Frequently asked questions about staying in Amsterdam

The hotels in Amsterdam are, in comparison with the rest of the Netherlands, quite expensive. Compared to other European capitals, the hotel rooms are normal / average priced.

In winter, however, the hotel prices are dramatically lower.

Tip: Free things to do and see in Amsterdam

City tax (also known as: Tourist tax) is a general tax that a municipality can levy. This allows the municipality for example to finance the use of facilities by tourists.

When paying city tax?
You pay city tax if you stay in Amsterdam. For example, when overnight in a hotel, guest house, caravan, apartment, B&B or bungalow.

Should business travelers also pay city tax?
Also if you are visiting the region for business purposes you pay city tax. The name of the tax suggests that it is only for tourists, but that is not the case.

Tax assessment for city tax
The owner of your residence gets the city tax assessment. For instance, the hotel owner or campsite owner. He may pass on the city tax to you.

Height of city tax
The local height of city tax varies by municipality. Municipalities may determine whether they levy city tax and how they calculate the rate. For example, a fixed amount per night or a percentage per night price. Each municipality can arrange the height in its own regulation. The local regulation of Amsterdam can be obtained or viewed at the municipality of Amsterdam.

Why city tax?
A municipality receives from central National government an amount per capita. If there are many tourists in a town, a municipality makes this more cost. For example, to keep the streets and beaches clean or maintain roads.

Can the city tax on the invoice be higher than the municipal rate?
No, but perhaps it is a mistake on your bill. It is best to inquire the entrepreneur who has made the invoice. Another possibility is that the entrepreneur under the heading of city tax also calculates other costs. This is not allowed. Dutch Minister Verhagen indicated that this is contrary to the 'code travel deals' in a letter on 17 March 2011. You can lodge an objection with the entrepreneur.

More information city tax
For more information about the local city tax in Amsterdam, you can contact the municipality of Amsterdam: https://www.amsterdam.nl/.

I'm not Dutch, should I wear orange?

Sure! There is no rule that you have to wear orange on King’s Day, but a bit of orange in your outfit may help you get in the party mood!

What time does it all start and end?

From 9:00 most cafés and terraces are open. Just like most of the free street markets. Most events begin at 12:00 hrs (midday). You will find these free orange festivals everywhere throughout the city center. The biggest and most popular party venues are in the Westerstraat, Prinsengracht and Reguliersdwarsstraat.

All outdoor activities, like the free street markets and the big organized music parties, will end at 20:00 hrs. The King's party then continues inside all the pubs and clubs until deep into the night.

What are free markets?

As a city built on trade, Amsterdammers love to haggle and there’s no better place to pick up a bargain than at the citywide vrijmarkt ('free market') on King's Day! Everyone turns out to sell their second-hand wares on the streets and in the parks of Amsterdam, creating one of the world's largest flea markets.

Where is the street market?

In principle, anywhere in the city. However, the most popular and largest location are the Vondelpark and Apollolaan.

Where are the large outdoor music events?

These all take place at major event venues outside Amsterdam city center. Please note that you will need to buy a ticket in advance if you would like to attend one of the major organised music parties. Most are sold out.

Are the shops open during King's Day?

Shops are permitted to open on King’s Day, but the majority of high street stores close for the day. For example, shops on the Kalverstraat usually stay closed. Most larger supermarkets do open for part of the day and smaller neighbourhood supermarkets are usually open for business.

Are the museums and attractions opened on King’s Day?

While the majority of Amsterdam's major museums and attractions are closed on King’s Day, several notable visitor hotspots traditionally stay open.

Am I allowed to carry alcohol in public and how much can I purchase?

You are allowed to carry one unit of regular alcoholic drink (under 15% alcohol) for your own consumption. Additional alcoholic drinks may be confiscated.

Is it a good idea to travel with a car?

Travelling to or in Amsterdam by car on King's Day is strongly advised against and traffic is prevented from accessing most of the city throughout the day. Catching a train into Amsterdam is the best bet.

Public transport during King's Day

King's Day is one of the busiest days in Amsterdam where public transport is diverted so that partygoers can travel around the city on foot.

During King's Night (Koningsnacht) (night from 26 to 27 April), public transport in Amsterdam operates according to the normal timetable with a few exceptions where necessary. On King's Day (27 April), there is an adapted timetable for diverting public transport. Most buses and tram only run outside the city centre. In due course check the timetable on the website of 9292.nl/en/.

A common misconception is that public transport is free on King's Day, this isn't the case, standard prices apply.

On foot through Amsterdam

It is most convenient to walk through the city on foot during King's Day. Striking signs and special pedestrian routes point you to the important events and locations.

By taxi

Most taxis do not drive in the city centre during King's Day. If you would like to take a taxi, try it on the Martelaarsgracht opposite Central Station and on the Stadhouderskade near Leidseplein.

Travel advice to the center of Amsterdam

The best way to get to the centre of Amsterdam is by train. Take into account busy, full compartments. In due course check the timetable on the website of 9292.nl/en/. By car is strongly discouraged with regard to traffic jams and a shortage of parking spaces.

Travel advice to Museumplein, Vondelpark and/or Leidseplein

During King's Day, Amsterdam Zuid railway station is the best place to get out of the train if you want to go to Museumplein, Vondelpark and/or Leidseplein. From Amsterdam Zuid train station you don't have to walk so far, you avoid the hustle and bustle of Central Station and many buses do run according to the normal timetable. In due course check the timetable on the website of 9292.nl/en/.

Travel advice towards Oosterpark, Weesperplein and/or Waterlooplein

When you get off at Amsterdam Amstel train station, you can use the metro and trams to get on with your journey to the stages and the free markets. For example, get off at the Weesperplein metro station or Waterlooplein and the free markets and stages, such as the Oosterpark, are all within walking distance!

Display Amsterdam
on the map

Three days and two nights is enough to see the main attractions in Amsterdam. Ideally, five days.

Each accommodation provider has the freedom to set their own rental conditions. However, the following payment conditions are customary in Amsterdam:

1. After reserving your chosen holiday accommodation and period, you will receive a reservation confirmation (or invoice) with a payment request.
2. For reservations made more than 8 weeks before the arrival date, you pay 50% of the rental fee within 14 days. The remaining 50% should be paid at least 4 weeks before arrival.
3. For reservations made within 8 weeks of the arrival date, the entire invoice amount should be paid within 14 days.
4. For reservations made 1 to 3 weeks before the arrival date, you should immediately pay the entire invoice amount.
5. Failure to pay on time may result in the cancellation of the reservation by the landlord.

Spring and autumn are the best times in Amsterdam. There are not too many visitors to the museums, except during extended weekends in the spring.

The summer is appropriate, but then it is busier in the city and museums. High season is from Easter to September.

When it's freezing winter also has its charm. There is then ice in the canals.

The tourist tax in Amsterdam in 2024 is:

• 12.5% of the accommodation price (excluding VAT and tourist tax).