Everything You Need to Know About King’s Day in Amsterdam (Complete Guide)

Welcome to the Ultimate King's Day in Amsterdam Guide

King's Day in Amsterdam is unlike any other celebration in Europe. It’s a one-of-a-kind national holiday that paints the whole city orange and turns its charming canals and cobblestone streets into a giant, open-air festival. If you're planning to be in the Dutch capital around April, you're in for an unforgettable experience.

But here’s the catch—navigating Amsterdam on King's Day without reliable internet can be overwhelming. That’s where RentnConnect comes in with the best Amsterdam pocket WiFi and Amsterdam eSIM solutions, offering unlimited data and seamless connectivity. Whether you’re live-streaming a boat party or finding your friends in a crowd, you’ll want internet that doesn’t quit.

Key Takeaways

• What happens on King’s Day: Non-stop street parties, boat parades, open-air markets, and all things orange.

• Closures on King’s Day: Most shops and offices are closed, but restaurants and tourist spots often remain open.

• Is it worth it? Absolutely—King’s Day is Amsterdam at its liveliest.

• Dress code: Wear orange from head to toe—it’s not optional, it’s tradition!

• How to celebrate: Street markets, canal parties, food stalls, and music festivals.

• What to eat: Don’t miss the tompouce, bitterballen, and stroopwafels.

• Red Light District: Yes, it’s open during the day but expect massive crowds.

• Connectivity: RentnConnect offers unlimited shareable data with portable WiFi and eSIMs in Amsterdam and Europe.

🎉 What Happens on King’s Day in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam comes alive like never before on King’s Day, celebrated every April 27th. This national holiday honors the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. But make no mistake—it’s more of a city-wide party than a formal affair.

🎶 Street Markets and Music Everywhere

Amsterdam becomes one massive flea market. Locals set up stalls in their neighborhoods selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade crafts and quirky trinkets. Called the vrijmarkt (free market), this tradition is a fun way to score unique finds.

Music fills every square, canal, and alley. DJs spin electronic beats, bands jam out on street corners, and boat parties bring floating dance floors to the canals.

🚤 Canal Parties

Hundreds of boats glide through the canals, decked out in orange balloons, flags, and partygoers. Want in? You can rent a spot on a party boat—but book well in advance.

Pro Tip: Use your RentnConnect Amsterdam eSIM to locate boarding areas, confirm your reservation, or even stream your boat ride on Instagram Live. Enjoy unlimited internet!

🛑 Is Everything Closed on King’s Day?

Yes and no. Most retail shops and offices shut down so people can join the festivities, but you won’t be stranded.

✅ What Stays Open:

• Many restaurants, bars, and cafes (especially near touristy areas)

• Public parks and outdoor food stalls

• Public transport (on a limited, often chaotic, schedule)

❌ What’s Closed:

• Government buildings and post offices

• Most chain stores and boutiques

• Some museums (double-check online)

Insider Tip: With RentnConnect pocket WiFi, you can quickly Google what’s open or closed and adjust your plans on the fly.

🇳🇱 Is King’s Day Amsterdam Worth It?

One hundred percent, yes.

Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a foodie, or a culture lover, there’s something for everyone. You’ll never see Amsterdam this loud, this united, or this orange any other day of the year.

You’ll meet locals, see spontaneous performances, enjoy pop-up dance floors, and probably make friends from around the world. Just be sure to bring a portable charger—and don’t forget your RentnConnect Amsterdam pocket WiFi for navigating, meeting up, or posting stories.

🟧 Why Do the Dutch Wear Orange?

The Dutch royal family belongs to the House of Orange-Nassau. Wearing orange on King’s Day isn’t just fun—it’s a matter of national pride. You’ll see everything from orange hats and glasses to full orange jumpsuits.

Even beers get the orange treatment with special King’s Day labels!

Wearing anything but orange might get you some playful side-eyes, so join in. And if you forget, don’t worry—the vrijmarkt has plenty of cheap orange gear.

🥳 How to Celebrate King’s Day

Here’s how to make the most of your King’s Day in Amsterdam.

👕 Dress in Orange

Head-to-toe orange is the only real rule. Accessories like feather boas, hats, or even orange makeup only enhance the look.

🛍️ Explore the Vrijmarkt

Roam neighborhoods like Jordaan or Vondelpark early in the morning to get the best deals.

🍻 Attend a Boat Party or Music Festival

Big-name DJs and local artists host epic events in places like Museumplein and NDSM Wharf. Don’t forget to grab tickets in advance.

🧒 Family-Friendly Fun

If you’re with kids, head to Vondelpark. It becomes a safe space for children to sell toys, perform music, and play games.

Travel Hack: Use RentnConnect’s Amsterdam eSIM to find event schedules and locations in real time.

🍽️ What Do They Eat on King’s Day?

Food is a big part of the celebration. Here’s what to munch on as you party:

• Tompouce: A sweet pastry with orange icing made just for the occasion.

• Bitterballen: Crispy, deep-fried meatballs perfect with a beer.

• Stroopwafels: Thin waffles with a gooey caramel center.

• Herring: For the brave-hearted—raw, with onions and pickles.

• Patat: Dutch-style fries served with a mayo-based sauce.

Look out for street food stalls and snack trucks all across the city.

💃 Is the Red Light District in Amsterdam Open During the Day?

Yes, the Red Light District remains open during the day—even on King’s Day. But it’s a bit different from its usual vibe. You’ll still see plenty of crowds, but they’ll be mixed with tourists, partygoers, and King’s Day revelers.

Expect packed streets and loud music, so if you want to explore, go early.

🧭 What to Do on King’s Day in Amsterdam

Feeling overwhelmed with choices? Here are some can't-miss experiences:

• Morning: Stroll through the vrijmarkt and pick up unique souvenirs.

• Afternoon: Grab some tompouce and catch a boat party or street performance.

• Evening: Hit up a festival or bar crawl through Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein.

Don’t forget your camera, portable charger, and most importantly, your RentnConnect Amsterdam eSIM or pocket WiFi—you’ll want internet that moves with you.

🌍 Why RentnConnect is Your Best Bet for Internet in Amsterdam

Let’s face it—public WiFi is sketchy and roaming charges are brutal. That’s why savvy travelers choose RentnConnect. Here’s why:

• Unlimited data: Stream, navigate, and post without limits.

• Portable WiFi or eSIM: Choose what suits your device best.

• Reliable across Europe: Not just in Amsterdam—take it on the road.

• Easy pick-up and drop-off: Delivered to your hotel or picked up at the airport.

Whether you’re hopping boats, navigating through pop-up events, or just trying to find your crew in a crowd of orange, RentnConnect has your back.

Final Thoughts

King’s Day in Amsterdam is more than a holiday—it’s an experience you’ll remember forever. From the contagious joy in the streets to the once-a-year traditions, it’s an epic celebration of Dutch pride, culture, and community. And with RentnConnect's pocket WiFi and eSIM, you’ll stay connected, share the magic in real-time, and never miss a beat.

So grab your orange gear, charge your phone, and get ready for the most unforgettable party in the Netherlands.