King's Day (Koningsdag)

When: 27 April each year, a national public holiday and the focal day of celebrations.

Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands - huge city-centre parties, canal parties and markets, with festivities nationwide.

Cost: Free to enjoy the street parties and vrijmarkt; expect charges for boat rentals, organised concerts and food stalls.

Don’t miss: The canal flotillas, the city-wide vrijmarkt (free flea market) and orange-clad crowds in central neighbourhoods.

Amsterdam throws the biggest King’s Day party, but the holiday is nationwide across the Netherlands - a celebration of the monarch’s birthday when people flood streets, parks and canals. The modern festival succeeded Queen’s Day after King Willem‑Alexander’s accession in 2013 - 2014 and kept the same playful street-market spirit.

Expect endless vrijmarkten where anyone can sell second‑hand goods, impromptu DJs and bands on squares such as Dam Square and Museumplein, and hundreds of private and rented boats winding the central canals in a loud, friendly flotilla; neighbourhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp are especially lively and walkable.

King’s Day is fixed on 27 April every year, the birthday of the reigning king, and is observed as a national public holiday in the Netherlands.

The bulk of activity happens during daylight and into the evening: early morning sees vrijmarkt stalls and street clearing, late morning and afternoon are peak canal and square action, and informal parties continue after dark in bars and on boats.

Schiphol Airport is the nearest international airport for visiting Amsterdam; a direct train takes about 15 - 20 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal, from where trams and walking reach the main squares and canals quickly. Arrive at least a day early, and book accommodation and any canal-boat rentals weeks or months ahead because space sells out.

• Wear orange to join the crowd - it’s the national colour and locally embraced rather than enforced.
• Expect large, noisy crowds in central Amsterdam and bring layered, waterproof clothing because April weather is changeable.
• Book accommodation and canal or concert tickets well in advance; ad‑hoc boat spots and good viewpoints are scarce on the day.
• Use public transport and walk; driving and parking in the centre are highly impractical due to road closures.
• Keep valuables secure and watch for pickpockets in crowded areas; stay cautious around canal edges and respect private property when filming or partying.
• If you want to sell at the vrijmarkt, bring a small table or blanket and arrive early - selling is informal and free but spaces fill fast.