A Must-Visit in Amsterdam—Don't Miss the Masterpieces and Exclusive Miffy Merch!

The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam's most famous landmarks, and it is highly recommended even if you only have limited time in the city. It houses world-renowned masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s iconic "The Night Watch" and Johannes Vermeer’s "The Milkmaid", alongside a vast collection of fascinating historical artifacts. A fun bonus: the museum gift shop sells adorable Miffy merch and keychains dressed up in "The Milkmaid" and "The Night Watch" themes, which make perfect souvenirs!

Rijksmuseum is Remarkable

This museum is extraordinary. We stayed for five hours and didn’t see everything. The Old Masters are memorable although we couldn’t see much of Rembrandt’s The Night Watchmen. What you see is the painting being renovated. My favorite room was the library. We had a view from above with the circular staircase and a room filled with art books and ladders. There are many remarkable rooms that we wandered into. Choose what you want to see most and go there first!

Very nice

An impressive museum with a fantastic collection of art and history.

Extremely impressive museum and displays. Well worth visiting.

My wife and I were on a short break in Amsterdam and visited the Rijksmuseum and its gardens. We booked an entry time online which was easy to accomplish. A great deal of thought has gone into the arrangement and display of exhibitions in this historic and impressive building. The layout is chronological by floors and there is an excellent free guide map on entry. The viewing areas are quite modern and contemporary and importantly spacious to appreciate the works on display : many of which are world-renowned. You can take photos inside and there are well considered and concise descriptions and details on plaques adjacent to each exhibit. We were impressed and spent two hours going around the two floors that we particularly wanted to see. There is a wealth of material here and you could spend all day in there! The adjacent gardens ( free entry open from 0900) are a lovely place to sit and relax with plenty of comfortable seats and a delightful 'rhythmic' water fountain display. Highly recommended. and value for the cost.

Huge Collection - Decide in Advance How Much Time to Dedicate to It

Very sizeable museum that you could easily devote several days to. With limited time and not being art-aficionados we had booked a one hour guided tour. We found the tour a great way to get some scope and history behind a small portion of the collection (some of the major highlights in addition to some of the guides personal picks) before exploring on our own. Jelde was an excellent guide.

excellent museum

super busy!! but incredible art of course

Rijksmuseum

I had the Iamamsterdam card and entrance to this museum was included. The price for entry is 25 euro so I will base my review on that price. Quite a big museum with a large collection. Tonnes and tonnes of old paintings. There was a good section with handcrafted wooden ships which was very interesting. The library was impressive. Overall I would say this is more a museum for the art lover than the weekend tourist. If you don't have a serious interest in old paintings then you probably wont feel the entrance price is worth it. There is the option of a tour guide for groups at a extra charge of 7.50 per person. Under 18s get free admission to the museum. The museum is a short walk from the museumplan tram stop.

Good museum

Good museum. Lots to see and a tour helps but give yourself enough time as the tour can take too long and you risk missing some great pieces.

Don't miss out on the additional offered tour

Group tour worth doing. Very informative on some highlights and then time to wander alone. Beautifully set out museum. Some areas v busy but manageable.

Worth the hype

Exceeded our very high expectations! This museum is absolute perfection. They know what they’re doing and got it right. Manageable size with world class exhibits. The inevitable crowds are managed and I really appreciate the large hard cards for some of the more popular pieces on display. The café was an unexpected bonus. Had a v nice meal there.

Worth the ticket

Very enjoyable Plan on staying at least 3 hours Not as crowded as I thought it would be. Steadfast very helpful.

Less Crowded Night Watch Viewing and Ship Models

A wonderful museum full of fantastic art and artifacts. We lined up at the door 20 minutes early which was too much as people didn't start to line up until 10 minutes before opening. If you want to view The Night Watch almost alone, enter the museum right as it opens and go straight to the painting on level 2. We were the only ones in the entire gallery as everyone else was making their way through the lower floors. A half hour later, there were dozens of people jockeying for position. It was under restoration so it had a large scaffold around it but it was still very impressive. The wooden ship models on the lower level were very impressive and detailed.

Must-see museum

We really enjoyed the Rijksmuseum. It provides a free audio tour inside by downloading the app and using your own smart phone to tour according to your preferences (highlights, time period, etc.) The staff was very helpful. We did learn the hard way that there are many copy websites that are not THE authentic Rijksmuseum website. While the tickets we purchased were valid to get us in, they were overpriced.

A journey through Dutch Art and History

Fantastic museum with a huge collection of Dutch masterpieces. The museum is on 4 levels starting with the middle ages on the ground floor and working up to more modern art on the 3rd floor. You definitely see a change in styles through the centuries with the best works largely on the 1st and 2nd floors. They offer guided tours and self guided audio to help you absorb it all. It takes at least 2-3 hours to get through it all. Recommend buying tickets a day or two ahead as tickets are timed entry and they sell out quickly

Wow wow wow!!

I spent 3 hours in this museum and I could have stayed longer. Make sure to get the headphones to learn more about the painters and their work or take a tour with the many tour guides. The restaurant is also an added attraction. The gift shop is also definitely worth visiting, with great ideas for family gifts.

Beautiful!

This was a huge museum! We went on a whim, as we were just wandering around the city. It had so much art, you truly could spend hours in there. If you’re an art nerd, it is definitely worth going. Lots of Rembrandt pieces, among several other notable artists and pieces from the 1600s-1900s. Very cool!

Nice Museum

We were there for three hours and didn’t really spend the time the museum deserves. The Nigth Watch paint from Rembrandt is under restoration so be aware of it you won’t be able to see it. Adults are $25 and kids under 18y/o are not charge. The security is very tight since my daughter was tired and they don’t accept you seat to close your eyes. It was very busy with some school groups but it is a wonderful museum to visit.

Historical Netherlands Art Museum

When visiting Amsterdam, you must visit the Rijksmuseum. The museum houses Dutch art and artifacts from the middle ages through the 20th century. Paintings and other art work from Rembrandt, Vermeer and other prominent artists of the time. This is a large museum that could take you all day to explore. A good time element would be 2 to 4 hours so not to be overwhelmed.

Great museum

Beautiful museum with so much to see. The building itself is amazing, and the art collection is seriously impressive.

Good Visit

We did not reserve tickets online as they were sold out. There was a queue outside but no signage as to where to wait to buy tickets. Once inside, there were no directions for the lift (although the staff were very helpful). Only one set of bathrooms in the basement. Apart from that, wonderful experience. I would say you need at least 3 hours. Across the street at the Cobra Cafe they have a cell phone charging cabinet. Brilliant!! I dont know if they are all over Holland but such a good idea.

Extensive collection, attractive building, crowds, Night Watch off for restoration

The Good 1) Large collection in an attractive building 2) The map is useful and points out highlights 3) A free downloadable app provides museum commentary on various works for free 4) Online timed entry actually allows you to come up to two hours before or after your slot. You can also buy at a kiosk near the door, but more efficient online. 5) They recycle museum paper maps at exit The Bad 1) Admission is expensive 2) Building has been subjected to various renovations so flow is not always optimal, or finding and getting to a washroom 3) Will be crowds especially around famous works 4) Night Watch is down for years of restoration. You can see them at work. 5) Not really a lot of refreshment options with enough seats

Amazing Experience

One of the best museums I have ever visited. Amazing facility and collections. The staff were very helpful. Well done.

A walk through time

Visiting this museum felt like stepping into a living storybook of art and history. Inside, the space is breathtaking with high ceilings, beautiful natural light and a layout that invites you to wonder rather than rush. Inside, the space is breathtaking — high ceilings, beautiful natural light, and a layout that invites you to wander rather than rush. Every room feels thoughtfully curated, making it easy to get lost (in the best way) among centuries of Dutch art and culture. Of course, seeing masterpieces like The Night Watch by Rembrandt in person is unforgettable. There’s something surreal about standing in front of a painting you’ve seen countless times in books and online — the scale, the detail, the presence… it all hits differently. What I loved most was how the museum balances grandeur with intimacy. You’ll find massive, dramatic works alongside smaller, delicate pieces that pull you in quietly. It never feels overwhelming — just immersive. Overall, the Rijksmuseum is more than just a collection of art; it’s an experience that stays with you. Whether you’re deeply into art or just curious, it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Always excellent

Another fantastic visit to this amazing museum. This time the temporary exhibition Metamorphoses was the highlight along with finishing off seeing the permanent collection from previously. Friendly avd welcoming staff throughout. Free entry with Museumcard.

A must for art lovers

Some wonderful old works of art on display in a very modern building

Not a museum to be missed

This is a superb educational site. So many art artifacts you need a complete day to look around whereas we only had a couple of hours. So many paintings from Masters, so much to see on so many floors. We queued to but tickets outside the museum and then queued to get in. We were not disappointed with our time there and need to return to see more. The place was crowded and the cafeterias packed.

One of the Top Art Museums in the World - Amsterdam Priority Visit

When you first start thinking about a visit to Amsterdam, this is or ought to be at the top of your list. It is definitely one of the top 10 Art Museums in the world, possibly Top 5. There was a time in the 17th century when the renowned, respected and famous artist in the world were Dutch with their own style of painting and a school to teach it. This was the time of the Dutch Masters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals and many of their paintings are here. The Rijksmuseum was first founded in 1798 in the Hauge to promote and preserve this moment of Dutch Cultural history and moved to Amsterdam in 1808 to showcase its amazing collection in Holland's lead city. In Amsterdam's second golden age at the end of the 19th Century, the community and country decided to build the collection its own building specifically to highlight the art in a building that was just as exceptional as the art. For this they hired Pierre Cuypers who was designing many of the great civic buildings of this age like the Centraal Train Station. In many places, like the Great Hall and the Library, the building is just as impressive as the art. Today, that building displays over 8,000 pieces of art and history out of its collection over a million and more than 2 million people visit annually to see them. The heart of the collection is displayed in the Great Hall which are the most famous and recognized paintings of the Dutch Masters. Whether the painting or the building, you have to plan a visit here. A prudent plan would be to buy reservation tickets for a certain before your visit. Plan to see the Van Gogh or Stedelijk around the same time as they are all next to each other in the Museum Quarter. We visited the Van Gogh first at 9:30 and then the Rijksmuseum at 11:00. We then when walked for lunch nearby at 1:15. I strongly suggest you get reservations for all three as it will make your time flow more efficiently. Also note that Vondel Park is nearby as well in the planning for your day. Whether you like art or not, you need to make time for this museum and others in the Museum Quarter. They are that incredible, and I am not the biggest art person.

A Must-Visit Treasure of Art and History

The Rijksmuseum is an absolute gem. Its stunning architecture and world-class collection, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, make every visit unforgettable.

A day in the Dutch cultural history

Very nice building and enormous art collection. You could spend easily an entire day in this museum. It is very well organised and the staff is very nice and polite. Do take a vist for a drink in the well maintained garden.

A must visit

Disappointed that the night watch was covered by scaffolding for restoration, and no mention of this on the museum website. Loads of other great pieces to see though.

Beautiful Building, Amazing Collection!

The central atrium of this museum, with its restaurant and gift shop is quite impressive - large, open, and very grand. I started the day with the temporary exhibition, "Metamorphoses" and very much enjoyed its use of Ovid's writing as a unifying framework as well as the exhibition's division into themed rooms, such as Medusa, Pygmalion, Narcissus, Leda and Jupiter, etc. The major works of the permanent collection, such as the Vermeers and the Rembrandts, were oppressively crowded with the selfish/selfie crowd, who monopolize the areas in front of these masterworks to take their photos. It's a museum, not a photography studio. BUY A BOOK, and let those who are there to actually appreciate the art enjoy their visit.

Super Museum

Huge museum with too much to see.

Very crowded, but with extensive displays of artwork

The museum has a lot to see and you may not finish everything in a few hours. Go early if you wish to visit everything. It gets really crowded with no available lockers, so try to go there with a small and light bag. If not, try the cloak room. Get the app or audio guide if you need to, so that you can view the artwork from wherever you are rather than squeeze with everyone at the front. The admission fee is ok considering how extensive the works are. The directions may not be clear but you don't necessarily have to follow everything in sequence. Don't let that dampen your experience.

Beautiful building filled with treasures

There is too much here to experience in one day-so plan ahead to enjoy your visit. We did Van Gogh from 9am to 11:15 so planned Rijksmuseum from 2pm to 5pm to enjoy less crowds at closing. 1) Download the free app and enjoy the mapping, audio description etc with your own headphones or ear buds. 2) We started in the less popular areas we wanted to see and finished in the most popular Gallery of Honor. Between 4:15 and 5:00 it was relatively uncrowded. 3) We used the App’s highlight by department (as well as searching descriptions by artwork #) and skipped around according to our interest. The rooms do not always connect numerically in an easy to follow manner so it required checking the doorways for gallery numbers. Additionally we got in the entrance line about 15 minutes early and were allowed to enter at that time.

A fantastic building

We wanted to see the Night Watch and the Van Goghs - which we did- although the night Watch was being renovated it was quite interesting to see!

Visiting the Rijksmuseum in April

The Rijksmuseum is well worth the visit. Recommend taking the tour offered by the museum. We didn’t originally plan for it, but glad we did. Sasha was an excellent guide and pointed out so much in each of the paintings she took us too. Made it a memorable visit to a large art museum. There is a lot see. Go early!

Do not miss this!

I am not an art expert but was blown away by the art in this museum and the setting and they way everything was displayed.

Must do when in Amsterdam

My wife and I visited the Rijksmuseum recently whilst on long weekend in Amsterdam. It is a must do if in Amsterdam. It is beautiful building and lot to see. Buy tickets ahead of time and reasonable admission fee. It was busy but very spread out so did not feel too crowded. Recommend to see Night Watch by Rembrandt and the history around it. There is large hall that is must see. Art ranges across multiple centuries. Allocate enough time to see things including the gardens.

Fabulous museum, luggage advice .

Fantastic museum. Download the free Rijskmusuem app , take headphones if you have them to save paying €6 audio guide. If your bags are medium / large there is a locker (€11/day min charge ) just beyond the Van Gogh museum on an intersection which is also an underground car park . If you have a small backpack there is a free locker and cloak room at Rijskmuseum. Don’t walk round holding a water bottle or carry anything on your back or you will be told off , like I was. No signs indicating either was discouraged . The Night Watch is half obscured by renovation platform which was disappointing but there is a life size copy on both sides as you leave the original . I spent 6 hours here and loved it , except for the grumpy female staff member. Oh and my rucksack would definitely have fitted in the free locker but we had to walk 400m to the paid one . Be consistent!

App was useful

The app worked quite well; layout is slightly confusing. We didn't manage to see everything - you'd need a whole day I think! Some beautiful artwork.

An amazing collection

An imposing entrance with helpful guides. It does cost 25 euros to get in and there are no older person discounts. Overall a real picture of Dutch culture unfolds on different floors and in different time zones. A helpful picture guide is provided. Worth a visit if a bit expensive dedicated floors for different times

Nice afternoon visit.

Two to three hours tops. Pretty inside and outside. Make sure to walk around outside the museum, as well!

a must-see museum

One of the best museum i‘ve been too, right next to the Louvre, the Prado, the Uffizi galleries but better organized (not enough toilets for that quantity of tourists though). Don‘t miss it when in Amsterdam.

Highly recommended

The building alone is fantastic! Wonderful experience to see Dutch masterpieces.

An Amsterdam Must

The only reason this is not a 5 is because we didn’t have enough tome to see even 1/2 the museum. The central exhibit with the Dutch masters is very impressive. The Night Watch is being renovated which, frankly, was kind of cool to see how the work was being done. The museum is large and note the ashiest to navigate but the collection is amazing. We were lucky enough to be in Bruges on a beautiful sunny day. Walking around the park outside and having a snack at the food trucks made it all the better.

It took at least 5 hours to go round, but I’m sure we missed some things

I’m not really into art. But I can assure you this was an awesome museum. It’s huge and it’s very easy to get lost. Just remember there is a north, south, East and west side all of which have multiple floors. Lots of walking. There is a great cafe and I found a small coffee shop. It was €50 for two people, but because of the size of the place this became completely understandable .

Impressive

Amazing place, but it was extremely crowded and noisy. It didn't help that at the time of my visit several.school groups were visiting, and the school staff didn't make any effort to teach them how to behave in a place like that. There is no such thing as too young to learn about good manners, especially when visiting a museum. The museum itself is extremely impressive and it hosts a large variety of art work. Of course, Rembrandt and Van Gogh were the favourites and it was well worth it. Make sure you allocate 3-4 hours for it.

Don’t miss the gardens!

An amazing place! Don’t miss the gardens! There are benches and chairs for people watching!

An artist's utopia.

An art lover could easily spend all day here, there's so much to see. There are many other fascinating objects aside from the paintings. The library is amazing! It's one of the world's greatest art museums, and not very crowded on weekdays. The staff are very relaxed, and are very approachable. I loved it here, and hope to be back soon.

Those Dutch can paint!

Shocklingly fabulous. Left without the usual museum tried, I was energetic! The paintings, and architecture, and the whole experience was how all museums should look and run.