Rijksmuseum Tickets | 5 Ways to Save on Admission

Updated: Dezember 28, 2023

As guides who offer free tours in Amsterdam, we're used to travelers asking us about how to save money on popular attractions such as the Rijksmuseum.

With dozens of different galleries, exhibits and buildings to look through, there’s plenty to see and do at the Rijksmuseum.

Visitors can expect to find the works of Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and several other historic artists adorning the halls of this museum.

Alternatively, you can always purchase tickets now or look for the best way to save money on admission.

For more details about this attraction, make sure to read our overview section next.

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.


WHAT IS THE RIJKSMUSEUM?

Located in Amsterdam’s Museum Square, the Rijksmuseum is a famous art museum that is well-known and respected around the world.

Visitors can expect a variety of artwork from several notable and historic artists.

Here are a few of the more notable artists on display at Rijksmuseum:

  • Rembrandt
  • Van Gogh
  • Vermeer
  • Frans Hals
  • Jan Steen
  • And more!

Make sure to read our exhibits section for more details about the best artwork in this museum.

This photo is courtesy of TripAdvisor.

This location is open every day of the year from 9:00 am -  17:00 (5:00 pm), including Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The busiest months are April, May, and August and you can expect to wait in a queue for 20-30 minutes. The quietest time to visit is either before 10:00 am or after 15:00 (3:00 pm).

If you want to cut your wait time in half, there are ways to skip the ticket line entirely. We will cover some of these options in our tickets section and several ways to save on admission as well.

Photography and video are permitted, but you cannot use flash or lighting of any kind and tripods/selfie sticks require written permission.

The Rijksmuseum offers a free cloakroom where you can leave your bag, umbrella, backpack, and other items.

However, they do not have room for larger items, so you should keep that in mind before visiting.

If you have larger items to store, please read our post about where to store luggage in Amsterdam.


RIJKSMUSEUM TICKETS

There are a few different ways to get tickets to the Rijksmuseum. You can purchase them on-site, but you’ll have to wait in a queue to get to the ticket counter.

If you want to save time, an e-ticket will allow you to skip the ticket line and it’s usually a bit more affordable than what you’ll pay at the museum.

They also offer easy access to certain exhibits for visitors who purchase their tickets online!

TIP: Don't pay full price - read our section covering ways to save to get the best possible deal on Rijksmuseum tickets.


Rijksmuseum Ticket Prices

Rijksmuseum tickets are also included with a few different tourist passes, and there are other ways to save money on admission to this famous museum.

Please read the following section for more details.

Amsterdam Walking Tours

WAYS TO SAVE ON RIJKSMUSEUM TICKETS

There are several different ways to save money on tickets to the Rijksmuseum.

This section provides information about tourist passes, combo packages, and other deals on tickets to this attraction.


Tourist Passes

If you’re planning to enjoy a lot of different activities and attractions while you’re in Amsterdam, a tourist pass can help you save a lot of money on admission prices.

The Rijksmuseum is included with almost every tourist pass in this city, and most services provide skip-the-line entry to the museum. 

There are a few different types of passes to choose from, and it’ll be important to pick one that best fits your plans.

An all-inclusive pass will provide admission to dozens of attractions for a specific amount of time (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days).

The best way to save money with this pass is by using it for as many attractions as possible.

Alternatively, you can also get a prepackaged pass which includes admission to a few activities in addition to lower prices on dozens of different attractions.

Here are a few of the additional attractions included with each of these tourist passes:

Rijksmuseum tickets are currently included with the following passes:

Depending on which pass you choose, you can easily save at least 20% - 50% off general admission prices for all of the activities you want to enjoy.

For more details, please read our post covering Amsterdam tourist passes.


Combo Packages

In addition to the tourist passes, there are also several combo deals which include the Rijksmuseum and one or more additional activities.

If you’re only interested in doing a few things, this is a great way to save money.

Rijksmuseum + 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Rijksmuseum + Royal Palace Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum + Moco Museum

Rijksmuseum + Stedelijk Museum

Rijksmuseum + Heineken Experience

Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum + ARTIS Royal Zoo

Rijksmuseum + Stedelijk Museum + Van Gogh Museum

TIP: While you can save a few euros with these combo packages, they aren’t quite as good as a tourist pass.


Free For Youth

It is entirely free to enter the Rijksmuseum if you are 18 years of age or younger, so if you’re planning to visit with your kids, it will be important to keep this in mind.

This is especially important to note when deciding whether or not to get a tourist pass for your children - depending on your destinations you may not even need a tourist pass for them!

Free tickets for youth can be obtained either online or at the ticket booth, allowing you to skip the ticket line if you get an e-ticket ahead of time.


EYCA Card

This is a bit like a tourist pass, but it’s designed for younger audiences under the age of 31 who live in European countries.

If you fit that description, you could use this to save 50% off Rijksmuseum tickets!

European Youth Card Discounts

The EYCA Card also provides lower prices at dozens of additional museums and popular attractions in Amsterdam.

If you’re young and you want to save some money, this is an excellent opportunity.


Groupon

Although Rijksmuseum isn’t currently included on Groupon, this site frequently offers low prices on popular museums and attractions in Amsterdam.

Before you make any purchases, check both the top and bottom of each page for any banners which might contain additional codes you can use at checkout to save even more money!


Student Discount

The Rijksmuseum does not currently offer lower prices to students, but they do offer free admission to everyone 18 and under.

The best option for students will be the EYCA Card.


EXHIBITS AND ARTWORK

Rijksmuseum has several great and historic works of art to enjoy.

This section covers some of the more notable and popular attractions you’ll find while wandering the halls of this wonderful museum.


Night Watch Gallery

Featuring Rembrandt’s famous painting “The Night Watch,” this gallery is specifically designed to showcase his work. 

In addition to the main work of art, you will also find similar pieces from Bartholomeus van der Helst and Frans Hals across from each other in this room.


Self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh

This is one of the most famous paintings ever done by Van Gogh, and it’s currently hanging in the hall of 19th-century art.

Vincent chose to paint himself mostly to avoid paying for a model.


The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer

Even if you’re not familiar with the artist, chances are you’ve seen this painting before.

This work is an excellent example of how the best artists manage to depict light reflecting off of other surfaces, as seen with each of the items on the table – as well as the Milkmaid herself!


The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn

Believe it or not, this was actually the first piece purchased for what would eventually become the Rijksmuseum.

This photo is courtesy of TripAdvisor.

While it may simply appear to be a swan protecting its nest, this painting was later interpreted as representative of Johan de Witt’s fight against enemies of the state and has since become a Dutch symbol of resistance.


The Cuypers Library

Whether you want to learn more about art history or you just want to see an impressive collection of books about art, a trip to the Cuypers Library is in order.


The Gardens

In addition to all the artwork on display at the Rijksmuseum, you’ll also find a beautiful sculpture garden just outside.

Designed by Pierre Cuypers, there are several topiaries, statues, fountains, flower beds, and more to see in the gardens.


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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: Dezember 28th, 2023
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