Bucket list experience:
The Rijksmuseum, an Amsterdam must-see, is one of the world’s great art galleries
Credit Shutterstock.com/Mo Wu
One of the world’s great art collections, the Rijksmuseum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer alongside memorable dolls’ houses and Delftware.
A total of 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms – including an Asia Pavilion – tracing 800 years of Dutch art and culture.
The Rijksmuseum is also one of the world’s oldest state museums. It first opened in 1800 before moving in 1885 to its current location in a grand neo-Renaissance building, designed by Pierre Cuypers.
The must-see masterpiece at the Rijksmuseum is Rembrandt’s massive Night Watch. Other notable works to track down include Vermeer’s immediately recognisable The Milkmaid and some stunning 19th-century portrait photographs by Willem Witsen.
Take time out at the Grand Café in the museum atrium, which serves a huge selection of flavoured jenever, or Dutch gin.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >The Rijksmuseum is close to the Van Gogh Museum, on the corner of Museumplein, and visitors often tackle the two museums in one day – though beware cultural overload. There is an audio tour in English, which definitely enhances the experience.
Buy tickets in advance via the website, to avoid the long queues. If you want to just turn up, the queues are normally shortest first thing in the morning and after 4pm. The Rijksmuseum Gardens, Rijks Shop and cafe are also open to visitors without a ticket.
On a sunny day, the lawns on Museumplein are a nice place for a post-museum picnic – there’s a well-stocked supermarket on the southern side.
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week (including all national holidays).
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
A platoon of musketeers emerge from darkness into light. Or do they? The sharp, strange contrasts of gleam and shadow in Rembrandt’s masterpiece have baffled critics for centuries. But its sheer beauty makes it a pleasure to untangle for yourself.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Amsterdam
€55 | Rating 4.79 / 5 [124 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Amsterdam
€116 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [105 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Amsterdam
€116 | Rating 4.80 / 5 [47 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Amsterdam
€117 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [81 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.4 miles]
A chic, contemporary five-star set in a heritage building. A top-notch location for art-lovers – it’s just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s Big Three museums.
Official star rating:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.6 miles]
A hip neighbourhood locale, stylish bar and restaurant and gentle price point give this boutique hotel an edge.
Official star rating:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.9 miles]
Eclectic interiors, a stellar canal-front setting and the almost perfect location make this design hotel a true standout.
Official star rating:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1 miles]
Ultra-plush five-star luxury in a landmark hotel. Perfectly located on the southern of the character-filled Canal Ring, walking distance to the big art museums.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
North Holland, Netherlands
Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[0.3 miles]
The world’s largest collection of works by post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh – including over 200 paintings and 400 drawings.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.5 miles]
One of the city’s most popular attractions is the historic 1867 Heineken brewery, which has retained the original brewing room with its enormous vintage copper vats and antique brewing equipment.
Best for ages: 18+ | £18
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.3 miles]
A 17th-century old people’s that is now the overseas outpost for St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. Lavish, must-see exhibitions of exquisite treasures selected from the Hermitage’s vast collections.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.4 miles]
Stroll the city’s most stylish streets, packed with independent boutiques and vintage fashion stores, the latest Dutch and Flemish brands, and locally-made soaps and luxe toiletries.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.3 miles]
The newest addition to Museumplein’s art attractions, this small museum highlights modern and contemporary artists and is home to an impressive array of works by street artist Banksy.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.4 miles]
One of the city’s ‘Big Three’ museums highlights international artists of the 19th to 21st centuries, and features a fine collection of works by Piet Mondrian.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.7 miles]
Owned by the founders of the Dutch East India Company, this beautifully preserved Canal District house museum gives you of taste of how the 19th-century aristocracy lived.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.8 miles]
Stretching a half-mile, Amsterdam’s biggest street market has over 250 stands hawking everything from fresh produce to clothing to kitchenware and small electronics. Fuel up on local delicacies like stroopwafels, kibbling (fried fish) and Gouda cheese.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
From New York to London, Paris to Berlin, here’s our round-up of the must-see art galleries and museums around the world that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
