Royal Palace Amsterdam
Amsterdam · Netherlands · Founded 1808
Quick answer
Royal Palace Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Netherlands — built by Jacob van Campen between 1648 and 1665 as the Amsterdam city hall, the building was claimed by King Louis Bonaparte as a royal residence in 1808 and remains a working palace of the Dutch royal family today. Open daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: €12.50 standard admission. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Royal Palace Amsterdam at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | during state events |
| Admission | €12.50 standard admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at 11 AM opening. |
| Getting there | Tram: Trams 4, 14, and 24 to Dam — stop directly on the square |
| Address | Dam Square, 1012 JL Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Official website | paleisamsterdam.nl |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Royal Palace Amsterdam known for?
Built by Jacob van Campen between 1648 and 1665 as the Amsterdam city hall, the building was claimed by King Louis Bonaparte as a royal residence in 1808 and remains a working palace of the Dutch royal family today.
The Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal) is one of the great interior spaces of the Dutch Golden Age — a marble-floored hall with maps of the world and hemispheres embedded in the floor, symbolising Amsterdam's global trade empire.
When the royal family is not using the palace for state functions, visitors can tour the lavishly decorated rooms with multilingual audio guides included in the ticket price.
The palace dominates Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by the Nieuwe Kerk, the National Monument, and the bustling commercial centre of the city.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · First-timers · Rainy-day visits
How long do you need at Royal Palace Amsterdam?
Allow 1–1.5 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Royal Palace Amsterdam without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal)
📍 Ground floor, central axis
A vast marble hall with celestial and terrestrial globes inlaid in the floor and allegorical sculptures by Artus Quellinus.
- 2
The Tribunal
📍 East side of Citizens' Hall
The former court of justice with paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck — pupils of Rembrandt commissioned to decorate the magistrates' chambers.
- 3
Empire Furniture Collection
📍 Royal apartments, first floor
Napoleonic-era furnishings installed when Louis Bonaparte converted the city hall into a royal palace — gilded chairs, clocks, and tables from the French Imperial style.
- 4
World Map in the Floor
📍 Citizens' Hall floor
A massive marble inlay map of the world centred on Amsterdam — a statement of the city's position as the hub of global commerce during the Dutch Golden Age.
What are the must-see works at Royal Palace Amsterdam?
4 highlights that define the collection: Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal), The Tribunal, Empire Furniture Collection and more.
Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal)
Jacob van Campen · 1648–1655
📍 Ground floor, central axis
A vast marble hall with celestial and terrestrial globes inlaid in the floor and allegorical sculptures by Artus Quellinus. The symbolic heart of Amsterdam's golden-age city hall.
The Tribunal
Jacob van Campen · 1655
📍 East side of Citizens' Hall
The former court of justice with paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck — pupils of Rembrandt commissioned to decorate the magistrates' chambers.
Empire Furniture Collection
Louis Bonaparte period · 1808–1810
📍 Royal apartments, first floor
Napoleonic-era furnishings installed when Louis Bonaparte converted the city hall into a royal palace — gilded chairs, clocks, and tables from the French Imperial style.
World Map in the Floor
Cornelis Danckerts · 1661
📍 Citizens' Hall floor
A massive marble inlay map of the world centred on Amsterdam — a statement of the city's position as the hub of global commerce during the Dutch Golden Age.
Collections and highlights
- • Citizens' Hall — Burgerzaal with floor maps
- • Empire-period royal apartments
- • Paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck
- • Sculpture by Artus Quellinus
- • Working palace of the Dutch royal family
- • Dam Square historic setting
Tips for visiting Royal Palace Amsterdam
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings at 11 AM opening. Check the website for royal closure days.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Moderate — less crowded than the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House. Closes during state events.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
€12.50 standard; audio guide included. Buy online at paleisamsterdam.nl to check availability.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Restaurants and cafés around Dam Square; De Bijenkorf department store food hall nearby.
- 5.
Accessibility
Lift to first-floor royal apartments. Citizens' Hall is step-free.
How do you get to Royal Palace Amsterdam?
- tram Trams 4, 14, and 24 to Dam — stop directly on the square
- walk 10 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal through Damrak
- metro Metro 52 to Rokin — 5-minute walk to Dam Square
Address: Dam Square, 1012 JL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Royal Palace Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
Is the palace always open?
It closes when the Royal Family uses it for official events.
Is the audio guide included?
Yes, the multilingual audio guide comes with the ticket.
How long should I spend at Royal Palace Amsterdam?
Plan 1–1.5 hours for the highlights of Royal Palace Amsterdam. Our 4-stop route — Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal), The Tribunal, Empire Furniture Collection and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Royal Palace Amsterdam best known for?
Built by Jacob van Campen between 1648 and 1665 as the Amsterdam city hall, the building was claimed by King Louis Bonaparte as a royal residence in 1808 and remains a working palace of the Dutch royal family today. Key highlights include Citizens' Hall with marble floor of the world, Empire furniture from Louis Bonaparte, Paintings by Flinck, Bol, and Lievens.
How do I get tickets for Royal Palace Amsterdam?
Admission: €12.50 standard admission. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/
Can I combine this with other Dam Square sights?
Yes — the Nieuwe Kerk, Madame Tussauds, and the National Monument are all on Dam Square. The palace takes about 1–1.5 hours.
Is Royal Palace Amsterdam open on Mondays?
Yes — Royal Palace Amsterdam is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It closes on during state events. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Royal Palace Amsterdam's opening hours?
Royal Palace Amsterdam is open daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and closed during state events. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Royal Palace Amsterdam free to visit?
No — standard admission is €12.50 standard admission.
