P&R ArenA. From there, ride the metro to Weesperplein, then hop on the tram number 7. Your stop is called Spiegelgracht. Alternatively, park at P&R Zeeburg. From there, get on tram number 26 and get off at Rietlandpark. Take tram number 7 after and exit at Spiegelgracht.
Best time to visit the Rijksmuseum
We recommend visiting the Rijksmuseum early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. The crowds are biggest around noon and in the early afternoon. If you really want to avoid crowds, try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday. April, May, and August are the busiest months to visit. For a deeper dive into seasonal trends, see our guide on the best time to visit Amsterdam.
Rijksmuseum famous artworks
Vincent van Gogh
You can see the “Riverbank with Trees”, the “Wheat Field”, a self-portrait, and the “View of Amsterdam from Central Station”. Van Gogh painted the latter after a visit to the Rijksmuseum, which had just opened. He went back to the museum with the painting in hand and was impressed by Rembrandt’s “The Jewish Bride”. Van Gogh’s visits to the Rijksmuseum greatly inspired his works, as can be seen in his use of color.
Rembrandt
See “The Night Watch”, which depicts a captain ordering the start of a march. The painting was commissioned by Amsterdam’s civic militia. You can also see what the painter looked like in his self-portrait.
Johannes Vermeer
The “View of Houses in Delft, Known as ‘The Little Street’ was unusual in the 17th century because it shows an ordinary house. The painter’s aunt lived on this street. You can also see his work “The Milkmaid”.
Jan Asselijn
“The Threatened Swan” depicts a swan defending its nest. Later, people thought it was supposed to symbolize a Dutch statesman protecting the Netherlands. The painting was the first exhibit added to the museum’s collection in 1800.
Get the most out of your visit to the Rijksmuseum by selecting one of our best ticket offers!
View iconic art
Rijksmuseum Ticket
Discover the Rijksmuseum and explore over 800 years of Dutch history through 8,000 art items. Walk through the national museum at your own pace and view the famous masterpieces like Rembrandt's "The Night Watch", Vermeer's "The Milkmaid", and Van Gogh's self-portrait. Discover Dutch Golden Age paintings, silverware, doll houses, Delftware, and an extensive collection of sculptures. Choose your preferred time and enjoy the rich heritage of the Dutch people and their celebrated artists.
All-in-one attractions pass
Amsterdam City Pass
The Amsterdam City Pass gives you access to more than 30 attractions in the city! Visit the Rijksmuseum, Madame Tussauds, the Heineken Experience, and the Moco Museum, enjoy a cruise on the canals, learn about Anne Frank, and more. Also included is a digital guide to make your visit hassle-free. This pass is valid for 1-5 days, giving you more than enough time to explore Amsterdam in full!
FAQ - Visit Rijksmuseum
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Rijksmuseum DOs & DON’Ts
DO set aside enough time for your visit
The Rijksmuseum holds more than 8,000 exhibits and covers 800 years of Dutch history, so there is a lot to see. If you are in a rush, you can see the most important works in about an hour or so. However, set aside about half a day if you want to explore the entirety of its collections at a relaxed pace.
DON’t forget to leave your belongings in the cloakroom
Leave your backpack in the cloakroom, so you can explore the museum more comfortably.
DO learn from an expert guide
Book a Rijksmuseum small-group tour to hear the rich stories behind the artworks from a knowledgeable guide. Learn how domestic chores were a motif in Dutch art in the period in which Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid” was created, as well as more interesting facts.
DON’T rush to pack lunch
There are a few places in the Rijksmuseum where you can have a snack or a lunch. There is the Het Cafe, Espresso Bars, and a garden house, which is open in summer.
DON’T visit only the Rijksmuseum
The Van Gogh Museum is close by. Explore more of the artist’s works and learn about his life on the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum Combo Tour.
Book our Rijksmuseum guided tours to learn about Dutch culture from a skilled guide!
Crowd-free experience
Rijksmuseum Small-Group Tour
Join our guided tour of the Rijksmuseum and explore the rich history of Dutch art and culture. View the masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt's "The Night Watch", Van Gogh's self-portrait, Vermeer's and Jan Steen's paintings, and many more masterpieces from the museum's 8,000 artworks. Your guide will lead you to see the main exhibits and explain the history behind the art.
Rijksmuseum Private Tour
Explore the Rijksmuseum and 17th century Dutch Masters on a personalized tour. Avoid the crowds and enjoy an exclusive experience with a private guide as you view famous paintings by artists like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer. Learn about the techniques and symbolism in their art, and hear stories from their lives. Enjoy tailored attention during your tour, explore at your own pace, and focus on the art pieces that interest you most.