Last updated on April 13th, 2025
Every year, millions of people travel to Amsterdam with one thing high on their list—the Rijksmuseum. It is known for its impressive collection of Dutch masterpieces. This museum holds over 8,000 iconic works of the most impressive paintings in the world, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.
But visiting such a popular museum without a plan can be tiring and frustrating. Long lines, packed galleries, and a huge layout often leave visitors feeling rushed or overwhelmed. That’s why a little planning goes a long way.
In this quick guide, you’ll find practical tips to help you enjoy your visit without the stress. Whether you’re coming for the art, the history, or simply to experience one of the city’s most famous spots, these tips will make your trip smoother from start to finish.
1. Book Your Tickets in Advance
This part is non-negotiable. The Rijksmuseum doesn’t sell tickets at the door. That means advance online booking is the only way to go. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on your preferred time slot. Or worse, you are not getting in at all.
So, to keep things stress-free, grab your Rijksmuseum tickets online before your travel date. You’ll get to choose a specific time slot, skip the long entry lines, and walk straight in without the hassle. Some reputable providers also offer ticket combos, like museum entry paired with a canal cruise. Ultimately, this is a great way to see more of Amsterdam in one day.
2. Go Early or Go Late
The busiest times to visit the museum are midday, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to beat the crowds, try visiting right when the museum opens in the morning or later in the afternoon before closing. Weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are usually quieter.
Planning your visit during these less hectic hours means fewer crowds in front of popular paintings and a more relaxed pace overall.
3. Know What You Want to See
With 80 galleries spread across multiple levels in the museum, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why it helps to decide in advance what you absolutely want to see. If you’re short on time, prioritize the Gallery of Honour, which includes masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. This section alone features works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
If you have more time, explore themed areas like the ship models, historical weapons, and the stunning Cuypers Library, which looks straight out of a movie set.
4. Use a Guide or Join a Group Tour
Exploring the museum solo is fine. But a guide can really bring the artwork and history to life. You can go with a small group tour or even a private guide if you want a more personalized experience.
Guided tours offer context, background stories, and explanations you might miss when walking around on your own. They also help you navigate the museum more efficiently. This is a perfect way if you’re short on time but still want the full experience.
5. Keep It Comfortable
This might sound basic, but you’ll do a lot of walking while exploring the museum. So, dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a light bag, and don’t overpack. Large bags aren’t allowed there. But to make your visit stress-free, there are lockers on site for storage.
The museum is climate-controlled and accessible. However, you’ll still be on your feet for hours. That’s why it is very important for you to give comfort a priority.
6. Take Breaks Inside the Museum
Pacing yourself is key. The Rijksmuseum has a cafe and restaurant where you can sit down for a meal, a snack, or just a quick coffee. This is especially helpful if you’re visiting with kids or older travelers who need a moment to recharge.
There are also peaceful garden areas outside the building if you want to get some fresh air without leaving the museum grounds entirely.
7. Use the Free Wi-Fi
Need to check your map, look up some info on a painting, or share a quick Instagram story? The museum offers free Wi-Fi throughout, so you can stay connected without burning through your data.
This also makes it easy to use digital maps or download the museum’s app, which includes self-guided audio tours and extra content about key exhibits.
8. Combine It with Other Attractions
If you want to maximize your time in Amsterdam, consider combining your Rijksmuseum visit with another local experience.
A popular choice is a scenic canal cruise. This will let you unwind while viewing the city’s historic architecture from the water.
9. Visit the Museum Shop
Before you head out, swing by the museum shop. It’s packed with well-curated souvenirs, art prints, books, and creative gifts—far from your average tourist shop. Whether you want a small keepsake or a high-quality replica of your favorite painting, it’s worth checking out.
Plus, it’s indoors, quiet, and not as crowded as the galleries, so it makes a great spot to wind down your visit.
10. Make It Kid-Friendly
Traveling with children? The museum welcomes kids and even offers activities to keep them engaged. You can find family-friendly audio guides, art scavenger hunts, and creative playbook-style maps designed just for younger visitors.
And here’s a nice bonus: children under 18 get free entry. That’s one less ticket to worry about and a great reason to introduce them to some of the world’s most famous artworks.
To Sum It All Up!
When it comes to the Rijksmuseum, a bit of planning can take you a long way. From avoiding long lines to spending time with what really interests you — these straightforward tips can turn a hectic tourist experience into a smooth, memorable one.
As you plan your Amsterdam itinerary, be sure to get your tickets organized early and determine your must-sees. And eventually, once it’s all been done, don’t be surprised if you’re already contemplating your next visit since there’s more to discover than a single trip can fit.
