Things to do · Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum tickets: how to choose
It is quiet in front of the Sunflowers, quiet enough to hear the floor creak when someone shifts their weight. The yellow paint is thicker than you expect, laid on in ridges that cast tiny shadows. You never see that in a print.
In short: Van Gogh Museum tickets
The museum holds the largest collection of Van Gogh's work in the world, and you follow his life from the dark paintings of the Netherlands to the light of Arles. Tickets are sold with a time slot and often sell out, so book before you go. If you want to understand more, choose a guided tour. Short on time? Combine the museum with a canal cruise.
How to choose a Van Gogh Museum ticket
At your own pace: a standard timed ticket. Take the first slot of the morning.
You want the story: a guided tour. The guide fills in what happened between the paintings.
Short stay: a combo ticket with a one-hour canal cruise, two highlights in one afternoon.
Three ways to see the Van Gogh Museum
Choose by how much you want to know, and how much time you have.
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Good to know
Getting there
Tram to Museumplein or Van Baerlestraat. From the canal ring it is a 15-minute walk.
Book ahead
Tickets are sold with a time slot, and the best times go first. Do not count on buying at the door.
Best time
The first slot of the morning, or late afternoon once the groups have gone.
Time
Allow two hours. The museum is manageable, but you will linger at some paintings.
Cloakroom
Large bags must go in the cloakroom. Travel light.
How Picolo chooses
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Stay near Museumplein
Museumplein
Conservatorium Hotel
- Minutes from the museum
A former music conservatory built around a bright glass-roofed courtyard. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are a few minutes away, Vondelpark even closer.
Best for: For the museums
De Pijp
Sir Albert Hotel
- Cafés round the corner
A former diamond factory in De Pijp, with tall windows and plenty of light. Museumplein is a short walk away, and the Albert Cuyp market is round the corner.
Best for: For the neighbourhood
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More things to do in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum: frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Van Gogh Museum tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets are sold with a time slot and often sell out, especially at weekends and in the holidays. Book as soon as you know which day you will go.
How long do you need at the Van Gogh Museum?
Most visitors spend about two hours. A guided tour is a little quicker, because the guide picks the paintings for you.
Which famous paintings are in the Van Gogh Museum?
Highlights include Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Potato Eaters and several self-portraits. Some works may be on loan, so check the museum's website if there is one painting you must see.
Can I see the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum on the same day?
Yes, they share the same square. Do one in the morning and the other after lunch, with a break in Vondelpark between. We would not try more than two big museums in a day.
Where should I stay to be near the museums?
Around Museumplein, or in De Pijp a short walk away. Conservatorium sits right by the museums, and Sir Albert puts the cafés of De Pijp on your doorstep.
Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles