Event: King’s Day Celebration in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in Europe, the Netherlands is a country with Amsterdam as its vibrant capital, forming part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Each year, King’s Day or Koningsdag draws crowds of locals and tourists eager to join the street parties in Amsterdam.

This guide will provide key details about King’s Day celebrations in the Netherlands.

The Origins of King’s Day

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Since 1885, King’s Day has been celebrated to honor the reigning monarch. Originally called Queen’s Day, it began in honor of Queen Wilhelmina, whose birthday was on August 31.

After Queen Wilhelmina abdicated, Queen Juliana took the throne, and Queen’s Day was moved to April 30, her birthday. The tradition continued under Queen Beatrix, still celebrated on April 30.

In 2014, Queen’s Day was officially renamed King’s Day to mark the reign of King Willem-Alexander, with festivities now held on April 27.

During King’s Day, cities are transformed into a sea of orange as people take to the streets. Enjoy lively parties, music performances, street food, and games, creating a festive atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

King’s Day: Time and Location

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King’s Day, or previously Queen’s Day, is celebrated on the birthday of the current monarch. Since King Willem-Alexander is in power, the festivities take place on April 27.

For a more traditional King’s Day experience, visit The Hague or the charming villages of Edam and Volendam.

What to Expect for King’s Day 2023

King’s Day 2023 will take place on April 27 in Amsterdam, where the city will come alive with parties and concerts. Don’t miss the sight of locals cruising the canals dressed in vibrant orange.

Tourists can join the street celebrations for free, though some special events will require ticket purchases.

Top events during King’s Day include Cartel King's Day, Loveland van Oranje, Oranjebloesem, Pllek, and Urban Music.

Also read: Itinerary & Budget: 7 Days 6 Nights in the Netherlands

How to Reach the King’s Day Celebrations

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Eager to experience the thrill of King’s Day? Your first step is to travel to Amsterdam. Due to the massive crowds, only select taxis and private vehicles are permitted in the city center.

Public transportation options like ferries, buses, and trams are still operational, though expect some route changes to navigate around the crowds.

If you're planning to join the King's Day festivities in Amsterdam, keep in mind that many tourists flock to the city for the celebration, leading to hotels filling up quickly. It’s wise to book your accommodation in advance, and you can easily do this through Mytour.

Using Mytour will enhance your vacation experience in Amsterdam.