Rijksmuseum Tickets Sold Out? Here’s What to Do Next (And Still Get In)

Did you know that during the 2023 Vermeer Exhibition, more than 200,000 tickets were snapped up within just 48 hours?  So, it’s no surprise if you’re seeing “Rijksmuseum tickets sold out” when trying to book. 

That frustrating message hits fast, especially for popular time slots and blockbuster exhibits. However, Rijksmuseum tickets being sold out doesn’t always mean you’re locked out. Cancellations and alternative options still exist. 

Today, I’ll show you how to find those ticket hacks, plus smart alternatives that let you skip the line and enjoy the masterpieces stress-free. You’ve got options. And yes, you’re going to see The Night Watch in person.

Key Takeaways

• Rijksmuseum tickets sell out fast, especially for peak seasons and special exhibitions. Plan ahead if possible.
• Check the official site frequently; extra slots or cancellations sometimes reopen.
• Trusted third-party platforms like ToursTravelFinder can offer combo tickets or guided tours even when the main site is sold out.
• Don’t give up if you can’t get in! Explore the Rijksmuseum Gardens, enjoy digital tours, or visit nearby museums like MOCO or Stedelijk.
• Plan smarter for next time: Tickets are released 90 days in advance, and the best booking window is 2–4 weeks ahead.

Don’t need the whole explanation? Click the button below to check today’s ticket availability:

Last-Minute Rijksmuseum Tickets: Availability & Trusted Options

When (and Why) Rijksmuseum Tickets Sell Out

Knowing when and why Rijksmuseum tickets sell out can save you a lot of stress. One of the main reasons for this sellout is the huge crowd in the peak season. The busiest times are normally during the spring and summer months, especially from April through July.  

Then travelers flood Amsterdam to enjoy the sunshine and the art. Add to that major holidays, school breaks, and any special exhibitions, and you have a recipe for quick sellouts.

Generally, popular time slots fill up 1 to 3 weeks ahead. The Rijksmuseum hosts many blockbuster art exhibitions. As a result, tickets to a blockbuster exhibition, such as the recent Vermeer showcase, can vanish months in advance. No wonder that the demand rose so sharply.

Here is a little trick you can use for Rijksmuseum tickets. The museum’s busiest hours are usually between 11 AM and 3 PM, when most visitors arrive. If you’re aiming to avoid the crowds (and snag those elusive tickets), try booking early morning slots before 10:30 AM or late afternoon after 3:30 PM.

These times are often more available and give you a quieter, more personal experience with the masterpieces. That’s why this is the best time to visit the Rijksmuseum at your own pace or experience it with family. 

So, if you’re planning your visit around these peak times, it’s best to book as early as possible. But if your schedule is tight, focusing on off-peak hours could be the secret to still enjoying the museum without the crowds and without the ticket panic.

Check the Official Site First: Here’s What to Look For

When hunting for Rijksmuseum tickets, your first and best stop is always the official website, rijksmuseum.nl. This is where you can purchase guaranteed authentic tickets and check real-time availability for your preferred dates and times. Some more reasons to keep an eye on the official website: 

• Cancellation: The good news is that tickets occasionally become available again due to cancellations or rescheduling. Especially in the early mornings or 1-2 days before your scheduled visit. So, don’t give up if it looks sold out now; check back regularly.
• A quick heads-up for cardholders: Even if you have a Museumkaart or the I amsterdam Card, you still need to reserve a timed entry slot online. These passes do not grant walk-in access; instead, they waive the admission fee.
• Smart workaround most tourists miss: I recommend signing up for availability alerts if the website offers them or setting a reminder to refresh the booking page during off-hours. Believe it or not, some travelers purchase tickets at midnight in Amsterdam when new slots or cancellations become available. 

It’s like a little secret hack for experienced travelers. So yes, the official site takes some patience; however, it’s worth it to keep checking there first before exploring other options ( Vangogh museum, or Anna frank house…etc).

Still Seeing “Sold Out”? These Options Might Save Your Trip

You didn’t fly all the way to Amsterdam just to spend your day refreshing a ticket page. If the Rijksmuseum’s official site still shows “Sold Out,” don’t panic. You’ve still got reliable, legit options that could save the day.

Several third-party platforms offer authorized tickets, guided tours, and bundled experiences. These aren’t shady resellers; they’re reputable tourism companies who often reserve blocks of tickets in advance, especially for high-demand dates.

Here are some solid options to check:

• Tourist Travel Finder: A great spot; I highly recommend it for custom experiences and skip-the-line access. If you need to watch multiple attractions together, tourtravelfinder offers soft bundle upgrades like canal cruises or walking tours. 

For example, this platform offers the Rijksmuseum with other must-see spots like the Van Gogh Museum or Amsterdam’s iconic canal cruises.

• GetYourGuide: Known for its excellent customer service and flexibility. Many of their tickets come with free cancellation and expert-led tours.
• Tickets and Musement: Both offer last-minute ticket availability, plus mobile entry and combination deals.  

And here’s the bonus you get from a third-party platform like ToursTravelFinder is that it comes with extra facilities that the standard ticket doesn’t, like early entry, curated group tours, or fast-track access that helps you skip long lines at the entrance.

So even if your dream time slot disappeared from the official calendar, all is not lost. These curated platforms give you back your time and may even enhance your visit into something more memorable.

Last-Minute Travelers: Here’s What Might Still Work

I’ve listed the best options here. Whether you’re looking for last-minute tickets or just starting your journey, the vibe is “you didn’t plan this, but here’s how to save the day.” 

So smart ticket links will work well. Grab these top-rated options before they sell out.

Buy fast-track admission tickets for the Rijksmuseum here. On the otherhand, If you enjoy stories behind artworks and histories around those galleries, consider the Rijksmuseum guided tour options. 

Checklist To Prepare for Attending Rijksmuseum

A well-planned travel itinerary from the start. You can follow this checklist. Before you leave, make sure you have these things sorted:

For special exhibitions (like Vermeer or Rembrandt), aim to book 6 weeks or more ahead; these tickets go fast! Aside from these, if you want to learn more about more things to do in Amsterdam, click here.

Alternative Ways to Experience the Rijksmuseum

If you can’t get inside the Rijksmuseum right now, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to connect with its art and atmosphere:

1. Rijksmuseum App: Enjoy free digital tours and explore highlights from anywhere. It’s like carrying a personal art guide in your pocket.
2. Rijksmuseum Gardens: The gardens offer a peaceful retreat with sculptures and seasonal blooms. A great space for a relaxing walk. 
3. Nearby Museums: Check out the Moco Museum for graffiti and contemporary art. Or the Stedelijk Museum for modern and design pieces. Both make excellent additions to your Amsterdam art tour.
4. Digital Vermeer Experience: I know virtual experience cannot be compared with real-time experience. Still, you can watch this beautifully narrated online exhibition to witness Vermeer’s masterpieces. It may not be the perfect option for art lovers on the go, but it still works if the situation demands. 

What to Do When You Finally Get In (Plan Your Visit Like a Pro)

Finally, you get your ticket; make sure you follow these tips. For now, it’s time to make the most of your visit to the Rijksmuseum.

• Must-see highlights: Don’t miss The Night Watch in the Gallery of Honour, plus masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer that define Dutch Golden Age art.
• Best times to enter: Arrive before 10:30 AM or after 3:30 PM for a quieter, more relaxed experience away from the midday crowds.
• Plan your stay: Allocate around 2 to 3 hours to truly savor the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

FAQs: Rijksmuseum Tickets Sold Out

What should I do if Rijksmuseum tickets are sold out?

If tickets are gone on the official site, check trusted third-party sellers like tourstravelfinder, GetYourGuide, or Tiqets. They often have skip-the-line tickets available or guided tour packages with reserved access.

Can I buy tickets at the entrance if they’re sold out online?

No. The Rijksmuseum requires online reservations only, even for free cardholders like even if you have a Museumkaart, I amsterdam Card, or other pass. No walk-in tickets are available.

Are third-party tickets (like tourstravelfinder) reliable?

Yes. If you use well-reviewed platforms. Sites like tourstravelfinder partner with licensed guides and official tour slots, offering reliable entry and extras like guided access.

When do tickets usually sell out?

Expect sellouts during spring/summer (April–July), holidays, and major exhibits. Midday time slots (11 AM–2 PM) go first. Book 2–4 weeks ahead or earlier for big events.

Final Thoughts

The museum uses a timed-entry system to control crowds, so slots fill quickly. If you’ve landed on that “Riisseum tickets sold out” page yourself, you’re definitely not alone, and that sinking feeling? Totally understandable.

With a little planning, your Rijksmuseum visit will be unforgettable, with art, history, and inspiration all wrapped into one beautiful experience. Comment down any queries you have, and stay tuned with getsometraveltips.com for more travel insights.