Do I need to buy Rijksmuseum tickets in advance?

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.

What is included with a standard Rijksmuseum ticket?

A standard ticket gives you access to the permanent collection and most temporary exhibitions. Special experiences, such as private or themed guided tours, require a separate booking. These tours include the same access as a standard ticket with the added benefit of an expert guide.

Can I enjoy skip-the-line entry with a Rijksmuseum guided tour?

Yes. Some guided tours allow you to enter with priority access, so you do not have to wait in the main crowd. Security checks still apply, but the tour helps you spend more time enjoying the highlights instead of figuring out the museum layout.

What is the difference between a guided tour and an audio guide?

A guided tour takes you through the museum with a live guide who explains the context, history, and stories behind the art. An audio guide is self-paced and lets you explore the museum at your own speed.

Can I re-enter the Rijksmuseum with the same ticket?

No. Once you exit the museum, you generally cannot re-enter with the same ticket on the same day.

What is the best day to go to the Rijksmuseum?

Weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, right at opening time (9 am) are usually less crowded than weekends. These are the best days for a calmer visit.

Is there a dress code for the Rijksmuseum?

There is no formal dress code. You should dress respectfully and comfortably for walking and indoor conditions.

What is the Rijksmuseum famous for?

The Rijksmuseum is famous for its vast collection of Dutch and European art and history. You can see iconic works such as Rembrandt’s *The Night Watch*, Vermeer’s *The Milkmaid*, and significant pieces by Van Gogh.

Are Van Gogh paintings in the Rijksmuseum?

Yes. You can view works by Van Gogh, including notable self-portraits and pieces from his early career. These are displayed alongside the broader Dutch collection.

How long does it typically take to explore the Rijksmuseum?

You can expect two to three hours to see the highlights. A full visit can take up to half a day. Guided tours cover the essentials faster, while self-guided tours usually take longer.

Is the Rijksmuseum suitable for children and families?

Yes. You can access family-friendly galleries with stroller-friendly paths and kid-oriented audio guides. Some areas also have activity trails and workshops designed for children.

Rijksmuseum Tickets | Private & Small-Group Guided Tours

From happy customers

Loved by 49 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Jochen R

Germany

Couple

Last week

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A wonderful tour through Amsterdam's canals. The captain shared some very interesting facts about the city's neighborhoods, buildings, and unique features. And best of all: the weather was perfect :-)

Caterina M

Italy

Group

Last week

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+1 more

Everything was wonderful, from the scenery to the atmosphere on the boat itself. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxing and pleasant—perfect for exploring the city in a "different" way. I highly recommend this type of tour.

Andreas G

Group

Last week

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Beautiful museum, sells out so plan ahead.evrn when it is sold out it is not too busy. You are hard pressed to see it all in a day. The head-out tickets including the drinks is quite a deal.

Wilma G

Germany

Couple

2 weeks ago

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Great organization, world-famous paintings, comfortable seating. Souvenir shop: something for everyone, no kitsch Highly recommended for visitors of all ages

Royer M

Couple

Last week

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A magnificent stadium and a top-notch guide. Clear explanations and a smooth tour. I'd love to go back someday to see an Ajax game

Maike W

Couple

2 weeks ago

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We were thrilled to get such a great discount for the museum. Everything went smoothly, and the visit was wonderful.

Hourdeaux L

France

Couple

Feb 2026

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+1 more

I caught myself talking to a statue because the realism is so uncanny. The immersion is total; you completely forget that everything is made of wax. A truly memorable experience in Amsterdam.

Nataliia Z

Group

Feb 2026

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+2 more

We were with friends and it was fun. The entrance to the museum, the elevator ride, and the red carpet were cool—it was fun. I definitely recommend it.

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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 type	Lines skipped	Includes	Guide	Upgrades	Why 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?

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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.

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

Must-see artworks at the Rijksmuseum

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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

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

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.

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.

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:

Levant Restaurant (170 m): Turkish cuisine without the luxury pricing
Sama Sebo (280 m): Indonesian food for the soul
Ristorante Italiano Peppino (450 m): Economical Italian cuisine
Pizzeria IL PALIO (450 m): Quick pizzas and pasta on the go
Porto Carrara (450 m): Italian dining on a budget
Hard Rock Cafe (450 m): Classic American cuisine with a hint of pop culture

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.