King’s Day in Amsterdam: The Netherlands' Most Outrageous Birthday Bash 🎉🇳🇱

Thinking of visiting Amsterdam in late April? Circle April 27th on your calendar—because King’s Day might just be the wildest street party you’ll ever experience.

Whether you love massive crowds and high-energy festivals, or you're simply curious about Dutch culture, this is one day you’ll remember forever. Picture an entire city dressed in bright orange, buzzing with music, dancing, boat parades, and flea markets. It’s chaotic, joyful, unpredictable—and 100% unforgettable.

Curious what it’s all about? Here’s your complete guide to King’s Day in Amsterdam, including what to expect, where to go, what to wear, and how to make the most of it.

✨ Want to experience King’s Day like a local? Let me plan your perfect trip. Contact me here.

Why Amsterdam?

King’s Day is celebrated across the Netherlands, but Amsterdam is the epicenter. With over 750,000 extra visitors flooding the city for this one-day event, it becomes one of the largest street festivals in the world. That’s nearly double the city’s regular population—so expect wall-to-wall people.

Can it feel overwhelming? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

🔥 Hot tip: Go with the flow, wear orange, and don’t expect to get anywhere fast. King’s Day is about the journey, not the destination.

A Quick Royal History Lesson (You’ll Want to Know This)

1885 – The first Queen’s Day is celebrated in honor of Queen Wilhelmina.
1949–1980 – Queen Juliana's birthday (April 30) became a national holiday.
1980–2013 – Queen Beatrix keeps the date out of respect for her mother (her own birthday is in January—too cold for street parties).
2013–Today – Beatrix abdicates. Her son Willem-Alexander became king, and the date shifts to April 27.

Next in line? His daughter, Princess Amalia—so enjoy the King’s Day era while it lasts.

King’s Night: The Party Starts Early

The celebration begins the night before, on April 26, known as King’s Night (Koningsnacht). The city erupts into a carnival atmosphere, with live DJs in every square, canals packed with party boats, and bars overflowing with energy.

📍 Best places to celebrate:

Nieuwmarkt
Rembrandtplein
Leidseplein
Marie Heinekenplein
Jordaan neighborhood

Expect food stalls, live music, and spontaneous performances—from teen rappers to opera singers. Beer sold on the street often has lower alcohol content and a deposit system for plastic cups.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t go too hard—the real action is still coming the next day.

King’s Day Morning: Street Markets & Flea Market Madness

From 9:00 AM, the entire city transforms into a giant flea market. Locals set up stalls or lay out blankets to sell second-hand goods, crafts, food, and quirky items—no permit required.

This tradition is rooted in Amsterdam’s merchant history, and it’s one of the largest open-air markets in the world. Expect everything from vintage vinyl to handmade jewelry to kids’ toys.

📍 Best flea market spots:

Vondelpark (especially for children’s stalls)
Jordaan
Westerpark
Around the canals and side streets

⚠️ Bring small cash—vendors often can’t break large bills.

King’s Day Afternoon: Boat Parades & Dance Parties

By noon, the real party kicks in. Giant street raves break out in:

Westerstraat
Prinsengracht
Reguliersdwarsstraat

And the canals? Packed with thousands of boats, all decorated in orange and blasting music. It’s less of a cruise, more of a floating festival. If you can join a boat, do it—but even just watching from the bridges is a party on its own.

🕗 Street parties wrap up around 8:00 PM, but nightclubs and bars keep going late into the night.

Practical Tips for Surviving King’s Day in Amsterdam

✅ Book early – Accommodations and events sell out months ahead

✅ Dress in orange – No exceptions 😉

✅ Expect crowds – Don’t plan anything rigid

✅ Watch your belongings – Pickpockets love King’s Day. Leave valuables in your hotel safe

✅ Check attraction hours – Many museums are closed, but some like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House remain open (advance tickets required)

🚫 No public transit in central Amsterdam Buses and trams are rerouted; taxis operate only from four designated pickup zones.

What About the Weather?

This is the Netherlands in April—expect the unexpected. There's a Dutch saying: "April doet wat hij wil" – April does whatever it wants.

You might get sun. You might get rain. You might get both in one hour. Dress in layers, pack a poncho, and party on—the show goes on, rain or shine.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Amsterdam for King’s Day?

If you hate crowds and chaos, maybe sit this one out. But if you're up for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural thrill, King’s Day in Amsterdam is unmissable. It’s not just a celebration—it’s a full-body, full-senses experience that blends tradition, rebellion, joy, and absurdity into one orange-drenched day.

✨ Planning to visit Amsterdam for King’s Day? I don’t guide on the day itself (trust me—you’ll want to roam free!), but I’m happy to help you build the perfect itinerary around it.

📩 Contact me to plan a custom trip or book private tours before or after the big day.

Disclosure: If you book through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission—usually at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even get a discount!

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