buying tickets for Rijksmuseum

The museum is never sold out meaning it is not necessary to buy this far in advance but you don't want to show up to buy a ticket.

No, you can buy them the day you are there (or if you buy one of the passes, then you can use that for admission).

Most of the museums are like this - the only exception right now is the Anne Frank House, which has mandatory reservations because of renovations going on, and the Van Gogh Museum, because of the Van Gogh and Japan exhibit going on now until July. So probably by August you will not need to make any reservations.

I know you can buy them there on the same day; but when I showed up one time there was a long line just to buy a ticket

The Van Gogh Museum always has timed tickets, not only for this exhibition. And I understand that the Anne Frank Huis normally has a dual system: most of the day timed tickets, and from mid-afternoon or so without, but with an enormous queue. Better have those tickets bought in advance as well.

Ton, as of last week, the Anne Frank house was not accepting anyone who does not have a reserved time slot. So travelers should definitely book their tickets in advance. They do release tickets every day online around 1 pm (that's what they told several people who showed up without tickets) but when those people asked if they could come back later and buy tickets in person, they were told that the ONLY way to purchase tickets at this time is online.

And with regards to the Van Gogh museum, you are right in that you can always book online if you want - I just wanted the OP to understand that now it is mandatory until July. I probably should have been more clear. :)

We just did the Rijksmuseum Thursday last week and I purchased our tickets online an hour before we went to avoid waiting in line. The line wasn't too bad to get tickets, but I was glad we had them bc we walked right in. I wouldn't bother getting them much in advance. Like someone else said, they don't sell out and they are good on any day. The museum is huge-plan to spend a few hours at least. We did purchase Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh in advance. Those are timed entries so it's a bit different. I think 90 minutes for AF and 2 hours for VG was sufficient as those are much smaller. Enjoy!

Thanks to all. Just the info I needed!

Would you all say it is possible to see the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum in one day? Also, how much of the AF is being renovated? Would it still be worth it to visit? And, what is the best way to get to each place? Thank you!