Rijksmuseum Visitors Guide

How to get there, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit to Amsterdam's national museum.

The Rijksmuseum is the largest art and history museum in the Netherlands, with more than 8,000 works on display across 80 galleries. This guide covers everything you need for a smooth visit — see also our opening hours and best time to visit pages for planning tips.

What to see at the Rijksmuseum

Key sections of the museum, worth planning your route around

The grand central corridor showcasing masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and their contemporaries.

A dedicated hall for Rembrandt's 1642 group portrait — the museum's most visited artwork.

Asian Pavilion

A quiet, glass-walled wing with 2,000 years of art from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and beyond.

Cuypers Library

The oldest and largest art-history research library in the Netherlands — even non-researchers can look in.

Getting there and first steps inside

The museum is at Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam. Trams 2, 5 and 12 stop at Rijksmuseum, and metro Vijzelgracht is a 10-minute walk. Cyclists can use the bike path that runs under the building.

Enter through the Atrium on Museumstraat. Leave coats and bags larger than A4 in the free cloakroom or lockers. Pick up the free floor plan at the information desk and head straight to the Gallery of Honour on the second floor.

Rijksmuseum entrance

Visiting the Rijksmuseum — FAQ

Practical answers to plan your visit

Where is the main entrance?
At the Atrium on Museumstraat 1, between the north and south wings. Signage is clear once you reach Museumplein.
Where can I leave bags and coats?
In the free cloakroom or self-service lockers inside the Atrium. Bags larger than A4 are not allowed in the galleries.
Is there a recommended route?
Start on floor 2 with the Gallery of Honour and The Night Watch, then work down through the 18th and 19th centuries on floor 1, and finish in the special collections on floors 0 and 3.
Can I take photos?
Yes — photography without flash is allowed throughout the museum. Tripods and selfie sticks are not.
Is there WiFi inside?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the museum — useful for streaming the official multimedia tour.
Are there toilets on every floor?
Yes. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available on all floors.
Can I re-enter if I leave?
Same-day re-entry is not permitted. Plan your visit to include breaks inside at the café or garden.
Buy Tickets