Lifestyle News in English

'Everyone' is looking forward to the Hillegom Music Festival after a year away; organizer Klaas Slootweg takes a small step back for the 24th edition.

The Hillegoms Muziekfeest is set to return to the Hoftuin on June 27 after a one-year hiatus caused by police resource constraints during a NATO summit. The event's 24th edition has seen high demand, ...

Friends revive declared-dead filterless platform BeReal

Journalist Sam van Opbergen highlights the recent revival of the social media app BeReal among his circle of friends. Known for its focus on authenticity without filters, the platform is trending agai...

It’s the generation of the cold washcloth: no friction, no shine

Residents in the Netherlands are preparing for an upcoming heatwave as the KNMI issues warnings about high temperatures. The article reflects on the social anxiety and common discussions surrounding e...

Charli XCX struggles with mental health: 'In the worst phase of my life'

Pop star Charli xcx has opened up about her mental health struggles, stating she is currently in the worst phase of her life. Despite her recent global success, the 33-year-old singer shared that she ...

ANWB: Busy weekend, more breakdowns expected in coming days

The ANWB reported a 10% increase in roadside assistance calls over a warm weekend and expects the trend to continue throughout the week due to high temperatures. In response, the organization has incr...

Retirees can withdraw part of pension as lump sum from 2029, but it is not without risk

Starting in 2029, retirees in the Netherlands will be allowed to withdraw a lump sum of up to 10 percent of their total pension pot upon retirement. While this provides immediate financial flexibility...

Recycle shop Droppie wants to expand to dozens of shopping centers

Recycle shop Droppie has announced plans to expand its operations by adding 70 new locations to shopping centers throughout the Netherlands. The shop, which currently operates in the country's four la...

Het Parool wants to know: how are you coping with the heat?

Niek Roozen (28) hit a wall after father’s death: ‘The grief settled in my body’

Dutch actor Niek Roozen shares how suppressing his grief following his father's death led to physical and emotional struggles. By learning to embrace vulnerability instead of trying to remain strong, ...

Sugar tax pushes prices up: Beer soon more expensive due to soft drink tax

The Dutch government's proposed sugar tax for 2030 could lead to significant price increases for both soft drinks and beer. Alcohol excise duties may rise alongside the sugar tax, potentially adding u...

Dutch flock to car holidays due to war and higher prices: 'We won’t let it be taken away'

Due to the conflict in the Middle East and rising costs, Dutch travelers are increasingly choosing car vacations closer to home this year. According to the ANWB, people are prioritizing their holidays...

A4 and A10 West towards A10 South closed weekend of June 26 to 29

The A4 and A10 West motorways heading towards the A10 South will be closed during the weekend of June 26 to June 29. Travelers should expect delays of 30 to 60 minutes and are advised to consult a rou...

Cars breaking down in droves in the heat, roadside assistance working overtime: how to prevent a breakdown

The Dutch roadside assistance service, Wegenwacht, has reported a surge in vehicle breakdowns as extreme heat affects cars across the country. While many residents seek relief at beaches, the high tem...

Happy wallet, happy you: 8 dinner spots under 20 euros in Amsterdam

This article highlights eight restaurants in Amsterdam where visitors can enjoy a meal for less than 20 euros. The list includes a diverse range of options, from French classics to traditional Dutch p...

Breestraat transforms into sports and exercise boulevard during Sports Day. ‘Jeu de boules is a relaxing sport’

The Breestraat in Beverwijk was transformed into a regional sports and movement boulevard during the Day of Sports, featuring activities such as football, running, and cycling. The event aimed to prom...

Special locations to offer WorldPride visitors help against violence or discrimination

Foundation RITA will establish several "Safer Spaces" across Amsterdam during WorldPride, which takes place from July 25 to August 8. These locations, including the Stedelijk Museum and the Nieuwe Ker...

North Holland Traffic: Delays on the A7 during Monday morning rush hour, June 22

The morning rush hour in Noord-Holland on Monday, June 22, was generally quiet with minimal disruptions. The only reported delay occurred on the A7 motorway due to traffic congestion, which resulted i...

Protesters and 'serious threats' at theater where Thijs Römer is performing

Protesters gathered on Sunday evening at a theater where convicted actor Thijs Römer was performing his new stage production. Demonstrators held signs with slogans such as "Abuse is not a business mo...

Thijs Römer repeatedly says ‘I’m sorry’ in imaginary duct tape cell

Actor Thijs Römer performed a controversial theater production in Amsterdam-Noord reflecting on his time in prison for a sex crime. The play focuses on his personal journey and themes of regret follo...

Haarlem residents pay less for energy than in comparable municipalities

Residents of Haarlem spend an average of €2,879 per year on electricity, gas, and fuel, which is lower than in most comparable municipalities. Despite these lower costs, a small percentage of househ...

Energy bills to rise for many variable contracts from July 1

Energy bills for households with variable contracts are set to increase starting July 1. Reviewing current plans and considering a switch to a fixed or dynamic energy contract now may help consumers a...

How Mitchell finally got Ziggo to refund everything after years of double billing

Mitchell van der Kolk successfully received a full refund from Ziggo for years of double billing after taking his case to the Disputes Committee. The legal move followed media coverage by the Ombudsma...

By breathing new life into my grandmother's paintings, we both found a new purpose in life

Spot the differences: 1974 and 2026

New Hans store sells second-hand on Utrechtsestraat: ‘One person’s discard is another’s wardrobe gem’

Overheated Pinkpop rocks to a close with massive crowds for Yungblud and Foo Fighters

The Pinkpop music festival concluded on Sunday evening following a series of high-energy performances by Foo Fighters and Yungblud. The final day of the heat-affected event also featured a set by Bent...

Amsterdam has (the beginning of) a new forest in Erasmus Park: ‘Everyone has a story about a tree’

Growing up without a father: How it affects your relationships, according to an expert

System therapist Elisabeth Reitsma explains the psychological impact of growing up without a father figure on an individual's life and future relationships. The expert provides insights into navigatin...

Renovated Slaughterhouse finally officially opens: 'A construction site suits us, but a bit of life is nicer'

The renovated Slachthuis in Haarlem has officially opened, transforming the historic former slaughterhouse into a mixed-use facility. The site now hosts sports activities, hospitality venues, and offi...

Shemana furthest for the second time in a row, but distance remains secret. 'When belly sliding, lying on your back doesn't work'

Shemana won the belly sliding competition for the second consecutive year during the Dorpsfeest in Velsen-Noord, while Fenna secured second place using a specific sliding technique. The event at Strat...