Welcome to 'the World's Eighth Wonder': The Royal Palace of Amsterdam

The Experience That Awaits

Designed in the 17th century by the architect Jacob Van Campen, the Royal Palace rises grandly over Dam Square, commanding a central position in the city. Still in use by the Dutch Royal family for state visits and New Year celebrations among other events, it is open to the public. Visitors are inevitably impressed by the Citizen's Hall, a striking 30-meter high room with natural light streaming in through the windows. Its marble floors are inlaid with maps of the Eastern and Western hemispheres, whilst its walls are lined with exquisite sculptures and paintings.
The whimsical chimney pieces were painted by artists Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck, both pupils of Rembrant. Incidentally, Rembrandt had his own commissioned work 'The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis' returned to him after it was hanging for a while at the palace. The beautiful cupola on the palace's central dome is topped by the symbol of Amsterdam, a weather vane in the form of a cog ship. Note that the few windows below the dome offer stunning views of the harbour.
The palace appears most striking when viewed from the rear side as from here, a statue of Atlas can be supporting the globe. It is perhaps at this point, we remember the poet Constantijn Huygens who famously declared the palace, 'the World's Eighth Wonder'.

Make The Most Of Your Visit

The palace is open most days of the year, from 10am to 5pm, though it's worth checking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Photography inside is fine as long as no flash or tripods are used. The hand held audio guide provides interesting nuggets of information about the palace and its erstwhile residents. Guided tours with specialised art historians are also available.
A ten minute walk from Central Station, the palace is served by trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 24, making it highly accessible. Niewe Kerk and the War Memorial are in walking distance.

Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Amsterdam.

Author: Lana de Wit

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!