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Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Tickets – Read this before you buy your ticket!

Planning a visit to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum? In this guide I will cover everything you need to know about purchasing tickets, including prices, discounts, where to buy, and how to skip the lines. Let's go.
- By: Eleanor Whitfield
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Make sure the iconic Rijksmuseum is on your itinerary. Home to renowned works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters, this world-famous museum draws over 2.5 million visitors annually.
Securing tickets in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid long queues. In this I guide, will walk you through the ticketing options, prices, and best practices for booking tickets to the Rijksmuseum.
I will ll cover everything you need to know, from purchasing tickets online ahead of time to acquiring last-minute tickets on-site. Follow these tips to effortlessly gain access to one of Amsterdam’s premier attractions.
What is the best way to buy tickets to Rijksmuseum?
There are a few convenient options for purchasing tickets to Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The best way to purchase tickets, is by well-known platforms which offer tickets sale in advance and discounts. Some of the most popular ones are “Tiqets” which is considered a very well-known online tickets platform, or “Getyourguide” which is also a very popular website.
Another convenient and secure way to guarantee admission is to buy tickets directly through the Rijksmuseum website. Taking advantage of combo deals that bundle the Rijksmuseum entry along with Amsterdam canal cruise, Amsterdam City Pass, or other attractions can offer savings over buying individual tickets. These packaged deals are popular and tend to sell out quickly, so book early to secure the best value.
You can also buy tickets at the Rijksmuseum box office on-site, but will likely have to wait in long lines.
Rijksmuseum Tickets Type - 5 options to choose:
Rijksmuseum has 5 main ways to visit the Museum:
- Regular entrance ticket – €23.50
- Guided tour – €69.00
- Private tour- €69.00
- Semi private tour – €122.00
- Combo packages tickets – Strat from €35
The regular entrance ticket is ideal for flexibility and exploring at your own pace. This provides access to all the galleries to admire works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters. With 80 rooms spread over four floors, having the freedom to wander is a plus.
Guided tours are perfect for gaining deeper insight from knowledgeable docents. Tours range from highlights tours to themed tours focused on specific eras or artists. Great for first-timers seeking orientation or art aficionados wanting a nuanced perspective. Tours run 1-2 hours.
Private tour – Private tours are fully customized for your interests and pace. It’s just your party and the guide for a tailored visit. Ideal for families, couples, or friends seeking a VIP museum experience.
Semi private tour – Semi-private tour groups are limited to 25 people maximum. While not as intimate as a private tour, you still get enhanced access and attention from the guide. Great for larger groups wanting a more focused experience than regular tours.
Combo packages represent the best value, bundling the Rijksmuseum with attractions like canal cruises, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Amsterdam City Pass. Great for travelers with limited time looking to maximize sightseeing. Combos allow you to experience the museum’s highlights along with other iconic attractions.
Here is more details for each of entrance tickets to Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam:
Normal Rijksmuseum Tickets

The standard entry ticket provides access to the museum’s extensive galleries and permanent collection spanning over 800 years of Dutch art history. With over 8,000 objects on display, highlights include Rembrandt’s renowned The Night Watch and Vermeer’s iconic The Milkmaid along with sculptures, exhibits of clothing and weapons, and the research library.
Priced at 23.5 euros, this ticket allows visitors to explore the beautifully restored galleries at their own pace. As one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands, entrance lines can be lengthy, so pre-booking online provides fast lane access.
The entry ticket permits visitors to get up close to the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and other Dutch masters. It does not include the multimedia guide, but the museum’s app can be downloaded to smartphones for free self-guided audio tours.
Small handbags are allowed inside and there is a complimentary supervised cloakroom for leaving bags, backpacks or umbrellas during your visit. Two main entrances are located in the underground Passage arcade, providing stair and lift access to the Atrium ticket area and galleries.
With many glowing reviews, the Rijksmuseum’s entry ticket provides excellent value for art lovers seeking an in-depth experience with one of the world’s foremost painting collections showcasing the best of the Dutch Golden Age.
Rijksmuseum 2-Hour Guided Tour

This skip-the-line tour provides an in-depth look at the Dutch Golden Age masters with a professional guide. Groups are kept small with a maximum of 15 visitors to ensure a personalized experience.
Starting at 11am daily, the 2-hour tour explores highlights of the permanent collection including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. The guide provides context about the remarkable cultural flourishing of this period in Dutch history.
Priced from 69 euros, the tour allows you to marvel at the sheer scale of Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ and admire the photorealism of Vermeer’s domestic scenes. The guide shares fascinating facts and theories behind the renowned pieces.
The meeting point is in front of the Cobra Café at the Museumplein, where the guide will be waiting with an orange umbrella. Smartphone tickets are accepted for admission.
After the guided portion, visitors can continue exploring the museum’s 8000+ works on their own as the ticket is valid for the full day. Special exhibitions require separate tickets.
With rave reviews praising the guides’ expertise and charm, this small-group tour efficiently orients visitors to the Rijksmuseum’s highlights and engages them in the stories behind the masterworks. It provides an in-depth experience for appreciating this world-class collection.
Rijksmuseum Private and Exclusive Guided Tour

This exclusive 1.5 hour tour provides private access to the museum’s collection of over 8,000 masterpieces with a personal certified guide. Groups are capped at 14 visitors to ensure an intimate experience.
Led by expert guides, this private tour allows you to discover iconic works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and more. The guide shares insider knowledge about the artists and stories behind the renowned pieces.
Starting from 69 euros, the tour includes skip-the-line admission and full access to the galleries. There is a dedicated wardrobe for guests’ belongings. Discounts are offered for youth under 18 and at the museum shop.
The meeting point is inside the museum arcade next to the window overlooking the coffee shop, 10 minutes before the scheduled start. Tickets can be shown on smartphones for entry.
With the ability to uncover hidden details and tailor the experience, this exclusive guided tour provides the ultimate way to encounter the Dutch masters. Visitors can bask in quality time with the masterpieces alongside a knowledgeable guide.
Rijksmuseum Semi-Private Guided Tour in English

This 2.5 hour semi private tour allows small groups of up to 8 people to explore the expansive Rijksmuseum collection with an expert English-speaking guide. It provides an intimate yet affordable alternative to fully private tours.
Starting at 10am daily, visitors can get up close to iconic masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and more. The guide provides context and stories behind the greatest works of art.
Priced from 122 euros, the tour includes skip-the-line admission and focuses on the permanent collection’s highlights. Food, drinks, transportation, and access to special exhibitions are not included.
The meeting point is outside the Cobra Café on the north side of the building. Tickets can be presented on smartphones for entry. Guests are advised to arrive on time, as the group cannot wait for latecomers.
With a personal guide and tiny group, visitors can engage in dialogue about the pieces and have their questions answered in depth. It’s an ideal way to navigate the vast collections without getting overwhelmed.
Rijksmuseum Combo Package Deals

The last option is combo package deals that bundle Rijksmuseum entry with other top Amsterdam attractions:
One popular option is a combo that includes a Rijksmuseum ticket plus a relaxing canal cruise. This allows you to experience two quintessential Amsterdam activities at a discounted price compared to individual tickets. The combo often includes a skip-the-line admission to the museum, maximizing your time.
Another great package option is a Rijksmuseum plus Van Gogh Museum combo. This gives you the unique chance to view both destinations showcasing iconic Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh in a single day. Some deals throw in discounts on food or merchandise as well.
For travelers with limited time, the Amsterdam City Pass bundles the Rijksmuseum along with over 25 other attractions like the Anne Frank House and zoo. Available in durations from 24 hours to 120 hours, it provides heavily discounted access to all participating sights.
When purchasing Rijksmuseum combo deals from authorized resellers, be sure to carefully review what’s included. Look for perks like transportation, discount vouchers, or guided tours added to the museum entry.
Combo packages deliver savings and efficiency in experiencing Amsterdam’s highlights. Bundling the world-famous Rijksmuseum with a cruise, another museum, or city pass makes for an unforgettable vacation full of iconic attractions.
What can you see in Rijksmuseum?
The Rijksmuseum showcases iconic masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Works by famous artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh are among the highlights. Rembrandt’s colossal ‘The Night Watch’ is one of the museum’s crown jewels, depicting a militia portrait from 1642. Vermeer’s renowned ‘The Milkmaid’ portrays a domestic scene with stunning detail and use of light.
The museum holds the world’s largest collection of Dutch art, with over 8,000 objects spanning 800 years of history. Galleries are organized chronologically so you can observe the evolution of art across various eras. Intricate dollhouses, historic clothing, Delft pottery, and weapons are on display in addition to paintings.
Works by other European masters are also exhibited, including Rubens, Velazquez, and Caravaggio. The museum’s Print Room holds over 150,000 drawings, etchings, and other prints dating back to the 15th century. Temporary exhibitions cover rotating themes related to Dutch and European art.
Outside, the museum’s manicured gardens provide a scenic spot to take a break. The ornate building itself is a stunning amalgamation of historic styles. Overall, visitors can admire an encyclopedic survey of Dutch culture through the ages, centered around iconic masterworks from the 17th century Golden Age.
Here are some of the must-see masterpieces you should not miss at the Rijksmuseum:
- The Night Watch by Rembrandt – This colossal militia portrait from 1642 is one of Rembrandt’s most renowned works and the crown jewel of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The dynamic composition and use of light are striking.
- The Milkmaid by Vermeer – Admired for its beautiful detail and lighting, Vermeer’s painting of a domestic servant from 1658 is considered one of the Dutch Golden Age’s greatest masterpieces.
- The Merry Drinker by Frans Hals – This 1628-30 portrait exemplifies Hals’ loose brushwork and ability to capture lively spiritedness in his subjects.
- The Jewish Bride by Rembrandt – A moving portrait of tender intimacy, this 1667 painting depicts a couple in a quiet, yet powerful moment.
- The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn – Vibrant and emotive, this 1650 swan painting is a tour de force demonstrating Dutch Baroque style.
- Pieces from the dollhouse collection – Intricately crafted miniatures of 17th century aristocratic life provide a fascinating look at Dutch design.
How to get there?
Here are all the options to get to Rijksmuseum:
- By tram – The most popular public transport option. Take tram lines 2 or 5 to the Rijksmuseum stop right in front of the museum entrance. The trip takes about 15 minutes from Central Station.
- On foot – It’s about a 15-20 minute scenic walk from Dam Square through the streets and canal rings. Head west and look for the iconic I amsterdam sign in Museum Square.
- By metro – Take the metro to Station Weesperplein. From there it’s roughly a 10 minute walk north to the museum.
- By train – Stop at Amsterdam Central Station and then take a short tram or metro ride. The station is connected to the city’s public transport network.
- By bike – Amsterdam is very bike friendly. Rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride through the city to the Rijksmuseum in just over 15 minutes.
- By car – Parking near the museum is limited. Park at the Museumplein parking garage or one of the other garages in the area. Or use public transport to avoid traffic.
- By bus – City buses 15, 18, 24 and 67 stop nearby the museum. Check routes and schedules on 9292.nl.
Purchasing an I amsterdam City Card provides free and unlimited use of public transport to get to the museum and other sights. Or consider booking a combo ticket with transportation included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I book Rijksmuseum tickets in advance?
Yes, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended. This guarantees entry and allows you to skip long ticket queues at the museum. Some ticket types and time slots can sell out. Booking 1-2 months in advance is ideal.
What is the best Rijksmuseum ticket type to buy?
This depends on your interests. Regular entry tickets work well for most. If you want a guided tour, book a small group or private tour. For value deals, combo tickets bundle the Rijksmuseum with a canal cruise, city pass, or other attractions.
How much do Rijksmuseum tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary by type. Regular entry is €23. Small group guided tours start around €40 per person. Private tours range from €100-€180 total. Combo deals offer savings over individual tickets.
Are there discounted Rijksmuseum tickets for students, seniors, or children?
Yes, students under 18 and seniors 65+ receive reduced rates. Children under 18 enter free with an adult ticket. Special rates are also available for groups of 15+ and families. Check the website for eligibility and current discounted pricing.
Can I buy Rijksmuseum tickets at the door or do they sell out?
You can buy at the door but may encounter long wait times. Morning and weekend tickets often sell out so pre-booking ensures you don’t miss out.
How early should I arrive for my Rijksmuseum entry time?
Arrive 15-20 minutes before your ticket’s start time to allow time for security checks and collecting tickets. Give extra leeway for cloakroom lines on busy days. Follow your ticket instructions carefully regarding arrival times.
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