Dutch News in English
Latest headlines from the Netherlands in English. Covering Amsterdam, Haarlem, and national Dutch news.
HaarlemPas helps with pet costs
Starting January 19, 2026, the municipality of Haarlem will provide financial assistance for pet care to low-income residents holding a HaarlemPas. The pilot program offers up to €200 annually for g...
Holocaust Commemoration Haarlem
The city of Haarlem will hold a Holocaust Remembrance ceremony on Sunday, January 25th, starting with a mayoral speech at the city hall at 1:00 PM. Participants will then join a silent march to the Je...
The best hot chocolate in Amsterdam is served here
This article highlights several top-rated locations in Amsterdam for high-quality hot chocolate, featuring diverse styles ranging from thick Italian and French varieties to sustainable craft options. ...
Vote on the name of the new gymnastics hall
The city of Haarlem is inviting residents to vote for the name of a new multifunctional gymnastics hall being built on Pim Mulierlaan. Residents can choose from a shortlist of five names until January...
Shorter and more frequent ski holidays are the trend: 'It's incredible how many Dutch people are coming again'
Dutch winter sports enthusiasts are increasingly opting for shorter and more frequent ski trips to cope with rising vacation costs. Instead of canceling their plans, many travelers are choosing budget...
Rijksmuseum receives €60 million donation and will create sculpture garden
The Rijksmuseum has received its largest-ever donation of 60 million euros from the Van Rappard family, which will be used to fund operations and create a new sculpture garden in the nearby Carel Will...
Dutch prepare well for ski holidays but drink too much
Although Dutch travelers are known for preparing thoroughly for their skiing holidays, nearly half admit to skiing while under the influence of alcohol. This behavior occurs despite a majority of thes...
Zuidas Market started as a trial among the office towers: "Now 300 to 400 people visit during lunch"
The Zuidas Market in Amsterdam has evolved from a 2021 trial into a permanent weekly fixture at George Gershwinplein, securing a five-year permit in 2023. Every Thursday, the market attracts hundreds ...
Mayor closes house after drugs found
Mayor Jos Wienen has closed a residence in Haarlem for one year after authorities discovered nearly 10 kilograms of soft drugs, weapons, and evidence of trafficking following an anonymous tip. A court...
The favorite Turkish spots of Esra’s owners: ‘It felt like we were in Istanbul’
Selin Kiazim and Steph de Goeijen, owners of the Amsterdam restaurant Esra, are highlighting a "new wave" of high-quality Turkish cuisine flourishing across the city. They recommend several local favo...
Book now or is it cheaper to wait a bit longer?
Many travelers book their summer vacations in January to take advantage of widespread early booking discounts. This article examines whether January is truly the most cost-effective time to secure a h...
Should the civil service be swept clean or is bureaucratic bloat exaggerated?
Amsterdam is planning to reorganize its civil service following criticism over "administrative obesity" and concerns that its 22,000-person workforce, the largest in the Netherlands, is inefficient an...
Basic health insurance might be enough: check if supplemental coverage is really needed
The basic health insurance package is often comprehensive enough for individuals with minimal medical needs, offering extensive coverage that may make supplemental plans unnecessary. Consumers are enc...
Street safety a top priority, but unclear where exactly it is unsafe
Following high-profile violent incidents in Amsterdam, street safety has become a top priority, yet research reveals that official data fails to clearly identify specific unsafe locations. Although a ...
Why are we suddenly so much more generous in December than during the rest of the year?
People tend to be significantly more generous and likely to donate to charity in December compared to the rest of the year. Experts suggest that this seasonal surge in giving is driven by a fundamenta...
What to do in the city during the Christmas holidays: an overview
Amsterdam is hosting a wide range of festive activities during the Christmas holidays, including ice skating at various city squares, the World Christmas Circus at Carré, and the annual Amsterdam Lig...
Friends, colleagues and ballet lovers bid farewell to choreographer Hans van Manen
Hundreds of friends, colleagues, and fans gathered at the National Opera & Ballet theater to pay their final respects to renowned Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen, who passed away last Wednesday at ...
From punk to gabber: There is Ajax music in almost every genre
Throughout its 125-year history, the Dutch football club Ajax has been celebrated through a wide variety of musical genres, ranging from punk to gabber house. These songs are almost as old as the club...
Podcast series on the Amsterdam punk movement: Paradiso was their living room
Paradiso has launched "Punk in Paradiso," a six-part podcast series by music journalist Oscar Smit and artist Elmer exploring the history of the 1970s Amsterdam punk movement. The series documents how...
Many nightlife businesses worried about the future: Fishing in the same pond
A survey of 26 Amsterdam nightlife businesses reveals that nearly half of entrepreneurs fear for their survival due to declining visitor numbers and falling revenues. This downturn is attributed to ri...