Amsterdam & King’s Day

Last year I spent 4 days in Amsterdam with some friends, visiting another good friend who had moved there after meeting a Dutch woman while traveling in Asia. He kindly hosted us at his place in central Amsterdam, which saved us a lot of money — especially since our trip coincided with King’s Day, one of the biggest celebrations in the Netherlands.

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

King’s Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands that celebrates the king’s birthday. The entire country dresses in orange, streets turn into festivals, and the canals fill with party boats. It’s said to be one of the biggest street parties in the world — and it lived up to the hype.

We woke up around 10 a.m., and the streets were already absolutely packed with people drinking, playing music, and partying like there was no tomorrow. DJs were setting up tables on balconies, people were selling cocktails from their backyards, and the canals were so full of boats that you couldn’t even see the water. We had bought some Dutch-themed costumes to blend in and spent the whole day outside, ending up in a big park where DJs played late into the night. The atmosphere was unbelievable.

What impressed me most was that despite the chaos, the city was spotless the next morning — all the trash and mess was gone as if nothing had happened.

Heineken Experience

Before King’s Day, we started the trip with a visit to the Heineken Museum (also called the Heineken Experience). It’s an interactive tour through the old brewery, showing how Heineken started, the brewing process, and all the machinery involved. The tour ended with a couple of free beers in the basement bar — the vibe was lively and set the tone for the trip.

Amsterdam Sightseeing & Food

We also took time to explore the city itself, walking miles through its beautiful canals, bridges, and historic streets. Amsterdam is one of those places where you can just wander without a plan and still see incredible architecture and scenery.

We tried bitterballen, a traditional Dutch snack made of deep-fried balls filled with a thick meat ragout. It was definitely unique — crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and best enjoyed with mustard. In the evening, we had a fantastic dinner at an Indian restaurant, followed by some bar hopping around the city.

Rijksmuseum

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Even though I’m not the biggest art fan, it was a powerful experience to see masterpieces by some of the most famous painters of all time. The most surreal moment was standing in front of Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”, a massive painting with unbelievable detail and presence.

Beyond art, the museum also houses an incredible collection of Dutch history: model ships, weapons, artifacts, and treasures that tell the story of the country. It’s huge, so make sure to set aside enough time if you go.

Canal Boat Ride

On our last day, we rented a boat and cruised through the canals with snacks on board. Navigating wasn’t easy — it really tested our inner captains — but it was such a fun and unique way to experience Amsterdam. We even passed by the famous Anne Frank House, one of the most important historic landmarks in the city.

Closure

Those four days in Amsterdam were packed with culture, history, food, and partying. From the madness of King’s Day to the calm beauty of the canals, it was the perfect mix of unforgettable experiences. Amsterdam truly has it all — world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and one of the most beautiful cityscapes in Europe. I can’t wait to go back.