Hi there. We booked the Amsterdam Weichmann canal view and we were excited about the location and views. However, a houseboat popped up in a central location. It's a five minute walk to the Rembrandt House. I don't like the location as much but thought staying on a houseboat might be a unique experience. We will be there for 4 nights, one of which will fall on King's Day, which is another thing to consider. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Posted by
The Netherlands
1746 posts
A houseboat would be the absolute last thing I would want to be on during Kingsday…
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/generation-emigration/celebrating-kingsday-one-of-the-best-things-about-living-in-amsterdam-1.2197339
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks @dutchtraveler! It's between Uilenburg and Niewmarkt along the Oudeschans. Does that make a difference? It looks a bit out of the way, but I will steer clear if it looks anything like the pictures. I really appreciate your knowledge and advice.
Also, will the Weichmann be in the middle of the celebrations? We are so excited to be there for this event (on accident) but a little nervous that we'll be stuck. Can we travel to Harleem that day if we want to or will transportation be impossible? Thank you! And sorry for all the questions.
Posted by
1168 posts
Dutch_traveler is the authority, but last year after starting the day in a very small town in the Netherlands and then ending the day in Delft on King's Day, there is no city, neighborhood or street that will be quiet or away from the festivities on King's Day. You will just be in it! Everywhere! Be sure to bring something orange to wear! We arrived in Amsterdam a couple of days later. It looked like it had partied!
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Oh wow! Thanks KD! I guess we'll just surrender to the chaos and fun.
Posted by
111 posts
Reduced transportation will be available. Just check https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information for times.
Do be aware that the party in major cities starts on the evening before with kids taken over in the morning selling their goodies (and the partying starts early afternoonish).
Amsterdam will be packed but that has its charm as well. The surrounding cities and towns will be less crowded but still busy (although you can imagine it will be packed in front of stages with music and where beer is being served). Good information on what is happening where in Amsterdam is listed here: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on/kings-day.