The Royal Palace Amsterdam (in Dutch: Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam) is one of the most impressive landmarks in the Netherlands and a must-visit when exploring the historic heart of the city. Located on Dam Square, the palace was originally built in the 17th century as Amsterdam’s city hall during the Dutch Golden Age and later became a royal residence.
Today, visitors can step inside this magnificent classical building to admire grand halls, marble floors, impressive sculptures, and paintings that reflect the wealth and power of Amsterdam’s trading past. The palace is still used by the Dutch royal family for official ceremonies, making it one of the few working palaces in Europe open to the public.
Inside the palace, highlights include the spectacular Citizens’ Hall with its world maps in marble on the floor, symbolizing Amsterdam’s global influence during the Golden Age. You’ll also discover richly decorated rooms, historic furniture, chandeliers, and artworks by renowned Dutch masters. Audio guides are available and help bring the history of the building and its royal functions to life.
Because of its central location, the Royal Palace is easy to combine with nearby attractions, museums, canal cruises, or a walk through the historic city centre. Whether you are interested in architecture, royal history, or the story of Amsterdam itself, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past and present role within the Dutch monarchy.
Royal Palace Amsterdam: Step Inside a Golden Age City Palace Still Used by the Dutch Royal Family
The Royal Palace Amsterdam includes:
- The spectacular Citizens’ Hall, the architectural centerpiece of the palace, featuring impressive marble floors with world maps symbolizing Amsterdam’s global influence during the Dutch Golden Age
- Elegant royal reception rooms and ceremonial halls, still used today for official state visits and royal events
- Magnificent 17th-century classical architecture, designed as Amsterdam’s former city hall and once considered one of the most important buildings in Europe
- Historic sculptures, chandeliers, paintings, and decorative interiors created by leading artists of the Dutch Golden Age
- A multilingual audio guide, included with your visit, offering fascinating insights into the building’s history and royal traditions
- A unique opportunity to explore one of the few working royal palaces in Europe open to visitors, located in the heart of Dam Square
A typical visit to the Royal Palace lasts approximately one hour.
A Masterpiece on Poles
Did you know the Royal Palace was originally built as Amsterdam’s City Hall? It was such an architectural feat that people called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Even more impressive: the entire structure rests on 13,659 wooden poles. A handy trick to remember this number? Just take the days in a year (365), put a '1' in front and a '9' at the end!
Prices
Check the calendar for current prices. The I amsterdam City Card is not valid, and free multimedia tours are subject to availability (no advance booking).
Opening hours
The Royal Palace Amsterdam is open most of the year
| Monday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Please consult the Palace agenda for up-to-date opening times. While Royal events may affect availability, the Palace generally stays open to the public during exhibition periods.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Dam Square1012 RJ Amsterdam
- +31 (0)20 522 6161
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How to get there:
- Walking: 10 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station
- Bicycle: bike parking at Beursplein 4
- Tram: 2, 17, 24 to Dam (Nieuwezijds side) or 4, 14 to Dam (Damrak side)
- Metro: 52 to stop Rokin
- Car: Parking Rokin, De Bijenkorf, among others
Accessibility: The Palace offers full accessibility, featuring elevators, accessible toilets, and available wheelchairs or walking sticks for visitors with reduced mobility. Free guidebooks for the hearing impaired are also available at the ticket desk in multiple languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian).
No pets allowed, except for guide dogs
Hotels near Royal Palace Amsterdam
Hotel Die Port van Cleve
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 176-180
1012 SJ Amsterdam
0,1 km
W Amsterdam
Spuistraat 175
1012 VN Amsterdam
0,1 km
Hotel Corner House
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 119-121
1012 RH Amsterdam
0,1 km
Swissôtel Amsterdam
Damrak 96
1012 LP Amsterdam
0,1 km
Best Western Dam Square Inn
Gravenstraat 12-16
1012 NM Amsterdam
0,2 km
Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw
Damrak 93-94
1012 LP Amsterdam
0,2 km
Last updated: April 2026