With over 2 million visitors a year, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the most visited museum in the Netherlands. This world-famous museum displays 800 years of Dutch history and hosts a remarkable art collection.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the Rijksmuseum, what to expect during your visit, opening hours and tickets, as well as practical travel tips to help you plan ahead.
Contents
About Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ largest art museum and one of the highlights when sightseeing in Amsterdam. It showcases 800 years of Dutch history, from the year 1200 to present date.
Main Attractions
The museum houses over 80 galleries with more than 8,000 paintings, including the world-famous Night Watch by Rembrandt. In addition to paintings, you’ll find historical objects, an ancient library, and beautiful gardens on the museum grounds.
Main attractions include:
- The Night Watch: The main attraction at Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt van Rijn’s most famous painting. The artwork is celebrated for its dramatic use of light and shadow, monumental scale and dynamic composition.
- The Milkmaid: Johannes Vermeer’s masterpiece is another highlight at the museum. Though smaller in size than The Night Watch, The Milkmaid is an impressive artwork with vibrant colors and meticulous depiction of daily life.
- Dolls’ Houses: Three 17th-century dolls’ houses display silver, chinaware, furniture and glass, giving insight into luxurious interiors of the Dutch Golden Age.
- Library: The Cuypers Library is the largest and oldest art history library in the Netherlands. You can browse and read books here or just have a quick glance at the museum’s impressive collection.
- Gardens: The Rijksmuseumtuinen are beautifully landscaped with fountains, flowers, and sculptures from the early 20th century. A perfect spot to relax after exploring the galleries.
Is Rijksmuseum Worth It?
Absolutely. Even if you’re not deeply passionate about art, the Rijksmuseum offers a comprehensive overview of Dutch culture, history and art. From the Golden Age masterpieces to historic artifacts, it’s a cultural experience not to miss.
Travel Planning Tips
Opening Hours
Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., all year round, including national holidays such as Christmas.
Tickets & Admission
As of 2026, Rijksmuseum tickets are €25.00. Visitors 18 and under enter for free, making it an excellent option for families.
The I amsterdam City Card grants free entry to the museum. The Dutch Museum Pass (Museumkaart) also provides free access.
Sightseeing in Amsterdam? If you’re planning to visit multiple museums in Amsterdam, consider buying the I amsterdam City Card. It costs €65.00 and gives you free entry to over 20 museums in and around Amsterdam as well as free use of the GVB public transport in Amsterdam, and several other benefits.
You can purchase tickets online or on site. The museum requires booking a starting time, even if you have free entrance. This is to ensure availability at your desired time of visiting.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is quieter before 11 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the least crowded.
How Much Time to Spend
Rijksmuseum has over 80 galleries, and a full visit can easily take an entire day. The museum itself recommends at least 5 hours for first-time visitors.
For those with moderate interest in art, 2-3 hours is usually enough to see the highlights: the Night Watch, The Milkmaid, the dolls’ houses, the library, and a quick walk through the gardens.
From personal experience, our first visit took about 4 hours to explore the main galleries while skipping some rooms. On subsequent visits with friends, we averaged 2 hours to see the museum’s highlights during a sightseeing day in Amsterdam.
Tip: The masterpieces are mainly located on the second floor in the “Gallery of Honour”, so head there first if you’re short on time.
How to Get There
The Rijksmuseum is located in the Museumkwartier district in Amsterdam. The most convenient way to get here is by public transport, on foot or by bike.
- By public transport: The nearest metro station is Vijzelgracht, a 2-minute walk to the museum.
- On foot: Walking from Amsterdam Central Station takes about 25-30 minutes. You can enjoy a scenic stroll through the city center and even pass by Vondelpark.
- By bike: Cycling from the center takes around 10-15 minutes. Always lock your bike securely.
- By car & parking: Driving is not recommended due to limited and expensive parking. Paid options are available on nearby streets such as Johannes Vermeerstraat, Honthorststraat, Pieter de Hoochstraat, and Jan Luijkenstraat. The entrance is accessible only on foot or by bike via the northern passage on Museumplein.
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam.
The entrance is located in the passage, below the round arches below the building. You’ll find the passage at the northern end of the square (Museumplein).
Nearby Attractions
The Rijksmuseum is part of Amsterdam’s Museum Square, making it easy to combine your visit with other top attractions:
- Van Gogh Museum: Focuses on the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, just a short walk away.
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam: Contemporary and modern art museum located next to Rijksmuseum.
- Moco Museum: Showcases modern and contemporary art including Banksy and Warhol.
- Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s largest park is within walking distance, ideal for a stroll after museum visits.
Rijksmuseum vs. Van Gogh Museum
Choosing between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. The Van Gogh Museum offers a deep dive into the life and works of one of the world’s most famous artists, Vincent van Gogh, with a concentrated, focused collection. The Rijksmuseum, on the other hand, presents a vast collection of Dutch art and history, from Golden Age masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer to centuries of cultural artifacts. Pick the Van Gogh Museum if you’d like to focus on Van Gogh’s artwork, or the Rijksmuseum to see some of the country’s most famous paintings and for a broader journey through the country’s artistic heritage.
FAQ on Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
What to see in Rijksmuseum?
The Rijksmuseum houses over 8,000 works, including paintings, historical artifacts, a library, and gardens. Main attractions are the Night Watch, The Milkmaid and the dolls’ houses.
Where is Rijksmuseum?
Located at Museumplein 1, Amsterdam, in the Museum Quarter.
How long to spend at Rijksmuseum?
Recommended: at least 5 hours for a full experience, or 2–3 hours for highlights.
Where is the entrance to the Rijksmuseum?
The main entrance is in the northern passage below the round arches at Museumplein.
Are you allowed to take pictures in the Rijksmuseum?
Yes. Photography is allowed, and the museum encourages sharing with #rijksmuseum.
What is the most famous thing at the Rijksmuseum?
Rembrandt’s Night Watch.
Can you do Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum in one day?
Yes, if you only visit highlights. A full exploration of both in one day can be overwhelming.
Free Amsterdam Travel Ressources
Visiting Amsterdam for the first time? We’ve plenty of articles that help you plan your trip! Check out our articles on Amsterdam. Looking for more inspirations for museums? Head over to our detailed article on the 12 best museums in Amsterdam.
