Royal Palace Amsterdam Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) stands on Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam. Built in the 17th century as the city hall, it became a royal palace under Louis Napoleon in 1808. The building features marble galleries, ornate ceiling paintings, and the grand Citizens' Hall. While it is still used for royal events, it is open to visitors most of the year.

The palace is mostly accessible for wheelchair users. An elevator provides access to the main floor, and passageways are wide. Wheelchair, rollator, and walking stick loans are available. One companion for a disabled visitor enters free. The palace may close without notice for royal events, so always check the website before visiting.

Getting There

• Metro: Dam station (Line 52) exits directly onto Dam Square. The palace is visible from the station exit. The station has elevator access.
• Tram: Tram 2, 4, 12, 14, or 17 to Dam Square. The palace is steps from the tram stop.
• Walking from Centraal: Amsterdam Centraal is a 10-minute roll along flat streets via Damrak.
• Accessible entrance: The palace has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Staff at the door will direct you.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The palace has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an elevator to the main floor.
• Passageways are wide throughout the accessible areas.
• Wheelchair, rollator, pram, and walking stick loans are available at the entrance.
• Some upper rooms are only reachable by stairs and are not accessible to wheelchair users.
• Staff are trained to assist visitors with disabilities and can advise on accessible routes through the building.

Accessible Toilets

The palace has wheelchair-accessible restrooms with grab rails. Ask staff for directions, as the layout of the historic building can be confusing.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• The admission price includes a free audio guide. Free guidebooks for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors are available at the ticket desk in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
• One companion enters free for disabled visitors who cannot visit independently. Bring documentation of your disability.
• The palace is closed for royal events at short notice. Always check the calendar on paleisamsterdam.nl before visiting.
• The palace has a hearing loop (T-coil), audio descriptions, and material in Braille.
• Dam Square itself is flat and paved, making it easy to reach the entrance. However, the square can be very crowded on weekends and holidays.