Museum Square - Beautiful sunset @ Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
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Museum Square

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Amsterdam's cultural heart, home to iconic museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, surrounded by a vibrant public square.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Museum Square - Beautiful sunset @ Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Museum Square

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Amsterdam's cultural heart, home to iconic museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, surrounded by a vibrant public square.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A must-visit for art lovers, offering a trifecta of world-class museums and a beautiful urban oasis."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry by booking your museum tickets in advance online. :ticket:

Wear comfy shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking between museums and inside them. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

Museum Square

Home to Dutch Masters like Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch'. A must-see for art lovers.

Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum

Museum Square

Explore the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings.

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Museum Square

Discover modern and contemporary art and design from the 20th and 21st centuries.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Museum Square

Museum Square can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Getting Around Museum Square

Museum Square is easily accessible by public transport. Many tram lines stop nearby. Walking between the museums is a pleasant experience, and the open space is perfect for a stroll.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter evenings
Why
Festive lights, ice skating
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Anselm Kiefer is in Amsterdam! A historic moment for two museums of the Museum Square in Amsterdam: for the first time ever, the @vangoghmuseum and the @stedelijkmuseum joined forces creating a exhibition together featuring the works of German artist Anselm Kiefer (b. 1945). The Van Gogh Museum reveals the profound connection between Vincent van Gogh and Kiefer, who, at just 17, used a travel sc...
seeallthis
25.1K likes • 489.5K views

Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry by booking your museum tickets in advance online. :ticket:

Wear comfy shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking between museums and inside them. :athletic_shoe:

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, just a nice time together or nothing at all.. the festive lights in these dark days of the year always give a special atmosphere!🤩😊 (location: Museum Square, Amsterdam). #museumsquare #amsterdam #mokum #iceskating #winter #winterdays #xmas #christmas #mijnmokum #amsterdamworld
amsterdampixels
59 likes • 1.4K views
Museum Square got even prettier! 🌷🌷We hope to see you all soon in the Rijksmuseum ✨ #Rijksmuseum #Amsterdam #Tulips
rijksmuseum
9.4K likes • 110.6K views

Check for special exhibitions

Museums often have temporary exhibits that are worth planning around. :camerawithflash:

Enjoy the open space

The square itself is a great place to relax and people-watch. :iphone:

Tips

from all over the internet

Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry by booking your museum tickets in advance online. :ticket:

Wear comfy shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking between museums and inside them. :athletic_shoe:

Check for special exhibitions

Museums often have temporary exhibits that are worth planning around. :camerawithflash:

Enjoy the open space

The square itself is a great place to relax and people-watch. :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Museum Square is a cultural gem, lauded for its world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Visitors appreciate the beautiful open space and seasonal attractions like ice skating. Some find the ticket prices for individual museums steep, and crowds can be significant during peak times.

What People Like

World-class museums
Beautiful public space
Seasonal activities

What People Dislike

Crowded at peak times
High individual ticket prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Museum Square is easily reachable by public transport. Tram lines 2, 5, 12, and 24 stop nearby. If you're coming from Amsterdam Centraal Station, take tram 2 or 12. The square is also a pleasant walk from the Leidseplein area. :bus: :tram: Reddit

Yes, there is a Q-Park parking garage directly beneath Museum Square, offering convenient access to all the museums. However, it can be expensive. :car: Reddit

Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are plenty of bike racks available around the square. :bicycle: Reddit

The museums are all within easy walking distance of each other on Museum Square. It's a great way to experience the area. :walking: Instagram

Yes, Museum Square and its surrounding museums are generally accessible for wheelchairs. Many museums offer elevators and accessible restrooms. :wheelchair: Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Museum Square itself is a public space and free to enter. However, you will need separate tickets for each museum within the square (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, etc.). :ticket: Reddit

It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance directly from the official websites of each museum. This helps avoid long queues and guarantees entry, especially for the Van Gogh Museum which often sells out. :computer: TikTokReddit

Opening hours vary by museum. Generally, the museums are open from 9 AM to 5 PM or 6 PM daily, with some offering extended hours on certain days. Always check the specific museum's website for the most up-to-date information. :clock: Reddit

While there aren't typically combination tickets for all museums on Museum Square, you can often purchase a Museumkaart (Museum Card) if you plan to visit many museums in the Netherlands, which can offer significant savings. :moneybag: Reddit

It's possible to buy tickets on the day at some museums, but it's not guaranteed, especially for popular ones like the Van Gogh Museum. Booking ahead is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. :x: Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies vary. The Rijksmuseum generally allows non-flash photography for personal use, but some special exhibitions may prohibit it. The Van Gogh Museum typically does not allow photography of the artworks. Always look for signage or ask staff. :camerawithflash: Reddit

The square itself offers great photo opportunities, especially with the iconic museums as backdrops. The reflecting pool in front of the Rijksmuseum and the open lawn areas are popular. :camera: Instagram

Yes, drone photography is generally not permitted in public spaces like Museum Square or around the museums due to privacy and safety regulations. :noentrysign: Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light and fewer crowds, making for more picturesque shots. Golden hour can be particularly stunning. :sunrise: :sunset: Instagram

Selfies are generally allowed in the public areas of Museum Square. Inside the museums, check for specific selfie stick policies, as they are often prohibited. :iphone: Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, each museum has its own cafe or restaurant offering light meals, snacks, and drinks. There are also several cafes and restaurants surrounding Museum Square. :coffee: :sandwich: Reddit

You'll find a range of options from casual cafes serving sandwiches and pastries to more formal restaurants offering Dutch and international cuisine. :fries: :salad: Reddit

While you can't typically eat inside the museums, the open spaces of Museum Square are suitable for picnics, weather permitting. :bread: :cheese: Reddit

Look for smaller cafes or bakeries slightly off the main square for more affordable snacks and meals. Supermarkets are also a good option for picnic supplies. :euro: Reddit

Most museum cafes and surrounding restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask staff. :leafy_green: Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Museum Square offers a fantastic day out for families. The Rijksmuseum has family-friendly tours and activities, and its sheer scale can be exciting for children. The Van Gogh Museum might be more engaging for older children interested in art history, with interactive elements available. Reddit

Consider visiting the Stedelijk Museum for its modern and often colorful exhibits that can capture a child's imagination. Outside the museums, the open space of Museum Square is perfect for kids to run around. During winter, the ice-skating rink is a huge hit with families. Instagram Remember to check museum websites for specific family programs and age recommendations.

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For serious art lovers, Museum Square is paradise. Dedicate ample time to the Rijksmuseum to fully appreciate its Dutch Masters and historical artifacts. Plan at least half a day for the Van Gogh Museum to immerse yourself in his genius. TikTok

Don't overlook the Stedelijk Museum for its significant collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. Consider purchasing a Museumkaart if you plan to visit multiple Dutch museums during your trip, as it offers excellent value. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Iconic Museums

Museum Square is the cultural heart of Amsterdam, home to three world-renowned institutions. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, dedicated to arts and history, famously housing Rembrandt's masterpiece, 'The Night Watch'. Prepare to be awestruck by its vast collection spanning centuries of Dutch art and heritage. Reddit

The Van Gogh Museum boasts the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in the world, offering an intimate look into the artist's life and evolution. It's a deeply moving experience to see his iconic paintings and drawings up close. Due to its immense popularity, booking tickets well in advance is crucial. TikTok

For lovers of modern and contemporary art and design, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is a must-visit. Its striking modern architecture is as impressive as the collection within, featuring works from the early 20th century to the present day. Instagram

The Square Itself: More Than Just a Passageway

Museum Square is not just a place to get from one museum to another; it's a vibrant public space designed for enjoyment and relaxation. During winter, it transforms into a magical setting with an ice-skating rink and festive lights, creating a charming atmosphere. Instagram

In warmer months, the expansive lawn areas are perfect for picnics or simply lounging. The reflecting pool in front of the Rijksmuseum offers a picturesque spot for photos and a moment of calm. It's a place where locals and tourists alike gather, making it a lively hub. Reddit

Keep an eye out for temporary installations or events that often take place in the square, adding to its dynamic character. It’s a space that truly comes alive throughout the year, offering different experiences depending on the season. Instagram

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