King’s Day in Amsterdam

Among public holidays across the globe, King’s Day in Amsterdam has one distinction:  It’s had three names. Visitors looking for things to do in Holland won’t want to miss the celebration. This national holiday originated in 1885 as Princess’s Day to commemorate the fifth birthday of the royal who became Queen Wilhelmina.  Once she ascended the throne, its name changed to Queen’s Day and remained that through the reigns of Queens Juliana and Beatrix. When Beatrix abdicated in favor of her son, Willem-Alexander, in 2013, the holiday was dubbed King’s Day to honor his birthday on April 27.

Tourists in search of awesome things to do in the Netherlands are bound to enjoy the excitement of nearly a million people spilling into the streets and painting Amsterdam orange.  Their ranks double the city’s population.  All this partying is bound to make visitors hungry.  Fortunately, they’ll find delicious food sold by hundreds of vendors along the streets. Those who love sweets will want to sample tompouce, a rich local pastry with cream and orange icing.

Visitors who have already taken a boat tour will find Amsterdam’s canals transformed into a sea of orange party boats.  Snagging a spot at the corner of Prinsengracht and Amstelveld is a sure bet for a great view of the parade of King’s Day boats.

Although most attractions close to honor the holiday, tourists can still enjoy going through some of Amsterdam’s popular museums. Among those are the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Stedelijk Museum.  There’s also plenty for children to do:  games, sports, and face painting.

Many Amsterdam visitors will want to visit the vrijmarkt. One in every five Dutch residents plans to sell goods at this huge national flea market.

Each King’s Day celebration starts the evening before the actual holiday.  A carnival atmosphere prevails.  Brightly decorated boats, live music, and DJs at parties held on public squares mark this tourist attraction.  Orange is the color of this holiday, which can be described in just one

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What is King’s Day in Amsterdam?

King’s Day in Amsterdam is a national holiday celebrated on April 27th, marking the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. The city comes alive with street parties, boat parades, and markets, with people dressed in orange—the Dutch national color—to show national unity and celebrate together.

Visitors can enjoy street markets, boat parades, concerts, street performances, and plenty of street food. The entire city turns into a massive party, with countless people participating in celebrations, dancing, and music filling the streets and canals.

Orange is the color associated with the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau. Wearing orange symbolizes pride and national unity. On King’s Day, you’ll see people donning orange clothing, accessories, and even painting their faces or hair orange from head to toe.

Amsterdam’s canals brim with boats during King’s Day, offering a unique party experience. People rent or board boats adorned with Dutch flags and decorations, creating a festive boat-to-boat atmosphere. These boat rides provide great views and an unforgettable experience as the city celebrates from the water.

The city center, including streets and canals, is the main hub for celebrations. Popular areas include Jordaan, Amstel River, and major streets like Damrak. The Kingsland Festival in the Amsterdam city center also draws many visitors looking for artist-driven events and lively celebrations.

Public transport routes, including trams and buses, may be adjusted to accommodate the flow of visitors and ensure safety. Amsterdam Centraal remains accessible but can be crowded. It is recommended to book in advance and check public transport updates before traveling on King’s Day.

Booking a boat for King’s Day should be done months in advance through boat rental companies like Amsterdam Boat Center or Canal Motorboats. Options range from party boats to authentic saloon boats. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the festivities from Amsterdam’s famous canals.

King’s Day flea markets are a cherished tradition. People of all ages, including Dutch children, sell items they no longer need. The city’s streets and parks transform into open-air markets filled with vendors offering goods, adding to the lively atmosphere of the celebrations.

Yes, King’s Day has activities for children, including special markets and events tailored for families. Public squares and parks host kid-friendly games, performances, and stalls, making it a day that families with children can enjoy.

It’s best to book accommodation months in advance due to the high demand, as countless people visit Amsterdam for this popular event. Planning ahead ensures better access to central locations and a smoother overall experience during this annual holiday.

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Eekhoornnest Holiday Village has many types of rental accommodations that fit the needs and budgets of vacationers and families of all sizes.

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