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King’s Day - join in or stay away from Amsterdam that day?

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We will be in The Netherlands for 8 days, staying in two different locations. Our second rental is near Abcoude, just outside Amsterdam, and we planned all of our Amsterdam touring for this part of our trip. However, King’s Day is April 27 - one of our planned days in the city. I am looking for advice on whether to steer clear of potential museum and restaurant closures along with a crowded party situation or to bring some orange clothes and just enjoy the holiday with the locals........My husband and I will be traveling with two 21-year-olds and I know what their choice will be!

This is not our first time in Amsterdam so we won’t be missing out on any “must do” sites if we take a day trip instead. Right now my alternate idea is a day trip to Einkhuizen/Zuiderzee Open Air Museum or to Alkmaar for the Friday cheese market, provided those things are open on the holiday.

Thanks for any advice.

Posted by
11507 posts

I say you and hubby go and do something boring and let the 21 yr old adults go and have fun.. and yes.. I have kids too.. lol .. I personally would join them and go party but I know some folks are less into that sort of thing..

Ps doubt the cheese market would be open anyways..

Posted by
9099 posts

I've been to Amsterdam on this day, and the real heavy-duty drinking merriment occurs on the evening before. On the actual King's Day, it's a very crowded, but mellower family-friendly neighborhood street party vibe. Something that would appeal to all age brackets.
Keep in mind that King's Days is celebrated all across the country; it's not just an Amsterdam thing, so their is no real way to escape it by leaving Amsterdam...unless you take a day trip to Belgium or Germany.

Posted by
143 posts

"Keep in mind that King's Days is celebrated all across the country; it's not just an Amsterdam thing, so their is no real way to escape it by leaving Amsterdam...unless you take a day trip to Belgium or Germany."

King's Day is celebrated throughout NL, but not everywhere are huge parties or street markets. Shops, museums, restaurants all will be open.

Posted by
3240 posts

We were in Amsterdam for Queen's Day back in 2010. We avoided the big concert in the Museumplein - and with hindsight, I wish we had joined in the fun.

We enjoyed the music and people watching in Vondelpark, and had a very uncrowded experience at the Rijksmuseum. Our orange clothes were wrong though - University of Texas Longhorn orange is the wrong orange!

Posted by
193 posts

My husband & I will be in Amsterdam on King’s Day next month as well. I’m not sure what we will do on that day but probably lots of people watching from our B&B area. Looks like it will be a fun day but so many people!!

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