Step Inside the Royal Palace Amsterdam With Kids

There’s just something about European palaces, isn’t there? The grandiosity. The ambiance. The luxury. Step into the Royal Palace Amsterdam in the Netherlands and you will have plenty to look at. Not just a piece of Dutch heritage, the palace is a vibrant, living building that is still utilized today as the official reception palace of the Dutch royal family.

Not only beautiful, it’s also very family-friendly offering a fantastic audio guide and puzzle for the children you may have brought with you. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of royalty or uncovering the stories of its majestic halls, or just looking for the best things to do with kids in Amsterdam, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

Royal Palace Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Whether you’re traveling or alone, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is a must visit and should be on every Amsterdam itinerary.

Basic Info
The History of The Palace in the Heart of Amsterdam
Note The Gorgeous Details
What To Do With Kids at The Royal Palace Amsterdam
FAQ

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Basic Info

The palace opens its doors to the public throughout the year, offering a unique glimpse into the royal traditions and ceremonies of the Netherlands.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm*
- As this is a working palace, it is closed during royal receptions and engagements. Check the calendar on the official Royal Palace Amsterdam website to ensure it will be open when you want to visit.
Admission: Adults: €12.50; Students: €9; Under 18: Free
Buy Tickets Online: The palace can be very busy in high season so book your tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait as long to enter. You can purchase tickets for the Royal Palace Amsterdam on Klook or on Get Your Guide.
Audio Guide: Included with the entrance fee, the audio guides are available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Russian.

The History of The Palace in the Heart of Amsterdam

Located in the bustling center of Amsterdam, on the iconic Dam Square, the Royal Palace Amsterdam was originally built as the city’s town hall in the 17th century. Architect Jacob van Campen who also worked on the Huis ten Bosch and Noordeinde Palace in the Hague brought in famous painters and sculptors to help create an interior that would represent the power of the Dutch. After serving as the city hall for 150 years, Louis Bonaparte, Emperor Napoleon’s brother, having become the King of Holland, moved to Amsterdam and converted it into a palace in 1808.

Did you know: In the 17th century, the Royal Palace Amsterdam was the largest secular building in Europe.

Eventually Napoleon fell and in 1813, Prince Willem of Orange, later King Willem I, returned the palace to the city of Amsterdam, however, now noting the importance of having a palace in the capital, the King asked that he be able to use the palace for royal engagements.

Today, it serves as the official reception palace for King Willem-Alexander, playing a pivotal role in state visits, royal ceremonies, and as a captivating attraction for the public when it’s not in use by the royal family. It’s definitely a must-see on any Amsterdam itinerary.

Note The Gorgeous Details

As you step through the palace doors with your little ones, you’re not just entering a building; you’re stepping into a story that spans over 350 years. The Royal Palace’s history is divided into four fascinating periods, from its inception as a grand city hall in 1648, through its transformation into a royal residence, to its role today as a beacon of Dutch monarchy and culture.

The Citizen’s Hall, or Burgerzaal, is the first space you’ll enter and it is stunning. The 30 meter high room is bright and airy and you’ll want to look up, down, and all around. On the floor are three maps that show the hemispheres and the night sky and they are each more than 6 meters across. Look up and you’ll find a 6 meter high Atlas holding the world on his shoulders and below him Justice is crushing Greed and Envy. There is also Peace, Prudence, Justice, Vigilance, and Moderation.

Did you know: The clock that is above the Town Patroness and Peace is stuck at 11 to symbolize that justice is possible even until the last hour.

Stepping back into the hall, the audio guide will take you around the smaller rooms which contain original furniture from when Napoleon was in the palace. Most of the clocks, crystal chandeliers and furniture date back to this time. The audio guide does a fantastic job of noting important features and items in the rooms that you should try to find. And between each room when you’re in the corridor, take note of the statues of Greek gods including Apollo, Jupiter, Mercury, Diana, Saturn, Cybele, Mars, and Venus.

Step through the Throne Room, the Royal Apartment, and the Moses Hall and take the time to look at the gorgeous paintings hung in each space surrounded by gilded decor.

Just when you think you’re done, there is one more room that you can visit that many people miss. The Judiciary, or Vierschaar, was where death sentences were publicly announced and then the Justice Room, where the prisoners that had been sentenced were sent through an opening to the gallows on Dam Square. It’s certainly a bit grim, but on the wall are intricate reliefs that represent the sentence of Roman council Lucius Junius Brutus, Greek King Zaleucus and the biblical King Soloman. Between those are large female figures that symbolize guilt and remorse.

Did you know: This grim space was used as a chapel by Louis Napoleon so he had blue curtains installed to cover the marble reliefs.

Royal Palace Amsterdam with kids, Amsterdam, Netherlands

What To Do With Kids at The Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace Amsterdam is super family-friendly. After paying, you can get audio guides that are designed specifically for either adults or children. The children’s audio guide has a boy from the 17th century that leads your child through the palace listening to questions and following clues. As they find the answers, they can place a sticker on the badge in the appropriate space. It keeps children actively involved and motivated. Not only did our daughter enjoy it, but we did too.

FAQ

Is the Royal Palace Amsterdam worth it?

We thought it was fantastic and the audio guide is very well done providing a ton of insight. Definitely make sure you get it before you walk through the spaces.

How long does it take to go through the Royal Palace Amsterdam?

It took us between an hour and hour and a half to go through the rooms, simultaneously listening to our audio guides and helping our daughter find the answers to the questions in the child’s audio guide.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a family-friendly stop on your Amsterdam itinerary, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is the perfect place to go. Add a touch of royalty to your trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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