KING’S DAY 2023: everything you need to know

Koningsdag (the same King’s Day, just in Dutch) is a national holiday celebrated on the King's Willem Alexander birthday every year on the 27th of April. It’s one of the best-known Dutch traditions, followed by huge parties and celebrations - if these sound great to you, you MUST participate in it at least once in your lifetime.

Why not this year? Let’s see a wrap-up of what’s waiting for you!

Whichever city you choose to visit during this day - you’ll find music, markets, great food, drink vendors, and plenty of street performers everywhere. However - to find the epicenter of the whole action, you don’t have to look further than… the heart of The Netherlands called Amsterdam! 
 

MUST MUST MUST: The Amsterdam Street Party

Here King's Day is one huge street party that couldn’t be compared with any other. Everyone gets out to the streets (and canals!) to enjoy the company & music. Loud music. 

What’s up with the ORANGE?

The official Dutch royal family name is the House of Oranje (that literally means orange color), and that’s exactly why that’s the national color of The Netherlands. 

So if you already decide to go - you better pack some orange outfits. That’s the official color of this celebration, and it’s a must if you want to get the whole experience. 

Explore the Canals in a special way! 

The canals of Amsterdam are an iconic feature of the city, and they are even more stunning during King's Day. Take a boat tour - many boat companies offer special King's Day tours with drinks and snacks.
 

Visit the Flea Markets

On King’s Day, people can sell their things in parks and streets without permits, so the streets turn into cute flea markets where you can shop for vintage items, antiques, and other unique finds. Head to the city's many flea markets and street fairs, such as the famous Vrijmarkt.
 

In Utrecht, the flea markets even start the night before King’s Day.
 

PARTY! King's night

The party starts even BEFORE the official King’s Day, which is on the night of the 26th to the 27th of April. It’s called the King’s Night, and the clubs & bars in Amsterdam go wild! You can choose from a variety of special parties and concerts, and be sure to party until the morning. And then continue during the day, of course. 

But wait… Where’s the KING?!

In The Royal Family Parade, he’s in the Parade… It takes place in a different city in the Netherlands each year, but in Amsterdam, you can watch it on one of the big screens in the city center. 

This year the Parade will be held in Rotterdam, which is also very worth visiting. 

! Keep in mind that most of the stores are closed on this day, so prepare earlier! 

Where should you stay to be close to everything? 

Amsterdam can get very busy during King's Day, so it might be complicated to choose the best hotel deals. However - we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best hotels we recommend to you!