The spectacle that is King’s day returns with more canal festival boat parties, more street celebrations and more open air markets on Monday 27th April 2026. In this article, we have provided you with an extensive question and answer on the annual public holiday.
The orange festival is a combination of day and night pandemonium where millions of locals and visitors party all around Amsterdam. Estimates of up to 1.5 million people are reported to have attended the celebrations in the city last year. Neighbourhoods such as Jordaan, De Pijp, Oud Zuid, Nieuw Zuid, Amstelveeen, Oud West, Slotervaart and Buitenveldert are bustling as the city turns into one open air carnival. Since 2014, King’s day has been celebrated on 27th April – the King’s birthday.
Amsterdam is proudly recognised as the epicentre for King’s Day celebrations with central station, the metro, streets and canals resembling a sea of orange as locals and visitors head out.
According to recent figures; retail and the hospitality sector receive a cash injection of around €50 million euros during King’s day with a significant proportion of the estimated 40,000 hotel rooms in the city being fully reserved many months in advance.
The data suggests 69% of people in Amsterdam for King’s day come from outside North Holland. Part of the appeal of the event can be attributed to a string of potent viral videos and photographs of the world famous canal scenes where thousands of party boats somehow manage to navigate the historic waterways.
Where can I find the best boat parties for the canal parade?
You can discover the hottest deals for boat parties by clicking here
What is typically included in the canal cruise boat party ticket?
You’ll get all drinks included, boat decoration, speaker system, ice cooler for drinks, hostess service, experienced captain taking you around the centrally located areas.
Where can I find the events programme for King’s day?
We will be releasing a full day and night programme featuring all events taking place. However, check out the latest announced ones by clicking here
Do I need to wear Orange to celebrate?
It is part of the celebration to wear some sort of orange apparel. You’re not required to wear orange head to toe but sunglasses or a hat at the very least. Embrace the fun and revel in oranjegekte.
What are the King’s day after parties?
The after parties are held indoors at nightclubs following the day events. You’ll be raving on the canals during the day to dancing non-stop in a club during the night.
How long are the boat parties for on King’s day?
A canal cruise boat party on King’s day typically lasts for 3 – 4 hours.
What is a morning and afternoon shift for canal cruises?
It simply splits up the day so more boats can get onto the canals during the busiest time of the year. Times vary but a morning shift typically starts at 10am and finishes at 1pm. The afternoon shift starts at 3pm – 6pm.
Where can I buy orange merchandise?
There are lots of stalls in Amsterdam selling a wide variety of orange clothing and accessories. Normally located around Centraal Station and the streets adjacent.
How can I travel from the Airport to central Amsterdam on King’s day?
Buy your tickets at Schiphol Plaza then head underground to catch the train. The national train operator NS still have trains to Amsterdam Centraal, although they will be busy.
Do taxis still operate on King’s day?
Yes, you can call for a taxi throughout King’s day however certain parts of the city centre are not accessible.
Can you rent a bike on King’s day?
Yes absolutely. Our advice is to rent one the night before.
What is the weather like during King’s Day?
Difficult to predict, if 2025 was anything to go by we are hoping for another day of Sun. However the Spring weather in Amsterdam can turn up rain but this does not put any of the participants from partying into the night.
When was King’s day created?
Originally called Princess’s day and first introduced in 1885, the 130 year old celebration may have changed dates and names but the meaning behind it remains the same.
What do Dutch people call King’s day?
Dutch people call this triumph of national identity ‘Koningsdag’
What is King’s night?
This is a pre-party the night before. It involves lots of drinking and special events. It is called Koningsnacht
Why does everyone wear orange?
The colour orange is connected to William of Orange, the founding Father of the Dutch national state. The colour orange is the defacto national colour of Holland.
What is a free market?
Known in Dutch as a Vrijmarket, the free markets are a chance for young entrepreneurs to practise their business acumen by selling off old goods.
Which areas of the city are the busiest during King’s day?
You can expect thousands of people on Damrak, De Wallet (Red Light district) Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, Vondelpark, 9 streets of Jordaan, De Pijp. The side streets become particularly busy as bars and clubs set up outside street parties.
How much are the canal cruise boat party tickets?
If you also wish to experience the event on the canals, expect to pay on average €170 for a boat party ticket.
Which canals are liveliest for the party?
Expect all the canals of Amsterdam to be very busy on King’s day with the canal belt being the busiest, Prinsengacht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Amstel etc.
Which streets are throwing parties?
You’re spoilt for choice for open air street events. Haarlemmstraat, Damrak, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, Museumplein, Warmoesstraat, The 9 Streets, Spuistraat, Gerard Doustraat
Is King’s day a national holiday?
Yes, the event is a public holiday in the Dutch event calendar.
Where do the Dutch Royal family celebrate?
Each year they select a Dutch city or town to visit and wish everyone a Happy King’s day!
What is the average hotel price in Amsterdam during King’s day?
At the time of writing and according to Google Hotels, the average nightly price is 120euros per night. This will increase as hotels become fully reserved closer to the event. Of course this depends on the type of accommodation. Are you happy sleeping in a shared dorm of a hostel, a mid range global chain or a luxury hotel. For a luxury hotel expect to pay 500 euros per night on average.
What happens in Vondelpark during King’s day?
All of the green spaces in Amsterdam are a good idea to visit and see what is happening. Vondelpark is home to the kids market with traditional games and street performances.
What are the types of traditional games you’ll see at King’s day?
Spijker poepen, Koekhappen, Grabbelen and Zaklopen are some of the popular Dutch games.
What happens on NDSM wharf?
NDSM Vrijhaven is a large festival of orange taking place on NDSM, with family friendly entertainment for all. Expect music, food, drinks and entertainment all day.
Do the ferries operate on King’s day?
Yes they do. Although expect them to be busier than normal. This includes the free ferries departing from Centraal Station to Buiksloterweg, IJPlein, NDSM Wharf and via Pontsteiger.
Does public transport operate on King’s day?
There are no trams or buses in the city centre during King’s day due to the size of the crowds, they will stop at the boundary / outskirts to the city centre.
Does National rail still operate during King’s day?
Yes, throughout the country, the national rail will still be running.
Does the Metro operate on King’s day?
Yes although stations such as RAI and Nieuwmarkt are closed.
What type of music is played on King’s day?
Expect a bit of everything. You’ll have a selection of electronic dance events playing techno, house, tech house and events playing traditional Dutch music. Don’t be surprised if you hear Wim Sonneveld being blasted out of speakers from a top floor apartment in Red Light District to hearing a techno banger from Ben Klock in the next street.
If I have a transfer at Amsterdam Airport and want to experience King’s day, is this still possible?
Absolutely. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to get there and back. Booking a taxi will be difficult and journey times on trains will be longer.
Are museums still open?
Yes, some museums remain open. You can visit the likes of Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk museum.
When do the street parties and markets finish?
Normally around 7pm – 8pm the street activity will start winding down.
Is Kalverstraat shopping street open during King’s day?
The large chains of shops close for King’s day, it is a bank holiday and you’ll still be able to purchase gifts and merchandise from the many stalls on the street.
If you have a question about King’s Day in Amsterdam 2026 – please email info@completeamsterdam.com
