an alternative plan for Queen's day when you get separated from your posse

There is an alternate more Zen-like plan for those who either A) don't like to plan, or B) get separated from their posse:

1 - Find a new posse or...

2 - Walk around for 20 minutes max. Then sit somewhere. Breathe. Despite what you think, you will not be any better off than where you are.

3 - Avoid the edges of the canals at all times and don't wear shoes that you like.

4 - Don't freak out at friends who don't return your text messages. As with any massive event in any city, cell networks get jammed and messages get delayed, often for many hours.

Still looking for suggestions for Queen's Day? Check out Queen's Day in het Centrum and  Koninginnenacht + dag feesten / Queen's Night and Day Parties.

- Jeff Funnekotter, check out his Big City Blog about life in Amsterdam and everywhere else the road takes him.

where to get your orange gear for Koninginnedag

Pssst. Want to rock the orange in a cheap shirt? Head to the market on Albert Cuypstraat - for as low as 5 Euros you can wear the colour of the day proudly. Granted, the shirts are of low quality and are a little irregular, but on Queen's Day, you will be too.

- Jeff Funnekotter, check out his Big City Blog about life in Amsterdam and everywhere else the road takes him.

Queen's Day in het Centrum

Koninginnedag awaits, as does its evening-prior sister, Koninginnenacht. And while I am a first-timer, I think I've gleaned enough information from trustworthy locals to make some recommendations. There are so many places to go and things to see that it can be dizzying. So let's keep things relatively simple.

For sheer volume and touristic simplicity, head to either Leidseplein or Museumplein. Both areas will have DJ's (and heads and stomachs) spinning non-stop. Actually any "plein" is a good bet to have masses of people there - Thorbeckeplein, Rembrandtplein, Marie Heinkenplein all have events, beginning either at 7:00pm on the 29th and/or throughout the day and night on the 30th.

To get away from the oont-ss-oont-ss of techno music head to the Jordaan area at noon on the 30th for a Cuban vibe with Septeto Trios Los Dios.

Another musical departure from the techno scene is Hell's Kitchen's QueensBridge event for some top funk and hip-hop... and the cost to feel the funk and hop to the hip? Gratis! Imagine that - less than the cost of going to the bathroom. (Which reminds me - bring a small stack of coins for the day, as all establishments will charge you to use their facilities). QueensBridge happens at several locations in and around Reguliersbreestraat and Reguliersdwarsstraat.

A worthwhile listing for all the events can be found on the site- Queensday Amsterdam.

- Jeff Funnekotter, check out his Big City Blog about life in Amsterdam and everywhere else the road takes him.

upcoming post for Koninginnedag

We are working on a special post with hand-picked Koninginnedag (Queen's Night and Day) suggestions. It should be up this weekend, in time for you to start making plans for Thursday night.