Rijksmuseum travel guide

The Rijksmuseum, literally translating to 'State Museum', was first established in The Hague in 1800, but was moved to Amsterdam in 1808 under the orders of King Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother.

The museum found its permanent home in 1885 in a stunning building designed by Dutch architect P.J.H. Cuypers. The Rijksmuseum is known for its extensive collection of Dutch art and history with a special focus on works from the Dutch Golden Age.

Over the years, the museum has undergone several renovations, the most significant one taking place from 2003 to 2013. This ten-year renovation modernized the museum while preserving the original Cuypers structure.

Today, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to admire masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

The Rijksmuseum's architecture is an artwork in itself, designed by Pierre Cuypers and combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. It is the only museum in the world that you can cycle through, thanks to its bike passage connecting Amsterdam's city centre to the southern districts. The museum's collection is vast, boasting over one million objects, with 8,000 on display at any given time. Its prized possession is Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch', displayed in the specially designed 'Gallery of Honour'. Another unique feature of Rijksmuseum is the 'Rijksstudio', an innovative online platform where visitors can explore and create their own collections from the museum's digital archive. Lastly, the museum is surrounded by a beautiful historical garden, featuring sculptures and an outdoor café. The Rijksmuseum truly offers a unique blend of art, history, and innovation.

Located in Amsterdam, the iconic Rijksmuseum is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Amsterdam or as a stop on your countrywide road trip in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Amsterdam offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit the iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark, Dam Square, and Albert Cuyp Market.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Amsterdam has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Amsterdam - a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in the Netherlands!

Rijksmuseum is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. If you are arriving by plane, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is approximately 6.25 miles (10.05 km) away from Amsterdam. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to the city, where Rijksmuseum is located.

If you’re already in Amsterdam, you can take a bus, taxi or even walk to the national museum. The exact address of the attraction is Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands, the Netherlands.

You can also rent a car and drive to Rijksmuseum. With a rental car you will enjoy freedom to explore Rijksmuseum and other top attractions in Amsterdam at your own pace.

With your travel plans in place and these guidelines in mind, you're all set for an unforgettable experience at Rijksmuseum!

The best time to explore Rijksmuseum is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the crowd levels are relatively low. These periods offer a comfortable museum experience, enabling tourists to truly appreciate the vast collection of art and history the museum houses. It is advisable to visit early in the day, around 9 AM, when it opens or late in the afternoon to avoid peak times. Also, keep an eye out for special events, such as the Museum Night in November, which provides a unique opportunity to explore the museum after hours. While the museum is open year-round, visiting off-peak season or timing your visit properly within the day can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Remember that holidays and weekends usually bring in more crowds. Plan your visit effectively to make the most of your Rijksmuseum exploration.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a trip to Rijksmuseum, one of the most iconic attractions in the Netherlands drawing large crowds of visitors every year. To make the most out of your visit at this unique national museum, consider booking a tour in advance to avoid the lines and guarantee a seamless experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Rijksmuseum starting from 15.5 EUR below.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Amsterdam and top attractions like Rijksmuseum with a perfectly planned holiday package. Our travel packages include everything you need to explore Rijksmuseum and beyond. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing retreat, our holiday packages to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, offer a variety of activities and experiences to suit all types of travelers.

Continue reading to find the best travel plans and tips for discovering this one-of-a-kind national museum in the Netherlands.

Discovering the Netherlands's captivating landscapes and the iconic Rijksmuseum becomes a breeze with a rental car. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 7 reputable rental car companies near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the city of Amsterdam, making transportation seamless and efficient.

The Netherlands's rental car companies cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Amsterdam and beyond.

For budget-conscious travelers, Enterprise currently boasts the most affordable rates, starting at just 21.27 EUR per day or 148.92 EUR per week. Conveniently located at Amsterdam Central Station, 1011DD in Amsterdam, this rental option ensures you can explore the Netherlands's wonders without breaking the bank.

Wake up well-rested to a new day of exploring in Amsterdam by staying at a top-rated hotel in the heart of the city. With the city's most famous attractions like the stunning Rijksmuseum just a stone's throw away, you'll be in the perfect location to effortlessly immerse yourself in Amsterdam.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Rijksmuseum below.

Amsterdam offers a diverse range of top attractions. From museums and architectural wonders to sculptures and natural wonders, the city has something for everyone. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Amsterdam, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Vondelpark.

Van Gogh Museum is a bucket-list art museum and top attraction in Amsterdam, attracting numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 5 out of 5 stars in 80,478 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Van Gogh Museum is Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Another appreciated attraction in Amsterdam is Anne Frank House. This is just like Van Gogh Museum, one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4 out of 5 stars among 61,973 visitors, it’s also one of the highest rated. The exact address of this museum is Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Vondelpark is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Amsterdam. This park and top attraction in Amsterdam has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 49,731 visitors. Visitors usually spend a moment at Vondelpark creating core memories of the city. This attraction is located at the address of 1071 Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Amsterdam below.