Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Private Tour & Reserved Entry

Summary

Walk through Van Gogh’s world in Amsterdam with a guide who knows the stories behind each brushstroke

You’ll walk straight into Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum with reserved entry and a local guide who brings each painting to life. Hear real stories behind famous works like “Sunflowers,” pause for quiet moments in front of lesser-known pieces, and explore at your own pace after the guided part ends. It’s an experience that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous before meeting our guide just across from the Rijksmuseum—maybe it was the drizzle, or maybe just knowing we’d skip those long lines at the Van Gogh Museum (I’m not great with crowds). Our guide, Marijn, greeted us with this easy smile and a quick story about growing up nearby. He handed us our reserved entry tickets, which honestly felt like a golden ticket as we slipped past everyone waiting outside. Inside, there was this faint smell of old varnish and something floral I couldn’t place. The lighting made the colors in “Sunflowers” almost hum—it’s different seeing it in person, you know?

We started with Van Gogh’s early Dutch paintings—darker than I imagined. Marijn explained how Vincent’s life shifted between countries and moods, pointing out tiny details I would’ve missed on my own (like how his brushstrokes changed when he moved to France). At one point, I tried pronouncing “Zundert,” his hometown—Marijn laughed gently and said even locals mess it up. There was a quiet moment in front of one of his self-portraits where nobody spoke; you could almost hear the hush settle over everyone. It hit me then how fragile all of this felt.

The private tour wrapped up after about two and a half hours, but our tickets let us stay as long as we wanted. We wandered back to see Monet and Gauguin—Marijn had mentioned their friendship with Van Gogh, so I wanted another look. By then my feet were tired but my head was buzzing. Sometimes museums can feel overwhelming or cold, but this day trip through Van Gogh’s world from central Amsterdam felt personal somehow. I still think about that blue light on the paint.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private guided Van Gogh Museum tour

• Meet guide across Rijksmuseum
• Skip lines with priority ticket
• Explore Van Gogh's Dutch paintings
• View vibrant French period works
• See Sunflowers and lesser-known art
• Learn about Van Gogh's life
• Discover works by Gauguin and Monet
• Tour ends at 3pm
• Continue exploring museum independently

Top questions

How long does the private Van Gogh Museum tour last?

The guided portion lasts about 2.5 hours, but your entry ticket is valid for the whole day so you can stay longer if you wish.

Is skip-the-line access included for the Van Gogh Museum?

Yes, reserved entry is included so you can bypass main entrance lines at the museum.

Where does the tour start?

You meet your English-speaking guide just across from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Are other artists besides Van Gogh featured on this tour?

Yes, your guide will also highlight works by artists like Gauguin and Monet who inspired or were connected to Van Gogh.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the museum and tour are wheelchair accessible if you book the private option.

Can I bring large bags into the museum?

No, only handbags or small thin backpacks are allowed through security at the Van Gogh Museum.

What happens if some rooms are very quiet or have restrictions?

Your guide will share information before entering rooms where speaking is restricted due to museum rules.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees for Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, exclusive guided access with reserved entry (so no waiting outside), and a personal guide just for your group—the ticket lets you keep exploring on your own after the 2.5 hour tour wraps up.