Each year, the city is decorated in bright orange for a mammoth street party to celebrate Queen Beatrix’s birthday. This year is set to be even more riotous as she is abdicating the throne this spring.
Why: Traditionally this festival falls on the monarch’s birthday. But Queen Bea chose to keep her mother’s April 30 celebration date because there’s usually crap weather in the Netherlands in January, when she was born. She was afraid the Dutch wouldn’t be able go outdoors to party. How very thoughtful.
Do it because: Amsterdam will be transformed into one giant rager, so don an orange T-shirt and get involved.
Try and nab a spot on one of the sailing parties on boats that drift around the canals, crammed with people drinking and dancing.
April 30
Netherlands
iamsterdam.com
Photo: Getty