The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) takes up the whole west side of Dam Square. Built in the 17th century as the town hall to designs by Jacob van Campen, it became a palace in 1808 and now serves as King Willem-Alexander's official reception palace. It is open to visitors on days without royal ceremonies, usually from 10am to 5pm; an adult ticket costs €13.50 and entry is free up to the age of 17. Allow about an hour for the visit. A free audio guide, available in English, accompanies the tour.
Highlights
The façade on the Dam
The classical stone building, crowned by a cupola, was meant to reflect Amsterdam's power and wealth in the 17th century. It is the largest and most prestigious Dutch building of that century. The visitor entrance is on the square, on the right-hand side of the façade.
The Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal)
This vast marble hall on the first floor is the heart of the building. Maps of the world are inlaid in the floor, and a statue of Atlas carrying the globe dominates the far end. Benches let you sit and take it in.
The pediment and Atlas
The carved pediment of the rear façade, on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal side, is topped by a statue of Atlas carrying the heavens. Look up from the street: the details are easy to see with the naked eye.
The royal rooms
On the first floor you also visit the Throne Room, the Balcony Room and the Moses Hall; on the ground floor, the Vierschaar, the city's former court of justice. Paintings by Govert Flinck and Ferdinand Bol, pupils of Rembrandt, tell the story of Amsterdam.
The Empire furniture
Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland, turned the town hall into a palace in 1808. He left behind one of the world's most important collections of Empire furniture, still used during royal receptions.
A working palace
The palace hosts state visits, New Year receptions, gala dinners and award ceremonies. Every summer an exhibition is devoted to its history; in February and March it shows the Royal Award for Modern Painting.
Opening hours and tickets
Open on more than 230 days in 2026, usually from 10am to 5pm (until 6pm on some holiday days), and closed on days of royal receptions or state visits. The official website announces opening until 11 November 2026: check its calendar, which shows opening days six months ahead, for the reopening date. Adults €13.50; students and CJP €9; free up to the age of 17 and with the Museumkaart, the Stadspas or an ICOM card. Audio guide included. Guided tours for groups of 10 or more: €105 on weekdays, €135 at weekends and on public holidays, admission not included.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Check the calendar on the official website the day before your visit: the palace may close for a royal reception. Tickets are sold online or at the ticket desk, by card only; tickets bought online are not refunded. Only small bags (30 x 30 x 15 cm) are allowed; umbrellas and helmets go to the free cloakroom, but large backpacks and suitcases are not accepted. Phone photos are allowed, without tripods or selfie sticks. Prices checked in October 2026.
How to get there
Dam, Amsterdam; entrance on the square, on the right-hand side of the main façade. A 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal along the Damrak. GVB tram stop Dam: lines 4 and 14 in front of the palace, lines 2, 17 and 24 at the back and side. Metro 52, Rokin station (Dam exit), about 150 metres away.
Opening hours
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