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How to visit the Rijksmuseum

  • Ways to explore: You can book a timed entry ticket, go on an audio guided tour, or join a small-group or private guided tour for a more structured experience.
  • Guided vs. audio: Audio guides are perfect if you like moving at your own pace and choosing what to spend time on. Guided tours add expert storytelling and historical context, helping you uncover the museum’s key highlights in just 2–2.5 hours.
  • Queues & access: Timed entry helps manage crowds throughout the day. Small group and private guided tours include skip-the-line access, though everyone must go through mandatory security checks, which can take 10–15 minutes depending on the crowd.
  • Languages available: Audio guides are offered in more than 10 languages. Live guided tours are available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
  • Combo tickets: For a classic Amsterdam experience, pair your Rijksmuseum visit with an Amsterdam canal cruise, or combine it with nearby attractions like the Diamond museum or Stedelijk Museum.
  • Best upgrade: A small-group guided tour is the easiest way to see the museum’s highlights without feeling rushed. You get skip-the-line entry, a curated route, and direct interaction with an expert guide in a group of no more than 10–15 people.

Compare your Rijksmuseum ticket options

Ticket typeLines skippedIncludesGuideUpgradesWhy pick this
Rijksmuseum Entry Tickets

None

Entry to the Rijksmuseum, access to all exhibitions

No (available as an upgrade)

Yes (audio guide, 2-hour English-guided tour, or 75-min canal cruise)

This ticket gives you full access to the Rijksmuseum collection and allows you to explore at your own pace.

Combo with 1-Hour Cruise

None

Timed entry to Rijksmuseum, access to all exhibitions, multimedia tour in 10+ languages, 60-min glass-top canal cruise with audio commentary

Yes (audio)

No

Ideal for combining world-famous Dutch artworks with a relaxed canal cruise in a single, well-paced experience

With Audio Guided Tour

None

Entry to Rijksmuseum, access to all collections and exhibitions, multilingual audio guide in 9 languages plus Dutch Sign Language

Yes (audio)

Yes (2-hour English-guided tour)

Well suited for visitors who want expert storytelling while keeping full control over how long they spend in each gallery

Small-Group Guided Tour

None

Entry to Rijksmuseum, 2- or 2.5-hour guided tour, access to all exhibitions

Yes (live)

Yes (2.5-hour Hidden Gems private tour)

A strong choice if you prefer learning directly from a guide in a smaller group, with time for questions and discussion.

Combo with Stedelijk Museum

Yes

Skip-the-line entry to Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum, audio guide at Stedelijk in English and Dutch

Yes (audio)

No

Ideal for art lovers looking to cover both classical and modern Dutch art in one visit without waiting in lines.

Combo with Heated Canal Cruise

None

Entry to Rijksmuseum, access to all exhibitions, 60-min heated glass-top canal cruise with multilingual audio guide

Yes (audio)

No

A comfortable option that balances museum time with canal sightseeing, especially appealing in cooler weather.

Rijksmuseum Audio-Guided Tour

None

Multilingual audio guide in 8+ languages. Museum entry not included

Yes (audio)

No

Best if you already have entry tickets and want to enrich your visit with detailed commentary at a low cost.

Hidden Gems Private Tour

Yes

Skip-the-line entry, access to all exhibitions, 2.5-hour private English-guided tour for up to 12 guests

Yes (live)

No

Designed for those who want a quieter, more focused museum experience centered on lesser-known stories and artists

Combo with Diamond Museum Tour

None

Entry to Diamond Museum Amsterdam, 45-min private guided tour, entry to Rijksmuseum and access to all exhibitions

Yes (live)

No

A niche experience that combines museum visit and exploration of precious gems with diamond experts

Professional Photoshoot

None

Professional photoshoot outside the Rijksmuseum, edited digital photos, local photographer

No

Yes (longer shoot with more photos)

A great add-on if you want polished, professional photos to remember your visit without relying on selfies.

What to expect at the Rijksmuseum?

Rijksmuseum main hall with visitors and shops in Amsterdam.
Paintings displayed in the Gallery of Honor at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Guide pointing at a painting during Rijksmuseum private tour.
Visitor pointing at a painting in Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Rijksmuseum exterior in Amsterdam during a small group guided tour.
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Enter through the Grand Atrium

Walk through the main entrance on Museumplein and step into the Netherlands’ national museum. The grand atrium immediately draws you in with its stunning architectural details, offering a striking introduction to over 8,000 artworks that span Dutch history and the Golden Age.

Begin your gallery journey

Start with the Gallery of Honour, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. From there, explore the upper floors and adjoining galleries, featuring historical sculptures, and decorative arts.

Discover key highlights

Move through thematic rooms across four levels to admire Dutch Golden Age paintings, portraits, and sculptures. The floors are arranged chronologically with the main atrium on Floor 0, the Gallery of Honour on Floor 1, and progressively later artworks on Floors 2 and 3.

Courtyards and scenic pauses

Take a break in the museum’s courtyards, including the Atrium and the Philips Wing. These open-air spaces feature cafés, espresso bars, and a garden house in summer, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the museum’s architecture.

Exit and optional extras

Conclude your visit through the museum’s exit halls. If you’re up for more sightseeing, extend your day with optional experiences such as small-group guided tours, canal cruises, or combo tickets with the Stedelijk Museum and Diamond Museum.

Things to know before booking your Rijksmuseum tickets

  • Booking window: Booking your Rijksmuseum tickets online in advance is the easiest way to secure your preferred time. If you’re visiting during peak season, make sure to book at least two weeks ahead, as guided tours fill up quickly in summer.
  • Ticket types: There’s a ticket for every kind of visit. Choose a standard entry ticket, join a guided tour with an audio guide, book a small-group tour, or go for a combo ticket that adds nearby attractions. Each type offers something slightly different, from expert commentary to extended museum experiences.
  • Entrances and queues: All visitors enter through the main Museumplein entrance and must go through a mandatory security check. Some guided tours skip the ticket counter queue, but security screening still applies.
  • What’s included: A standard ticket grants access to all public galleries, the permanent collection, and other exhibitions. Guided tours include the same access with the bonus of expert insight and little-known stories.
  • Combos: If you want more in a day, consider a combo ticket. These let you pair your museum trip with nearby attractions like the Stedelijk Museum or Diamond Museum.
  • Policies: Tickets are non-transferable, so make sure to bring an ID that matches your booking. Each ticket grants a single entry at your assigned time, and re-entry is not allowed.
Confused which ticket to choose?

If you want to make the most of a single day in Amsterdam, grab a combo ticket for entry to the Stedelijk Museum or Diamond Museum. Want a more relaxed pace? Add a scenic 1-hour canal cruise. It’s an easy way to enjoy multiple highlights with just one ticket.

Explore the Rijksmuseum

Galleries at the Rijksmuseum

Must-see artworks at the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum visitors viewing Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" in Amsterdam, highlighting Dutch art.
Woman pouring milk in Vermeer's "The Milkmaid," c. 1660, with bread and pottery on the table.
Guests viewing paintings at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Isaac and Rebecca, known as ‘The Jewish Bride’, by Rembrandt van Rijn.
Syndics of the Drapers' Guild painting by Rembrandt at Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.
Visitors on a guided tour inside the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Person observing artwork closely in a Paris museum.
Man reading brochure at Hannibal Square Heritage Center museum exhibit.
Visitor exploring Picasso Museum exhibition with skip-the-line tickets.
Visitors discussing art in the Sully Wing of the Louvre Museum, featuring the Faith Ringgold Exhibition.
Visitors examining exhibits at The British Museum on a private tour in London.
Self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh, 1887, featuring the artist in a hat with a textured background.
Person observing artwork in a gallery setting.
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The Night Watch | Rembrandt van Rijn (1642)

The Night Watch is the most famous painting in the Rijksmuseum. It is a group portrait of a militia company, showing men moving across the scene carrying weapons, flags, and muskets.

The Milkmaid | Johannes Vermeer (c.1660)

The Milkmaid is a painting of a woman carefully pouring milk into a bowl. Light streams through a nearby window, illuminating the textures of her clothing, the bread on the table, and the quiet, domestic scene.

Woman Reading a Letter | Johannes Vermeer (1663–1664)

This painting depicts a woman standing by a window, completely absorbed in a letter. Soft sunlight falls across her face and dress, creating a calm mood that draws you into the quiet moment.

The Jewish Bride | Rembrandt van Rijn (c.1667)

The Jewish Bride is a portrait of a couple, with the man placing his hand on the woman’s shoulder. In this, Rembrandt’s brushstrokes give the figures depth, making the scene feel almost tangible.

The Sampling Officials | Rembrandt van Rijn (1662)

This group portrait shows five cloth inspectors gathered around a table, examining fabrics. The detail in their clothing and surroundings highlights Rembrandt’s skill and precision.

The Threatened Swan | Jan Asselijn (c.1650)

The Threatened Swan is a painting of a swan spreading its wings to protect its nest from an unseen threat. The vivid depiction of the turbulent water and sky enhances the sense of tension.

The Laughing Cavalier | Frans Hals (1624)

This half-length portrait depicts a man dressed in colorful, elaborate attire. His confident smile and the lively brushwork give the painting an unforgettable energy and a sense of immediacy.

The Little Street (View of Houses in Delft) | Johannes Vermeer (c.1657–1658)

The Little Street shows a quiet street with two women near a doorway, a man leaning on a gate, and sunlit brick houses. The perspective, shadows, and textures of the buildings create a realistic and immersive view of 17th-century Dutch life.

Still Life with Books | Jan Lievens (1627–1628)

This detailed still life displays a table stacked with books and various objects. Each element is carefully rendered, creating a contemplative composition that reflects the meaning of Dutch still-life painting.

The Drunken Couple | Jan Steen (c.1655–1665)

The Drunken Couple is a lively, humorous scene of a man and woman drinking and laughing while interacting with servants. Jan Steen captures movement and storytelling so vividly that the scene feels full of life.

The Merry Drinker | Frans Hals (1628–1630)

This expressive portrait shows a man caught mid-laugh while holding a glass. Hals’ loose brushwork emphasizes energy and personality, giving the figure a vibrant, engaging presence.

Self-Portrait | Vincent van Gogh (1887)

Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait is a bold post-impressionist painting of the artist himself. The swirling textures, intense colors, and direct gaze convey the intensity of his inner world.

The Battle of Waterloo | Jan Willem Pieneman (1824)

This large-scale painting depicts the chaos of the Battle of Waterloo, showing soldiers on horseback, cannon smoke, and the sprawling battlefield. The dramatic composition and detailed rendering convey movement, tension, and historical significance vividly.

Plan your visit to the Rijksmuseum

Visitor tips

  • Book your Rijksmuseum tickets at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slot. For a more complete experience, consider booking one of the Rijksmuseum guided tours in advance, as they often sell out quickly.
  • Time your visit for before 11 am or after 3 pm. These are the quieter windows, and you will encounter fewer crowds, making your visit more relaxed.
  • Start your tour with the Gallery of Honour and Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. These rooms become crowded quickly after the museum opens.
  • Make use of the Rijksmuseum app or a multimedia tour to navigate through the 80-plus galleries. These tools also highlight less-crowded areas such as the Asian Pavilion or temporary themed exhibitions.
  • If joining a Rijksmuseum guided tour, check in advance whether commentary is offered in your preferred language. Consider pairing it with a themed tour for deeper insight into Dutch art.
  • Use the free cloakroom at the start of your visit to store jackets, umbrellas, and extra bags. This allows you to move more freely through galleries, especially in busy areas with limited space.

Frequently asked questions about Rijksmuseum tickets

Yes. You must book a timed entry ticket in advance to ensure entry, even if you hold a discount card or qualify for free admission. It’s best to book your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.

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