If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands in late April, King’s Day should absolutely be on your radar. We had heard it was one of the biggest celebrations in Europe, but nothing could have prepared us for seeing Amsterdam completely transformed into a sea of orange. The canals were packed with decorated boats, music echoed through the streets, and it felt like the entire city had come together to celebrate. It quickly became one of the most unique experiences of our entire Europe trip. 

What is King’s Day?

King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is the Netherland’s national holiday celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, who was born on April 27. The holiday has been celebrated in different forms for well over a century. It originally began as Princess’s Day in 1885 to celebrate Princess Wilhemina before later becoming Queen’s Day under Dutch queens. When King Willem-Alexander became king in 2013, the celebration officially became King’s Day and moved to April 27 in honor of his birthday. 

Why Does Everyone Wear Orange?

If you’ve ever seen pictures of King’s Day, you’ve probably noticed one thing.. Orange is everywhere. The color isn’t connected to the king’s favorite color. It is a tribute to the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. Wearing orange has become a way for people across the Netherlands to celebrate their national pride and join in the festivities. By the morning of King’s Day, it seems like the entire city has transformed into one giant orange festival.

Why Is Amsterdam So Popular?

Although King’s Day is celebrated throughout the Netherlands, Amsterdam hosts the largest celebration in the country. Thousands of locals and visitors fill the city every year. The canals become packed with decorated boats, parks turn into concerts and festivals, and nearly every neighborhood hosts its own celebration. There are also free markets, where anyone can set up and sell secondhand items without needing a permit. This tradition has become one of the most recognizable parts of King’s Day. 

When Is It Celebrated?

This is something that confused us before our trip. During the day on April 26, we were wondering where everyone dressed in orange was. The answer?

The real excitement begins with King’s Night (Koningsnacht) on the evening of April 26, which continues into the early hours of April 27. Then, on King’s Day (April 27), the celebrations continue all day long with concerts, parties, flea markets, and boats filling the canals. 

If April 27 falls on a Sunday, the celebration is moved to April 26 instead. 

What We Experienced

Walking through Amsterdam on King’s Day honestly felt surreal. The canals were overflowing with boats filled with people dancing, singing, and celebrating together. SOme streets were so crowded that it was almost impossible to walk through them because outdoor DJs and small concerts had drawn huge crowds. At first, it felt overwhelming. Then it became one of the coolest atmospheres we’d ever experienced. The energy throughout the city was contagious. That being said.. If large crowds aren’t your thing, don’t let that stop you from visiting. There are plenty of quieter streets where you can still enjoy the celebration without being shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of people. 

Our Tips:

1. Where Orange

If you forget to pack orange clothing, don’t panic. The day before King’s Day, we found a few stores selling orange items. However, on King’s Day itself, booths popped up all over the city selling orange hats, sunglasses, wigs, flags, and just about every orange accessory you could imagine. We suggest bringing an orange shirt if you have one then buying a few fun accessories from the street vendors. 

2. Bring Cash

Many of the street vendors selling orange accessories and snacks preferred cash, so it’s worth carrying a little with you. 

3. Drinks Add Up Quickly

If you’re planning on spending the evening celebrating, consider grabbing drinks before heading into the busiest areas. Prices at bars and festival areas can get expensive, and many people were enjoying drinks before heading out.

4. Think About Where You Stay

We stayed about a 30-45 minute walk outside the city center. At first we wondered if we’d regret it, but honestly, we ended up loving it. After spending hours surrounded by thousands of people, it was nice to return somewhere quieter to unwind at the end of the night. That said, staying closer to the center would definitely be more convenient if your main goal is experiencing King’s Night. 

5. Expect a Mess the Next Morning

One thing that surprised us was how different the city looked the following morning. After an entire day and night celebrating, many streets were covered with cups, bottles, and other trash while cleanup crews worked to restore the city. If you’re visiting Amsterdam primarily for museums, canals, and sightseeing, not King’s Day, we’d actually recommend choosing a different weekend. The city is incredibly crowded during the celebration, and many attractions become harder to enjoy because of the number of people. 

6. Book Your Hotel Months in Advance

Prices increase quickly, and accommodations fill up early because it’s one of Amsterdam’s busiest weekends.

7. Use the Restroom Whenever You Get the Chance

With so many people in the city, public restrooms often have long lines. Or just hop into a bar, grab a drink, and use their restroom. 

8. Pick a Meeting Spot if You’re with Friends

Cell service can get overloaded in the busiest areas, and it’s surprisingly easy to lose each other in the crowds. 

Is King’s Day Worth It?

Yes! It was one of the most memorable experiences of our entire Europe trip. It wasn’t just about the parties or the music. It was seeing an entire country come together to celebrate. Families, students, tourists, neighbors, and friends all filled the streets with an atmosphere that felt welcoming, energetic, and genuinely happy. Even if you only experience it once, King’s Day is something we’ll never forget.