Rijksmuseum Visitor Tips | Things To Do, Know Before You Go & More

With over 80 galleries that house over 800 years worth of Dutch art and history, the Rijksmuseum is a must-visit in Amsterdam for its unique artworks, including works by Van Gogh, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to plan your trip and make the best of your visit.

Top 9 Rijksmuseum Travel Tips & Hacks

1. Book guided tickets

Since tickets are no longer sold on-site, only online tickets to the Rijksmuseum are available. However, it would be best to consider booking a guided tour to get skip-the-line entry and a detailed history of the most important artworks.

Guided Tours

2. Make an itinerary

Some halls are very crowded whereas others are virtually empty. We recommend arriving early and heading to the second floor to catch a glimpse of The Night Watch first, then to the Eregalerij for other Vermeer and Golden Age works before heading to the other galleries.

3. Download multimedia tours

The What's On section on the Rijksmuseum website has several free multimedia tours available for both Android and Apple devices that will make your visit more informative.

4. Download the Rijksmuseum app

With 80 galleries, the Rijksmuseum is huge and easy to get lost in. Keep the Rijksmuseum app handy for maps and other tools that will make your visit less of a hassle.

5. Visit less-known galleries at peak hours

The busiest time to visit the Rijksmuseum is in the afternoon. Visit the less crowded galleries like the Asian Pavilion and Special Collections, during this time, and visit the more popular galleries in the early morning or the evening.

Best Time to Visit Rijksmuseum

6. Make use of accessibility guides

The Rijksmuseum has sign language guided tours, tactile tours, and guided tours for special needs children. If you or someone you are travelling with can make use of these facilities, ask for it at the help desk near for a more rewarding visit.

7. Dine at the Rijksmuseum

There are several coffee corners, a cafe, and a restaurant inside the Rijksmuseum. Outside food and drink is not allowed inside the museum so stop by these if you're hungry. While the cafe is open everyday from 9 AM to 6 PM, the restaurant is only open during lunch hours from Wednesday to Sunday and during dinner hours from Tuesday to Sunday.

8. Visit nearby attractions

You can make the most of your experience by visiting nearby attractions, such as the Anne Frank House, the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, or the MOCO Museum. There are several combo tickets and tour options available so make sure to book those when you're visiting multiple attractions.

9. Use the cloakroom facilities

Only small bags are allowed inside the Rijksmuseum. For a hassle-free experience, store away your coats, umbrellas, and bags in the free cloakroom. However, if you have larger items, you can store them at the Lockerpoint at the Museum Square.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rijksmuseum Tips & Hacks

The best time to visit the Rijksmuseum is in the morning at 9 AM or late afternoon after 3 PM.

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