An orange-filled city party, with boats on the canals and free markets across town
King's Day in Amsterdam: every year on 27 April
King's Day (Koningsdag) is held in Amsterdam every year on 27 April, the King's birthday; in 2027 that is a Tuesday. The city fills with orange, the canals fill with boats and free markets pop up in Vondelpark, Sarphatipark and at NDSM Wharf. This page is for visitors planning their trip, with canal trips for the days around it.
- Instant confirmation
- Mobile ticket
How to choose
Open boat, open views
Sit in an open boat with nothing between you and the canals, departing from Damrak or Leidseplein.
Pedal your own boat
Set your own pace on the water: pedal boats take 1 to 4 people and start from 4 boarding points.
A classic canal cruise
Sit back with an audio guide, departing from Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
Drinks on the water
Spritzes or wine (or non-alcoholic options) with crostini, olives and nuts. Guests must be 18 or older. Check the dates for this summer cruise.
Cruises and tickets during the event
Live prices, instant confirmation.
Premium ChoiceOpen Boat Tour - Departure from Damrak
The best way to explore the canals of Amsterdam is without a doubt on an open boat! From here you and your company will enjoy the best view of the capital and all the sights. The captain will also be your tour guide. They have endless stories to share about Amsterdam.
Why here: Electric open boat with blankets, guided by the captain in English and Dutch, from Damrak.
Signature Boats Amsterdam - Open boats
Experience Amsterdam's canals from an open boat—no walls, just water and city around you. Drinks included as you cruise through the heart of Amsterdam.
Why here: Open boat with no glass walls, maximum 12 guests, drinks included, from Leidseplein.
Pedal Boat Amsterdam
Pedal your own boat through Amsterdam's canals at your own pace, suitable for 1–4 people. Choose a marked route or create your own adventure on the water.
Why here: Pedal your own boat at your own pace, for 1 to 4 people, from 4 boarding points.
Premium ChoiceAmsterdam Canal Cruise
The classic canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways. Pick your departure time and location: Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
Why here: Audio guide in English, Dutch and 17 app languages; choose your departure time on the day, subject to availability.
Premium ChoiceAperol Spritz Cruise Amsterdam
Celebrate the better weather in Amsterdam with a Summer Spritz Cruise. Take in the city’s sights while enjoying 2 spritzes or wines of your choice on this refreshing 60-minute summer canal cruise.
Why here: 2 spritzes or wines (or non-alcoholic options) with crostini, olives and nuts; 18+, valid ID required.
Plan your visit
Departure points
Damrak · Centraal Station, Damrak, Rijksmuseum
18+
Some experiences are 18+
Highlights of this edition
- King's Day is an orange-filled celebration held annually on 27 April for the King's birthday; 27 April 2027 is a Tuesday (source: I amsterdam, 'held annually for the king's birthday on 27 April').
- In Amsterdam many people take to the canals in boats, making the water the main area of celebration (source: I amsterdam).
- Free markets (vrijmarkt) are held across the city; named spots include Vondelpark, Sarphatipark and NDSM Wharf — arrive early, the pickings get slimmer as the day progresses (source: I amsterdam tips).
- Free street events are named at Watergraafsmeer (Bredeweg), NDSM, Amstelveld, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Rembrandtplein, Spui and Marie Heinekenplein (source: I amsterdam tips).
- The night before is King's Night, with festivities and parties across the city (source: I amsterdam tips).
Good to know
- Wear orange: King's Day is an orange-filled celebration, and you will fit right in.
- Heading to a vrijmarkt? I amsterdam's tip is to arrive early, because the pickings get slimmer as the day progresses.
- Pack a raincoat rather than an umbrella. In the crowds, a raincoat is the easier choice.
- Remember King's Night the evening before, when festivities and parties start across the city.
- Want your own canal trip? Plan it for the days around 27 April and check availability on the product page first.
King's Day fills Amsterdam with orange every year on 27 April. The canals are the main stage, with free markets and street events across the city. For the latest details, check the official I amsterdam page. If you want your own time on the water, pick a trip for the days around King's Day. Choose an open boat from Damrak or Leidseplein, a pedal boat at your own pace, a classic cruise with audio guide, or drinks on board. Each product page shows the details, the cancellation terms and availability. You get instant mobile ticket confirmation. Enjoy the orange.
Frequently asked questions
When is King's Day in Amsterdam?
King's Day is held every year on 27 April, the King's birthday. In 2027 that is Tuesday 27 April. Check the official I amsterdam page for the latest details.
What is King's Night?
King's Night is the night before King's Day. Festivities and parties take place across the city.
Where are the free markets on King's Day?
I amsterdam names Vondelpark, Sarphatipark and NDSM Wharf as vrijmarkt locations. Its tip is to arrive early, since the pickings get slimmer as the day progresses.
Where are the free street events?
I amsterdam names Watergraafsmeer (Bredeweg), NDSM, Amstelveld, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Rembrandtplein, Spui and Marie Heinekenplein.
Can I take a canal cruise on King's Day?
On King's Day many people take to the canals in boats, which makes the water the centre of the party. The product details on this page do not mention King's Day departures. You could plan a trip for the days around 27 April and check availability on the product page.
What are the cancellation terms?
Each product has its own terms. The Amsterdam Canal Cruise, Signature Boats open boats, Pedal Boat Amsterdam and Aperol Spritz Cruise list free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. For the Open Boat Tour from Damrak, the operator's terms apply (free up to 24 hours before the start, see the product page).