Join thousands of orange-dressed revellers on the streets of Amsterdam for King’s Day - a nationwide celebration to mark the birthday of Holland’s Queen Beatrix. King’s Day hotels in Amsterdam go quickly, so plan ahead.
A King’s Day holiday in Amsterdam would be incomplete without taking in the flea markets, or vrijmarkt. Sprawled throughout the city, they invite anybody to set up stalls for nothing. Pick up children’s toys around Jordaan and bargain for beautiful vintage clothing along Waterloopplein, as live music reverberates from stages across the city. Boats covered in orange decorations fill the canals and parades are held across the city.
Family-orientated fun during King's Day in Amsterdam centres around Vondelpark. Face-painting, puppet shows and other activities are held alongside food and drink stalls. Book an Amsterdam hotel near Vondelpark for easy access to the main events.
Music forms the backbone of the nighttime celebrations. Museumplein and Rembrandtplein host outdoor concerts from early afternoon. Enjoy street performers, opera singers and theatre shows at Damrak and Leidsestraat before bars and pubs open for all-night parties. The night before King’s Day is known as King’s Night and is enlivened with fireworks and parties.
When: 27 April 2015
Where: Amsterdam city centre and surroundings.
Tickets: Free, admission to bars vary
Don’t forget: Orange clothes! King’s day is known as ‘Orange Craze’ for a reason.
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An Amsterdam travel guide – art and architecture in The Netherlands’ canalside cycle-crazy capital.
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