The Royal Palace of Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam) stands on Dam Square and began life not as a palace but as the city's grand town hall, completed in 1655 to a design by Jacob van Campen at the height of the Dutch Golden Age. Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, converted it into a palace in 1808, and today it is one of three palaces at the disposal of King Willem-Alexander, used for state visits, receptions, and official ceremonies. In 2026 it opens to the public on more than 230 days a year whenever no royal event is scheduled, offering roughly an hour among its opulent halls and Golden Age art.
The vast central Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal), with marble floor maps of the eastern and western hemispheres and the heavens, watched over by a sculpted Atlas bearing the globe
Baroque marble sculptures and allegorical reliefs by the master carver Artus Quellinus the Elder
Monumental history paintings and ceiling works by Rembrandt's circle, including Govert Flinck and Ferdinand Bol
The lavish reception rooms and throne room still used by the King for state dinners and official receptions
The sheer scale of Golden Age engineering — a palace raised on more than 13,000 wooden piles, with its stately facade facing Dam Square
Good to know
RulesThe palace closes without much notice on days with a royal reception or state event, even in peak season. Always check the official website's opening calendar for that exact date before you go (verify latest info).
CautionDam Square is one of Amsterdam's busiest pickpocket zones. In the crowds, on trams, and near Centraal Station keep bags in front of you and watch your wallet and phone.
RulesPayment for tickets and shop is card only (no cash), and only small bags up to 30x30x15 cm are allowed inside; larger items go to the free cloakroom. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended.
SeasonJuly and August are the most crowded; buy timed tickets online to avoid queues. If you plan to visit several museums, a Museumkaart may grant free entry (verify latest info).
SafetyThe area around Dam Square mixes tram tracks with dedicated bike lanes. When crossing, look both ways for trams and cyclists, and keep off the red bike paths while walking.
MannersThe reception halls are a working royal space, so keep noise down, follow posted photography rules (no flash or tripods), and leave large bags in the cloakroom.
Practical info
The address is Dam 1, 1012 JS Amsterdam, about a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal, with trams stopping at Dam and the Rokin metro (line 52) nearby. In 2026 it opens daily 10:00-18:00 on non-event days (more than 230 days a year), with adult tickets around EUR 13.50, students around EUR 9, under-18s free, and an audio tour included; confirm exact opening days, hours, and prices on the official website for the latest information.
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