Amsterdam put on an incredible party for King's Day


I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. A day where a city stops churning and everyone takes to the streets, or to the water, to party. People from all over the Netherlands, as well as us tourists, descend on Amsterdam to celebrate King’s Day. The city is transformed into one giant festival for the King’s birthday and whether you support the idea of a monarchy or not, it’s a great day to be a part of. Small stages are set up outside bars with djs and artists playing and party goers dancing to one harmonious positive beat.  
Amsterdam is usually a hazard nightmare to walk around - I have developed a fear of trams and imagine my early death getting squished by these frequent and convenient metal trolleys every time I step out of the train station. And if it isn’t the trams that you have to watch out for, it’s the cyclists who seem to have a vendetta against pedestrians. However on King’s Day, pedestrians rule the roost. Public transport stops in Amsterdam and vehicle access is restricted meaning pedestrians have free reign to zig and zag across all the streets without fear.

Be free pedestrians! Be free!
Morning festivities begin with one giant market. People sell their unwanted possessions by laying out a blanket and displaying their wares - clothing, crockery, musical instruments, food and games are some of the items and services for sale - and by the looks of some of the stalls, the same items have been hauled out every King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) in the hope that this is the year that somebody is going to buy it. Enterprising people living on the ground floor rent out their toilets for 1 euro which certainly beats braving the often full and dirty portaloos which cost the same price. Buskers also try their luck at making a buck and African drumming, kids singing, and every musical genre imaginable can be heard up and down the streets.
Not only are the streets alive but so are the canals. Boats packed with people traverse the waters with music blasting and people dancing. The boats are so packed that I wonder how many people ended up in the cold waters that day. As day turns into night, the street party ends at about 8pm and then those who want to continue the festivities head indoors. It was an incredible day where the whole country seems to comes together in celebration and the positive atmosphere is contagious.
TIPS FOR ATTENDING KING’S DAY ON APRIL 27:

  • Don’t get the date wrong - it was formerly Queen’s Day on April 30, however when Queen abdicated in 2013, it became King’s Day. Tourists using out of date guide books still show up for Queen’s Day and are sadly disappointed
  • If you are so inclined, wear orange - as green is the colour of St Patrick's day, orange is the colour of King’s Day
  • Dress warm - Spring is a fickle season in the Netherlands and temperatures tend to be on the cooler side
  • Trains to Amsterdam Centraal run, but public transport inside the city stops - so add this into your plans of getting around. Amsterdam is a very compact and walkable city
  • Let the city guide you - you will never be far away from an outdoor street party, so instead of making plans, just walk the streets, enjoy the atmosphere and see where you end up
  • Beware of pickpockets - take as little as possible with you and keep it safe

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