Amsterdam is a fun city all year round but the day when the capital turns into one big party is King’s Day – one of the biggest events in the Dutch calendar. On the 27th April the whole of Amsterdam (and beyond) turns a shade of orange to celebrate the birthday of their king. With celebrations on an epic scale, up to a million people enjoy the series of concerts and events laid on for the special day. Here’s why you should book your trendy Amsterdam hotel and add it you travel list next year…
1. The Dutch really know how to party
The Dutch are known for their fun-loving ways but this is the day when the city’s residents can really let loose. Everyone is given the day off and in preparation for the huge all-day party, the city centre is closed to cars and trams. The crowds then start to descend in time for the celebrations – Amsterdam’s population on King’s Day is twice that of any other day. In fact, every street, canal, balcony and terrace is awash with orange-clad revellers up for a huge party. Being Amsterdam, of course, the celebrations don’t just start and stop on the 27th April – this is a two-day royal bonanza and the partying starts the evening before at bars, clubs and events staged around the city.
2. You’ll get to party on a canal boat
Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals and this is the day where the city’s canals turn a sea of brilliant orange. Thousands of boats – decorated especially for the occasion – are filled with fun-seeking Dutch revellers. If you don’t have your own boat (or a friend who owns his own boat) head for one the many bridges or the corner of the Prinsengracht and Amstelveld which is one of the best places to watch all the boat parties from dry land. If you’re planning a short break here’s a great guide on What to do in Amsterdam in 3 days.
3. You’ll be in foodie heaven
King’s Day isn’t just about drinking and dancing, you’ll also have access to plenty of foodie treats – with hundreds of street food vendors lining the roads and squares. Make sure you don’t leave without sampling tompouce, a local sweet pastry loaded with cream. For King’s Day they will be decorated with orange icing instead of the usual pink.
4. You’ll get to be a bit whacky
To show pride for the Dutch royal family (the House of Orange-Nassau), Orange is worn on King’s Day so this is the time to get a bit creative and ignore your previous fashion taste. The wackier the outfits the better so think orange wigs, face paint and crazy accessories. Yes you’ll look a bit odd, but don’t worry so will everybody else.
5. You can hunt for bargains
King’s Day is a great day to hunt for bargains. On the event the city-wide flea market filled with stalls pops up along every street and public areas. Locals turn market traders for the day to sell on all their unwanted items. Hunt for interesting trinkets, homemade goodies or if you have kids head to Vondelpark where hundreds of children set out their stalls with toys.
6. You can opt for an extended stay – just book your hotel early!
Filled with interesting museums, art galleries and intriguing subculture, Amsterdam makes a superb travel destination all year around. King’s Day is a great opportunity to make an extended break of it so you can use this chance to explore the capital at your leisure.
The ‘Orange Experience’
The Royal Dutch airline KLM and the famous Dutch beer brand Heineken teamed up to surprise 10 lucky winners located around the world with a trip to celebrate King’s Day. Firstly they asked if they wanted an ‘Orange Experience’ (when they were ordered a Heineken at a bar) and then had to prove their worth by completing some adventurous challenges – singing ‘Oranje Boven’ (a Dutch folk song) in a packed bar for example. Once they passed the test, they were flown to the centre of the action where a boat awaited them. On it was DJ Hardwell – the number one DJ in the world. Watch the fun unfold here…
19 Comments
Erin K
29 December, 2017 at 4:08 pmThis is a great article and I am definitely going to add King’s Day for my 2018 travels.
Do you have any recommendations for accommodation?
md manir
4 June, 2015 at 1:29 pmLove Amsterdam and this looks like the best time to visit – what amazing fun!
Amanda Mark
3 June, 2015 at 7:10 amAmsterdam have top priority in my traveling list, I am planning to go there in the end of this year. BTW nice articles and photographs I found here on your website, great work!
Emma
28 May, 2015 at 12:25 pmWow it must have been an amazing experience to win one of those tickets! Very jealous!
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:06 pmYes we’re very envious too!
Scott
28 May, 2015 at 12:14 pmI didn’t even know about this but it looks like a lot of fun! Great video too!
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:10 pmThey really do know how to party huh? 😉
Corinne
28 May, 2015 at 10:54 amYes, yes, yes. I would add that it really doesn’t mater where you are in the Netherlands, King’s Day is awesome…all over.
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:10 pmSeems like an unmissable event! 🙂
yosuf
28 May, 2015 at 6:31 amA sea of orange indeed! What a blast, must remember to travel there next year!
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:11 pmHope you do make it!
Matthew
27 May, 2015 at 10:25 amSounds amazing, worried falling into the canal drunk but still sounds like a great day.
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:12 pmHa ha! 😉
Marc
26 May, 2015 at 10:01 pmSimply Orange. I love that color and just for that I would go visit. Besides,It looks so festive and fun. Great pics 🙂
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:13 pmThat’s a good enough reason in itself 😉
Katie Featherstone
26 May, 2015 at 7:21 pmWow, it looks absolutely manic, but so colourful! I’m really craving some tompouce now…
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:13 pmYes crazy and colourful! 😉
Suze The Luxury Columnist
26 May, 2015 at 5:21 pmI was lucky to be in Ghent for the King’s Day one year by chance, it was an amazing experience. We got talking to so many locals and I’d definitely return, with an orange outfit!
Becky Moore
2 June, 2015 at 2:15 pmMust have been fun in Ghent as well – beautiful city!