King’s Day Netherlands

27 April 2024, see’s huge crowds for this National celebration

Kings’ Day Netherlands was of course affected by the pandemic, the large gatherings familiar each year to celebrate King’s Day disappeared. But, in 2022 the celebration returned and in 2024 the city and its people will once again be festooned in orange.

King Willem Alexander was born on 27 April and each year this date is a National holiday and celebrated wildly by the country. Wherever you are in the Netherlands you’ll find people celebrating and decorations covering the towns and cities. There are lots of parties and markets on this day and in Amsterdam you’ll see the streets flooded with people wearing orange, the canal boats full of people and various free events popping up all over the city. Expect busy, noisy and fun and you’ll have a ball.

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King’s day in Amsterdam

Getting around

The first thing we should mention is that getting around on this day is not going to be easy. You can forget about using trams in the city centre or any other form of transport, walking is likely your best bet. The metro is recommended as probably the best means to get around Amsterdam on King’s Day, as it’s underground, but you can expect it to be much busier than normal.

Check this GVB public transport page for advice on getting around in Amsterdam on King’s Day.

What to expect

Have we mentioned it will be busy? If you are not a fan of loud parties and masses of people then you might prefer to avoid the city centre on 27 April 2024. There are plenty of other places outside of Amsterdam for those looking to celebrate King’s Day Netherlands in a slightly smaller or quieter fashion. The major cities like Rotterdam and The Hague will have their own events planned which will attract lots of people (but maybe not quite as many as Amsterdam), then there are the smaller towns like Haarlam (which has big festivals but much more spread out than central Amsterdam, so feel less busy), Edam and Volendam will celebrate in a more traditional style too. There are famous events at Breda, Almere and Alkmaar too.

Amsterdam

Most people outside Amsterdam arrive by train, this brings roughly 750,000 people together in the city for one of the largest open-air parties you’ll find. Virtually everyone will wear some form of orange for the day, often t-shirts, crowns or wigs. During the day all street trade is unregulated. This creates a huge flea market atmosphere where just about anyone can sell things on the streets. You can find some amazing second-hand bargains. If the location has ‘plein’ at the end of its name, it’ll likely have a huge crowd enjoying themselves there. Rembrandtplein, Museumplein, Leidseplein and so on.

Museums & attractions

You will find a lot of attractions and museums are shut on King’s Day Netherlands. It is a national holiday, so don’t expect a normal days sightseeing on King’s Day. The sights you’ll see are very different, but just as amazing memories are created on this day when you enter into the spirit as a visitor. If you are in Amsterdam on King’s Day, find some orange and dive in, you’ll have an amazing time.

Timings

As usual cafes will open in the morning around 9am and the street markets will start building up. The real celebrations begin around 12 noon and most are free. The Presengracht and Westerstraat will be popular party areas with various organised events. It is an all day affair so do pace yourself. Most outside events end at 8pm and then move indoors into the clubs and pubs, so you really can celebrate well into the early hours.

There is a very good chance you are in Amsterdam in April to see the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. Often visitors will arrive in Amsterdam and have no idea what is going on when King’s Day lands. It couldn’t be more opposite from a relaxed day in the tulip gardens overwhelmed by flowers and beauty. But if you are in Amsterdam in April for the tulips and King’s Day happens whilst you are there, then you really have lucked out and should enjoy both. It is an experience not to be missed!

It is worth noting that hotels are booked well in advance for King’s Day, so if you have not booked yet and wonder why your quoted price might be a little higher than other dates in April, do check 27 April against your preferred dates, you may find cheaper accommodation by avoiding this date. Do check out our hotel recommendations for Amsterdam.