What is the best time to visit the Rijksmuseum?

To enjoy comparatively lesser crowds, try to reach early in the morning or late afternoon. April to September are the best months to visit the Rijksmuseum. The weather is mild and perfect for cycling and walking around in Amsterdam.

How long does it take to visit the Rijksmuseum?

Expect to spend around 2.5 to 3 hours seeing the main highlights. If you’re really diving into the galleries with an audio guide, give yourself 4 hours to explore everything comfortably.

What’s the best time of day to visit?

Visit the museum right at 9 am or after 3 pm. Between 11 am and 3 pm, it can get crowded, so those off-peak windows are the sweetest.

Can I bring a backpack or stroller inside?

Small backpacks under 40x20 cm are fine. Anything bigger needs to go in the cloakroom. And if you need a stroller, you can borrow one right at the museum.

Can I buy tickets on-site?

You can, but they sell out fast, especially on busy days. To be on the safe side, book your tickets online at least 2 weeks in advance.

Are there tours for hearing or visually impaired visitors?

Whisper sets make guided tours easier for hearing aid users, and there are tactile or audio-assisted tours for visitors with visual impairments.

How many entrances are there at the Rijksmuseum?

The Rijksmuseum has only one entrance, with a huge facade, intricate decorations, and statues leading to its interior halls.

Is there a dress code to be followed at the Rijksmuseum?

While there is no mandatory dress code at the Rijksmuseum, wear comfortable shoes so that you can explore the exhibits to the fullest.

Does Rijksmuseum conduct activities for children?

Rijksmuseum often hosts events and workshops for families and children. You can go on scavenger hunts and guided tours. There are also sensory-friendly activities and art demonstrations in sign language for differently-abled visitors.

Is photography permitted in the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you can click pictures at the Rijksmuseum. However, please avoid using commercial equipment that may obstruct the front of a painting for too long or may disturb other visitors.

Is there a cloakroom at the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you can store your belongings in the cloakroom in the Rijksmuseum to roam the exhibits comfortably.

Will my luggage be allowed at the Rijksmuseum?

No, you have to leave your baggage in the cloakroom in the Rijksmuseum before entering the exhibitions.

Are wheelchairs available at the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you can borrow a wheelchair, rotator, pushchair, walking cane, or foldable museum stool at the information desk in the Rijksmuseum. You can also borrow a floor plan showing the lifts and seating areas.

Can I see everything in one visit at the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you need around 4 to 5 hours to explore all the 80 galleries in the Rijksmuseum.

Is the Rijksmuseum worth visiting?

Yes, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is a must-visit if you are interested in Dutch art and history. It houses an extensive collection of over 8,000 artworks. These masterpieces span various genres and periods. From paintings and sculptures to decorative arts and historical artifacts, the museum offers a diverse range of artistic treasures for visitors to explore and appreciate.

Visit Rijksmuseum | Essential Info to Plan Your Visit

Visiting the Rijksmuseum is an immersive journey through Dutch art and history, featuring over 8,000 artworks across multiple galleries. From Rembrandt’s iconic The Night Watch to Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, the museum’s layout spans several floors and zones, which can feel overwhelming without a plan. A little preparation helps you prioritise masterpieces, navigate the galleries efficiently, and enjoy the museum at a comfortable pace without missing the highlights.

Navigating your way

The Rijksmuseum spans four floors and multiple galleries. Follow this route to explore efficiently and avoid backtracking or missing key highlights.

Enter through the Museumplein entrance

👉 This is the primary entrance, leading to the Atrium with ticket desks, a cloakroom, and access to all major galleries. Pick up a museum map to plan your visit.

Start on the ground floor

👉 Begin with early Dutch art from the Middle Ages to the 17th century, including medieval art, sculpture, Delftware, and ship models. This floor also houses the Asian Pavilion, the Atrium café and shop, and other special collections, giving an overview before moving to later periods.

Explore the heart of the Rijksmuseum

👉 Move to the first floor with 17th- and 18th-century works that trace the evolution of Dutch art and culture. Then head to the second floor to experience the Gallery of Honour showcasing Golden Age masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.

Move to the upper floors

👉 End at the third floor to view 20th-century art and design. This floor offers modern works, experimental installations, and contemporary perspectives, often changing with new exhibitions.

Want more depth in exploration?

Explore the Rijksmuseum with a small-group guided tour and enjoy 2–2.5 hours of expert commentary. Ask questions, hear fascinating stories and facts, and discover hidden gems and underrepresented artists for a richer, personalized experience.

How to make the most of your time at the Rijksmuseum?

Visit type	Duration	Route	What you get
Quick visit	2–3 hours	Museumplein entrance → Gallery of Honour → Night Watch Gallery → Vermeer & Rembrandt sections	See the museum’s most iconic Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, capturing the highlights without feeling rushed.
Balanced visit	3–4 hours	Ground Floor (Early Dutch Art & Delftware) → First Floor (18th–19th-century galleries) → Gallery of Honour → Night Watch → Temporary exhibitions	A well-rounded tour combining historical context with masterpieces, letting you appreciate the evolution of Dutch art across centuries.
Immersive experience	5–6 hours	Ground Floor → First Floor → Gallery of Honour & Night Watch → Third Floor (20th-century art & design) → Temporary exhibitions → Museum café/shop stop	The complete Rijksmuseum experience, covering all floors and highlights, including modern works, hidden gems, and temporary exhibits, with time to pause and reflect.

Handy tips

Avoid the crowds

Reserve ahead: Entry tickets are mandatory to enter the Rijksmuseum. Be sure to book your tickets at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Without them, you may need to wait in lines of 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Skip the line: For a peaceful visit, choose skip-the-line tickets. This allows you to avoid long queues at the entrance and head directly through security into the museum.
Pick calmer windows: Visit on weekdays before 11 am or after 4 pm to avoid peak crowds around the Gallery of Honour and the Night Watch.

Navigate wisely

Plan your route: Start on the ground floor with early Dutch art and then move upward. This prevents backtracking and can save 30 to 45 minutes.
Guided tours and combos: For a deeper experience, consider a guided tour. To explore more in a single day, combo tickets give access to the Rijksmuseum along with other attractions such as the Moco Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam in Motion, a 75-minute canal cruise, or a Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium Tour.

Explore the Rijksmuseum

Gallery of Honour

The Gallery of Honour is the Rijksmuseum’s central corridor, showcasing the finest Dutch Golden Age paintings. It’s arranged to highlight the evolution of 17th-century art and the cultural context behind each masterpiece.What to look out for: The Night Watch (Rembrandt), The Milkmaid (Vermeer), The Merry Drinker (Frans Hals)

Asian Pavilion

The Asian Pavilion is a striking wing presenting centuries of Asian art, from sculptures to textiles, offering a captivating cultural contrast to the historic main building.What to look out for: Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, Indonesian textiles

Philips Wing

Dedicated to rotating exhibitions, the Philips Wing offers fresh perspectives on artists, movements, and themes beyond the permanent collection, with rarely seen works for a constantly changing experience.What to look out for: Special exhibitions featuring Dutch and international masters

Cuypers Library

The Cuypers Library is the largest and oldest art history library in the Netherlands, boasting ornate reading rooms, book-lined galleries, and original architectural details.What to look out for: Historic interiors, original architectural details, rare art history texts

The Passage

Running through the heart of the museum, The Passage is a grand corridor adorned with decorative ceilings and walls that reflect Pierre Cuypers’ original architectural vision.What to look out for: Intricate design elements, mosaic details, historic murals

Rijksmuseum Gardens

A peaceful escape from the galleries, the Rijksmuseum Gardens feature sculptures, seasonal flowers, and classical layouts, making it the perfect spot to pause and reflect.What to look out for: Modern sculptures, historic garden layouts, seasonal floral displays

Night Watch Gallery

This dedicated hall is another centerpiece of the museum, emphasizing Rembrandt’s iconic Night Watch and its monumental scale and historical significance.What to look out for: The Night Watch (Rembrandt), The Sampling Officials (Rembrandt), The Merry Drinker (Frans Hals)

Galleries

Spread across the museum’s four floors, the galleries showcase religious sculptures, panel paintings, and decorative objects, illustrating the evolution of craftsmanship and artistic style from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.What to look out for: Adoration of the Magi (Jan Mostaert), Virgin and Child (unknown artist), The Baptism of Christ (Joos van Cleve), The Battle of Waterloo (Jan Willem Pieneman)

Besides paintings, the Rijksmuseum also features historical interiors with furniture, silverware, Delftware, and other decorative objects that bring Dutch life across centuries to life.What to look out for: 17th-century Delftware, ornate silver pieces, merchant house interiors

For a touch of the Netherlands’ seafaring history, the Rijksmuseum also displays detailed ship models, navigational instruments, and artifacts that showcase the country’s global trade influence.What to look out for: Dutch East India Company ship models, naval cannons, maritime maps

Know before booking your Rijksmuseum tickets

Reserve ahead: Secure your preferred time slot entry in advance. During peak months, especially summer, guided tours and small-group slots can fill up, so reserve at least two weeks ahead to guarantee your ideal time.
Ticket types and entry options: There are several ticket choices to choose from. Standard skip-the-line entry tickets grant access to the permanent collection and galleries, guided tours add expert commentary, private small-group tours provide a more intimate experience, while combo tickets let you combine the Rijksmuseum with nearby attractions for a fuller day.
Entrances and queues: All visitors, regardless of ticket type, must pass through security. Skip-the-line entry and some guided tours allow you to bypass the ticket desk, though security screening still applies.
Ways to explore: Deciding on the right Rijksmuseum ticket depends on how much time you have and how deeply you want to explore. Self-guided visits let you explore at your own pace, audio guides provide additional context, while small-group tours highlight key works efficiently in 2–2.5 hours.
Upgrades and combos: Enhance your visit with upgrades such as hidden gems tours, English-guided options, or a 75-minute canal cruise. Combo tickets pair the Rijksmuseum with nearby attractions like the Moco Museum, Stedelijk Museum or Johan Cruijff ArenA, giving you more value in a single day.

Book your Rijksmuseum tickets

Rijksmuseum Entry Tickets

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Your Rijksmuseum tickets explained

Ticket type	What’s included	Guide	Upgrade options	Why choose this
Rijksmuseum Entry Tickets	Timed entry to the Rijksmuseum with access to permanent collections and temporary exhibitions	No	Audio guide, 2-hour English-guided tour, or 75-min canal cruise	A simple entry ticket with the flexibility to add guided insight or a canal cruise if desired.
Combo with Sightseeing Cruise	Entry to the Rijksmuseum with a multimedia tour in 10+ languages, plus a 60-min glass-top canal cruise	Audio	None	Covers Amsterdam’s top museum and canals in one easy, time-efficient booking.
With Audio Guided Tour	Museum entry, full access to exhibitions, and a multilingual audio guide	Audio	2-hour English-guided tour	Adds expert narration while allowing you to explore the museum at your own pace
Small-Group Guided Tour	Entry to the Rijksmuseum, 2- or 2.5-hour guided tour, and access to all exhibitions	Live	2.5-hour Hidden Gems private tour	Offers a more personal experience with direct access to a knowledgeable guide
Combo with Stedelijk Museum	Skip-the-line entry to both museums, with an audio guide at the Stedelijk Museum	Audio	None	Ideal for seeing both modern and classic Dutch art without separate tickets.
Combo with Heated Canal Cruise	Entry to the Rijksmuseum and a 60-min heated canal cruise with multilingual audio guide	Audio	None	Balances museum exploration with a comfortable canal cruise.
Rijksmuseum Audio-Guided Tour	Multilingual audio guide. Museum entry not included	Audio	None	A low-cost way to add context if you already have museum tickets.
Hidden Gems Private Tour	Skip-the-line entry, access to all exhibitions, and a 2.5-hour private tour	Live	None	Focuses on lesser-known stories in a private, unrushed setting
Professional Photoshoot	Outdoor photoshoot with a local photographer and edited digital photos	No	Longer photoshoot options	Lets you take home polished photos without managing the shoot yourself.

Rijksmuseum timings

Attraction	Day	Timings	Last entry
Rijksmuseum (main galleries)	Monday–Sunday	9 am – 5 pm	4 pm
Rijksmuseum Shop & Café	Monday–Sunday	9 am – 6 pm	Until 5 pm with a ticket; 6 pm without a ticket
Rijksmuseum Gardens (seasonal)	Monday–Sunday	9 am – 6 pm	5 pm*
Cuypers Library (Research/Study)	Monday–Saturday	10 am – 5 pm	4:30 pm

Note: The gardens are typically open seasonally (summer months) with extended hours through 6 pm when weather permits.

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekend

Weekday: Weekdays are your best bet if you want a calmer visit. Tuesday to Friday see fewer crowds overall, especially outside peak hours. The museum is busiest between 11 am and 3 pm, so aim to enter around 10 am or after 3 pm to move through the galleries more comfortably. If you plan to explore most sections, set aside 4 to 5 hours.
Weekend: Weekends are noticeably busier, with heavier footfall from late morning onward. If a weekend visit is unavoidable, try arriving around 10 am. Booking skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour helps reduce time spent queuing and makes the experience smoother.

Peak vs low season

Peak season: June to August is the busiest period. Mild weather, longer days, and major exhibitions draw more visitors, especially during summer holidays. Crowd levels are higher, but Amsterdam has a lively, energetic atmosphere during these months.
Low season: November to March is generally quieter, apart from Christmas and school holiday weeks. This is a great time to visit if you prefer fewer people, more breathing room in the galleries, and a slower-paced museum experience.

Detailed timings

Where is the Rijksmuseum located?

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Rijksmuseum stands on Museumplein, Amsterdam’s main cultural square. Set within the city’s museum quarter, it is surrounded by open lawns, canals, and several major cultural attractions.

Nearest landmark: Van Gogh Museum, about 230 m away

Directions

Getting to the Rijksmuseum

Facilities

Cloakroom: Supervised storage is provided for coats, umbrellas, and small bags.
Restrooms: Restrooms are located throughout the museum, including accessible toilets.
Free Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available across the museum for visitor use.
Museum shop: There is an on-site museum shop selling books, art prints, souvenirs, and design items.
Café and restaurant: There are on-site cafés and restaurants, including The Café and Rijks Restaurant, offering meals, snacks, and drinks.
Wheelchair access: Step-free routes, elevators, and accessible facilities are available throughout.
Baby care facilities: Changing tables are provided in designated restroom areas.
Stroller access: Strollers are allowed, with limited borrowing available on-site.
Cuypers Library: The public reading room showcases historic interiors and collections.

Accessibility at the Rijksmuseum

General accessibility

The Rijksmuseum is physically accessible throughout its public areas with an entrance that has a lift and level access to exhibition spaces.
If you cannot move independently, you can bring a companion. Companions enter for free but need a free entrance ticket and the start time.
Sunflower keycords are available to discreetly indicate a disability or condition that may require support. You can request a green-yellow strap at the information desk.

For visitors with physical disabilities

You can borrow wheelchairs, rollators, walking canes, pushchairs, and foldable stools at the information desk.
One entrance has a lift operated by staff, and security can guide you to the appropriate route.
Accessible toilets are available throughout the museum.
Mobility scooters are allowed, but you must use them at a slow pace.

For visitors with visual impairments

Guide dogs on a lead are welcome throughout the museum.
Special guided tours let you explore selected objects through touch.
Free audio tours can be downloaded to your smartphone for self-guided visits.

The museum app includes audio tours enhanced with visual text.
Guided tours with whisper sets are available to amplify the guide’s voice for hearing-aid users.

Quiet rooms are available if you feel overloaded.
The ticket desk also has a Fast Lane Declaration, designed to help you avoid waiting in regular queues if you have an invisible disability. By showing this declaration at the entrance, staff will guide you through a priority entry lane so you can enter the museum more comfortably and without stress.
Private tours are available by arrangement for visitors with dementia, neurological disabilities, or mild learning disabilities.

Visiting with family

Baby changing facilities: Changing tables are available in designated restrooms throughout the museum.
Stroller access and rental: You can bring your stroller or borrow one at the information desk for easier navigation.
Family rest areas: Quiet spaces are available for breaks and feeding.
Kid-friendly cafés: On-site cafés offer children’s menus, snacks, and drinks suitable for younger visitors.
Family shopping: The museum shop has toys, activity books, and kid-focused souvenirs.

Events & exhibitions at the Rijksmuseum in 2026

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Metamorphoses (6 February–25 May 2026)

A special exhibition inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, bringing together over eighty works from renowned artists such as Titian, Caravaggio, Magritte, and Louise Bourgeois.

FAKE! Early Photo Collages and Photomontages (6 February–25 May 2026)

This show explores the history of photographic image manipulation from the medium’s early days up to the Second World War, featuring more than fifty historical images from the museum’s collection.

Carel Visser in the Rijksmuseum Gardens (5 June–25 October 2026)

An outdoor sculpture exhibition dedicated to Dutch sculptor Carel Visser, with over fifteen works displayed in the museum gardens.

Ed van der Elsken (19 June–13 September 2026)

A summer exhibition highlighting the life and career of Ed van der Elsken, one of the Netherlands’ most influential 20th‑century photographers.

Willem de Kooning at Work (9 October 2026–17 January 2027)

A major exhibition focused on Willem de Kooning’s creative process, featuring around 120 works, including drawings alongside key paintings and sculptures.

Rules and restrictions

Entry to the Rijksmuseum requires a valid ticket with a reserved start time.
All belongings are subject to a security check before entry.
Only small bags no larger than A4 size are allowed inside exhibition areas. Larger items must be stored in the cloakroom.
Personal photography without flash is permitted. Flash, tripods, props, and additional lighting are not allowed.
Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the galleries. Food and drinks must be consumed in designated café areas.
Smoking, including e‑cigarettes, is prohibited throughout the museum.
Pets are not allowed inside except for certified assistance animals.
Mobile phones should be used considerately. Avoid loud calls that disturb other visitors.
Touching artworks or display cases is not permitted.
Re‑entry on the same ticket is not allowed once you exit the museum.

Where to shop

Rijksmuseum Shop (inside the museum)

The main museum store features books on art and history, prints, design items, and souvenirs inspired by Dutch masterpieces.

Highlights: Art and history books, museum-themed gifts, Delft Blue ceramics, replicas

Teekenschool Shop (next to the museum)

This smaller shop at the Teekenschool offers a curated selection of bestsellers and creative gifts connected to Rijksmuseum workshops.

Highlights: Creative gifts, museum favourites, easy gift finds

Nine Streets boutiques (nearby)

A short walk from the museum, this shopping area is full of independent boutiques offering fashion, design goods, and unique gifts.

Highlights: Boutique fashion, home décor, designer accessories

Where to eat

Rijksmuseum Café

This casual café serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and light lunches for visitors taking a break during their museum visit.

Highlights: Coffee and drinks, light meals, pastries, casual museum dining

RIJKS Restaurant

This fine dining restaurant offers Dutch and international cuisine made with local ingredients, providing an elegant experience within the museum.

Highlights: Dutch-inspired dishes, elegant setting, high-quality lunch and dinner

Café Loetje

A popular local eatery, Café Loetje is known for its classic Dutch dishes, especially steak, and is a short walk from the museum.

Highlights: Signature steak dish, local favourite, casual dining

Where to stay

Conscious Hotel Museum Square

This stylish, sustainable hotel is located about a 5-minute walk from the Rijksmuseum and features eco-friendly design.

Highlights: Eco-friendly design, close to museums, boutique feel

NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace

A centrally located hotel with historic character and comfortable rooms, reachable by a short tram ride or walk from the museum.

Highlights: Historic charm, good transport links, central location

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

A high-end hotel providing luxury rooms, fine dining, and wellness amenities, accessible via a short tram ride from the museum.

Highlights: Luxury rooms, award-winning restaurants, premium experience

Insider tips

Avoid the main line at the Museumplein entrance by arriving 30 minutes before opening. This puts you ahead of the morning crowd and gives you first access to the Gallery of Honour.
The Rijksmuseum is large, with over 8,000 artworks. Pick 5–10 highlights, such as The Night Watch, The Milkmaid, and the library, to structure your visit and avoid fatigue.
Use the official Rijksmuseum app for an interactive audio guide and offline maps. Pair it with your own headphones to stay immersed without distractions.
If you want to see Rembrandt’s Night Watch without crowds, head there right after entering in the morning or in the last hour before closing.
If you want extra quiet, visit on weekdays, especially Tuesday to Friday, and avoid 11 am to 3 pm when the museum is busiest.
Hidden gem: The Cuypers Library is often overlooked. Take a moment to enjoy the historic interior and rare collections.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily throughout the year.