If you’re planning to visit the Rijksmuseum, this page is your practical starting point. I cover everything from tickets, timing, entry, and what to expect once you’re inside.
This guide is for travelers who know the Rijksmuseum is part of their Amsterdam plans and want a smooth visit, without guesswork or unnecessary friction.
The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands. The scale of the museum catches many people off guard, it has 82 rooms. Also, underestimate how busy it can get . This is not a museum where you start at the beginning, and make your way around. You need to choose.
As a friend of the museum I visit regularly and help travelers fit the Rijksmuseum into their day in a way that still leaves energy for the rest of Amsterdam. A little planning makes a big difference.
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Where to Buy Rijksmuseum Tickets
The Rijksmuseum does not sell tickets at the door. There is no ticket desk. All visitors must book a time slot online in advance. I recommend booking through Get Your Guide. Just follow the link.
If you directly at the museum’s website you pay €2 less then with Get Your Guide, but if you need to cancel or change your reservation, you can easily do so up to 24 hours before your arrival with them. The museum does not allow you to do that. They do allow you to change your ticket, but it’s cumbersome; you need to call them, and you cannot get a refund. I highly recommend getting your ticket through Get Your Guide instead here.
Even smarter, is to but a city card if you’re planning to see and do more in Amsterdam, since the Rijksmuseum is included in the two largest and best passes. The I Amsterdam Pass or the Go City pass.
⤷ Compare here which Amsterdam city pass is right for you
If you prefer more context inside the museum, a private, or small-group guided tour can be an even better option. I don’t guide museum tours myself, but I often suggest a guided tours to travelers who find large museums tiring, or overwhelming.
Ticket Options at a Glance
General Admission
Timed entry to the museum. I recommend the 9 a.m. time slot if you can find it. Best if you’re comfortable exploring on your own.
⤷ Book your Rijksmuseum tickets
Guided Tour (English)
Two-hour small-group or private visit. Helpful if you want structure and explanation.
- ⤷ the small group tour I recommend (great cost/quality balance)
- ⤷ my favorite private guided tour (I recommend you choose Rolf as your guide)
Museum + Canal Cruise
Rijksmuseum entry combined with a one-hour canal cruise leaving directly in front of the museum. Works well for first-time visitors who want variety in one day. It’s also a relaxing activity after a tiring museum visit.
Can You Save Money With a City Pass?
Very often yes — but only if it matches your pace.
Both the I Amsterdam Card and the Go City Amsterdam Pass include the Rijksmuseum. The difference is how they’re meant to be used.
- I Amsterdam Card
Works best if you plan to visit several museums in a short time and are comfortable keeping a steady pace. - Go City Amsterdam Pass
Offers more flexibility and can make sense if you want to spread visits out or mix museums with other attractions.
In practice, city passes save money only if you actually use them. I also often see visitors buy a pass and then rush, simply to “get value.” But you really don’t have to. If you do just 2-3 activities per day you get your money’s worth.
But if you prefer a calmer pace than that, buying individual tickets is often the better choice, even if it looks more expensive.
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam – © Hidden Holland
Best Times to Visit (Crowd Strategy)
The time you enter matters more than the season. In short: the 9 a.m time slot is the best no matter which day you visit.
Most reliable days
- Tuesday to Thursday
Times to avoid
- Midday (11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Saturdays and school holidays
For a deeper breakdown by day and time, see my timing guide here:
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How Long You Actually Need at the Rijksmuseum
Most visitors underestimate this. The museum 82 different rooms, and many different topics and types of art.
- 90-120 minutes works well for highlights
- Two hours allows time for a short pause
- Three hours including a break is a sweet spot for many
- Four hours if you want to see more of the collection
Trying to see everything usually leads to fatigue, and especially if you go room by room from starting at the cloakroom you often miss the most impressive collections.
I recommend deciding in advance what you want to focus on and stopping while the visit still feels enjoyable.
💡My tip: download the Rijksmuseum app from the app store. It’s excellent both from home and at the museum. They make it easy to decide what you want to see. And if you bring your headphones, you save the fee on the audio tour, since it’s included in the app for free.
Highlights Worth Your Time
If you’re planning a shorter visit, this is where I would focus:
- Gallery of Honour
The heart of the museum, including Rembrandt and Vermeer. This what everybody should see. If you got the 9 a.m. time slot go here first even though it’s not logical from a routing perspective. You’ll thank you me later! - The Night Watch
Currently displayed as part of Operation Night Watch, a live restoration visible behind glass at the end of the Gallery of Honour. - Petronella Oortman‘s Doll House
A highlight for many, and you pass some pretty rooms on your way there. Just turn right from Operation Night Watch. - Cuypers Library
A 19th-century art history library many visitors miss. Too me it feels like a scene straight from Harry Potter. It’s behind the doll house.
If you have more time:
- Asian Pavilion
- Jewellery collection
- Early model ships
- 19th century art (Van Gogh, Isaacs, Breitner and more), one of my favorite rooms
Other people love more 17th century art, 18th century art, modern art, furniture, there is just so much. My best advice is prepare yourself.
If you want help deciding what to prioritize — here are some highlights of the collection:
Getting There
Address
Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam
By tram
Lines 2, 5, and 12 stop at Rijksmuseum.
On foot
About 15 minutes from Leidseplein.
From Schiphol Airport
Bus 397 stops near Museumplein.
On the Day: Practical Information About Your Visit
- Entrance: In the tunnel, the rotating doors at Museumplein side on both sides
- Lockers: Free self-service lockers near the restrooms (no coin needed)
- Bags: Small daypacks allowed wear them on your belly; larger bags must go in lockers
- Café: Bright and comfortable for a short break, high quality products
- Restaurant: Rijks Restaurant (Michelin-starred) outside. Reserve ahead if you want lunch.
- App: The Rijksmuseum app is free and replaces the paid audio guide, just bring your headphones
- Wi-Fi: Free throughout the museum
Accessibility
The Rijksmuseum is fully accessible.
- Lifts to all levels
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms
- Foldable chairs are also available free of charge
If walking pace or stamina is a concern, planning your route in advance helps a lot.
Tips and Tricks I Picked Up After So Many Visits
- Arrive 15 minutes early — security queues can move slowly, and they allow you in earlier if there is no line
- Take your break after the main galleries, not before
- Skip rental audio guides; use the free app with your own headphones
- Buy prints and souvenirs in the shop — easy to pack and well made
- Never combine with a visit to the nearby Van Gogh museum on the same day. It’s too much
Need Help Fitting This Into Your Trip?
If you want help fitting the Rijksmuseum into your Amsterdam day — or balancing it with the rest of your Netherlands itinerary — I offer private planning calls.
I’ll help you pace your days, avoid unnecessary stress, and make sure everything fits together logically. I can also help decide what to see and what to skip at the Rijksmuseum.
Rijksmuseum Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tickets at the door when I get to the Rijksmuseum?
No. All ticket sales are online, and you need a time slot. Time slots do sell out in advance.
Can I change my Rijksmuseum time slot?
The museum allows change of dates and time slots by contacting the museum by email or phone. It’s not straight forward. Cancellations are not accepted, this includes late arrival for your time slot.
Is The Night Watch visible during renovation?
Yes. It’s displayed behind glass as part of Operation Night Watch. They went to great lengths to keep the work and the renovation progress visible to the public.
Are photos allowed inside the Rijksmuseum?
Yes, without flash or tripods.
Is the Rijksmuseum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, fully.
How long should I plan for the Rijksmuseum?
About 90 minutes for just the highlights, two hours to include a short break. Three hours is best for most people. And four hours if you want to dive deeper in the collection.
Final Thought
The Rijksmuseum rewards planning. It really does. I’ve seen too many visitors completely overwhelmed and too tired. You really don’t need to see everything — you just need the right timing and a clear plan.
