International

5 tips for King’s Day

19 April 2017

On 27 April, the Netherlands turns completely orange for King Willem’s birthday.

The King will be fifty this year, and this important milestone will be celebrated through­out the country with music festivals, fun fairs and street markets. So, we've made a list of the most fun activities on King’s Day.

1. Street markets

Gather all your change and visit one of the many street markets. Rummage about boxes full of LPs or search for other treasures from the old days. One of the nicest street markets can be found in Utrecht! Wander past the many stalls and markets as well as through Utrecht’s city centre. Are you hungry after all your wandering? Not a problem: for the first time, Utrecht also has a food street this year. Do not miss the street market in Amsterdam’s Vondelpark either. The entire park will be full of children who want to earn a little pocket money.

2. Congratulate the King in Tilburg

This year, our King celebrates his fiftieth birth­day in Tilburg! Spot the Orange family in real life and visit this city in Brabant. Along the route that Wim-Lex, Maxima and their children will take, a huge party will take place. Toast to the King’s birthday with an Oranjebitter drink in your hand or sing along to the national anthem at the top of your voice at Tilburg Zingt (‘Tilburg sings’).

3. The King of fun fairs

Admire The Hague’s city centre from the Ferris wheel, race around in bumper cars or swing around in a nostalgic roundabout. At the King Fair at Malieveld in The Hague you can let yourself go! On top of this amazing fun fair, the court-capital will also organise many other activities. Take a ride in a Golden Coach or get aboard a historic tram. If you intend to stay in the city until late, you can stay over at the centrally located Stayokay The Hague.

4. Code orange

For all the party animals and nocturnal animals among us, it is time to get ready for Willem’s birthday. Do not worry if you are not sure where to go on this King’s Day. Visit Kingsland, which offers parties at no less than five locations at the same time. Or walk through the shadows of the Euromast during the colourful Kroon Festival at Willemsplein Square in Rotterdam. If you do not live close to these party locations, you can stay at one of Stayokay hostels nearby!

5. Fresh air at the beach

If you want to avoid all the city commotion, you can discover the nature around Noordwijk. Jump on a bicycle and ride through the beautiful bulb fields – they are literally around the corner! How many orange tulips can you find? Complete your weekend with a stay at Stayokay Noordwijk. With a bit of luck, you'll even be able to paddle in the North Sea, without completely freezing 😉