Queen’s Day 2010 (Koninginnedag) in Amsterdam will be on Friday April 30th. This is a national holiday and huge street party with concerts, markets and other activities to celebrate the Dutch Queen’s birthday (actually the Queen Mother’s birthday, as the current Queen Beatrix was born in cold January!).

Everyone should experience Queen’s Day in Amsterdam at least once in their life – to see thousands of orange-decked Dutch hit the streets.

The celebrations officially starts the evening before (April 29th, “Queen’s Night” or koninginnenacht) which goes on until the early hours. Events get going again in the morning and continue through the day. The Queen traditionally makes an appearance live on TV from a chosen town during the morning. This year she will visit Wemeldinge and Middelburg in the Zeeland province – security is likely to be very tight there after last year’s incident in Apeldoorn.

The free market (vrijmarkt) is where anyone can set up a stall on designated streets and sell clothes, food, drinks and any old tat or bric-a-brac. Prices are negotiable which is all part of the fun. Many residents set up stalls outside their own houses and actually mark their spot with tape (“bezet“, or occupied) days before. There are also professional traders who take advantage of the tax free opportunity.

The centre of Amsterdam becomes extremely busy with up to 3/4 million visitors to the city. If you can, avoid arriving via Amsterdam Central Station which gets overcrowded as visitors flock from all over the country.

You will have to get around the centre on foot as there is limited public transport within the party zone. Be aware that some places can become very crowded and difficult to pass. Also watch out for pickpockets.

On Queen’s day Amsterdam’s canals are put to good use with hundreds of boat parties on the water. There are organised stage concerts at various places around the city whilst a host of street performers provide entertainment elsewhere.

The Queen’s Day party takes place all over Amsterdam centre – the main squares of Rembrandtsplein, Leidseplein and Museumplein; the historic Jordaan neighbourhood; the parks Vondelpark and Westerpark. For a slightly more laid back and authentic experience head out to De Pijp (near Albert Cuyp street market) just south of the centre.

If you are planning a visit to Queen’s Day it is essential you book your accommodation in advance. To get a good deal on a hotel for Queen’s Day check out our Amsterdam Hotels page.