About Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, National Museum of Amsterdam is located in the Museumplein (Museum Square) of the city’s Oud-Zuid district. Originally built in 1885, it recently underwent a 10-year refurbishment and its gorgeous architecture is truly a sight for sore eyes.
The museum owns more than one million works of art, mostly coming from Dutch artists of the 17th century. Some of the most famous works in the Rijksmuseum collection include Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, one of Van Gogh’s self-portraits, and Rembrandt’s Night Watch.
Throughout the museum, you’ll see Dutch objects and artworks that reach through to the 20th century, taking visitors through the history of Amsterdam through cultural interpretations.
Things to know before Visiting Rijkmuseum:
- Prepare to wait in line. Especially during the peak summer months, there are often many visitors eager to explore within its walls. It’s suggested that you buy your tickets online or purchase an iAmsterdam Pass or Museumcard (for locals).
- Download the Rijksmuseum app and take a self-guided tour or book a private Rijksmuseum tour with an expert.
- For the full Amsterdam experience, take a canal tour on your way to or from the Rijksmuseum.
- If you’re there in winter, go ice skating in Museumplein afterward.
- Afterward, take a walking Rembrandt tour through the city.
Fun Fact: In true Amsterdam style, you can ride your bicycle through the Rijksmuseum. It’s the only museum in the world in which you can do so.
Things to do at Rijksmuseum
Once you arrive at the iconic Rijksmuseum, here are some things to do there:
- Book a tour to make sure you see all of the best that Dutch history has to offer from Rembrandt to Van Gogh.
- Start at the Rijksmuseum Library, an absolute must-see.
- The gardens are another stunning (and often skipped) part of the museum. Take a break from walking in this lush wonderland.
- Bike through the tunnels underneath the Rijksmuseum.
- Enjoy a coffee or small snack from the Rijksmuseum cafe near the gardens or enjoy a more upscale dining experience at the RIJKS restaurant.
- Bring home a souvenir from the Rijksmuseum gift shop.
Once you’ve explored the museum, the fun doesn’t stop. Here are even more things to do nearby:
- Visit Museumplein’s other incredible museums such as the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Diamond Museum, and Moco Museum.
- Experience Dutch art and culture through a different perspective with a boat tour through the city’s major canal.
- Stroll through the “5th Avenue” of Amsterdam on PC Hooftstraat for high-end shopping
- Attend a concert at the Concertgebouw (Concert Hall) or during the cultural season, the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest (Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra) offers a free lunch concert every Wednesday at 12:30 pm.
- Grab some travel essentials at the underground Albert Heijn supermarket.
- Make like a local and rent bikes that can take you anywhere in the city.
- Have a picnic on the grassy hills of the Museumplein park.
Transit options at Rijksmuseum
Tram
- From Central Station, trams 2 and 12 (Rijksmuseum tram stop)
- From Zuid Station: tram 5 (Rijksmuseum tram stop)
- From Sloterdijk Station: tram 19 (Spiegelgracht tram stop)
- From Amstel Station: tram 12 (Rijksmuseum tram stop),
Metro
- From Central Station metro 52 (stop: Vijzelgracht)
- From Amstel Station to Weesperplein, then tram 1, 7 or 19 (Spiegelgracht tram stop)
Bus
- From the Marnixstraat regional bus station: 288 (Rijksmuseum bus stop)
- From Schiphol Amsterdam Airport: bus 397 (Rijksmuseum bus stop)
Luggage storage near Rijksmuseum
Perhaps you’ve just arrived in Amsterdam and you have a few hours to kill before you can check-in to your Airbnb. Or maybe it’s your last day in the city, you’ve already checked out of your hotel, and your flight’s not until later tonight.
You definitely don’t want to be lugging all your stuff around Museumplein and through the Rijksmuseum. Bounce can help. We partner with local businesses to provide safe, convenient luggage storage near Rijksmuseum. It’s a no-brainer! Download the app today.
Attractions and activities near Rijksmuseum
Honestly, there’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam, being such a cultural hub in the Netherlands. In fact, there’s far too much to include everything in one article. However, we’ll do our best to share the must-sees near Rijksmuseum.
- Museumplein: If you’re a museum lover and don’t mind going to more than one in a day, some other amazing museums in the area include the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Diamond Museum, and Moco Museum.
- Outdoor fun: Ready to spend some time outdoors? Take a bike ride through the city, have a picnic in the park, or go ice skating during the winter months.
- Shopping: You might also go shopping at the underground Albert Heijn supermarket or peruse high-end retailers on PC Hooftstraat.
But, you can’t do all that while carrying around your suitcases all day! Download the Bounce app to find an Amsterdam luggage storage location nearby.