Amsterdam: Van Gogh & Rijksmuseum Private Tour Entry

Summary

Step inside Dutch masterpieces with reserved museum access

You’ll walk right into Amsterdam’s best museums with reserved entry and an expert local guide who brings Rembrandt and Van Gogh to life through stories and quiet moments. From secret dollhouses at the Rijksmuseum to seeing every brushstroke up close at the Van Gogh Museum (and yes, hearing about that ear), this tour gives you time to actually feel the art — not just check it off.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly walked right past the Rijksmuseum’s entrance — there’s this hush outside that feels too calm for what’s inside. Our guide, Marieke, handed me my ticket (no lines, thankfully) and led us straight into a room where Rembrandt’s brushstrokes looked almost alive. She told us how “The Night Watch” used to be even bigger, which I’d never heard before. There was a group of Dutch schoolkids giggling near the dollhouses — apparently those are famous here? The air smelled faintly of old wood and something sweet from the café downstairs. I kept getting distracted by tiny details: lace collars in portraits, the weirdly comforting silence in some galleries.

After a quick lunch break (I grabbed a broodje kaas from a stand outside — not fancy but it hit the spot), we headed over to the Van Gogh Museum. Honestly, I thought I knew Van Gogh already — sunflowers, starry nights, all that. But standing in front of “The Potato Eaters,” you can see every rough patch and color he fought with. Our guide talked about Vincent’s letters to his brother Theo; she even read one out loud in Dutch before translating it. I tried to repeat one phrase and Marieke laughed at my accent. The whole ear thing came up too, but somehow it felt less like gossip and more like… empathy? You could feel people slowing down in front of “The Bedroom,” just quietly taking it in.

I didn’t expect to leave thinking about library ladders or 19th-century paint colors, but here we are. The museums were busy but never rushed — maybe because we had someone steering us away from crowds or because Amsterdam just moves at its own pace. Even hours later, I kept picturing those deep blues and golds under the museum lights. If you’re looking for a day trip that isn’t just ticking boxes, this private Van Gogh & Rijksmuseum tour really lets you linger where it matters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum

• Start tour at Rijksmuseum
• Explore Dutch Golden Age art
• See Rembrandt and Vermeer works
• Discover 17th century dollhouses
• Visit 19th century library
• Break for lunch
• Enter Van Gogh Museum
• View Van Gogh’s famous paintings
• Learn about Van Gogh’s life

Top questions

How long does the private Van Gogh & Rijksmuseum tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours including a break for lunch.

Does this tour include skip-the-line entry?

Yes, reserved entry is included so you can skip standard lines at both museums.

Is lunch included on this Amsterdam museum tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is a break so you can eat nearby.

Are both museums wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are fully wheelchair accessible.

Will we have our own private guide during the tour?

Yes, this is an exclusive guided combo tour with your own expert guide unless you book the semi-private option.

What if one of the museums closes unexpectedly?

If either museum closes without warning or opening is delayed by more than an hour, an alternative will be provided but refunds aren’t available.

Can infants or small children join this private museum tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Are large bags allowed inside these Amsterdam museums?

No large bags or suitcases are permitted; only handbags or small thin backpacks are allowed through security.

What’s included

Your day includes all entrance fees for both Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum with reserved entry so there’s no waiting around, plus an expert local guide exclusively for your group (unless you select semi-private). The itinerary allows for a relaxed lunch break between museums before continuing your exploration together.