Tickets Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum Tickets & Tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

This is photograph of Rijksmuseum paintings.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Siena Luigi

Siena

Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image
It's very easy and safe to book tickets with Headout. The Moco Museum we visited with friends was really beautiful and a lot of fun. There are rooms that immerse you in another dimension. A fantastic optical illusion. A wonderful experience that I recommend you try. Go as soon as possible, don't hesitate!
Thabiso Sibanda

Thabiso

Jan 2026

review-image

review-image
Beautiful experience it was 😍, very kind and helpful staff too .. I enjoyed every bit of my tour and my highlight of the day was the private jet ❤️
Arvind Saravanakumar

Arvind

Jan 2026

review-image
Booking, pricing, scheduling on short notice and experience at the entrance were all so comfortable. We also had a good time at the attraction and details provided to us during booking about the attraction was accurate and relatable.
Dragic Mihael

Dragic

Jan 2026

review-image
Great service. Boat tour moved forward by an hour without any problems. Even though we had bought tickets for 3 p.m., it was easily moved forward by an hour.
Kaspar Mooses
EE

Kaspar

Estonia
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+1 more

The building looks amazing. Very easily accessible and the staff is very friendly and helpful. A lot of artwork to see an everything is divided into logical sections according to different periods and origins of art.
Frank Vitt
DE

Frank

Germany
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

The building is very beautiful, the paintings and artworks are fantastic, and the Mesum app helps you find your way around.
MYKYTA TITOV
DE

Mykyta

Germany
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image
Had an amazing time at the NEMO Museum! Booking through Headout was a breeze thanks to its sleek and simple interface. It turned out to be one of the most delightful and engaging experiences of my trip. Five stars!
Marcos Moreno Valle
ES

Marcos

Spain
Dec 2025

review-image
Great tour at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Well organized, informative and inspiring. A must for football fans visiting Amsterdam.

Top things to do in Amsterdam

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.
1/5

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

Gallery of Honour

The heart of the Rijksmuseum, the Gallery of Honour, is a cathedral-like corridor that showcases the finest Dutch Golden Age paintings. Lined with works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals, it offers an introduction to 17th-century Dutch art and craftsmanship.

Access: Included with general entry

Asian Pavilion

This standalone wing presents the Rijksmuseum’s Asian art collection, featuring works from India, China, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia. With displays including ceramics and textiles housed within an architectural space, this section contrasts with the historic main building.

Access: Included with general entry

Philips Wing

The Philips Wing is dedicated to temporary exhibitions that explore specific artists or historical periods in depth. These rotating shows often include international loans and rarely seen works, offering a fresh perspective alongside the museum’s permanent collection.

Access: Included with general entry

Cuypers Library

Designed by Pierre Cuypers, the Cuypers Library is the largest and oldest art history library in the Netherlands. Here, you can enter the reading room to admire its historic interiors, book-lined galleries, and original architectural details.

Access: Free to visit, although registration is required to consult materials

Teekenschool (Drawing School)

Once used as an art education space, the Teekenschool is a historic part of the Rijksmuseum complex that now hosts creative workshops, family-friendly activities, and dining areas. The restored 19th-century building adds a social dimension to the museum experience.

Access: Free to enter, although activities inside may require a separate booking

The Passage

Running through the center of the Rijksmuseum, The Passage is a richly decorated corridor originally designed as a public thoroughfare. Open to pedestrians, it features decorative ceilings and walls that reflect Pierre Cuypers’ original vision for the building.

Access: Free to enter

Rijksmuseum Gardens

The Rijksmuseum Gardens offer a calm outdoor escape with sculptures, seasonal flowers, and historic garden layouts. Open to the public, they provide a relaxed extension of the museum experience and a pleasant place to pause before or after exploring the galleries.

Access: Free to enter

Galleries at the Rijksmuseum

The Night Watch Gallery

This is a dedicated hall within the Dutch Golden Age circuit built for Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, showing off its monumental scale and importance. Here, you can also check out interpretive panels that explain its restoration and historical context.

Highlights: The Night Watch (Rembrandt), The Sampling Officials (Rembrandt), The Merry Drinker (Frans Hals)

Medieval & Renaissance galleries (1100–1600)

Step into the Middle Ages and Renaissance with these rooms full of religious sculpture, panel paintings, and decorative objects. You’ll get a real sense of how artistic styles evolved and how craftsmanship changed over the centuries.

Highlights: Adoration of the Magi (Jan Mostaert), Virgin and Child (Netherlandish artist), The Baptism of Christ (Joos van Cleve)

Dutch Golden Age galleries (1600–1700)

Explore life in the 17th-century Netherlands through portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. The rooms are arranged chronologically, so you can follow the country’s Golden Age art and society as it unfolds.

Highlights: The Milkmaid (Johannes Vermeer), The Laughing Cavalier (Frans Hals), The Merry Family (Jan Steen)

18th & 19th Century galleries

These rooms show how Dutch art evolved after the Golden Age, including portraiture, history painting, and decorative arts. You’ll see how styles changed through the Enlightenment and the 19th century.

Highlights: The Battle of Waterloo (Jan Willem Pieneman), Portrait of King William I (Jozef Israëls), Summer Landscape (Pieter Frederick van Os)

20th Century & Modern History galleries

Explore Dutch cultural history from 1900 onwards in galleries featuring a diverse range of design, photography, applied arts, and social narratives. This is the place to explore modern art and everyday life in the Netherlands.

Highlights: Early works by Vincent van Gogh, The Potato Eaters (Vincent van Gogh), works by Charley Toorop

Decorative Arts & Period rooms

Step back in time in these rooms, featuring period interiors, furniture, silverware, Delftware, and other decorative objects. Discover how people lived and how domestic spaces looked across centuries.

Highlights: 17th-century Delftware collection, ornate silver objects, period interior of a Dutch merchant house

Prints & Drawings galleries

These galleries focus on works on paper, including prints, etchings, and drawings. Here, you can observe the skill and technique of artists from different periods.

Highlights: Rembrandt etchings, 17th-century Dutch landscape drawings, medieval illuminated manuscripts

Maritime & Ship Model galleries

Sail through Dutch maritime history with detailed ship models, navigational instruments, and naval artifacts. These rooms highlight the Netherlands’ seafaring heritage and global trade influence.

Highlights: Dutch East India Company ship models, naval cannons, maritime maps

Sculptural & Architectural galleries

Walk through corridors and rooms filled with sculpture and architectural elements, from medieval stone carvings to neoclassical busts. You’ll notice how form, material, and history come together across these spaces.

Highlights: Medieval religious sculptures, carved stone architectural fragments

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.
1/13

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

Rijksmuseum Timings

The Rijksmuseum is open throughout the year and on all public holidays.

The opening hours are as follows:

  • Rijksmuseum: Open from 9 am to 5 pm every day
  • Shop and Café: Open from 9 am to 6 pm every day
  • Rijksmuseum garden: Open from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Cuypers Library and Research Library: Open from 10 am to 5 pm

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the museum is from November to March, when there are fewer crowds and shorter wait times. The peak season is from April to September. Winter months usually have lighter crowds and make for a calmer visit.

Timings

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Getting there

  • Metro: Vijzelgracht is served by Metro Line 52. Take this line from central Amsterdam or other connections and exit at Vijzelgracht to reach the museum.

  • Tram: Tram lines 1 and 19 stop directly at the Rijksmuseum. Additional tram lines 2, 5, and 12 stop at Museumplein, which is a 7–8 minute walk to the museum entrance.

  • Bus: Ruysdaelkade is served by multiple local and night bus lines. Another nearby stop is Amsterdam, Leidseplein, served by several day and evening buses.

Directions
Rijksmuseum Facilities
  • Cloakroom: Free and supervised storage for small items is available.
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are available throughout the museum.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the museum.
  • Shop: Gift shop offers souvenirs and museum merchandise.
  • Dining: The museum has an on-site Café and RIJKS Restaurant serving meals and snacks throughout your visit.
  • Library: Rijksmuseum has the largest art history library in the Netherlands, called the Cuypers Library.
  • Stroller and Wheelchair Rental: Wheelchairs, pushchairs, and other mobility aids are available at the information desk.
Plan your visit
Guide dog sitting on a cobblestone street in a European city.
  • The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible and has ramps and elevators.
  • Accessible restrooms are available throughout the museum.
  • Guide dogs are permitted inside the museum.
  • Guided tours and audio resources are available for visitors with vision or hearing impairments.
  • Mobility devices such as wheelchairs and folding stools can be borrowed at the information desk.
No smoking sign displayed at Whales of Iceland Museum, Reykjavik.
  • Metamorphoses (6 February to 25 May): Features over 80 masterpieces from Titian, Caravaggio, and Rubens and explores themes of desire, transformation, and Ovid's mythology.
  • FAKE (6 February to 25 May): Explores the history of manipulated photography and examines the impact of altered images in art and media.
  • Carel Visser in the Rijksmuseum Gardens (5 June to 25 October): The museum's annual garden exhibition is dedicated to Dutch sculptor Carel Visser and showcases his modern sculpture works in the Rijksmuseum Gardens.
  • Ed van der Elsken (19 June to 13 September): Offers a retrospective of Dutch photographer Ed van der Elsken, featuring rare photographs, letters, notes, book designs, and film clips from his archive.
  • Willem de Kooning at Work (9 October 2026 to 17 January 2027): Highlights the creative process, techniques, and artistic development of Willem de Kooning.
Rijksmuseum Visitor Tips
  • Only small bags up to A4 size are allowed. Larger items must be stored in the cloakroom.
  • Food and drinks are prohibited in the galleries.
  • Flash photography may be restricted. Tripods, props, and commercial filming are not allowed.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited.
  • Drawing or sketching is allowed only in designated areas with pencil and paper.
Rijksmuseum Dining
  • Rijks Café: A casual café offering light meals, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages for visitors who want a quick bite while exploring the museum.

  • RIJKS Restaurant: Serves refined Dutch and European cuisine. Signature dishes include seasonal specialties, local produce, and classic Dutch favorites.

Nearby options within walking distance:

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.

More Reads

Vermeer Collection

Book Now

Rembrandt Collection

Book Now

Van Gogh Collection

Book Now