Amsterdam News in English

Amsterdam news in English — daily headlines from Dutch local newspapers covering housing, transport, city politics, neighbourhoods, culture and events, for expats, international students and English-speaking residents.

Amsterdam is having a birthday: come celebrate!
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Amsterdam is having a birthday: come celebrate!

Amsterdam will celebrate its 751st anniversary on Sunday, October 25, with various activities held at the Stadsarchief. Most of these celebratory events are open to the public free of charge.

Minister now understands why Halsema did not intervene against Hamas banners: "No other option"
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Minister now understands why Halsema did not intervene against Hamas banners: "No other option"

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and Justice Minister David van Weel have reconciled after a disagreement regarding the city's decision not to intervene during a protest displaying pro-Hamas banners. The...

Minister now understands why Halsema did not intervene against Hamas banners: "No other option"
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Minister now understands why Halsema did not intervene against Hamas banners: "No other option"

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and Justice Minister David van Weel have reconciled after the Minister acknowledged that current laws prevented the Mayor from stopping pro-Hamas banners at an October 7 ...

Amsterdammer Coos Huijsen (87), first openly gay MP, dies
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Amsterdammer Coos Huijsen (87), first openly gay MP, dies

Coos Huijsen, the first openly gay member of the Dutch parliament, has died at the age of 87. He is remembered for his advocacy work regarding Article 1 of the Constitution and his lifelong commitment...

Person injured in scooter accident in Amsterdam East, trauma team called out
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Person injured in scooter accident in Amsterdam East, trauma team called out

A collision involving a scooter and potentially a cyclist occurred late yesterday evening on the Zeeburgerstraat in Amsterdam-Oost. Emergency responders, including a trauma helicopter and multiple amb...

Monumental office villa opposite Rijksmuseum to go gas-free using heat from the Singelgracht
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Monumental office villa opposite Rijksmuseum to go gas-free using heat from the Singelgracht

A historic office villa situated opposite the Rijksmuseum is ditching gas heating in favor of an aquathermic system that draws energy from the Singelgracht. This sustainable project demonstrates the p...

Vincent (45) earns 4,500 euros a month and saved up 240,000: 'It has made me more confident'
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Vincent (45) earns 4,500 euros a month and saved up 240,000: 'It has made me more confident'

Freelance journalist Vincent Kouters has saved 240,000 euros on a monthly salary of 4,500 euros. He states that this financial milestone has improved his self-confidence and allowed him more freedom t...

You will soon be able to get lost in the dark during parties at Bajes, in the former Bijlmer prison
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You will soon be able to get lost in the dark during parties at Bajes, in the former Bijlmer prison

The former Bijlmerbajes prison in Amsterdam-Oost is being transformed into a new multi-purpose venue called Bajes. The facility will feature three halls with a total capacity of 3,000 people to host n...

At this Amsterdam book club, meeting new people comes first and the book is the icebreaker: 'The shared interest in reading helps'
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At this Amsterdam book club, meeting new people comes first and the book is the icebreaker: 'The shared interest in reading helps'

In Amsterdam winnen boekenclubs aan populariteit als laagdrempelige ontmoetingsplekken voor nieuwe sociale contacten. Leden hoeven de boeken niet per se gelezen te hebben, aangezien de literatuur voor...

Fireworks, stones and glass thrown at police in Amsterdam's Floradorp neighborhood
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Fireworks, stones and glass thrown at police in Amsterdam's Floradorp neighborhood

Police have arrested two individuals in the Amsterdam-Noord neighborhood of Floradorp following a series of violent incidents involving fireworks, stones, and arson. The unrest was sparked by Mayor Ha...

Glass and stones thrown at police in Floradorp, two arrests
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Glass and stones thrown at police in Floradorp, two arrests

Police arrested two individuals in Amsterdam's Floradorp neighborhood after crowds threw glass, stones, and fireworks at officers during ongoing unrest. The disturbances are rooted in a traditional pr...

Artist Boris Acket (38) created an inhumanly large work for ADE: 'I want to give something back'
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Artist Boris Acket (38) created an inhumanly large work for ADE: 'I want to give something back'

Artist Boris Acket is presenting his large-scale installation Einder at the Centrale Markthal during the Amsterdam Dance Event. The event will culminate in a unique performance where the Concertgebouw...

DJs prepare for ADE at DJ School: "Amsterdam is at the forefront"
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DJs prepare for ADE at DJ School: "Amsterdam is at the forefront"

The Amsterdam-based DJ School is helping students prepare for ADE by providing professional training and hosting a debut performance event. Students from various backgrounds travel to the city to lear...

Man stabbed during brawl between groups at Orlyplein
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Man stabbed during brawl between groups at Orlyplein

A man was stabbed during a group fight near Orlyplein in Amsterdam and has been hospitalized. Police are currently investigating the cause of the brawl and the roles of those involved near Sloterdijk ...

Man rushed to hospital after stabbing near Sloterdijk
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Man rushed to hospital after stabbing near Sloterdijk

A man was rushed to the hospital after being stabbed during a fight outside a hotel near Sloterdijk station in Amsterdam. Police have arrested one suspect and are now calling for witnesses to come for...

Croatian police charge 23 Hajduk Split fans for Nazi slogans
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Croatian police charge 23 Hajduk Split fans for Nazi slogans

Croatian police are prosecuting 23 Hajduk Split supporters for shouting anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi slogans during a violent clash with Ajax fans in Split. The club has issued an apology to Ajax as offi...

NS to increase train services during ADE weekend, metros to run an hour later
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NS to increase train services during ADE weekend, metros to run an hour later

The NS and GVB are expanding public transport services in Amsterdam for the Amsterdam Dance Event, offering increased train, metro, and ferry frequencies. The adjustments include extra stops at Bijlme...

Minor from Hoorn and 19-year-old from Amsterdam remain in custody after fatal shooting
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Minor from Hoorn and 19-year-old from Amsterdam remain in custody after fatal shooting

A teenager from Hoorn and a 19-year-old from Amsterdam remain in custody for a fatal shooting in Nijmegen that claimed the life of 18-year-old Jahfairel from Rotterdam. The incident, which occurred du...

Van Weel now understands Halsema not intervening with Hamas banners: Should have called her instead
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Van Weel now understands Halsema not intervening with Hamas banners: Should have called her instead

Minister Van Weel has retracted his criticism of Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema regarding her decision not to intervene during a protest featuring Hamas symbols. After consulting with the mayor, Van We...

Traffic sign points the way to Raasdorp instead of Ransdorp: "Isn't that in Osdorp?"
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Traffic sign points the way to Raasdorp instead of Ransdorp: "Isn't that in Osdorp?"

A road sign on the Schellingwouderdijk in Amsterdam incorrectly points to Raasdorp instead of Ransdorp. The error has frustrated local residents who consider the mistake a significant lapse in oversig...

Amsterdam parking garage arson suspect (26) remains in custody
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Amsterdam parking garage arson suspect (26) remains in custody

A 26-year-old suspect will remain in custody for two weeks following an arson incident in a parking garage in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. The fire forced 55 residents to evacuate their homes, and authoritie...

Judge: Fons Vitae Lyceum does not have to promote Kevin (13) to 8th grade
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Judge: Fons Vitae Lyceum does not have to promote Kevin (13) to 8th grade

A judge has upheld the decision of the Fons Vitae Lyceum in Amsterdam not to promote a 13-year-old student due to poor academic performance. The court concluded that the school acted in accordance wit...

Cyclists fail to notice 20 km/h speed limit trial on Amstelveenseweg: 'Signs? Where?'
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Cyclists fail to notice 20 km/h speed limit trial on Amstelveenseweg: 'Signs? Where?'

Amsterdam has introduced a pilot program on the Amstelveenseweg that restricts cyclists to a maximum speed of twenty kilometers per hour. Early reports suggest that many riders are unaware of the new ...

Number of people experiencing discrimination in Amsterdam rises slightly
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Number of people experiencing discrimination in Amsterdam rises slightly

Nineteen percent of Amsterdam residents reported experiencing discrimination in 2024 and 2025, a slight increase from 2023. The rise is particularly evident among Jewish and Turkish residents, with ma...

Residents of affected apartment building in New West still unable to return home due to risk of collapse
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Residents of affected apartment building in New West still unable to return home due to risk of collapse

Residents of an apartment complex in Amsterdam Nieuw-West remain displaced due to severe structural damage and collapse risks following a deliberate fire in the parking garage. While a suspect has bee...

Underperformance and resurgence, Ajax experiences a week of two faces
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Underperformance and resurgence, Ajax experiences a week of two faces

The Branie podcast explores Ajax's inconsistent week, highlighting a tactical success against FC Groningen alongside a frustrating performance in Croatia against Hajduk. The discussion identifies pers...

Musical Mamma Mia! coming to Amsterdam in English-language production next year
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Musical Mamma Mia! coming to Amsterdam in English-language production next year

The hit West End musical Mamma Mia! will bring its international English-language tour to Amsterdam next February. Produced by Björn Ulvaeus, the production follows a bride-to-be on a Greek island se...

Judi Dench regrets role in Cats film adaptation: 'What a waste'
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Judi Dench regrets role in Cats film adaptation: 'What a waste'

Judi Dench has voiced her regret regarding her role in the critically panned 2019 film adaptation of Cats, calling it a waste of talent. As the film prepares for a new stage production debut at the Ko...

Mother demands Fons Vitae promotes her son, but judge rules against her
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Mother demands Fons Vitae promotes her son, but judge rules against her

A judge has ruled in favor of Amsterdam's Fons Vitae Lyceum, confirming the school's decision not to promote a student who failed to meet academic requirements. The student's mother had argued that in...

Car fire in Lijnden extinguished
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Car fire in Lijnden extinguished

Firefighters extinguished a car fire on the Lijnderdijk in Lijnden this afternoon shortly after it was reported around 1:30 PM. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fir...