King’s Day FAQ

holland-explorer | 2nd April 2023 | FAQ, King's Day | No Comments

Partying, dancing, wearing orange, buying bargains at the flea markets. Here is everything you need to know about celebrating King’s Day (Koningsdag in Dutch) in Amsterdam in 2023!

Save the date! In 2023 King’s Day in the Netherlands is celebrated on 27 April, 2023.

King’s Day: isn’t it on 30th of April?

No, King’s Day is celebrated on 27 April, which is King’s Willem-Alexander birthday. Until the abdication of Queen Beatrix in 2013, the holiday was Queen’s Day and was celebrated on 30 April. Some old guide books still contain this information which causes confusion to some travellers.

Why do people dress in orange on King’s Day?

Orange is worn on King’s Day as it’s the colour of the Dutch royal family – the House of Orange-Nassau.

King’s Day 2023 in Amsterdam: what’s on?

King’s Day is famous for its parties, which start the evening before on 26 April (King’s Night) and then continue the next day. Here is King’s Day and King’s Night agenda for 2023:

One of the largest events this day is Kingsland Festival (you can visit it in Amsterdam on Rotterdam). Book tickets in advance!

Where can I find flea markets on King’s Day?

On King’s Day everyone can sell their second-hand wares on the streets and in the parks. Thus, Amsterdam turns into one of the world’s largest flea markets. Even kids can start their own merchandise! The flea markets start at 06:00 and continue until 20:00. Check for the flea market locations in Amsterdam >>

Are museums open on King’s Day in Amsterdam?

Some museums, especially the small ones are closed on King’s Day. However can still visit the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Artis Royal Zoo and many more. Check a full list of museums and attractions open on King’s Day in 2023 >>

How does transport work on King’s Day?

Public transportation in Amsterdam is limited. The routes are adapted with the buses and trams only running up to the outskirts of the city centre.

Check the GVB website for more information about public transport on King’s day in 2023 and plan your trip using Glimble journey planner.

Download Glimble app:

Trains to/from Amsterdam. A special train schedule and station accessibility limitations apply on King’s Day. For up-to-date travel advice on King’s Day in 2023 and train schedule check NS website.

Trains to/from Schiphol airport on King’s Day are still running. But the journey can take more time than usual. Please also keep in mind that:

Lockers are not available at Amsterdam Central station on King’s Day.
There will be no trams in the Amsterdam Central station, and you will not be able to book a taxi.
It may be wise to check if you can travel via another station (like Amsterdam Zuid), rather than Amsterdam Central.

For international trains on King’s Day the arrival and departure stations will remain unchanged. However it is recommended to leave earlier and check NS International website for up-to-date travel advice >>

Is King’s Day celebrated in other cities in the Netherlands?

Sure, King’s Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands, not only limited to Amsterdam. In fact, if you are travelling with kids or just prefer to stay out of the crowd, we it’s wise to consider celebrating King’s Day outside Amsterdam. Here are some ideas of celebrating King’s Day in the Amsterdam Area.