Tips for King's Day
Are you planning to go boating on the canals, or do you prefer to stroll along the many cosy stalls at the vrijmarkt (free market) in Vondelpark? Luckily, there is much more to do in Amsterdam during this year's King's Day. Read our five tips for an unforgettable experience - and don't forget your orange boa.
Stay in one place
Anyone who has ever celebrated King's Day in Amsterdam knows: the locals love to roam all over town looking for that one party that fits all their wants and needs. Convenient? No. Fun? Well, sometimes. The solution to all this seemingly unnecessary travelling is easy: stay in one place!
For example, at the Westergasterrein (WGT), you are welcome from the early morning rays until far after sundown. Here, the WesterUnie, Westerliefde and Transformatorhuis form the backdrop for Het Koningsparadijs: a big party with several music stages. All are run by local event organizers such as Juicy, Friendzone, the Danshal, Wasserette, Cirque Du Zoleip and Soepeltjes. Nice side effect: it significantly lowers the chance of losing your friends in the party crowd.
Check out all events during King's Day.
Don't overpay
With many big parties such as Kingsland, Loveland van Oranje and Oranjebloesem already sold out and many other locations selling tickets for significant prices, you maybe want to keep your wallet in mind. At NDSM Vrijhaven, Pllek, Cannibale Royale, IJver, Noorderlicht and many other creative habitants take control of this reimagined shipyard with dj's, performances and the biggest vrijmarkt for kids. Free of charge. Local entrepreneurs are also joining forces on the Westergas culture park. Bar Kantoor, RadioRadio, Het Ketelhuis, Brouwerij Troost and TonTon, among others, are organizing a free party with bars and stages in- and outside. Hop from location to location with your drink in hand!
Get cultural
In the streets, canals, parks and everywhere in between, the city is bursting with Amsterdammers enjoying the biggest street party of the year. Don't fancy the crowds? Or maybe you just don't like the colour orange? (We don't judge...) While most of Amsterdam's major museums and attractions are closed on King's Day, several notable cultural hotspots traditionally stay open, including the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Be sure to check opening hours before you go! Or just enjoy the many mini-concerts of Amsterdam's young musical talent all over the city.
Party along from home
Can't make it to Amsterdam? There's always a way to show your Dutch pride on King's Day. Wherever you are in the world, join the (house) party with this do-it-yourself King's Day party kit complete with bitterballen recipes, decoration ideas, sing-a-longs, silly games and cocktail suggestions. Every ingredient so you can transform your day at home into a royally good time.
Go green
If you're in danger of orange overload, several locations around the city provide a reprieve from all the festivities. The Hortus Botanicus (one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world) is open on 27 April, or you can also explore the gardens and parks on the city's outskirts, such as Park Frankendael. Really want to get your zen on this King's Day? Venture out to the greater Amsterdam Area. Remember: it will take you approximately 27.473 times longer to get to your destination due to the local's urge to party in the streets.
