King’s Day in Amsterdam is one of those days where the whole city changes. Streets turn orange, music comes from every corner, boats fill the canals, and people move through the city from early morning until late at night.
In 2026, King’s Day falls on Monday, 27 April, with King’s Night happening the evening before on Sunday, 26 April. If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, or if you are a local planning where to spend the day, it helps to know what to expect before the city gets crowded. This short guide answers some of the most common questions people search before King’s Day in Amsterdam, with a focus on De Pijp.
When is King’s Day in Amsterdam 2026?
King’s Day in Amsterdam 2026 is on Monday, 27 April. The celebrations usually begin the night before, known as King’s Night, when bars, streets, and event locations around the city start filling up.
On the day itself, Amsterdam becomes one large open-air celebration. You will see people wearing orange, street markets, music, busy squares, canal boats, and crowds moving between neighbourhoods.
What happens on King’s Day in Amsterdam?
King’s Day celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. In Amsterdam, it is known for a mix of:
- Street parties and outdoor music
- Canal boats filled with people
- The vrijmarkt, where people sell second-hand items
- Packed bars and terraces
- People wearing orange everywhere
- Busy public transport and walking routes
The atmosphere is fun, but the city can also become very crowded. That is why many people look for neighbourhoods outside the most intense tourist areas.
Boats filling the canals — a central part of the King's Day atmosphere.
Is De Pijp a good area for King’s Day?
Yes, De Pijp is a great area to experience King’s Day in Amsterdam if you want something lively but more local than the busiest parts of the city centre.
De Pijp is known for its cafés, restaurants, Albert Cuyp Market, Sarphatipark, small local streets, and relaxed Amsterdam neighbourhood feeling. It is close enough to the centre to stay connected to the celebration, but it has a different rhythm than areas like Dam Square, Leidseplein, or the main canal belt.
How do you get to De Pijp on King’s Day?
Public transport changes on King’s Day because Amsterdam becomes extremely busy. One of the easiest ways to reach De Pijp is usually by metro. GVB recommends using metro 52 from Amsterdam Centraal or Station Zuid towards stops such as De Pijp, Vijzelgracht, or Rokin.
Because King’s Day is so busy, it is smart to check your route before leaving and expect extra walking time.
Where can you take a break during King’s Day in De Pijp?
King’s Day is exciting, but it can also be intense. After walking through the crowds, music, markets, and orange chaos, many people want a calmer place to reset.
That is where Coffeeshop Carmona fits naturally into a King’s Day route through De Pijp. Located at Tweede Jan van der Heijdenstraat 43, Carmona is a long-standing local coffeeshop close to Sarphatipark and away from the most commercial tourist streets, making it a relaxed stop for people who want a more local Amsterdam experience.
⚠ What should you know before King’s Day?
- Wear orange if you want to join the atmosphere. It is not required, but it is part of the fun.
- Plan your transport early. Public transport is busy and some routes change.
- Bring water and comfortable shoes. You will probably walk more than expected.
- Avoid relying only on the city centre. Neighbourhoods like De Pijp can give you a better local experience.
- Respect local rules. Amsterdam has extra rules and crowd measures during King’s Day 2026.
Is King’s Day in Amsterdam worth it?
Yes, King’s Day in Amsterdam is worth experiencing at least once. It is one of the most unique days in the Netherlands, especially if you enjoy street culture, spontaneous energy, music, and people-watching.
But the best way to enjoy it is to plan lightly. Pick one or two neighbourhoods, do not try to cross the whole city too much, and leave space for unexpected moments.
Visit Carmona in De Pijp during King’s Day
If you are celebrating King’s Day in Amsterdam and want to experience a more local side of the city, Carmona is here in the heart of De Pijp.
Coffeeshop Carmona
Tweede Jan van der Heijdenstraat 43
1074 XN Amsterdam
Open daily: 09:00–01:00
18+ only