Koningsdag 2024 - King's Day in Amsterdam - everything you need to know
King's Day, April 27, turns the city of Amsterdam into a sea of orange to celebrate the birthday of the king, Koning Willem-Alexander. This crucial Dutch holiday sees the streets transformed into festivals, with events such as concerts and markets scattered throughout. Amsterdam is the epicenter of the celebrations, attracting thousands of foreign visitors and locals who don the distinctive orange color, symbolic of both the Netherlands and the House of Orange-Nassau, the ruling royal family.
During King's Day in Amsterdam, the entire city center teems with festive people. Numerous cafes and bars hold lively events with music and cocktails, creating an effervescent atmosphere. People gather in groups of various sizes to dance and have fun together. However, the beating heart of the party is along the Prinsengracht, where the canal is transformed into a spectacular scene. Party boats pour into the canal, creating an explosion of music, dancing and merriment. During the highlight of the festival, the amount of boats is so great that it is difficult to move forward!
What to eat during the King's Day
On King's Day, a unique occasion, it is great to celebrate with special food. Why not opt for something orange? You can choose from orange or carrot cakes, quiche with orange and salmon, but tompouce (pictured right) is our favorite choice. This typical Dutch dessert includes two layers of puff pastry filled with cream, a real treat for the palate!
1. Patatje Oorlog: to experience the holiday in full Dutch style, you can't miss patatije oorlog (literally potato-war). They are regular crispy fries served with mayonnaise, raw onions and peanut sauce.iose Dutch pancakes, similar to small pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar. They are a perfect snack to enjoy while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Amsterdam.
2. Stroopwafels: the world's best-known Dutch dessert-biscuit. It consists of two wafers joined together by a layer of caramel. A combination of crunchiness and sweetness for almost any palate!
3. Bitterballen: famous fried croquettes filled with a thick meat-based cream (or sometimes a vegetarian version). They are perfect to accompany an appetizer.
4. Tompouce arancione: a dessert consisting of two layers of crisp puff pastry, filled with sweet custard and colored with pink or white frosting on top. This dessert is often eaten during special occasions such as national holidays, weddings and birthdays in the Netherlands. For the King's Day, don't miss the orange versionWhat to do with children during the King's Day
This event is a wonderful and unique time for even the youngest children. During this day, family traditions are a must, including participation in the Vondelpark flea market. Within this city park, stands are set up with toys and clothes that children wish to sell to earn some money. In addition, there are other stalls offering various fun activities, including individual or group games. Food lovers, on the other hand, engage in selling their own culinary delicacies, which usually include cakes, cookies or pancakes.
Here is a list of things to do with children:
1. Dress in orange: Orange is the national color of the Netherlands, and during Koningsdag, children and adults wear orange clothes to show their festive and patriotic spirit.
2. Flea markets: Children often participate in flea markets held on the streets and in parks in Dutch cities. Here, they sell toys, books, clothes and items they no longer use, enjoying the feeling of selling and the opportunity to earn some extra money.
3. Outdoor activities: During Koningsdag, many Dutch cities hold outdoor events with games, shows and other activities designed especially for children. This includes musical performances, parades, traditional games or temporary attractions.
Tips on how to best experience the day
Here you will find a number of tips for making the most of the unique experience of the King's Day in the Dutch capital:
- Plan your commute: on April 27, the center of Amsterdam is blocked off. Many streets are closed, public transportation is disrupted/changed, and cabs do not have free access to all areas.
- Arrive early: multi-car trains are scheduled at more frequent times so as to better manage the flow of people coming into the city.
- Arrive early: arriving early gives you a better chance of getting a good seat along the canals or at key party spots.
- Get around on foot: the best way to get around the city is on foot. Special pedestrian routes direct you to places of interest.
- Alcohol: one can/bottle of alcohol per person is allowed (glass is asked to be avoided).
- Wear Orange: last but not least, don't forget to wear something orange, the color that represents the royal family.
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