Celebrating your first King’s Day in Amsterdam?
Where you should stay, where you should go and what you should know.
I’m not going to lie, King’s Day is mental. I went last year, and I’ve never seen streets so busy, groups so drunk and things so orange. Here are some of the things I learnt from going in blind and coming out blind drunk — don’t make my mistakes. Learn from the King herself.
Key Words: Trendy, Affordable, Hipster, Beer, Fun, Active
Where to stay
Affordable: ClinkNOORD
If you don’t mind being a little out of the way, then ClinkNOORD is located in the culturally vibrant Overhoeks district, just a short journey from Amsterdam Central Station but over the channel. The hostel mixes Dutch style with creativity and modern comforts, providing curious travellers with a unique and fun place to stay and socialise and the perfect launch pad from which to explore all that Amsterdam has to offer.
Treat Yourself: Sir Albert Hotel
Sir Albert, like his brothers, embodies a “modern aristocratic attitude”. One of a small chain of boutique hotels founded in 2013, its a combination of heritage accoutrement, contemporary design and, one suspects, a good dose of humour — “think of Sir Albert as the James Bond of the hotel industry, armed with a silver tray instead of Walter PPK”. In a former diamond factory remodelled by award-winning BK Architects, its rooms offer all mod cons while some suites offer Philippe Starck baths.
Where to go
Artis Zoo
Artis, short for Natura Artis Magistra, is a zoo in the centre of Amsterdam. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe. Artis Royal Zoo is not just a zoo, it also contains an aquarium and a planetarium. On Kings Day the Zoo hosts a free, open market beside the zoo, organised specifically for children — so not only do you get to look at meerkats, you can then buy things!
King’s Day Markets in the Parks
Just around the corner from the bustling Albert Cuyp market, the Sarphatipark is a green oasis in the heart of the city with a pond, fountain and enclosed playground. This small park is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, have a picnic with friends or just sit and people watch — and on King’s Day Sarphatipark is one of the places kids hold street markets selling second-hand clothes. You’ll also see them performing songs and dances.
Then, if you’re still in the park mood, check out Vondelpark. The lush urban idyll of the Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s most magical places — sprawling, English-style gardens, with ponds, lawns, footbridges and winding footpaths. On a sunny day, an open-air party atmosphere ensues when tourists, lovers, cyclists, in-line skaters, pram-pushing parents, cartwheeling children, football-kicking teenagers, spliff-sharing friends and champagne-swilling picnickers all come out to play — and on King’s Day you’ll find the largest of the markets held right here.
Boat Hire
Boaty Bootverhuur not only have the best name in the boat hire business, but also offer continually decent rates for rides down the canals. They are good for everyday, but are especially magic during festivals and public holidays. I wish I’d got to these guys earlier when I went — make sure you book soon!
What to eat
Food Hall: Foodhallen
Located in the magnificent De Hallen cultural complex in Amsterdam’s hip Oud-West neighbourhood, Foodhallen is a classy indoor food market and bar serving up a range of high-end street food and beverages in historic surroundings. It may not all be the cheapest food, but there’s so much choice that you’ll find something within your budget. It’s also all really delicious too, which is good.
Affordable: Bar Spek
Set on the edge of Amsterdam’s newly hip Baarsjes neighbourhood, this café (with a name that literally translates as Bar Bacon, so you know it’s good) is perfect for lounging with coffee, enjoying an amazing breakfast or happy hour drinks and snacks on the terrace. Snag a table to tuck into the menu of pastas, pizzas, and meat dishes. Don’t miss a lemony, sweet scroppino.
Treat Yourself: Bridges Restaurant
Ron Blaauw oversees this stylish restaurant at the Grand Hotel serving innovative seafood dishes. Go for the 6 course tasting menu and you won’t be disappointed — I only wish I could do it all over again, but alas, I am not made of money. The oysters were the freshest I’ve ever tasted, so look forward to those.
What to drink
Hipster Hangout: Bar Bukowski
This funky, urban cafe and cocktail bar has it’s own brilliant terrace, serving burgers, baguettes & flammkuchen. It’s quite hipster…well, very hipster, but I’m a sucker for that fake retro aesthetic. The cocktails are all fantastic, but my personal favourite is anything with vodka in. Good tip, I know.
Affordable: Biercafe Gollem
When many Amsterdammers think of the perfect setting for their daily dose of beer, nothing other than Biercafé Gollem comes to mind. There’s over 30 different brews to choose from in a friendly, welcoming environment. The staff were really great and suggested different brews based on our own tastes and preferences.
Treat Yourself: Tales & Spirits
No, it’s not exactly cheap, but this welcoming cocktail bar and restaurant serves exquisite drinks, amazing food, and bar bites all in contemporary, unique and vintage glassware. For a night out to impress, you really can’t beat this unique and conscientious cocktail bar.
For all these tips and more, make sure to check out the Guide I made for Kings Day in Amsterdam under the guise of ‘Pearlshare Team’:
FOR THE KING!
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