King’s Day in Amsterdam 2026: your ultimate guide with 10 tips

On 27 April, the Netherlands turns orange, and that can only mean one thing: King’s Day! Celebrations take place across the country, but Amsterdam is without a doubt the place to be to experience this day. Especially if you love a party and want to experience that typical Dutch 'gezelligheid'. Curious about how to make the most of King’s Day? Keep reading and make King’s Day 2026 a day to remember!

1. Go all out with orange clothing

A real must on King’s Day is wearing orange clothing or accessories. Think orange trousers, jumper, scarf, coat, cap or glasses, whatever you like! Go all out, because on this day, there’s no such thing as too crazy. And for extra fun, paint your face with little Dutch flags for the ultimate King’s Day look.

2. Eat an orange tompouce

Start your day in style with a King’s Day classic: the orange tompouce. On Willem-Alexander’s birthday, everything is orange, so this pastry is a must. A delicious combination of puff pastry, creamy pastry cream and orange icing, perfect for a festive start to your day.

3. Enjoy a canal cruise

The days leading up to King’s Day are perfect for getting into the spirit with a canal cruise from LOVERS Canal Cruises, offering a relaxed and atmospheric start to the build-up towards the festive day. From the water, you’ll have a unique view of the city and the atmosphere. On 27 April itself, you can join Lovely Cruises, allowing you to experience King’s Day from the water right in the heart of the festivities. As you cruise through the canals, you can enjoy music, a drink and the unique view of the city in a festive mood.

4. Come by foot or bicycle

During this day, there is less public transport running in the city. Trains to Amsterdam Central Station do run, but trams and buses are limited in the city centre. Therefore, it’s recommended to walk or cycle. Do keep in mind that you’re not allowed to cycle everywhere, so be aware of the city’s rules.

5. Hunt for gems at the flea market

An essential part of King’s Day is the flea market. Throughout the city, people are selling their things, and with a bit of luck you’ll find unique items at a great price. Think books, ceramics, toys, jewellery, vintage clothing and much more. It’s perfect for a casual stroll and gives you the chance to make some truly special finds.

6. Enjoy a street party

You’ll find street parties all over the city: from small, cosy gatherings to larger parties with DJs and live music. Feel free to join in and soak up the atmosphere! Do remember that illegal parties will be subject to stricter enforcement in 2026. Therefore, it’s best to opt for official events so you can enjoy yourself without a care.

7. Drink plenty of water

On such a long and festive day, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. A drink is part of the fun, but make sure you also drink plenty of water to stay properly hydrated.

8. Don’t bring too much alcohol

A drink is part of the fun of King’s Day, but there are clear rules in Amsterdam. You’re only allowed to carry one alcoholic drink at a time. Once that’s finished, you can choose a new drink or switch to water or soft drinks. This keeps things fun and manageable for everyone in the city. So enjoy in moderation and alternate wisely with non-alcoholic options.

9. Download an offline map and bring a power bank

Make sure your phone is well prepared: a full battery and a power bank come in handy. Download an offline map in advance, so you can always find your way around.

10. Agree on a fixed meeting point

Are you going with friends, family or your partner? Set a fixed meeting point in advance where you can find your way back to each other. If you do lose track of your group, you’ll always know where to go and avoid unnecessary searching.

Enjoy the festive day

King’s Day in Amsterdam is ultimately much more than just a day of celebration. It’s a day when the whole city comes together to enjoy the festivities and experience the unique atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling through the flea market, singing along to the music, taking a boat trip or simply wandering around the city: everything revolves around good times, spontaneity and making wonderful memories. If you’re in the Netherlands on 27 April, King’s Day is definitely worth experiencing. An experience you won’t forget in a lifetime.