Which is more budget-friendly?

Both museums have very similar ticket prices, around €25–€27 for adults. Furthermore, both offer free entry for children under 18 years old, making them equally budget-friendly for families.

Which museum is better for first-time visitors to Amsterdam?

If you want a broad survey of Dutch culture, history, and classical art, choose the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="rVyy3zf4" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8df8056684a1f07782a9" text="Rijksmuseum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.rijksmuseum" lang="en" />. If you prefer an intimate, modern, and story-driven experience focused on one famous artist, the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="D0dzxRgZ" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8e5c056684a1f07786f4" text="Van Gogh Museum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.van-gogh-museum-tickets" lang="en" /> is the better choice.

Which museum is better for kids?

The <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="zye8JIri" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8df8056684a1f07782a9" text="Rijksmuseum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.rijksmuseum" lang="en" /> is generally better for kids due to its sheer variety of objects, including medieval armour, large historic ship models, dollhouses, interactive digital family games, and sprawling outdoor gardens.

How far apart are the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum?

The two museums are less than 300 meters apart across the Museumplein park area, making it a quick 2- to 3-minute walk between their entrances.

What if I only have time for one?

Pick <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="MYT1b9S4" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8df8056684a1f07782a9" text="Rijksmuseum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.rijksmuseum" lang="en" /> for breadth and Dutch Golden Age icons; pick <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="Gei4IfVV" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8e5c056684a1f07786f4" text="Van Gogh" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.van-gogh-museum-tickets" lang="en" /> for an intimate, concentrated visit that you can complete in ~2 hours.

Which has the “better” masterpieces?

Are both included in the I amsterdam City Card?

**Rijksmuseum:** Yes (<experience type="Popup" tgid="10167" title="book a time slot" id="HFmEzJcQ" />). **Van Gogh Museum:** **No,** <experience type="Popup" tgid="11004" title="book separately online" id="oEcga4fT" />; tickets often sell out in advance.

How long do you need at each?

Plan **2.5–4 hours** for the Rijksmuseum, especially if you linger; **1.5–2.5 hours** for Van Gogh. Fridays can extend your Van Gogh window.

Which museum is bigger, the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum?

The <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="QHH1IAHQ" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8df8056684a1f07782a9" text="Rijksmuseum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.rijksmuseum" lang="en" /> is significantly larger, housing around 8,000 objects across 80 galleries and four floors. The <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="4vCy513Q" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8e5c056684a1f07786f4" text="Van Gogh Museum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.van-gogh-museum-tickets" lang="en" /> is more compact, featuring around 20 galleries across four floors.

Are there Van Gogh paintings in the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="o64OOmjE" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8df8056684a1f07782a9" text="Rijksmuseum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.rijksmuseum" lang="en" /> holds a small selection of <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="yFHqm6H4" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68381c7813bf43a51a4168a7" text="Vincent van Gogh's works" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.rijksmuseum.van-gogh" lang="en" />, including a famous self-portrait, but the world's largest collection of his work is next door at the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="V5QnC4rK" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="682c8e5c056684a1f07786f4" text="Van Gogh Museum" uid="www.tickets-amsterdam.com.van-gogh-museum-tickets" lang="en" />.

Rijksmuseum vs Van Gogh Museum

If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, chances are that the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are both at the top of your itinerary. Situated right next to each other on Museumplein, these two world-class institutions offer vastly different artistic journeys. But if you only have time or budget for one, which should you pick? Let’s break it down.

Quick comparison - Van Gogh Museum vs Rijksmuseum

Feature	Rijksmuseum	Van Gogh Museum
Location	Museumplein, Museumstraat 1 (central Amsterdam)	Museumplein 6 (next door to Rijksmuseum)
Price	Adults €25; under 18 free	Adults €27; under 18 free
What is it?	National museum of art & history spanning Middle Ages to modern	Single-artist museum with the world’s largest Van Gogh collection
Built/Opened	1885, Pierre Cuypers; neo-Gothic/neo-Renaissance; vast Gallery of Honour	1973 Rietveld main building + Kurokawa wing & 2015 glass entrance
Size	Massive (~80 galleries across 4 floors)	Compact (~20 galleries across 4 floors)
Timings	Open daily, 9am – 5pm	Open daily, 9am – 5pm (extended seasonal hours)
Duration needed	3–5 hours	1.5–2.5 hrs
Queues/Entry	High (timed entry required)	High (sells out weeks in advance)
Best time to visit	Early morning or late afternoon weekdays	First entry or late afternoons; Friday evenings can be calmer
Accessibility	Step-free routes, lifts, wheelchairs on loan	Step-free, lifts, companion free, mobility aids welcome
Kid-friendly	Yes (interactive family guides, diverse exhibits, gardens)	Moderate (engaging story-driven layout, multimedia tours)
Highlights/Famous artworks	The Night Watch (Rembrandt), The Milkmaid (Vermeer)	Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Potato Eaters, self-portraits, letters
Dining	Michelin-starred RIJKS, museum café, garden kiosk	On-site museum café and espresso bar
Nearby	Stedelijk, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Concertgebouw	Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, Moco Museum, Vondelpark, Concertgebouw
Rules	No flash photography, small bags only (cloakroom provided)	Photography restricted in certain areas, no large luggage

Verdict – which should you visit?

Short on time? Pick the Van Gogh Museum—it offers a focused, emotional journey that takes under two hours to explore.

Want a full day of history? Choose the Rijksmuseum to wander four expansive floors filled with 800 years of Dutch art, culture, and iconic Golden Age masterpieces.

Can’t decide? Do both! Since they face each other across Museumplein, you can easily experience both in a single day with a quick lunch break in between.

Book Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum tickets

Rijksmuseum Entry Tickets

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Van Gogh Museum Entry Tickets

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 3%): Van Gogh Museum + Rijksmuseum Tickets

Explore at your pace

Guided tour

‌

Check availability

I Amsterdam City Card: Access 70+ Attractions & Unlimited Public Transport

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

Transfers available

‌

Check availability

💡 Why settle when you can see both?

A combo tour is the most seamless way to explore Museumplein. Secure pre-booked entry tickets online to save time, avoid sold-out slots, and experience the best of Dutch art in one smooth trip.

Major differences between Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum explained

History & architecture

Rijksmuseum: Housed in a grand Pierre Cuypers building from 1885 combining Gothic and Renaissance elements. It spans 80 galleries across four floors, displaying 8,000 historic objects and artworks spanning 800 years.
Van Gogh Museum: Spread across two modern, minimalist architectural wings designed by Gerrit Rietveld and Kisho Kurokawa. Its bright four-story gallery space focuses on a single century and artist.

Experience highlights

Rijksmuseum: View Dutch Golden Age masterpieces in the Gallery of Honour, see Rembrandt’s colossal 'The Night Watch', Vermeer's The Milkmaid, intricate historic ship models, and the famous Cuypers Library.
Van Gogh Museum: Follow Vincent’s personal and artistic journey chronologically through over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 personal letters, alongside works by contemporaries like Paul Gauguin and Claude Monet.

Atmosphere & audience

Rijksmuseum: Broad, grand, and diverse. It appeals to history buffs, classical art enthusiasts, and families looking for varied exhibits ranging from medieval armour to Delftware pottery.
Van Gogh Museum: Intimate, story-driven, and emotionally resonant. The focused layout guides visitors through Van Gogh's life, creative evolution, and struggle with mental health.

Location & surroundings

Rijksmuseum: Anchors the north side of Amsterdam’s Museumplein. It features its own public garden, a grand archway bicycle path, and proximity to the canals of the Spiegelkwartier.
Van Gogh Museum: Situated directly across the lawn on Museumplein, just steps away from the Stedelijk Museum, Moco Museum, and the green lawns of Vondelpark.

When to visit

Rijksmuseum: Open year-round from 9am to 5pm. Requires 3–5 hours for a comprehensive walkthrough. Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays offer the quietest experience. See Rijksmuseum opening hours
Van Gogh Museum: Open daily year-round with extended evening hours during peak seasons. Requires 1.5–2 hours to visit. Timed entry tickets sell out weeks in advance. See Van Gogh Museum opening hours

Other practicalities

Rijksmuseum: Excellent accessibility features, including step-free routes, lifts, and free wheelchair rentals. Offers multiple dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant and a courtyard café. Plan your visit to Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum: Completely step-free with modern elevators and accessible facilities throughout. Features a self-service café, but large bags and suitcases are strictly prohibited. Plan your visit to Van Gogh Museum

What you’ll see at Rijksmuseum

The Night Watch by Rembrandt

Rembrandt’s colossal masterpiece depicting a city guard, famous for its dramatic use of light, shadow, and movement.

Gallery of Honor at Rijksmuseum featuring classic paintings and ornate architecture.

Woman pouring milk in Vermeer's "The Milkmaid," c. 1660, with bread and pottery on the table.

Rijksmuseum Cuypers Library interior with spiral staircase and bookshelves.

Group listening to a guide inside the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

What you’ll see at Van Gogh Museum

Sunflowers

One of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous vibrant still-life paintings, created during his productive period in Arles.

Visitors viewing Van Gogh's "Almond Blossoms" painting in a museum.

Five people dining under a lamp in Van Gogh's "The Potato Eaters" painting.

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam bedroom exhibit with iconic yellow bed and chair.

Girl observing Van Gogh painting at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Visiting Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum

Visitors taking photos in the 17th century galleries at Rijksmuseum.

Visiting the Rijksmuseum: Standard entry costs €25, and kids under 18 enter for free. You must book a specific time slot online in advance.
Visiting the Van Gogh Museum: Tickets cost €27 for adults and are free for under-18s. Tickets are exclusively sold online and often sell out 2–4 weeks in advance.
Doing both in one day: Because both museums sit on Museumplein, you can easily walk between them in less than three minutes.
Combos and city passes: Purchasing an Amsterdam City Card or a combined ticket offers a hassle-free, budget-friendly way to manage both bookings.

People relaxing on the grass at Museumplein with the Rijksmuseum in the background.

Morning – Rijksmuseum (9am – 12:30pm)

Arrive early at 9am to beat the primary tour groups.
Head straight to the Gallery of Honour to view The Night Watch and The Milkmaid.
Explore the historic Cuypers Library, ship models, and 17th-century Delftware galleries.

Lunch (12:30pm – 1:30pm)

Enjoy a light lunch at the Rijksmuseum Café, or grab a sandwich on the grass at Museumplein.

Afternoon – Van Gogh Museum (2pm – 4pm)

Walk 2 minutes across the Museumplein lawn to the Van Gogh Museum for your afternoon slot.
Follow the chronological path from his early dark works to his vibrant post-impressionist period.
View headline masterpieces like Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Almond Blossom.

Evening (Optional)

Stroll through nearby Vondelpark or enjoy a canal cruise departing from the nearby Stadhouderskade landing.

Rijksmuseum

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam | Find on Maps
By tram: Tram 2, 5, or 12 (Rijksmuseum stop)
By bus: Bus 347 or 357
By car: Q-Park Museumplein garage under the square

Get directions to Rijksmuseum

Van Gogh Museum

Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam | Find on Maps
By tram: Tram 2, 5, or 12 (Van Gogh Museum stop) or Tram 3 or 12 (Museumplein stop)
By bus: Bus 347 or 357
By car: Q-Park Museumplein garage

Get directions to Van Gogh Museum

Visitor admiring paintings at Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum: Open daily from 9am to 5pm year-round, including Christmas and New Year's Day. Rijksmuseum timings
Van Gogh Museum: Open daily from 9am to 5pm, with extended weekend or summer evening hours until 6pm or 8pm. Van Gogh Museum timings

Van Gogh Museum exterior in Amsterdam with visitors walking nearby.

Rijksmuseum: Plan for 3 to 4 hours. Weekday mornings at 9am or late afternoons after 3pm offer smaller crowds.
Van Gogh Museum: Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours. The quietest times are early morning slots at 9am or late afternoon.

Girl using Rijksmuseum app to explore art exhibit.

Book weeks in advance: Both museums require online timed-entry tickets. Van Gogh Museum tickets often sell out up to a month ahead.
Download the free museum apps: Use the official Rijksmuseum app and Van Gogh Museum multimedia guide on your phone for free interactive audio tours.
Mind the photography rules: Photography without flash is permitted inside the Rijksmuseum, while certain rooms in the Van Gogh Museum restrict photography to designated selfie walls.
Travel light: Large suitcases and backpacks are not permitted inside either museum. Use the free cloakrooms for small items, or rent a locker at Museumplein.
Enjoy the Rijksmuseum Gardens: Access to the surrounding sculpture gardens and fountains at the Rijksmuseum is completely free to the public.

Frequently asked questions about Rijksmuseum vs Van Gogh Museum

Yes, you can easily visit both in one day because they are located right next to each other on Museumplein. Allocate 3 hours for the Rijksmuseum in the morning, take a lunch break, and spend 2 hours at the Van Gogh Museum in the afternoon. Save 3% with a combo ticket

Rijksmuseum vs Van Gogh Museum

Quick comparison - Van Gogh Museum vs Rijksmuseum

Book Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum tickets