Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis) is the imposing building found on Dam Square next to the Nieuwe Kerk and is regularly open to public visitors. Book Royal Palace tickets here

The Royal Palace building was designed by Jacob van Campen (1596-1657) and opened in 1655 as Amsterdam’s Town Hall. It was proclaimed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ reflecting the confidence and status of the city during the so-called Golden Age period.

It stands 79m wide and is 55m high to the top of its tower. The building is supported by 13,659 wooden poles made from Norwegian spruce which were driven by hand into Amsterdam’s soft ground.

In 1808 it became an imperial palace and brief residence of Louis Bonaparte (1778-1846, the brother of Napoleon) who had been installed as King of the Netherlands.

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. A major renovation took place between 2005 and 2009.

When not in official use the palace is open to the public – it is worthy of a visit just to see the impressive Citizen’s Hall (Burgerzaal) at the heart of the palace.

At 34m high and 25m wide, the Citizen’s Hall is particularly striking as the sunlight streams in from the windows. It has marble floors inlaid with 3 large circular map, each over 6m in diameter and depicting the eastern and western hemispheres plus the night sky.

The hall also contains some great sculptures including the 6m high Atlas holding the world on his shoulders. A bronze version of the Atlas sculpture is also found on the exterior of the palace building at the western side.

Around the Citizen’s Hall are marble galleries which house a number of smaller rooms. These are stylishly decorated and contain much of the original furniture from Napoleon’s period.

The highlights include the Throne Room, the Royal Apartment, the former Burgomasters’ Chamber and the Moses Hall.

Take a peak through the window of The Balcony Chamber, where the balcony overlooking Dam Square has been the scene of many a Royal event.

A free hand-held audio tour provides insight and is available in 8 languages – Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. There is also a children’s audio available in Dutch and English.

Guided tours are available for up to 10 people but must be booked in advance. These cost €105 during the week and €135 at weekends (excluding admission costs).

The entrance to the Palace can be found on the Dam Square side. A one-way route is in effect during the visit. Note, there is a shop at the exit but there are no café facilities.

How To Book Royal Palace Amsterdam Tickets

To visit the Royal Palace it is recommended to book a ticket and an entry timeslot online in advance.

It is essential you check the live availability calendar at the ticket link below if planning a visit as the Palace is often temporarily closed for various events.

Royal Palace Amsterdam Essential Info

This article was first published in 2011. Last checked and updated 5 March 2026.

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