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Royal Palace of Amsterdam

147 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Description

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam (in Dutch: Koninklijk Paleis van Amsterdam) was built as a city hall in the mid-17th century. It was then appropriated as a palace for King Louis Napoleon (the younger brother of Napoleon I) between 1806 and 1810 until he abdicated. It is now a property of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is one of three palaces at the disposal of the monarch who uses it for official functions and entertaining / celebrations. Two floors are open to the public when no official functions are scheduled.

Access & Transport

The Palace is on Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam. The closest tram station is Dam (1, 2, 5, 13, 17, 4, 9, 16, 24) which has several stops east and west of the Palace. Plenty of bus services stop by as well.

Instructions & Recommendations

Visitors would need to double check the calendar on the official website for the opening / closing days: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/visit/ The Palace is close to several other attractions and interesting neighbourhoods such as Dam Square (just in front), the Old Church (De Oude Kerk), the 9 Streets, the Dungeon, and the Amsterdam Museum.

Meta review

There are some good and some more nuanced reviews for the interior of this monument, most likely based on previous "experiences", i.e. whether or not they have visited several other famous European palaces. For some, the interior feels very royal, warm and chic whilst for others it feels empty and austere. There are however consistent positive comments about the audio self-guided tour and the exterior of the building when seen from Dam Square.

Environmental & Social

Marginally negative from an environmental perspective (heating/lighting). Socially it contributes towards the upkeep of the palace, a part of the city and country's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

We would recommend a visit to most people having an interest in Dutch history and the arts but if you expect to be dazzled then you might be a little underwhelmed. Not that the interiors aren't impressive, stately and well decorated, but they are not lavishly extravagant, which from the standpoint of a Dutch taxpayer is probably preferrable.

Key positive

Impressive main hall and sculptures

Centrally located and moderately priced

Key negative

Not the same splendour as other well-known European palaces

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. No access problem for visitors with mobility issues (side entrance and lift to upper floor)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The Palace is closed during royal events so check the website for up-to-date information

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Sep, 22

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Jun, 29

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€12.5
Adult
18 - 64
€12.5
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Students price is € 9

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