26 to 27 Apr 2027
By the afternoon the canals are packed with party boats, so shop the street stalls in the morning and then find a bridge to watch from. Wear something orange.
26 to 27 Apr 2027. Times are approximate and can change from year to year.
Clubs and bars across the city throw parties the night before. With the next day a holiday, they run late.
Sellers set out their goods on pavements and in parks across the city, and trading runs until 8pm.
The park usually shuts the night before and opens its gates in the morning for a market where only children may sell.
Party boats crowd the canals all afternoon. A good place to watch is where the Prinsengracht canal passes the Amstelveld square.
The street market and nearly all outdoor events finish. Bars and after-parties carry on into the night.
For this one day you may sell on the street without a permit, outside a few restricted spots, and the city becomes the vrijmarkt, one giant flea market. Toys, clothing and furniture go out on the pavement, haggling is expected, and food stalls set up alongside.
The orange is for the royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, and most of the crowd dresses in it. Look out for the tompouce, a cream pastry iced orange for the day.
Pick one area and stay there, because crossing the centre through the crowds is slow. With children, go to the markets in Vondelpark and Sarphatipark, and keep away from the packed Jordaan neighbourhood around Westerstraat. Carry coins and small notes for the stalls, and for the pop-up toilets that charge.
Noord, across the IJ river behind Centraal Station, is a free ferry ride from the centre, so you can sleep away from the crowds and still walk in. Anywhere within walking distance of the centre works, since taxis are restricted there on the day. Rooms go early, so book as soon as you know.
Where to base yourself, and what else is on
The Amsterdam guide has the rest of the city.
Sixteen days of beer tents and brass bands on a Munich meadow. Get there on a weekday morning and a bench is yours without a booking.
Lima's purple month: a float carried through the old centre from dawn into the night on five days in October.