About Royal Palace Amsterdam

In 17th century the palace was  built to serve as a city hall. It opened in July 1655 inaugurated by Cornelis de Graeff. In 1813 the Palace was taken over by Prince William of Orange and remains in use by the Dutch royal house to this day - for official functions and state visits. It was so impressive, it was called the Eight World Wonder.  

Let your inner light shine high and bright on your travel to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Visit this beautiful, real-life palace and feel like royalty following in the footsteps of the King’s guests. One can’t help but marvel at the massive scale and richness of this royal structure. The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is exactly what it sounds like - a palace! It is King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace, which is open to visitors. There are close to 160,000 visitors that visit the palace in a year. These visits are permissible only when the Royal family or Royal House members are not in residence. Ensure that you have done your research beforehand so that you get the opportunity to see the palace from inside and experience its richness and grandeur.

This is one of three palaces in the country that is at the disposal of the monarch by Act of Parliament. It is used to host official events and state visits by the Dutch King. Also, the Palace plays a wonderful host on special events like award ceremonies, or New Year’s receptions. Privy to its share of mysteries, there are numerous hidden symbols and secrets in the Royal structure. Curator Renske Cohen Tervaert has revealed the secret meaning of these symbols. Be sure to request a guided tour of the Palace. It will be an eye-dazzling as well as an eye-opening experience for sure.

Must See

  • Paintings and sculptures by the most famous artists of the Dutch Golden Age.
  • Imperial furniture, chandeliers, and clocks from the time of Louis Napoleon.
  • The Empire collection
  • Hand-painted ceilings
  • Grand marble floors 
  • The Main Hall, also called Citizen Hall, is 34 metres long, 18 metres wide and 25 metres high
  • On the marble floor there are two maps of the world showing the Western and Eastern hemispheres Sculpture of Atlas carrying Globe which is 6-metre-high from toe to top of the Globe Paintings in all the rooms
  •  Amazing marble sculptures Antique furniture from the time of Louis Napoleon Statue of Peace on the front facade
  • On top of the palace is a large domed cupola, topped by a weather vane in the form of a cog ship
  • In the cupola is the famous carillon by François and Pieter Hemony cast in 1664 and renovated by Eijsbouts in 1965

How to reach

Bus

The cheapest way to get from Amsterdam Central Station to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is to bus which costs 1 - 3 EUR and takes 8 minutes. Bus line 170 also passes by the station. 

Tram and Train
Trams lines 3, 12, 16, 24 exits on a stop Museumplein.
The Train lines Sprinter stops near the palace.
The Light Rail lines 1,17,2,5 and metro 51 also stops near the museum.
 

 

Tips

  • Pick up a map with an audio tour
  • One can also tour the area in a horse-drawn carriage
  • For kids, there is a special map near the entrance
  • Don't forget to carry your camera to capture the amazing view of the place
  • Food and drinks are not permitted in the museum nor in the exhibition spaces
  • Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the museum
  • An elevator, a wheelchair-accessible toilet, and wheelchairs are available onsite
  • Palace is closed during state visit of foreign dignitaries. Check the Palace website for dates.
  • Free admission with Museumkaart, but not with the I Amsterdam City Card.
  • Ask for the audio guides (available in many language) at the counter located at the entry.
  • Some of the rooms only have space for one person to view at a time, so can be a bit hectic when busy with tourists.
  • The Palace is accessible for visitors on wheelchairs.
  • No cell phones – you are required to switch them off before entering the Palace.
  • Photography is permitted under condition that you do not use flash or tripod.
  • Guided tour through the week: € 85 (price excluding admission price per person (excluding schools).
  • Guided tour weekend or holidays: €115 (price excluding admission price per person (excluding schools).

Visit Time

Sunday:           10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Monday:            10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Tuesday:           10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Wednesday:      10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Thursday:          10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Friday:               10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Saturday:          10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

None, if the crowd is less.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Adult (18 and over) - 10 EUR
 Below 17 -   free
 

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 4.98°C

 

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