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Go Orange on Queen's Day in Amsterdam
Published by Melaina Gasbarrino, Writer
Country: Netherlands 
The Experience
Amsterdam’s Queen's Day celebration of the masses in the Netherlands has spread into a night event as well. If you’re looking for a wildly exuberant party on April 30th, and are happy to dress in extravagant orange, then Queen's Day, or “Koninginnedag,” is one of the world's biggest street parties. There’s a sea of orange, with unique ideas for donning Netherland’s national colour, so pack your most outlandish orange outfit!
Holland’s Queen's Day was dubbed a celebration way back on August 31st, 1885 with the birth of Queen Wilhelmina. Sixty-four years later after Queen Juliana's accession into the world of royalty, Queen's Day is officially celebrated on her birthday: April 30th. Succeeding her mother, Queen Beatrice continues to call April 30th Queen's Day in commemoration of her mother.
The celebration of Queen’s Day actually starts around 7 pm the night before and carries right on over to Queen's Day. Walk the streets of the Nieuwmarkt and Jordaan areas for the perfect party. Two words of advice: pace yourself! You don't want to miss out on the biggest street party because you had a few too many funky orange drinks the night before the real celebrations begin. As the night turns into day, join in on the fun of the “free market.” Slowly slither through the market crowds to find second-hand artifacts sold by locals anywhere and everywhere. Find the most outrageous bric-a-brac being sold by the locals, and be entertained by talented teenage rappers, street discos, pick-up bands, tantalizing street entertainers, and young and old aspiring opera singers. Hop on a boat and join in the madness of techno music, or check out one of the ten different stages with DJs spinning their tunes.
You will see it ALL on Queen's Day. If you are more into the organized lifestyle of concerts, then head on over to Museumplein or Dam Square where huge outdoor concerts are held in an oh-so-orderly fashion!
Queen’s Day is a must to add to your bucket list as the crazy orange memories made here will go down in the books for the biggest, wildest street party you will ever attend.
Holland’s Queen's Day was dubbed a celebration way back on August 31st, 1885 with the birth of Queen Wilhelmina. Sixty-four years later after Queen Juliana's accession into the world of royalty, Queen's Day is officially celebrated on her birthday: April 30th. Succeeding her mother, Queen Beatrice continues to call April 30th Queen's Day in commemoration of her mother.
The celebration of Queen’s Day actually starts around 7 pm the night before and carries right on over to Queen's Day. Walk the streets of the Nieuwmarkt and Jordaan areas for the perfect party. Two words of advice: pace yourself! You don't want to miss out on the biggest street party because you had a few too many funky orange drinks the night before the real celebrations begin. As the night turns into day, join in on the fun of the “free market.” Slowly slither through the market crowds to find second-hand artifacts sold by locals anywhere and everywhere. Find the most outrageous bric-a-brac being sold by the locals, and be entertained by talented teenage rappers, street discos, pick-up bands, tantalizing street entertainers, and young and old aspiring opera singers. Hop on a boat and join in the madness of techno music, or check out one of the ten different stages with DJs spinning their tunes.
You will see it ALL on Queen's Day. If you are more into the organized lifestyle of concerts, then head on over to Museumplein or Dam Square where huge outdoor concerts are held in an oh-so-orderly fashion!
Queen’s Day is a must to add to your bucket list as the crazy orange memories made here will go down in the books for the biggest, wildest street party you will ever attend.
When to Go to Queens Day Amsterdam
When you arrive at the bus, train or tram stations prior to the event, you will receive a map of walking routes for the festivities. This is only a guide, but if you feel like traveling all the ins and outs of the world's biggest street party, then make sure you hold onto the map for dear life. Many people just walk the streets of Amsterdam and get lost in the exuberant nature of the festivities, and don't bother to look at the map. It is always nice to have a map as a guide. Key places to wander around on Queen's Day are the areas of Jordaan, Dam Square, Museumplein, and Nieuwmarkt, where you will be enveloped in everything orange.
Queen’s Day is all about walking the streets, therefore, please note that for the greater part of the day, public transportation is at a standstill. Put on your best orange walking shoes and partake in the most festive of festivities that Holland has to offer.
Odds n' Ends
Make sure you arrive nice and early on Queen's Day as crowds start to heat up as the sun is rising. The festivities start at 6 am, so it is better to ground yourself at a stall just as the sun is rising.
Drink responsibly. The city laws state you are only allowed one alcoholic drink at a time. Anything greater than that will be confiscated, so please ensure you drink responsibly. Do note that it is perfectly okay to be drinking on the streets, but once again, do so in a responsible manner.
All major restaurants are open on Queen's Day, so you will not go hungry.
If you’re bringing your children along, it is highly recommended you stay in Vondelpark in Amsterdam. The day is great fun for children, with games, face-painting, and talented youngsters showing off. Note that there is a small fee to partake in the day at Vondelpark.
Drink responsibly. The city laws state you are only allowed one alcoholic drink at a time. Anything greater than that will be confiscated, so please ensure you drink responsibly. Do note that it is perfectly okay to be drinking on the streets, but once again, do so in a responsible manner.
All major restaurants are open on Queen's Day, so you will not go hungry.
If you’re bringing your children along, it is highly recommended you stay in Vondelpark in Amsterdam. The day is great fun for children, with games, face-painting, and talented youngsters showing off. Note that there is a small fee to partake in the day at Vondelpark.
Places to Eat
- De Kas
- This fine-dining restaurant is light-years away from the beauty of the backdrop it entails. De Kas can be found within the city's former municipal nursery saved from demolition by Gert Jan Hageman, Michelin's star chef. Going along with the idea of a greenhouse as its backdrop the restaurant showcases an extensive variety of homegrown produce as Ronald Kunis & Meindert Heijer the executive and head chef team creates a menu that is ever so delicious and eclectic.
- Ciel Bleu Restaurant
- Every bit of your experience here at Ciel Bleu will be a night to remember. The chefs take particular care in extending your experiences at this quaint restaurant to fill all of your senses. The goal at Ciel Bleu is to focus on quality and traditionally local ingredients where they input surprising combinations together to yield to a most perfect meal. With its stylish decor and panoramic views of the city Ciel Bleu should certainly be on your list of restaurants to indulge in while in Amsterdam.
- Restaurant d'Vijff Vlieghen
- At d'Vijff Vlieghen take in the rich culinary history that has devised a new Dutch cuisine to bring about the contemporary world to the Amsterdam scene. This restaurants main focus is on only using the best of the best quality organic vegetables and produce to enhance its guests experiences. Quality is key to this restaurant where you can step back in time through the nine different interconnected dining rooms that have their own unique style. Each room is created to meet all of your senses as you step into d'Vijff Vlieghen where the Golden Age's rich atmosphere is brought back to life.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Novotel Amsterdam City
- The Novotel Amsterdam City is just under 4km away from the City Centre and offers the best of the best a newly remodeled hotel can offer. The hotel has transformed itself into a 610 guest room oasis that will delight anyone traveling from near or far for Queen's Day. With a new fitness centre, wellness area, restaurant, bar and Convention Centre all of your senses will be completely satisfied as you step foot on Novotel's beautiful property. You will be warmly welcomed by the staff at The Novotel Amsterdam City as you walk straight up to the front desk. The staff will are gladly able to guide you to all of the best attractions, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and most notably the best spots to attend for Queen's Day as they hand you your room key for your stay. Enjoy The Novotel Amsterdam City as the City Centre and Queen's Day awaits you.
- Swissotel Amsterdam
- Located right at the Dam Square The Swissotel Amsterdam just may be your perfect spot to rest your head after a night of partying for Queen's Night, just remember Queen's Day awaits you so it may just be a quick little rest! Just a short walk from Central Station and within walking distance to all the major attractions The Swissotel Amsterdam is a perfect 4-star hotel that offers 109 suites and rooms for guests. Need to perk up at 6 am just before festivities of Queen's Day start, well than you and your travelers can make your own coffee for the morning with your very own Nespresso coffee machine found in all rooms. With restaurants, bars and all the necessary attractions around the corner from The Swissotel Amsterdam it truly is a perfect place when you book your accommodations for Queen's Day.
- Eden Amsterdam American Hotel
- If you feel like staying in a monument for the Queen's Day festivities than The Eden Amsterdam American Hotel is perfect for you. This hotel was built in 1900 and with newly renovated rooms and cafe you will feel miles away from the chaos outside when you step through the quaint doors of The Eden. The 175 guest refurbished guest rooms are most notably an experience in itself as a new modern flair and design has been recently added to the hotel. Take your pick from the Classical American Room to the Ruud de Wild Art Suite, whichever you are able to book you will be pleasantly surprised. Luxury, grace, style and comfort are what The Eden Amsterdam American Hotel is all about, so enjoy your stay, just make sure to check out as you may never want to leave.
- Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
- Located an arms reach to The Queen's Day festivities the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam and all its beauty awaits you. This four-star hotel is right in the heart of the city where you will be encompassed with everything Queen's Day. With a total of 306 modern guest rooms be sure to book a spot early as this hotel quickly fills up for the festivities. The hotel boasts a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, a luxurious pool and business centre. Be sure to add a few days extra onto your vacation when you stay at The Park Plaza as there are many sights to see just around the corner from the hotel you won't want to miss out on. Indulge yourself in all things Queen's Day as this hotel is a perfect spot to rest your head for a night or two.
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- Amsterdam Guide
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Koninginnedag Amsterdam
- Queen's day, or Koninginnedag as we call it, is a national holiday in the Netherlands. On this day we celebrate the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands.
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