Amsterdam, Netherlands2-3 hoursMorning
Rijksmuseum
Dutch Golden Age masterpieces in Amsterdam's landmark museum.
Ideal: Ideal for art history, classic museum visits, and first-time visitors to Amsterdam.
The 1885 Cuypers building reopened in 2013 after a ten-year renovation costing €375 million. Rembrandt's 1642 Night Watch was trimmed at the edges in 1715 so it would fit on a wall in the town hall; for years the painting has been studied and restored in a glass case in full view of visitors. The bicycle tunnel running through the middle of the building is the outcome of years of dispute between cyclists and the museum during renovation — the tunnel could not be closed.
Why go?
- To see masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer
- To understand Dutch Golden Age art and history
- For one of Amsterdam's most important museum buildings
Travel tip
The museum is large — choose sections in advance and set aside extra time for Rembrandt.
