Welcome to Kingsday in Amsterdam! It’s one of the biggest and most exciting parties of the year. But what exactly is Kingsday? Well, it’s a special day when the Dutch people celebrate the birthday of their king, Willem-Alexander. And let me tell you, they know how to celebrate!

In this guide, we’ll talk about what Kingsday is all about, why the Dutch go all out for it, and how you can join in on the fun. Plus, we’ll answer some common questions like why everyone wears orange and whether Kingsday is for everyone, no matter your age. So, get ready to dive into the orange madness and have the time of your life in Amsterdam!

King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is a huge celebration in the Netherlands held every year on 27 April to honor King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. The whole country gets into the festive spirit, but the party in Amsterdam is the grandest. Streets are filled with music, dancing, and colorful markets selling all sorts of goods. One special thing about King’s Day is that everyone dresses in orange from head to toe because it’s the color of the Dutch royal family. Before 2013, when we had queens as monarchs, we called it Queen’s Day. But when Willem-Alexander became king, it became King’s Day. On this day, the king and his family travel to different cities, which adds to the excitement. People decorate their towns with orange flags and banners, and there are games and activities for everyone to enjoy. It’s a day when the whole country comes together to celebrate and have fun.

King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is a huge celebration in the Netherlands held every year on 27 April to honor King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. The whole country gets into the festive spirit, but the party in Amsterdam is the grandest. Streets are filled with music, dancing, and colorful markets selling all sorts of goods. One special thing about King’s Day is that everyone dresses in orange from head to toe because it’s the color of the Dutch royal family. Before 2013, when we had queens as monarchs, we called it Queen’s Day. But when Willem-Alexander became king, it became King’s Day. On this day, the king and his family travel to different cities, which adds to the excitement. People decorate their towns with orange flags and banners, and there are games and activities for everyone to enjoy. It’s a day when the whole country comes together to celebrate and have fun.

Transportation in Amsterdam during Kingsday can be challenging as much of the city center is packed with celebrating crowds, making walking the primary mode of getting around. Cars are prohibited in the city center, and public transportation, including trains, operates on a special schedule for the day.  But if you want to get around fast, do not worry you can rent a bike in Amsterdam!

Dressing in orange is a must-do tradition during King’s Day festivities, as it’s the color of the reigning House of Orange. From painting faces and hair orange to donning orange crowns or dressing as the king or queen, embracing this vibrant hue is part of the celebration.

Different areas of Amsterdam offer unique experiences on King’s Day: Museumplein hosts pop concerts, Vondelpark transforms into a kids market, Jordaan bustles with crowded markets and folk singers, South Amsterdam boasts the biggest street market, and Westermarkt and Reguliersdwaarstraat come alive with gay parties. Useful tips for navigating the festivities include wearing comfortable shoes, bringing coins for purchases, avoiding valuables in pockets due to dense crowds, considering leaving cameras behind to fully immerse in the event, and booking accommodations well in advance due to high demand.

So get ready to walk, dance, and immerse yourself in the vibrant orange-filled celebrations of Kingsday in Amsterdam!

If you’ve ever glimpsed photographs of King’s Day celebrations, you’ve likely noticed the sea of orange-clad revelers. This tradition stems from the royal lineage of the Dutch monarchy, known as the “House of Orange” (Huis van Oranje), which has made orange the national color. But why orange? It all traces back to Willem of Orange, born Willem of Nassau-Dillenburg in 1533. At just 11 years old, he inherited the Principality of Orange in France, becoming a sovereign monarch. Eventually, he led the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, and when he captured the city of Den Briel, orange became a symbolic color for the first time. Willem of Orange, also known as the “Father of the Fatherland,” holds a significant place in Dutch history. Today, wearing orange is more than just a fashion choice; it’s a symbol of national unity and pride for the Dutch people, honoring their rich heritage and the legacy of Willem of Orange.