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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jennifer Ceaser

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.

Don’t miss

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.

While you’re there

Take time out at the Grand Café in the museum atrium, which serves a huge selection of flavoured jenever, or Dutch gin.

Price from: £16
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, seven days a week (including all national holidays).

The Night Watch (1642)
Experience

The Night Watch (1642)

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

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Guided Tour

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Guided Tour

Amsterdam

During this 120-minute art tour, through the permanent collection in the Rijksmuseum, you will explore how the artists Rembrandt, and Frans ...

€55 | Rating 4.79 / 5 [124 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-line Rijksmuseum Amsterdam - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour

Skip-the-line Rijksmuseum Amsterdam - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour

Amsterdam

This 2.5 hour exclusive guided tour of the Rijksmuseum will take you through a selection of it’s most important pieces, putting them into co...

€116 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [105 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-line Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Guided Museum Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Skip-the-line Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Guided Museum Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Amsterdam

This 2.5-hour semi-private (8 guest maximum) guided museum tour of the Rijksmuseum will take you through a selection of it’s most important ...

€116 | Rating 4.80 / 5 [47 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

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Rijksmuseum Inside Out Private Tour With Locals

Rijksmuseum Inside Out Private Tour With Locals

Amsterdam

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. But what's the best way to enjoy this attraction to the max? Leave it t...

€117 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [81 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Conservatorium Hotel

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:

Sir Albert Hotel

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:

Hotel Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

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:

De L’Europe Amsterdam

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

Amsterdam

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.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Van Gogh Museum

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

Heineken Experience

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

Hermitage Amsterdam

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

The Nine Streets

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

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Exterior view of the Moco museum during the daytime
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Moco Museum

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

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Exterior view of the museum at daytime
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Stedelijk Museum

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.4 miles]

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Best for ages: 18+ | £17

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Exterior view of the entrance - housed in a grey stone canal house building
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Van Loon Museum

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

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People shopping in daytime
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Albert Cuyp Market

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.8 miles]

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Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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