Housed in a magnificent building and beautifully laid out, The Rijksmuseum is the most important museum of historical art in Holland. It was built between 1877 and 1883 and re-opened in 2013 after undergoing an extensive 10-year renovation. There are over 250 rooms containing works by all the major Dutch Masters – head for the ‘Gallery of Honour’ first if pressed for time, but otherwise you should give yourself a half day inside. The museum contains one of the wealthiest Rembrandt collections in the world (including the marvellous The Night Watch) as well as The Milk Maid by Vermeer and some of his other works. There is also some beautiful furniture, delftware, musical instruments, and an impressive model ships section.

You should give yourself a whole day to explore this area, with lunch at the excellent Rijks Restaurant in between. Located in the Philips wing of the Rijskmuseum this excellent Michelin-starred restaurant has a large terrace set within gardens, making it a great spot for lunch after a morning at the museum. The menu is modern Dutch with strong South African influences. Expect inventive and imaginative combinations of ingredients and strong smoky flavours. Oysters, artichoke and beetroot all feature, together with some wonderful platters and desserts. Closed Monday all day, and Tuesday lunchtime.

Several tram lines and bus routes stop in front of the Rijksmuseum building, and all the main canal cruise companies have pick-up points near here too. The museum is open every day of the year, 09:00 – 17:00. Has a free cloakroom and lockers for bags.

All Kirker holidays to Amsterdam include complimentary timed entrance tickets to the Rijksmuseum, with the option to also include the excellent Van Gogh Museum, either as an alternative to the Rijksmuseum, or additionally, at an extra cost. Your tickets will be in your final travel documents wallet.