How busy is the Royal Palace?
Completed in 1665 as Amsterdam's town hall, the palace was described as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Today it's one of three palaces used by the Dutch royal family. It's far quieter than the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House, but the grand Citizens' Hall fills when walking-tour groups from Dam Square drop in from late morning. The bigger issue is closures: it's shut for royal events, so check the calendar.
Crowds by time of day
Crowds by day of week
Crowds by month
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Tickets
Check the calendar
The palace closes on days it's used by the royal family, including state visits and receptions, and sometimes shortens opening hours. Check the official calendar on paleisamsterdam.nl before buying tickets.
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How to visit
- Check the palace calendar for your date.
- Arrive at 10 am and enter from Dam Square.
- Collect your free audio tour and start in the Citizens' Hall with its marble floor maps.
- Walk through the galleries to the Tribunal, where death sentences were once pronounced.
- See the royal rooms used for state visits, with Empire furniture from Louis Napoleon.
- Finish on Dam Square with the National Monument and Nieuwe Kerk next door.
Insider tips
- The free audio tour is excellent; download it on your phone if offered.
- The Nieuwe Kerk next door, where Dutch monarchs are inaugurated, hosts exhibitions.
- Late afternoon is often the calmest time.
- Look up in the Citizens' Hall for the huge chandeliers and ceiling paintings.
A short history
Built by Jacob van Campen on 13,659 wooden piles, the town hall symbolised Amsterdam's Golden Age wealth. In 1808 Louis Napoleon, Napoleon's brother and King of Holland, converted it into a royal palace and filled it with Empire furniture. It has belonged to the Dutch state since 1936 and is still used by King Willem-Alexander for official functions.
Best (and worst) times to visit
- Best: 10 am, or after 3:30 pm, on weekdays.
- Worst: summer weekend middays.
- Closed: royal event days; check the calendar.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Royal Palace Amsterdam, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Least busy time
Tuesday, 10 am-12 pm
Busiest time
Sunday, 12-5 pm
Plans by visitor type
First-timers
Royal Palace at 10 am, Dam Square, then the Anne Frank House. Anne Frank House guide.
Families
Free for under-18s; the floor maps of the world entertain children.
Museumkaart holders
Free entry: pair it with the Rijksmuseum. Rijksmuseum guide.
Sunset
Palace in the afternoon, then the A'DAM Lookout. A'DAM Lookout guide.
Where to eat
Avoid the tourist cafés on Dam Square; walk 5-10 minutes into the Nine Streets or the Jordaan for cafés and brown bars.
Getting there
Dam Square, in the heart of Amsterdam.
Accessibility and families
The palace is wheelchair accessible with a lift, and wheelchairs are available. Visitors 17 and under go free, making it an easy family stop on Dam Square.
Mistakes to avoid
- Not checking the royal calendar for closures.
- Skipping the free audio tour.
- Paying when you have a Museumkaart.
- Visiting at midday on a summer Saturday.
- Missing the floor maps in the Citizens' Hall.
FAQs
How much is the Royal Palace Amsterdam?
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€13.50 for adults and €9 for students; 17 and under free.
Is the audio tour included?
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Yes.
Is the Royal Palace open every day?
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No, about 230 days a year; it closes for royal events.
What are the opening hours?
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10 am-6 pm on open days.
Is it free with the Museumkaart?
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Yes.
What is the best time to visit?
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10 am or after 3:30 pm. Check for your date.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
