If you’ve never experienced King’s Day (Koningsdag) in Amsterdam, imagine a national holiday where everyone wears orange, drinks in the streets, dances on boats, and participates in the world’s largest, most joyful second-hand sale. It’s chaotic, charming, and a little bit magic. As locals living along the Grachtengordel, we’re deep in the thick of it — and wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Quick History of the Orange Craze
King’s Day celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander (27 April), and it’s rooted in a long-standing royal tradition. What began as Queen’s Day in 1885 has evolved into one of the most beloved holidays in the Netherlands. The sea of orange comes from the royal family’s name: the House of Orange-Nassau. So yes, that neon tee and novelty crown? Culturally sanctioned.
What to Expect on the Day
- Boats. Everywhere. The canals fill with party boats blasting music, orange confetti flying, and friends clinking drinks all afternoon. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot on one, prepare for shoulder-to-shoulder dancing and frequent bridge ducking.
- Vrijmarkt (Free Market): King’s Day also turns the entire country into a flea market. In Amsterdam, streets, parks, and pavements become treasure troves. You’ll find everything from vintage vinyl and children’s toys to homemade cakes and questionable life advice for €1.
- Live Music & Street Food: DJs pop up on corners, bands set up in squares, and the air smells of fries, stroopwafels, and sizzling skewers. The city becomes a giant street party, and every neighbourhood has its own rhythm.
- Tompouce (with extra orange icing): These custard-filled pastries are a once-a-year indulgence. Just don’t expect to eat one gracefully — that’s part of the charm.
The Amsterdam Lowdown
Every area celebrates in its own way, but here’s what to expect from a few favourites:
- De Pijp: High energy, big crowds, and thumping music. Great if you want to dance in the streets.
- Vondelpark: Family-friendly and packed with kids selling old toys, playing instruments, and running lemonade stands.
- The Jordaan: Our very own chaotic backyard. Expect winding streets packed with locals selling second-hand goods, spontaneous singing, and vintage steals if you're quick. Be prepared for serious crowds here — it’s one of the busiest spots in the city on King’s Day.
What to Drink (Besides Beer)
Beer may reign supreme, but we like to take a more refined approach — without losing the fun.
- Go Orange: For you natural lovers — the Douloufakis Muscat Amphora 2022 is our pick. A skin-contact white with fragrant Muscat aromatics, soft texture, and just the right edge of savoury funk. Perfect for park picnics, boat rides, or stoop-side sipping in your finest orange.
- Chillable Reds: The ARPEPE Rosso di Valtellina (Nebbiolo) is light, crunchy, and ideal with a slight chill — sophisticated but still crowd-friendly.
- Rosé All Day: Dzimbahwe Rosé Classic is sunshine in a bottle — full of bright fruit and energy, ready to go wherever the day takes you.
- Fresh Whites: The Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Steinfeder 2021 is crisp, mineral, and perfect with market snacks or anything fried and salty.
Raravina’s Local Tips
- Get up early. The best treasure hunting happens before 10am.
- Wear shoes you can dance (and spill) in. The cobbles get wild by mid-afternoon.
- Pack snacks, water, and tissues. Trust us.
- Have cash on hand for the vrijmarkt. Not everyone takes Tikkie.
- Plan your toilet breaks wisely. Public loos are few and far between, and cafés often only allow customers to use theirs. Go before you go — and pack tissues just in case.
- Make your plan — then expect it to change. The magic of King’s Day is in the unexpected moments.
Final Sip
King’s Day is Amsterdam in full colour — loud, playful, a little messy, and completely unforgettable. Whether you’re treasure hunting, boat-hopping, or simply watching from your stoop with a glass of something cold, take it all in.
And if you’re raising a glass this King’s Day, we’d love to see it. Tag us @raravina_shop and share your best orange outfit, canal-side hang, or toast of the day.
Until next time, stay nosey.
