Are you gearing up for the most celebrated street party of the year in Amsterdam? As April 27th approaches, the Netherlands prepares to paint the town orange for King?s Day, or Koningsdag, celebrating King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. No matter where you are in the country, this national holiday brings together locals and tourists alike for a day full of outdoor parties and activities.
Celebrate King?s Day in Amsterdam
On King?s Day the streets of Amsterdam come alive with a kaleidoscope of people, music, and excitement. Whether you?re wandering through popular squares like Dam Square and Rembrandtplein or exploring the charming canal-lined streets, you?ll be swept up in the infectious spirit of this nationwide celebration.
Amsterdam on King?s Day is an experience like no other. The entire city comes alive, with streets overflowing with over a million partygoers. Everywhere you look, there?s orange confetti, glitter, flags, and painted faces.
Top ways to experience King?s Day in Amsterdam
Locals and visitors alike head to the famous squares such as Dam Square and Rembrandtplein, but the celebrations go far beyond these popular locations. The quaint streets of the canals are also full of people dancing and partying. Besides the 820,000 locals, there are an average of 700,000 additional visitors – a holiday that immerses the whole city into one big party.
But what exactly should you do in Amsterdam on King’s Day?
Join the orange madness: The options are as varied as the party people themselves. However, what most people do is join the crowds. You can take a stroll through the bustling streets, dance to the music with new friends or enjoy tasty treats at the countless open-air food stalls.
Explore the flea markets: One of the highlights is exploring the various street and flea markets, where you might stumble across hidden treasures amidst the festive chaos.
Cruise the Canals: In the afternoon, you’ll witness a unique spectacle as the locals reclaim the city’s famous canals. The canal cruise companies take a break so that thousands of colorfully decorated party boats can crowd the waterways.
If you don’t have a boat (or a friend with a boat), don’t worry! The corner of Prinsengracht and Amstelveld is a good place to watch the King’s Day boat parade, or you can sit on one of Amsterdam’s 1,500 bridges to see the spectacle from above.
But maybe street parties aren’t your thing. Luckily, Amsterdam has a range of music festivals to suit all tastes. From the pulsating beats of Kingsland at the RAI to the eclectic sounds of Oranjebloesem at the Olympiastadion, there’s something for every music lover. However, you should secure your tickets early, as they sell out quickly.
King?s night in Amsterdam
As King’s Day approaches, the anticipation grows, and preparations are in full swing for another unforgettable celebration in Amsterdam. But the festivities don’t start on April 27, they begin early with the King’s Night, a warm-up to the main event that is awaited with excitement.
On April 26th, the day before King’s Day, Amsterdam throws many King’s Night parties. Cafes, pubs, and clubs stay open late, sometimes until 4:00 in the morning. It’s a chance to start the celebrations early and get everyone excited for King’s Day.
