The museum operates daily from 09:00 to 17:00 with last entry typically around 16:30, and the shop and cafés following slightly later opening hours. Tickets must be booked online in advance (the museum no longer sells general-admission tickets at the desk), adults pay around €25 while visitors under 18 enter free; various memberships and cultural cards also grant free or reduced access — check the museum’s official ticket page for exact categories and updates.

If you want to avoid the thickest crowds, aim for right at opening (09:00) or the late afternoon; weekdays in winter (November–February) are the quietest months. The busiest window tends to be from mid-morning through early afternoon, when tour groups and cruise-ship schedules converge. With a clear plan—head first to the Gallery of Honour and The Night Watch, then loop outward to the maritime, Asian and decorative arts galleries—you can see the essentials in two hours, though a more thoughtful visit will take three to four.

Make the Rijksmuseum app and audio guides part of your plan: the free Rijksmuseum App lets you buy tickets, follow curated routes, and listen to high-quality commentary that adds context to the paintings without slowing your flow. If you prefer a human voice, small-group guided tours or an art historian-led walk add a level of insight that’s hard to beat—book them alongside your ticket if possible.

One newsworthy detail to flag: Operation Night Watch, the museum’s long, public restoration and research program for Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, has been visible to visitors and streamed in previous phases and continues to influence how the painting is displayed and interpreted. It’s a unique opportunity to see conservation in action and understand Rembrandt’s techniques—check the museum calendar before you go to see if special viewing or interpretation programs are running.

Practicalities matter. The Rijksmuseum is cashless, so have a card or mobile pay ready; the main Cromwell-like entrance faces Museumstraat and the building is fully step-free with lifts and accessible routes. Allow time to visit the museum shop and café (both excellent), and remember the gardens behind the museum are a peaceful extension on sunny days. If you’re short on time, use the museum’s map to prioritize rooms—don’t try to “do it all” in one visit.

Final takeaway: book your timed ticket online, go early or late on a weekday (or in winter), use the Rijksmuseum app or an audio tour, and head straight to the Gallery of Honour to enjoy The Night Watch before the crowds arrive. With that simple plan, the Rijksmuseum shifts from crowded must-see to one of the Netherlands’ most rewarding art experiences.