Account

Netherlands

Celebrate King’s Day in Amsterdam

The lively Dutch King’s Day Amsterdam celebrations, also known as Koningsdag in Dutch, take place every year on April 27th across the Netherlands. It’s one of the best times to visit the country, with tulips in bloom and an endless calendar of street parties, parades and festivals. From canal parties to open-air markets, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Amsterdam on King’s Day.

If you’re looking to experience Dutch culture at its most vibrant, travelling by ferry makes it easy to join the celebrations. With popular routes and mini cruises available, it’s simple to plan a trip around the biggest Amsterdam King’s Day festival events and enjoy the festivities at your own pace.

 

 

 

 

DVR

Dover

CQF

Calais

Morning

02:00

04:25

06:50

09:15

Midday

11:40

Afternoon

14:05

16:30

Evening

18:55

21:15

23:40

Day trip
From: Hull
To: Rotterdam
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip

King’s Day in Amsterdam

Celebrating King’s Day Amsterdam style is an experience like no other. The city transforms into a sea of orange, with street celebrations, live music and parties across neighbourhoods and canals.

One of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam on King’s Day is joining a canal party, where boats fill the waterways with music and celebration, creating one of the most iconic scenes of the national holiday.

Vondelpark is a must-visit for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. Filled with street performers, musicians and pop-up stalls, it’s ideal for families and visitors who want to enjoy traditional King’s Day activities while soaking up Dutch culture. With so many Amsterdam King’s Day festival events taking place, it’s worth checking which celebrations are free and which require tickets.

The Jordaan neighbourhood is another highlight during King’s Day Amsterdam, known for its lively streets, traditional music and spontaneous parties. Museumplein also comes alive with food trucks, live music, and market stalls, making it a great place to experience a wide range of activities on King’s Day in one central location.


Museumplein is another lively area where visitors can enjoy fun activities with locals and tourists. The open square comes alive with plenty of things to do on King’s Day including tasty food trucks, live music, and people selling traditional Dutch souvenirs. Here many locals and tourists can enjoy it.


King’s Day Events in Rotterdam

 View of Rotterdam harbour

Another popular destination in Holland to celebrate King’s Day is Rotterdam. Filled with plenty of activities it also offers lots of must-see locations where you can fully enjoy the culture and endless King’s Day parties and parades. One of the must-visit locations is the lovely Witte de Withstraat, a trendy street in the city centre that comes alive with great music and delicious food and drinks during the national holiday.

A standout event during King’s Day Rotterdam is the annual ‘Royal Walk’, celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. This parade-style walk showcases the city’s diversity and community spirit, making it one of the most distinctive King’s Day activities in the Netherlands.

Visitors can also enjoy local attractions such as the Markthal, Erasmus Bridge and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen while taking in the festive atmosphere, making Rotterdam an excellent option for combining sightseeing with King’s Day Rotterdam celebrations.

Alternatively, you can stroll along the iconic Erasmus Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline. For art lovers, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is a must-visit, with its impressive collection of contemporary and classical art. So you can enjoy all the King’s Day events going on as well as its local attractions too.


With its many attractions and festive atmosphere, celebrating King’s Day in Rotterdam will surely bring a lot of joy to any tourist!


King’s Day in The Hague

Looking for an impressive King’s Day experience? Look no further than The Hague! One of the must-visit locations in this vibrant city is the Lange Voorhout. This picturesque, tree-lined avenue is transformed into a bustling street market where visitors can indulge in traditional Dutch cuisine and entertainment.

Another popular destination for King’s Day celebrations in The Hague is the Malieveld, a large open field that hosts live music performances, sports activities, and children’s games. The field is also home to a large market where visitors can find authentic and unique Dutch gifts.

If you’re looking for things to do on King’s Day in The Hague, you can visit iconic attractions such as the Peace Palace and Mauritshuis museum or enjoy a hearty shopping spree in the Noordeinde Palace district.

Utrecht events on King’s Day

Utrecht is another great city in the Netherlands that offers a unique King’s Day experience. On this day, the city is decorated in orange and filled with celebrations, music, food, and markets.

You can join the many locals in the streets and canals to participate in the King’s Day parties and festivities. One of the main locations to visit during King’s Day in Utrecht is the Domplein, the city’s central square. Here, you’ll see the traditional “vrijmarkt,” a huge city-wide flea market where anyone can sell their goods.

Utrecht also hosts friendly ‘Internationals meetups’ and will be hosting one, especially for King’s Day, where you can meet other travellers to enjoy all the King’s Day festivities!

Other things to do on King’s Day in Utrecht include visiting The Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and offering a stunning view of the city during all the wonderful King’s Day celebrations.

Groningen on King’s Day

Groningen is another dynamic city you’ll find covered in orange decorations on King’s Day! During Groningen King’s Day, you’ll get to enjoy a bustling market with live music, food and street vendors selling everything from clothing to souvenirs!

The most popular location during King’s Day in Groningen is the Vismarkt, the city’s central square. Visitors can enjoy live music performances while tasting the local Dutch delicacies, such as stroopwafels and bitterballen.

For an even more unforgettable experience, don’t miss the ‘Kingsland’ live concert in Standpark, featuring a talented line-up of musicians and performers. From traditional treats to cutting-edge entertainment, Groningen offers something for everyone on King’s Day.

Are you ready to kick off your King’s Day celebrations in Holland? Why not take a scenic journey onboard our P&O Hull to Rotterdam ferry route?

Things to do on King's Day FAQs

1 Why is King’s Day celebrated in the Netherlands?
King’s Day celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander and takes place every year on 27 April across the Netherlands. It’s a national holiday marked by street parties, markets, music and a sea of orange, symbolising Dutch pride and togetherness.
2 What happens on King’s Day in Amsterdam?
King’s Day in Amsterdam is famous for its canal parties, street festivals and the city-wide vrijmarkt, where locals sell second-hand items. Neighbourhoods such as Jordaan, Vondelpark and Museumplein are packed with live music, food stalls and celebrations throughout the day.
3 Is King’s Day only celebrated in Amsterdam?
No, King’s Day is celebrated across the Netherlands. Cities such as Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Groningen all host their own parades, markets and festivals, each offering a slightly different atmosphere.
4 Is King’s Day suitable for families?
Yes, King’s Day can be enjoyed by families as well as party-goers. Parks such as Vondelpark in Amsterdam and open spaces in other cities offer children’s games, performances and markets, making it easy to enjoy traditional King’s Day activities at a relaxed pace.
5 What should I know before visiting the Netherlands on King’s Day?

King’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year, so it’s best to plan ahead. Public transport can be crowded, some events require tickets, and accommodation books up quickly. Wearing something orange is encouraged, and arriving early helps you make the most of the celebrations.