Amsterdam warns: stay away from overcrowded Bijlmerplein, Reestraat and Bloemgracht

Amsterdam officials warned at 5 p.m. Monday that parts of the city were becoming too crowded during King's Day celebrations and urged people to stay away from Bijlmerplein, the Reestraat, and Bloemgracht in the center, where there was no room left for more visitors. "Don't come to these places anymore and celebrate King's Day somewhere else," the municipality said.

Police said the day was proceeding so far without "excesses" in the capital. The crowds are reportedly comparable to a busy nightlife evening and fit the picture of a "regular King's Day," a spokesman said.

Separately, seventeen inspectors from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) checked 106 locations to see whether sellers followed all food safety rules. They issued six fines for various food violations and 36 official warnings. Fines can reach up to 1,050 euros.

The authority revived its King's Day food inspections this year after skipping them in 2024 for financial reasons. The number of fines and warnings was higher than during the last inspected King's Day in 2024, when inspectors issued 25 warnings and one fine.

In some cases sellers quickly fixed the problems on the spot and received only a warning. "They could, for example, still arrange good cooling," an NVWA spokesman said.

Meat products left uncooled and uncovered can spoil quickly. "If people are standing under tents where the sun shines, the temperature can rise quickly," the spokesman said.