The Rijksmuseum is the most famous museums in Amsterdam, and one of the most important art museums in the world. If you want to understand Dutch history, culture, and art, this is a good place to start. In this article we will tell everything about the Rijksmuseum ticket prices, opening hours, and tips for your visit.
What is the Rijksmuseum?
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, dedicated to Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day. It displays more than 8,000 objects across 80 galleries, covering over 800 years of history.
At the Rijksmuseum you can see four Van Goghs, four Vermeers and the biggest collection of Rembrandt’s paintings in the world, including The Night Watch.
The building itself is also impressive, designed by architect Petrus Cuypers, it combines Gothic and Renaissance elements and was fully renovated between 2003 and 2013.
Rijksmuseum tickets and prices in 2026
- Adult ticket to the Rijksmuseum – € 27
- Rijksmuseum entrance + canal cruise – € 39
- Rijksmuseum guided tour and ticket – € 75
- Rijksmuseum private tour and ticket – from € 260
- Visitors under 18 – free
- Dutch Museum card holders – free
- I amsterdam City card holders – free.
Important: You must book a time slot in advance, even if you have a discount card. Check how to timeslot for the Rijksmuseum with your I amsterdam City Card.
Tip! If you buy the I amsterdam City Card for 120 hours, it costs only €28 per day. Rijksmuseum entrance – plus access to more than 70 other attractions – are free with the I amsterdam City Card. See what is included in the card and order it online.
Where is the Rijksmuseum located?
The museum is located on Museumplein, next to the Van Gogh Museum and other major attractions.
- Rijksmuseum address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam.
How to get there?
You can easily reach the Rijksmuseum by public transport:
You can also walk from Amsterdam city center in about 20 – 25 minutes.
Rijksmuseum opening hours in 2026
Rijksmuseum is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 all year, including public holidays. The quietest times are usually early morning or after 15:30.
My tip: the Rijksmuseum has a cloakroom and lockers for bags. But on busy days, the lines for the cloakroom can be huge, and it can be difficult to find an empty locker. So I would advise coming with a small bag that you can carry with you at all times. Also, be prepared for your bags, even small ones, to be checked at the entrance for security reasons.
Rijksmuseum audioguide and free app
You can rent an audio guide (headphones + receiver) at the museum for € 5 (2026 price), or use the Rijksmuseum free app available on the App Store and Google Play. Please remember to bring your own headphones, as audio may not be played through the phone speakers inside the museum.
How long does a visit to the Rijksmuseum take?
This is not a quick visit, most people spend 2 -4 hours here, and art lovers can easily spend a full day. Tip! The Rijksmuseum has an endless amount of rooms and collections. We recommend to start your visit with the The Gallery of Honour. Here you will see The Night Watch by Rembrandt, Vermeer’s paintings and other Dutch masterpieces by the great artists of the 17th century.
My favourite spots at the Rijksmuseum
I’ve been to the Rijksmuseum dozens of times, including during temporary exhibitions. But every time I come here, I first visit the Gallery of Honour, the section with antique Dutch silver miniatures and jewelry, and the library – very impressive!
The Cuypers Library is the oldest and largest art history library in the Netherlands and a real architectural masterpiece. Originally established in 1885 and recently restored, the library has an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, books, journals, and catalogues on art auctions and exhibitions.
Tips for visiting the Rijksmuseum
- Buy tickets online – time slots can sell out quickly.
- Visit early or late – avoid peak hours between 11:00 and 15:00.
- Plan your route – focus on key highlights if you’re short on time.
- Use an audio guide – it helps you understand the artworks.
- Also visit the Rembrandt house museum in Amsterdam – the place where he actually lived and worked.
FAQ about visiting the Rijksmuseum in 2026
Yes. The Rijksmuseum is not just a museum, it’s a journey through Dutch history, culture, and identity. Even if you’re not an art expert, it remains one of the must-see attractions in Amsterdam.
If you want a focused, emotional experience, choose the Van Gogh Museum. If you prefer a broader overview of Dutch art and history, and have a bit more time, go for the Rijksmuseum.
Rijksmuseum tickets do not sell out six weeks prior in advance, like the Anne Frank house or the Van Gogh museum tickets. But still, for the Rijksmuseum visit you always need to present a pre-booked ticket with a selected date and time slot. We recommended to buy the Rijksmuseum tickets at least 2-3 days in advance.
Yes, Rijksmuseum is open every day, including Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00. Last admission is at 16:00. Weekends are usually more busy, so make sure you book your Rijksmuseum tickets in advance.
Entrance to the Rijksmuseum is free for children and youth under 18. Admission is also free with a valid I amsterdam City Card, Dutch Museumkaart, VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART or a Rembrandtkaart. Please remember to book a timeslot even if you visit the Rijksmuseum for free.
No, cash payments are not accepted at the Rijksmuseum. Only debit and credit cards can be used, including in the museum shop and café.
Yes, you can take photos and film for your private use. However, there are still some rules: the use of flash, tripods, and selfie sticks is not allowed at the Rijksmuseum.
Yes, Rijksmuseum is suitable and easy to visit with kids. My children usually also enjoy buying Rembrandt- or Vermeer-inspired Playmobil sets in the museum shop after the visit. You can also rent a digital family game (for €2,50) for children aged 7 and up. Entrance to the Rijkmuseum is free for children under 18.
Yes, free WiFi is available inside the museum.
The Rijksmuseum works timed-entry tickets. Only a limited number of tickets are sold at the door, so if your preferred time slot is sold out, you will be turned away. To avoid disappointment, we highly recommended to pre-book the Rijksmuseum tickets online.
Rijksmuseum tickets purchased at the museum website are non-refundable. However, tickets purchased via official parters – like GetYourGuide – can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.
Enjoy your visit to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam!
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- Rembrandt house museum in Amsterdam: tickets, prices & tips
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