King’s Day in Amsterdam
April 27, 2027 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Every year, the Netherlands celebrates the King’s birthday during King’s Day. Amsterdam turns orange and celebrates King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day), the biggest event in the Netherlands. There is plenty to do in and around Amsterdam. Are you coming to enjoy the free markets and parties?
About King’s Day
On 27 April, the whole of the Netherlands celebrates the birthday of King Willem Alexander. King’s Day is an official holiday in the Netherlands and many people are free. The night before 27 April is the ‘Koningsnacht’ and during this night many parties are organised.
| Date | Tuesday 27 April 2027 |
| King’s Night | Monday 26 April 2027 |
| What happens | The whole city turns into a free market and a street party |
| Cost | Nothing. The vrijmarkt is free and so are the canals |
| Busiest | The Jordaan and the western canal belt |
| On the water | A vignette is required, and no more than twelve people plus the skipper |
The largest street market in Amsterdam
The flea markets are a tradition where many citizens of Amsterdam sell their second-hand goods on the street or in the park. There are several flea markets, which together form the largest second-hand market in the world.
Everyone is allowed to stand on a free market on King’s Day from 6:00 to 20:00. In theory, you can do this anywhere in the city, as long as you do not block entrances to houses and shops that are open. You are also not allowed to obstruct the flow of people in the city. No flea market is allowed along emergency routes. Bridges, bridgeheads and fire hydrants must also be kept clear.
Flea market for children
The Vondelpark is reserved for children on King’s Day. They sell the toys they have worn out or clothes they no longer fit. The daredevils even go all out and give all kinds of performances. Vondelpark closes the evening before King’s Day and opens its gates at 09:00 the next day to allow the children’s fun to begin on time. Besides the Vondelpark, other areas are designated as children’s flea market area, such as the Amstelveld, Noorderpark, Erasmuspark, Rembrandtplein or Westerpark.
King’s Day Festival Kingsland Amsterdam
The biggest Kings Day festival is Kingsland at the Olympisch Stadion venue. Kingsland Festival has a great line-up including Frenna, Roxy Dekker and Bankzitters. For this festival, you do need to buy your ticket in advance. Check below if tickets are still available and book your tickets.
Tickets for the next edition are not on sale yet. We check again every spring and put the link back here as soon as they are.
Opening hours during King’s Day
- The citywide street market begins very early on King’s Day morning, officially at 06:00.
- Most events begin at midday.
- The street market and nearly all outdoor events finish at 20:00.
- Shops are permitted to open on King’s Day, but the majority of high street stores close for the day. For example, shops on the Kalverstraat usually stay closed. Most larger supermarkets do open for part of the day and smaller neighbourhood supermarkets are usually open for business.
- Many museums and attractions are open on King’s Day.
King’s Day on the water
On King’s Day the canals are as full as the streets. Half of Amsterdam spends the day on a boat, and the water becomes a slow-moving party that lasts from morning until the light goes. It is the one day of the year when the canal belt is best seen from a deck rather than a bridge.
There are rules, and they are enforced. The city applies what is known as the 12+1 rule.
- Twelve people plus the skipper, and no more.
- An activated vignette for the boat.
- A maximum speed of six kilometres per hour.
- No alcohol for whoever is steering.
On land the rules are tighter than most visitors expect too: one can or bottle of alcohol per person on the street, and no glass at all. The city advises against taking small children into the Jordaan and the Westerstraat, where the crush is worst.
Renting a boat for the day is the way most groups do it. Book early — King’s Day is the first date to go every year.
Travel during King’s Day
King’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year in Amsterdam and public transport in the city centre is affected by restrictions to allow the free movement of people through the city. Best way to travel is on foot. Large signs will be placed in the Canal District to direct you to key events and attractions on King’s Day.
Visit the Tulips in Holland during King’s Day
Are you in Amsterdam on King’s Day and do you like tulips? Then you are in luck. King’s Day on 27 April falls right in the middle of the Tulip Festival. This means the tulip fields are in bloom and Keukenhof Gardens is open. From Amsterdam, several tours will take you to the tulips. So plan your visit to the tulips before, during or after King’s Day and enjoy spring in Holland.
Hotels during King’s Day in Amsterdam
Booking.comMap of the canal district in Amsterdam
You will never be bored in the canal district of Amsterdam. The many shops, restaurants, hotels, attractions and museums ensure that both young and old are entertained. There are also many activities to undertake on or along the canals. Use the map below to explore the canal area. What are you going to do in Amsterdam?
