Lifestyle News in English
Latest lifestyle headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.

Haarlem traffic artery closed: Schipholweg shut to car traffic
The Schipholweg in Haarlem is closed to car traffic until October 12 to allow for the construction of a bicycle basement at the new Spaarnepoort bus station. While motorists must follow posted diversi...

Politics on the Amstel: Bridge across the IJ falters further and leave Amsterdam while you can
The Politiek aan de Amstel podcast reports on budget criticisms, potential mismanagement of parking funds, and further delays to the Oostbrug project. The episode also reviews local policies, includin...

Athletics coach Kees honored for founding Parkinson's running group for fellow patients
Kees van den Berg has received a Respect Award for founding a specialized running group for Parkinson's disease patients at the AV23 athletics club in Amsterdam. As he prepares to step down from his r...
ADE 2026: these are the best free parties
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) 2026 features a wide array of free events across the city, including pop-up parties, art exhibitions, and industry mixers. The diverse program offers music and cultural exp...
Kluun (62) finds Amsterdam too tidy and well-behaved: ‘If you compare the Amsterdam of today to the city of twenty years ago, you think: what happened?!’
Author Kluun expresses disappointment with the changing, overly polite nature of modern Amsterdam, contrasting it with the grittier city of twenty years ago. He also advocates for linguistic evolution...

Virgin hopes to lure passengers away from Eurostar with luxury and comfortable train
Virgin has ordered twelve high-speed trains from Alstom to challenge Eurostar on international routes between cities including London and Amsterdam starting in 2030. The company aims to differentiate ...
Amsterdammers in wealthy neighborhoods live in good health until 68 on average: in Holendrecht it is only 53
Recent data reveals a fifteen-year gap in healthy life expectancy between residents in Amsterdam's wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods. Factors such as poverty, chronic stress, and physically demandi...

Cameras return to troubled Haarlem neighborhood, but will it work? "They just pee on them"
Surveillance cameras have been reinstalled at Roerdompplein in Haarlem to combat a resurgence of antisocial behavior and harassment by groups of youths. Despite these security measures, local resident...

Many students attend Pink Breakfast in Haarlem, but: "Purple Friday is under pressure"
On Purple Friday, students wore purple to support the LGBTI+ community, with a well-attended Pink Breakfast held at the Haarlem city hall. However, recent data shows a notable decrease in the acceptan...
Raving on a train or dancing in a church: 8 unique ADE locations in Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Dance Event will feature eight unique, unconventional venues ranging from a moving train and an arcade hall to historic churches and a five-star hotel kitchen. These diverse locations of...

TV puppet Karbonkel on public display for first time since restoration
The television puppet Karbonkel, famous for appearing in the Dutch educational show Ik Mik Loreland, is currently on display for the public following a major restoration project. Visitors can view the...
Ajax and Barcelona honor Johan Cruyff with Legacy Match at the Johan Cruyff Arena
Ajax and Barcelona will play a tribute match in the Johan Cruijff Arena on November 15, 2026, to honor Johan Cruijff ten years after his passing. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Johan Cruyff ...
Most questions from Amsterdammers to the Legal Counter are about tenancy law
Tenancy law is the primary reason residents of Amsterdam seek assistance from the Juridisch Loket, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all inquiries. Tenants frequently struggle with maintenance issue...
Autumn break in Haarlem: this is the weather forecast
As the autumn school break begins in Haarlem, the recent period of warm, sunny weather is coming to an end. Meteorologists predict a more unsettled week ahead with cooler temperatures, frequent shower...
Maartje Mulder’s (30) Amsterdam: ‘A friend had the Lunchroom Wilhelmina logo tattooed on her ankle as a tribute’
Amsterdam resident Maartje Mulder shares her favorite city spots and personal history as part of a retrospective on the year 1996. The military professional and startup employee reflects on local stap...

Wereldmuseum opens exhibition on disco: from dance floor to fight for rights
The Wereldmuseum is opening an exhibition on October 10, 2026, that explores the history and cultural impact of disco music. The display highlights how the genre evolved from underground clubs into a ...
Pieter (64) could no longer afford high rent and ended up on the street: I was just surviving
After suffering a series of financial setbacks, 64-year-old Pieter Willems lost his home and was forced to live on the streets. He is now joining a protest in Amsterdam to raise awareness about the wo...

Young people in Startblok Elzenhagen feel unsafe due to aggressive co-resident
Residents at the Startblok Elzenhagen housing complex in Amsterdam are feeling unsafe due to an aggressive neighbor who has reportedly threatened and intimidated other occupants. While the complex's c...
Visit the 'Pre-ADE Market', do yoga at the Thomas Church or go to a lunch concert at the Concertgebouw: what to do in Amsterdam this week
Amsterdam is hosting a wide variety of events this week, including theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and the 40th edition of the Cinekid film festival. Residents can also participate in neighb...
The Men's March reminds me of cavemen standing in bear skins in front of their cave
The Mannenmars, organized by Wild and Sacred Men, is scheduled for October 10 in Amsterdam to promote a cultural shift in male behavior toward protecting women. However, the event has sparked debate b...
Amsterdam schools take Purple Friday more seriously due to decline in LGBTQ+ acceptance: ‘We feel the need even more strongly’
A record 3,130 schools across the Netherlands are observing Purple Friday to support LGBTQ inclusion amid a recent, concerning decline in student acceptance rates. Amsterdam schools remain committed t...
How Josje (30) handles Purple Friday as a teacher in East: 'I never ask if they accept gay people. I ask them which day I should propose to my girlfriend'
Recent studies show declining LGBTQ+ acceptance among secondary school students, prompting teachers like Josje de Zwart to address the issue on Purple Friday. By integrating personal narratives and in...

City to grow to 1.08 million residents by 2050, with fewer families and a rapidly aging population
Amsterdam is projected to reach 1.08 million residents by 2050, driven primarily by international migration. However, the city faces challenges from a rapidly aging population and a housing market tha...

In pictures | What the stars are wearing at the Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala in Amsterdam
The Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala, a major Dutch television awards event, is taking place in Amsterdam. The article highlights the fashion choices of the celebrities attending the ceremony.
Weekend tips: things to do in Haarlem (October 9-11)
Haarlem is hosting a variety of community activities from October 9 to 11, including artisan markets, nature walks, and early evening social events. The program also features family-friendly theater p...
Tears and likes: online philanthropists post videos of homeless people they help – who benefits most remains unclear
Online creators are increasingly producing content that features them helping homeless individuals using funds collected from their followers. The trend has sparked a debate regarding whether these ac...

Live | Stars arrive on blue carpet for Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala
The Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala is being held tonight at the Koninklijk Theater Carre in Amsterdam to honor outstanding Dutch television programs. The ceremony, featuring nominees such as Kassa and De...

Bizarre fly infestation in North senior apartments: "It's driving me crazy"
Seniors living in an apartment building in Amsterdam-Noord are struggling with a severe infestation of grass flies that prevents them from using their balconies. The housing corporation Eigen Haard is...
My baby cries constantly: do I have a high-need baby? And 5 other frequently asked questions about babies
Pediatrician Ineke de Kruijff and Karola de Graaf have authored a new book titled 1000 dagen, 1000 vragen to help parents navigate the challenges of raising a newborn. The guide aims to provide clear,...
End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam
Care organization Levvel has ended its intake freeze for Amsterdam youth following successful negotiations to secure more beds for those in need of severe residential care. While access has been resto...