Van Gogh Museum: Worth It?

The Van Gogh Museum holds the world's largest collection of his work: roughly 200 paintings and 500 drawings, plus letters that show how he thought. Expect crowds even on quiet days; the building is modern and well laid out but can feel packed on the lower floors where Sunflowers, Bedroom in Arles, and Almond Blossom sit. Most people spend 60-90 minutes inside. It's not a calm, contemplative space unless you arrive at opening or during the last hour. The permanent collection is the main event — the temporary exhibitions are hit or miss and often require an extra ticket.

Best time is shoulder season (March-May or September-October). Summer is busy and hot; winter has shorter lines but fewer daylight hours. Expect to pay around €25-30 for a standard adult ticket if bought online in advance. Guided tours push the total to €100+ per person. Skip the overpriced audio guide and just use the free museum app instead. If you're short on time or energy, focus on the top floor first where the later, more intense works are — many visitors never make it up there before they run out of steam.