Amsterdam’s three most iconic attractions — the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum — are among the most visited in Europe. They’re also among the most difficult to access without careful planning. For cruise passengers, the key is acting early. Here’s the complete booking guide.
See also: Amsterdam Shore Day: How to Beat the Crowds.
Anne Frank House — Book Six Weeks Ahead
All tickets for a given date are released on annefrank.org every Tuesday at 10:00 Amsterdam time, six weeks ahead. Set a phone alarm for the Tuesday that covers your call date — slots sell out within 10–15 minutes in peak season. Tickets are sold on annefrank.org and nowhere else: no reseller can supply entry to the house, so if your date is gone, it is gone.
Rijksmuseum — Book 2–4 Weeks Ahead
Available at rijksmuseum.nl and Tiqets. Choose the earliest slot — 9am entry lets you see the Night Watch almost alone. Standard entry: €25 for adults, free for under-18s (rijksmuseum.nl, checked August 2026).
Van Gogh Museum — Book 1–3 Weeks Ahead
Strict timed-entry, no walk-ups. Book at vangoghmuseum.nl or Tiqets. First slot of the day is always quietest. Entry: €25 for adults, free for under-18s (checked August 2026). Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Shore Day Booking Timeline
- On booking your cruise: Note your port date and find the Tuesday six weeks before it — that is when Anne Frank tickets open
- Six weeks before, on the Tuesday: Anne Frank House at 10:00 Amsterdam time
- 4 weeks before: Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh Museum timed entry
- 2 weeks before: Canal boat tour + any restaurant reservations
- Spring visit: Book Keukenhof as soon as season opens
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Anne Frank House is sold out?
The Dutch Resistance Museum covers the same period in depth and never sells out. Also consider the Holocaust Monument (Nationaal Holocaust Namenmonument) — free and deeply moving. Guided Anne Frank neighbourhood walks can be booked in advance, though they do not include entry to the house itself.
Can I visit all three museums in one shore day?
Technically yes — but exhausting. Anne Frank (9am), Rijksmuseum (11am), Van Gogh (2pm) is the maximum realistic schedule. We recommend choosing two and spending more quality time in each.