Is it recommended to buy tickets in advance for the Rijksmuseum & Heineken Experience? If I buy them in advance they would be for specific times/dates, but I was hoping to stay flexible with my time in Amsterdam. However, I don't want to get stuck waiting in long ticket lines to purchase tickets when I do decide to visit these two attractions. I purchased the Iamsterdam card, which also provides discounts on tickets to the Rijksmuseum & Heineken Experience ( since they aren't included with the Iamsterdam card), so I'm guessing I would have to buy the tickets in person in order to use those discounts? Does the Iamsterdam card work as any sort of "skip the line" for ticket purchases at either of these attractions? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
For what it's worth. I was in Amsterdam in late July of 2014, and did NOT buy advance tickets for the Rijksmuseum, and had no problem with lines. It was a beautiful Summer day, I went early around 10:00 a.m, and spent about 4 hours there. Still not enough time as the museum is huge. From the museum, I took a bike-taxi to the Albert Cuyp Market to check that out. The bike taxi was 10 Euros and a lot of fun. The market is very close to the museum and also a lot of fun. I have included a couple of links below from that day, you might find enjoyable. Have a great time in Amsterdam!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOjw4IDfBgE
I agree-tickets for the Rijksmuseum did not involve an overly long line. I think I waited 15-20 minutes at midday. I did the Heineken Experience at around 1800 and found that line to be pretty short as well. Please do buy advance tickets for both the Anne Frank Huis and the Van Gogh museum. Lines for both can be extremely unmanageable.
I've got my tickets for the Anne Frank Huis, and since I have the Iamsterdam card, that includes tickets to the Van Gogh Museum. I have no idea if it involves a skip the line thing or if I just have to wait in line but don't have to pay? No idea. Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I will probably not buy tickets in advance for Rijksmuseum & Heineken.
Unless things have changed since I was there 1.5 years ago, Iamsterdam card holders get to stand in the pass holder line, which is definitely shorter than the line for those with no tickets or passes. You will work your way to the ticket counter and show your Iamsterdam card and will be given a ticket at no charge. There is also a third line for people who bought online tickets, which allows you to skip the line. So, you'll get in sooner than the no ticket line, but people who bought online tickets will be let in before you.
It's a great museum - you will love it!