people walking near brown concrete building during daytime
a large building with a fountain in front of it
All attractions

Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam, Netherlands
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people walking near brown concrete building during daytime

Photo by Frans Ruiter

Footsteps echo on polished marble, while morning light streams through high arched windows—at the Rijksmuseum, a sense of grandeur mixes with the quiet thrill of discovery. This world-class museum offers visitors a passage through centuries of Dutch art and daily life. Every hall holds another masterpiece, every corner invites curiosity. Bringing together the work of legendary painters and the elegantly ordinary tools of yesterday’s Amsterdam, this landmark reveals more than history; it shares the city’s creative soul.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
22.5 EUR
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Organization pays off when preparing for a day at the Rijksmuseum. The museum sits proudly on Museumplein, anchoring Amsterdam’s cultural district alongside the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Huge crowds often gather outside, especially on weekends and during holidays, so advance tickets save time and stress. Early morning visits offer quieter halls and the chance to linger alone with Rembrandt or Vermeer. Arriving by bike brings you right to the entrance, but frequent trams and buses also stop nearby. Wide, accessible paths and family-friendly amenities help everyone feel welcome, though long lines can test patience on rainy days. Most visitors spend up to half a day wandering—even more if drawn into the stunning gardens or the dazzling shop.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings; spring or early autumn for mild weather and thinner crowds.
  • How to get there: Tram lines 2, 5, and 12 all stop at Museumplein. Bike racks available. Limited street parking—public transport recommended.
  • Accessibility: Elevators and accessible restrooms are provided. Family rest areas and stroller access available throughout.
  • Average visit duration: 3–5 hours, more with lunch or special exhibitions.

Must see stuff

Within the museum’s red-brick walls, legendary artworks practically glow. The Gallery of Honour pulls visitors toward Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” whose scale and energy captivate even seasoned travelers. Close by, Johannes Vermeer’s glowing “Milkmaid” quietly charms the crowds. Yet, beyond these famous canvases, the Rijksmuseum surprises. Ornate Delftware bowls gleam under soft light, 17th-century dollhouses reveal miniature lives, and ship models tell stories of Dutch explorers. Wood-paneled libraries and sculpture-filled courtyards provide restful breaks from the bustle of busy halls.

  • Key sights: Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” the Gallery of Honour, the two-story Cuypers Library.
  • Unique experiences: Special guided tours themed around fashion, food, or even “Hidden Gems;” sketchbook corners for artists-in-the-making; audio guides with children’s tracks.
  • Photo-worthy locations: The sweeping marble staircase, the garden’s modern sculptures, and the towering windows overlooking Museumplein.
  • Cultural or historical facts: The Rijksmuseum holds over 8,000 works on permanent display, tracing Dutch influence in art, science, and everyday life from the Middle Ages to today.

Tips for your visit

Visiting the Rijksmuseum rewards a flexible, curious approach. Early arrivals speed past ticket queues and enjoy rare glimpses of famous paintings without the press of tour groups. Comfortable shoes make wandering easier—stone floors can wear out even seasoned sightseers. While the grand café offers fresh Dutch sandwiches and pastries, picnics flourish in shady garden corners beside fountains. Luggage storage and cloakrooms simplify travel on brisk days, and photography is welcome in most public areas (just turn off the flash). For a change of pace, join locals in the tranquil library or explore the rear bike tunnel, where street musicians often play beneath museum arches. Don’t rush—time spent people-watching here, or gazing up at stained-glass windows, proves nearly as memorable as the masterpieces themselves.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive at opening or late afternoon, and skip busy weekends or local school vacation periods.
  • What to bring: Water bottle, camera or phone, light layers, sketchbook for inspired doodles.
  • Etiquette or rules: Large bags must be checked; food and drink limited to cafes and gardens; quiet in galleries appreciated.
  • Safety and comfort: Secure valuables, watch for slippery stairs in rainy weather, and take breaks—there’s more to see than can fit in a single day.