Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
- Address: Dam Square, Amsterdam
- Hours: Open to the public but often closed due to official state business. Check current schedule: http://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/visit/opening-hours
- Admission: Adults €7.50; Children 5-18, €3.75; Over 65 and student, €6.50
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Monument - Historical,
Palace
Designed by Jacob van Campen, the impressive Romanesque construction is fashioned around over 13,500 woolen piles sunk into the ground and is best known for its iconic rooftop statue of Greek titan Atlas, straining beneath the weight of the world on his back. First built as a city hall, the building was transformed into a Royal Palace back in 1808, under reign of Louis I, King of Holland and is still used frequently for state visits by today’s monarchs.
Famously described as ‘the eighth world wonder’ by local poet Contantijn Huygens, the Royal Palace does its best to live up to its opulent reputation with glistening marble floors, lavish décor and a slightly ostentatious theme of Amsterdam’s power and prestige. The grand interiors, open to the public, provide the principal attractions, furnished with a spectacular collection of antiques and decorated with ornate carvings and Rembrandt-inspired paintings. Most impressive are the vast marble and bronze carvings adorning the baroque Citizen’s Hall, where the embellishments show a stylistic interpretation of the universe centered around Amsterdam.
Latest Reviews
Review by Alex H, May 2013
Doing what: Amsterdam Walking Tour
Review by Shermann D, United Kingdom, May 2013
Doing what: Amsterdam Walking Tour
This was our first morning in Amsterdam and the lovely tour guide Esther did not disapoint. Her tour was entertaining and her knowledge amazing. Being a local, she was happy to recommend places to go and see. The 3 hours flew by and we wished it was longer, as her company was so much fun. Many of the things she told us has retained in our memory, so we could recognise places again and again with the history day after day! Please book this tour if visiting as it's a great way to see the city, understand it's history and have fun whilst doing so, but ask for Esther! Thank you for a great tour.
Review by Shermann D, United Kingdom, May 2013
Doing what: Amsterdam Canals Sightseeing Cruise
Great tour, includes headphones in your own language. The Boat goes to another area of Amsterdam not covered so much in the walking or bike tour, so i would include this as well. Very romantic, good fun.
