Kingsday (Konigsdag) is a Dutch National holiday for King Willem-Alexander. I have never been in Amsterdam for this holiday but I will be in 2024. I love a good time but sometimes big celebrations can become a little too overwhelming especially later in the evening. I need opinions as to what to expect early, mid-day and into the evening. Does everyone over 50 or 60 disappear after 10 p.m.? I appreciate all opinions. Thank you.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
We landed at AMS on King's Day five years ago and went to our hotel in Haarlem. The streets were full of people celebrating, music, etc. Our room was on the ground floor near a busy street, and we asked the desk clerk if we could have a quieter location. He said not to worry, everything would shut down at 9:00. And it did, except for some partying in a bar a couple of blocks away. We slept soundly. I can't remember whether it was a weekend or a weeknight, but I was impressed.
Amsterdam might party somewhat later into the evening, especially around the station and Dam Square, but I doubt if you'll have much problem. Maybe look for a hotel a little farther from the center, and a quieter room. Then enjoy this colorful holiday with the Dutch people.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Be aware that the night time festivities will be the evening before King's Day proper. On King's Day during the day, things are more family friendly. More like a chill street festival. Each neighborhood will be doing their own thing. Go for it! It will be a pleasurable day.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7936 posts
Our business-hotel in Arnhem left earplugs in the rooms for Queen's Day. But we didn't need them. I assumed at first that they were for the adjacent river's barge traffic, but that wasn't a problem either.
I enjoyed a festival in Amsterdam that included beer stands where you paid a deposit for a beer glass, and could get the deposit back at other stands, a half mile away. Unlike many US states.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2684 posts
We were there for Kings Day this year. It was very crowded but absolutely fine. A couple of the museums were open so we planned our day to be a stroll through the busy streets to the museum and back. It was actually quite fun - the canals were packed with boats and revelers but it was all quite civilized. We were staying at a hotel on Dam Square - and we heard nothing in our room. To answer your specific questions - the night before was fine - some organized music/party sites. The morning of was quiet - we wandered out onto absolutely empty streets. Mid-day and into the evening were the crowds we had heard about - but it really had no negative impact on our stay. We were in our hotel for the night by about 8. We looked out on Dam Square from our lobby - crowded and lively - but just fine.