King’s Day in Amsterdam: Your Guide to the Netherlands’ Biggest Celebration
Thinking of visiting Amsterdam in spring? Then you’ll want to time it just right—because on April 27th, the entire city turns orange for one reason: King’s Day. Held every year on the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, this national holiday is the Netherlands’ biggest, boldest, and most beloved celebration. Picture canals packed with boats blasting music, flea markets taking over the streets, and a sea of people dressed head-to-toe in orange, dancing from sunrise to well past sunset. It’s chaotic, fun, and completely unforgettable. Whether you’re just curious or already planning to join the madness, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—what to wear, where to go, and how to make the most of King’s Day like a local.
Let’s get into everything you need to know to prepare yourself for King’s Day:
What is King’s Day? When is it Celebrated, and Why?
King’s Day (Koningsdag) is one of the most iconic and festive days in the Dutch calendar, celebrated every year on April 27th in honor of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. But this national celebration has deep historical roots. It actually began in 1885 as Princess’s Day, marking the birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. At the time, the Netherlands was facing political division and social unrest, and the celebration was introduced as a unifying gesture to promote national pride and bring people together across party lines. When Wilhelmina became queen, it evolved into Queen’s Day, and each new monarch since has adapted the date to match their birthday. When Queen Beatrix took the throne, she kept the holiday on April 30th to honor her mother, Queen Juliana. In 2013, when King Willem-Alexander was crowned, the celebration moved to April 27th, his actual birthday.
Still, many tourists remember the old date, or outdated travel guides mention the wrong date. Either way, every year, people show up on the wrong date wearing orange, hoping to catch the action—don’t be one of them, and check the calendar before you go! Also, if April 27th lands on a Sunday, like it did recently, the celebrations occur a day earlier, on April 26th, just so you know.
The festivities don’t just last one day. The night before, known as Koningsnacht (King’s Night), sets the tone with lively concerts, parties, and street festivals across the country, especially in Amsterdam. It’s the perfect warm-up to the main event, and many locals and visitors dive into the celebrations well before the sun rises.
What started as a tribute to the royal family has grown into the biggest, wildest celebration in the Netherlands, with cities like Amsterdam taking the lead with street parties, canal parades, and a sea of orange from morning till night.
What should I wear on King’s Day?
Orange, orange, orange! When it comes to King’s Day, wearing orange isn’t just a fun fashion choice—it’s a tradition that runs deep. Known as oranjegekte (orange madness), the color pays tribute to the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. You’ll see everything from bright orange hats and wigs to full-on costumes, face paint, and even orange sneakers flooding the streets. Whether you go bold or keep it simple with an orange shirt or scarf, donning this signature hue instantly connects you to the festive spirit and the crowd around you. If you want to really stand out, consider accessorizing with orange sunglasses, beads, or even a fun hat. The more creative, the better! But remember, it’s all about having fun and joining in the joyful chaos that makes King’s Day so unforgettable. Of course, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to wear orange—plenty of people don’t wear anything orange at all, and you’ll totally be fine without it.
But King’s Day style is more than just color; comfort is key. You’ll be walking, dancing, and standing for hours, often outdoors, so think practical shoes and layered clothing to handle unpredictable spring weather. Even if the day starts sunny, it can get chilly in the evening, so bring a warm layer. And rain? That’s always a possibility in the Netherlands—pack a lightweight rain poncho or waterproof jacket just in case. Don’t forget sunscreen and a reusable water bottle to keep you fueled through the day.
What are the best things to do on King’s Day in Amsterdam?
There’s no shortage of things to do on King’s Day in Amsterdam—it all depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If it’s your first time, my top recommendation is to walk around and soak it all in. Start at Beethovenstraat, where you’ll find festive street markets, live music, and a more local crowd. From there, make your way through Vondelpark, which transforms into a playful, family-friendly space filled with kids’ games and neighborhood performances. Then head toward the canals and the Amstel River, where the real magic happens. On King’s Day, locals take their boats out for the ultimate floating party, and the canals are packed with music, laughter, and a sea of orange.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of street vendors selling drinks, snacks, and classic Dutch bites. Just a heads-up: crowds can get really heavy everywhere you go. Whether you’re cruising along the canals or exploring the street markets, expect lots of people and plan accordingly. However, if you’re after a more laid-back King’s Day, consider heading outside the city to one of Amsterdam’s neighborhood cities or even small towns nearby. These spots offer a charming, local vibe with plenty of celebration, without the intense crowds.
Is everything closed on King’s Day in Amsterdam?
Not everything shuts down on King’s Day, but many businesses and services do operate differently, so it’s good to plan ahead. Most major shops, offices, and banks are closed, as it’s a national holiday. However, restaurants, cafés, bars, and convenience stores often stay open (and busy!) to cater to the huge crowds out celebrating. Supermarkets are generally open, but keep in mind that alcohol sales are restricted after certain hours, usually starting late afternoon or early evening, so if you’re planning to grab a few drinks, it’s best to do it earlier in the day.
Public transport runs, but usually on a modified schedule with some routes diverted or canceled, especially in the city center due to road closures. Most museums and tourist attractions are also closed or have shorter hours, so if you’re hoping to visit specific places, double-check their websites ahead of time.
And here’s a handy tip: if you plan on buying snacks, drinks, or second-hand treasures at the street markets, make sure to carry some cash. Many vendors don’t accept cards, and ATMs can run out quickly with so many people in the city.
How crowded is Amsterdam on King’s Day—and is it safe?
In short: very crowded—but generally safe. King’s Day draws hundreds of thousands of people to Amsterdam each year, and the city center turns into a massive open-air party. Streets, parks, bridges, and canals are packed with locals and tourists alike, especially in hotspots like Jordaan, the canals around the Amstel, Vondelpark, and Museumplein. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in some areas, loud music, and plenty of dancing in the streets.
That said, the atmosphere is overwhelmingly positive and festive. People are there to celebrate, and while it’s busy, the vibe is usually friendly and welcoming. Like any major public event, keep an eye on your belongings—pickpocketing can happen in large crowds, so a crossbody bag or money belt is a good idea.
The city also ramps up its security and public safety efforts. You’ll see plenty of police officers, first-aid posts, and volunteers throughout the city. As long as you stick to well-populated areas, avoid excessive drinking, and keep your wits about you, you’ll be totally fine and have an unforgettable time.
There you have it - everything you need to know about King’s Day. Still have some questions? Send me a message, and I’ll be more than happy to answer them. Happy Travels!
More Netherlands Travel Guides
