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Lana de Wit
The Netherlands is a country rich in royal history, and though the Dutch monarchy plays a relatively limited role in state life these days, a visit to the Dutch capital would not be complete without exploring its royal heritage, making the Royal Palace one of the best things to visit in Amsterdam.
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Of the three official residences held by the Dutch monarchy, the one in Amsterdam remains symbolically the most important. The Royal Palace is one of the primary attractions to see in Amsterdam. Originally built as a city hall in 1648, it was transformed into the Royal Palace by King Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, in 1806. Fortunately for visitors to the city, it is open to the public, only closing for occasional state functions.
Popular rooms to see in the Palace are the Citizens' Hall, with its ornate sculptures and the City Council Chamber, where you can find various lavish furnishings. The Magistrates' Court is also particularly interesting, with carved reliefs that date back to the mid XVII century.
Not only can you explore the opulent interiors of the Palace, but there are regularly changing exhibitions. Over the summer, the focus is on an aspect of the palace's engrossing history, whilst the autumn months see contemporary art take centre stage, as part of the Royal Awards for Modern Painting. Admission is €10, although concessions are available. Included in the entrance fee is a free audio tour, whilst guided tours can be arranged at an extra cost.
The Royal Palace is open each day, between 10:00 a.m. and 17:00 p.m. It is recommended that you purchase your tickets online using the Royal Palace’s official website, where you can view the schedule and see when the palace is closed for royal events.
It is also worth noting that there are no catering options within the Palace. Singel Canal, located just behind the Palace, is dotted with inviting eateries, should you feel peckish. The banks of the waterway are also a charming place to stroll, after a long morning spent uncovering Holland's royal past. In the summer of 2026, the Palace will undergo significant renovations and cleaning. Some areas may be closed off when you visit.
Dam Square is the centre of royal activity in Amsterdam, with the Royal Palace overlooking it, and is one of the main things to visit in Amsterdam. It is also where you can find the striking National Monument, a white stone pillar dedicated to the victims of World War II and the XV century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). Though it is no longer a functional church, it is still used for royal events such as weddings and coronations. The most recent high-profile event in the church was the coronation of Willem-Alexander in 2013, following the abdication of Queen Beatrix after 33 years on the throne.
Dam Square is located a few minutes' walk from Amsterdam Central Station, the main hub for public transportation, meaning that it is easily accessible by bus, tram, and metro. For shopping, there is the upmarket department store, De Bijenkorf, whilst the Grandcafé Krasnapolsky is a great dining option, offering the chance to enjoy fine international cuisine whilst gazing onto the bustling square. Dam Square has its own tram line stop, which you can ride all the way from the airport if you choose. You can also take the subway to Rokin station, which is a five-minute walk from Dam Square.
The Amsterdam Museum is one of the key attractions to see in Amsterdam. Located just a short walk from Dam Square is Amsterdam Museum, situated on Kalverstraat. Although the museum covers the history of the city as a whole, there are large sections which are curated with an emphasis on royal history and property. Amsterdam DNA is particularly interesting, dividing the city's history into 7 periods and looking at it from the perspectives of entrepreneurship, citizenship, free thinking and creativity.
Admission here is €12.50 but if you plan on visiting more than two museums or galleries, getting an Amsterdam City Card is well worth it, granting access to a whole host of great museums along with unlimited transportation use and discounts at certain restaurants and shops.
The biggest royal event in Amsterdam is indisputably King’s Day. This celebration of the Dutch royal family takes place annually on 27th April, unless this day falls on a weekend in which case the celebrations take place on the closest weekday.
The festivities take over much of Amsterdam and indeed the entire country. People dress in the royal orange, with some even dying their hair orange. It is also a national 'free market' day, so many people set up stalls to sell used goods, food and crafts. Head to the Jordaan quarter to pick up some bargains. Aside from this, expect a general mood of celebration, with many street parties, lasting from dusk until dawn.
Amsterdam is an old and charming city that still acts as a major cultural hub for the Netherlands and northern Europe. With many can’t-miss attractions to see in Amsterdam, you can’t go wrong when you visit one of Europe's most charming cities.
If you plan to visit around this time of year, booking well in advance is advised as the city is especially busy over this period. When visiting Amsterdam, do not miss the opportunity to explore the fascinating history of one of Europe's great monarchies.
Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Check out our best city center hotels in Amsterdam.
The Royal Palace is located in central Amsterdam, a simple ten-minute walk from Central Station.
The best time to avoid crowds and delays is the morning, when the Royal Palace opens, at 10am.
Yes. Minors are encouraged to visit, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for when kids get hungry or bored.
Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!
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