The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands' premier art trove, splashing Rembrandts, Vermeers and 7500 other masterpieces over 1.5km of galleries. To avoid the biggest crowds, come after 3pm. Or prebook tickets online, which provides fast-track entry.
The Golden Age works are the highlight. Feast your eyes on still lifes, gentlemen in ruffled collars and landscapes bathed in pale yellow light. Rembrandt's The Night Watch (1642) takes pride of place.
Initially named Company of Frans Banning Cocq (the militia's leader), the Night Watch title was bestowed years later due to a layer of grime that gave the impression it was evening.
Other must-sees are the Delftware (blue-and-white pottery), intricately detailed dolls' houses and the brand-new Asian Pavilion. The sculpture-studded gardens around the exterior are free to visit.
