The Netherlands' national museum: Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer, Golden Age masters, and 800 years of Dutch art in a magnificent building. Open daily 09:00-17:00; adult tickets about EUR 23.50, timed entry, online only, under 18 free. World-class and genuinely worth a trip in itself.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 09:00-17:00 (open every day including holidays) |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Tram 2 or 12 to Rijksmuseum; on Museumplein |
| Time needed | 2-4 hours (you could spend a day) |
| Best time to go | Right at 09:00 opening or after 15:00; weekdays beat weekends |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.8/10- Value9.0
- iconic9.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence9.5
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is there anything free to see?
- Yes, the museum gardens with sculptures and pavilions are free, and the passage/tunnel cutting through the building (popular with cyclists) is a public right-of-way. The main galleries require a ticket, but the exterior and grounds are lovely to stroll.
- Where is the Night Watch and can I see it?
- Rembrandt's Night Watch hangs at the end of the Gallery of Honour on the second floor. It's usually on view, though it has undergone long-term restoration ('Operation Night Watch') sometimes behind a glass enclosure, still visible. Go early to see it without a scrum.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance?
- Yes, tickets are online-only with timed entry, and popular slots sell out in peak season. Booking ahead guarantees your entry time and lets you skip the ticket queue. Under-18s are free but still need a (free) timed ticket.
- What's the difference between the Rijks and the Van Gogh Museum?
- The Rijksmuseum spans centuries of Dutch art and history (Rembrandt, Vermeer, Delftware, ship models); the Van Gogh Museum is devoted to one artist. Both are on Museumplein, a two-minute walk apart. Many visitors do both, on separate days ideally.
- Is it good for kids?
- Better than you'd expect, there are family trails, a special kids' audio tour, and treasure-hunt activities that keep children engaged. Little ones tire in galleries, so pace it, but the armour, ship models, and dollhouses are big hits.
- How much time do I need?
- Two to three hours for the highlights via the Gallery of Honour; art lovers can happily spend a full day. If you're short on time, focus on the second floor's Golden Age masterpieces, that's the heart of the collection.
- Is it accessible?
- Very, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors, loaner wheelchairs, and accessible toilets. Museumplein outside is flat and easy. It's among the most accessible major sights in Amsterdam.
- Is the Rijksmuseum worth it?
- Absolutely, it's one of the great museums of the world and the single best place to understand Dutch art and history. Even if you're not an art person, the Night Watch, Vermeers, and the building itself justify a couple of hours.
Nearby in Ask Amsterdam
- Moco MuseumMuseum0.26 km · 3 min walk
- Café BrechtCafé0.33 km · 4 min walk
- Van Gogh MuseumMuseum0.33 km · 4 min walk
- Stedelijk MuseumMuseum0.42 km · 5 min walk
- Café GollemCafé0.58 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near Rijksmuseum
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score