My husband and I are planning a trip to Amsterdam/Germany in April 08. We have never been, and would love to be there for the Queen's Festival but are concerned that we won't be able to get any sight-seeing done with all the madness. We enjoyed Carnival in Cadiz, but didn't really have anything else we wanted to see there.Has anyone been in Amsterdam for this? How crowded are the day or two before/after the festival? Will we be able to find hotels and train tickets in and out? Any other info on the Queen's Festival would be welcome. Thanks!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Your not gonna be able to do any sightseeing on Queens Day. All museums/tourist attractions, most shops, and all trams shut down during this holiday. The day before and after the holiday is business as usual. Hotels won't be a problem, as Queen's day is mostly celebrated by the locals.
Posted by
Seattle
223 posts
Here is a link about festivals in Amsterdam, including Queens Day.
http://goamsterdam.about.com/od/eventsfestivalsholidays/Events_Festivals_Holidays_in_Amsterdam.htm
Posted by
OP
Redmond, WA, USA
12 posts
I have heard hundreds of thousands of people come to Amsterdam for the festival. How far ahead should we be booking hotels? Also, does it clear out right after? We don't mind some crowds, but don't want to be competing with thousands of people for museum admission the next day or two! Thanks!
Posted by
Amsterdam, NL
1 posts
I live in Amsterdam and I've been through two Queens Day. Don't expect to do anything on Queens Day, except walk around (in Orange - if you don't want to stick out) and drink beer. This is on April 30th. The night before is where everyone stays up and parties at the numerous clubs downtown. Then they wake up on the 30th and have a huge flea market everywhere. If you get here a few days before, it shouldn't be a problem. Most are locals or are from other parts of holland, that migrate towards Amsterdam for the day and then leave. There is no public transport on the 30th (in Amsterdam). Its a great day if you like beer and loud techno music! : )
The first year I hated it as I had to work and it was hell. The last Queens Day was much better as I had the day off and could join in with the festivities!
Hope this helps!