If your vacation in Amsterdam falls around April 27, get ready to experience the most colorful, noisy, and unforgettable day of the year: King’s Day (Koningsdag).
This national holiday celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, transforming the entire city into a vast open-air market, a widespread concert, and a river of orange. This guide explains everything you need to know about traditions, events, and behaviors.
What is King’s Day
King’s Day is the national holiday of the Netherlands, celebrated on April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th falls on a Sunday). On this day, the Dutch celebrate their king and, more generally, their national identity. The city of Amsterdam becomes the global epicenter of the celebration, with over a million visitors. The color orange (oranje), the color of the royal family (House of Orange-Nassau), invades everything: clothing, wigs, flags, balloons, even food.
Brief History
The celebration has existed since 1885 as Princess’s Day, then Queen’s Day (in honor of Queen Beatrix, celebrated on April 30). Since 2013, with the ascension of Willem-Alexander to the throne, it has become King’s Day, moved to April 27 (the king's birthday). The tradition of free markets (vrijmarkt) and street music dates back decades.
What Happens in Amsterdam on King’s Day
It is a day of total frenzy, from the early hours of the morning until late at night.
The Vrijmarkt (Free Market)
From 6:00 in the morning (but many start setting up their stalls the night before), the entire city transforms into a giant flea market. Anyone can sell used items, toys, clothes, books, records, furniture, without a license. The streets of the city center (Jordaan, Pijp, Oud-West) fill up with carpets and makeshift stalls. It is one of the few occasions where you can freely haggle and find real bargains. Children are the stars: they sell their old toys and homemade cookies.
The Oranjekoorts (Orange Fever)
Everyone wears something orange: wigs, crown-shaped hats, sunglasses, jumpsuits, flags. If you have nothing orange, you will be immediately identified as a tourist (but still welcome). Stores sell all kinds of orange gadgets in the days leading up to it.
Concerts and Street Music
There are stages set up in various neighborhoods, featuring Dutch and international music. The most famous is atMuseumplein, with famous artists. But the real music is on the streets: groups of friends with portable speakers, improvised DJs on boats in the canals, local bands in the parks. The genres range from pop to rock, from techno to traditional Dutch music.
Boats on the Canals
King’s Day is also the day of theparty boats. The waters of the canals fill with boats of all kinds (from small rowboats to large saloon boats) packed with people in orange, playing loud music. Watching this floating parade from the bridges is a spectacle in itself. Some boats are organized by private individuals with DJs and smoke (not just from cigarettes).
The Royal Procession (with Differences)
Unlike Queen's Day, when the queen would go out into the city, King Willem-Alexander chooses a different city in the Netherlands each year to celebrate. Sothe royal family is not in Amsterdam. The royals visit a city (e.g., Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven) with a tour and meet the crowd. In Amsterdam, the celebration is completely grassroots, without official ceremonies.
Typical Day Program
From 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM:The vrijmarkt comes to life. The early birds find the best deals. The streets are already full but not yet impossible.
From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM:Maximum chaos. It's impossible to walk quickly in the center. The streets are crowded. Concerts begin. The boats in the canals are overflowing.
From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM:The vrijmarkt starts to dismantle. The party moves to bars, parks (Vondelpark), and squares. Many move the celebration onto boats or into clubs.
From 8:00 PM to late night:The city starts to clear a bit from the daytime crowd, but the bars and clubs are full until dawn. Many concerts continue.
Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) King's Day
Dress in orange:It's not mandatory, but it will make you feel part of the celebration. Just a scarf, a hat, or an accessory will do.
Arrive early:To see the vrijmarkt at its best, arrive in the city by 8:00 AM. Trains from other cities are very crowded.
Get around on foot:The trams and subway will be crowded. Many streets in the city center are closed. Biking is not recommended (too many people, risk of theft). The best way is to walk or use public transport only for long distances.
Bring cash:The vrijmarkt stalls only accept cash. There are ATMs, but they have huge lines.
Do not bring valuables:There are many pickpockets. Bring only what you need, in a closed pocket or in a fanny pack under your jacket.
Stay hydrated and eat:There are food stalls everywhere (herring, fries, sandwiches). Water is distributed for free by some organizations. Alcohol is everywhere, but drink in moderation.
Use public restrooms:Portable toilets are located in various spots (usually near the stages). Be prepared to wait in line.
What NOT to Do on King’s Day
Do not urinate in the street:It is prohibited, there are hefty fines and public restrooms available.
Do not bring bicycles into the crowded center:Bicycles are removed by authorities and you risk a fine. Park them outside the center.
Do not linger on small bridges:Bridges become viewing points, but standing still for too long blocks the flow of people. Please keep moving.
Do not photograph people without permission:Especially in concert areas, people are celebrating but do not want to be captured without their knowledge.
Do not expect to visit museums:Most museums are closed on King’s Day (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank House). Some open but with reduced hours and crazy lines.
King’s Day with Children
During theholidays in Amsterdamwith family, King’s Day can be a fantastic experience for children, with some precautions.
Morning is the best time:From 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM the atmosphere is calmer, and there are many children selling toys.
Vondelpark is dedicated to children:In Vondelpark, the “kinder vrijmarkt” takes place, where only children (under 12 years old) can sell. It is less chaotic and safer.
Protect the ears:Concerts can be very loud. Bring protective headphones for the little ones.
Hold the children by the hand:The crowd is so dense that it is very easy to lose sight of them.
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS King’s Day
Is King’s Day always celebrated on April 27?
Yes, except when the 27th falls on a Sunday. In that case, the national holiday moves to the previous Saturday (April 26). Always check the official calendar because shops, transport, and events adjust accordingly.
Do I need to book tickets for the concerts?
Concerts in public stages (Museumplein, Westerpark, etc.) arefreeand do not require tickets. Clubs and private parties require paid tickets, often sold only online and well in advance.
Do public transport services operate on King’s Day?
Yes, but with modified schedules. Trains to Amsterdam are very crowded from early morning. Trams and the subway may be diverted or skip some stops. The official GVB website publishes updates. The free ferries to Noord operate regularly.
Can I rent a boat for King’s Day?
Renting a boat without a captain isstrongly discouragedfor non-experts. The canals are congested, there are right-of-way rules, police checks, and collision risks. Many companies do not rent to individuals on this day. It is better to join an organized cruise with a captain (book months in advance).
What happens if it rains?
King’s Day is celebrated anyway, rain or shine. The Dutch wear orange ponchos and keep dancing. Only very strong thunderstorms can stop outdoor concerts.
Is it suitable for those who don’t like crowds?
Absolutely not. King’s Day is an extreme crowd experience. If you suffer from claustrophobia or don’t like chaos, it’s better to visit Amsterdam on another day or stay outside the center (e.g., peripheral parks). The entire city is overrun.
Can I eat something typical during the celebration?
Yes. Besides herring and fries, there are orange sweets (orange tompouce, a type of millefeuille), orange cookies (not the Sicilian ones), and bitterballen (fried meatballs). All sold by temporary stalls.
King’s Day in Amsterdam
King’s Day in Amsterdam is a unique experience in the world: an explosion of orange, music, and collective joy. During theholidays in AmsterdamOn this day, let yourself be swept away by the current, buy an orange hat, catch a herring on the fly, and dance under a bridge. It’s messy, noisy, crowded, but also deeply joyful and liberating. A memory that will last forever.
To plan every aspect of your stay in the Dutch capital, consult our complete guide to Amsterdam.
Review date:November 15, 2025