Rijksmuseum tickets and routes through the collection
The building rewards a selective route: its collections extend beyond paintings to objects, ship models and decorative arts. Use the floor plan to choose two or three sections before you start. The public passage through the building is also a cycle route, so watch for bicycles while approaching the entrances and meeting your group.
At a glance
- Book
- A few days ahead
- Time needed
- Three to four hours
- Which to pick
- Book a timed ticket a few days out and go straight to the Gallery of Honour. A guide is worth it if you want the Night Watch explained rather than just seen.
Rijksmuseum tickets and tours
Timed museum admission
Reserve through the official site and check the visitor categories before booking. Visitors eligible for free entry may still need a reservation, so include everyone in your group.
Admission with multimedia tour
A multimedia tour helps you choose a route through the building. Check the official options, available languages and device arrangements before deciding whether to add one to your visit.
Admission with a guided tour
Check official guided tours for their subject, language and duration. Confirm whether admission is included or needs a separate reservation, and follow the specified meeting instructions.
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The best time to visit
Choose an arrival that gives you several hours before closing, then check any tour or exhibition timings separately. A short list of rooms makes the visit easier to manage than trying to cover every floor in one session.
How to get to Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is the nearest named tram stop, a short walk from the building. Vijzelgracht station on metro line 52 is about ten minutes away on foot. Follow entrance signs at the central passage and watch for cyclists crossing your path.
Tips for your visit
- Download or collect a floor plan and choose sections beyond the Gallery of Honour before you begin.
- Check the current display information if seeing a particular work is essential to your visit.
- Agree on a meeting point with your group, since exploring different floors can make it easy to separate.
Rijksmuseum tickets and routes through the collection
Do visitors with free admission need a booking?
They may still need a timed reservation. Check the official instructions for each visitor category and include every member of your group.
Can I see more than paintings?
Yes. The collections include decorative arts, historic objects and ship models. Use the floor plan to build a route around the subjects you enjoy.
Is the passage through the museum pedestrian only?
No. Cyclists use the central passage too. Look carefully before crossing toward an entrance, and avoid stopping your group in the cycle route.
How should I plan a shorter visit?
Choose two or three sections and check their positions on the floor plan. Allow time for entry procedures and avoid adding a tour that overlaps your departure.