Monday July 20, 2026
Good morning, Amsterdam. The Piet Hein Tunnel is open again after a long closure, Metro 52 to Noord is running with shuttle buses today, and cooler air with mixed sun and showers is on the way this week.
At a glance
⛅ Weather: Hi 20°C / 68°F · Lo 14°C / 57°F · 0% chance of rain · wind N 18 km/h (10 knots)
🚲 Cycling: Great cycling weather all day.
🌙 Sun & moon: Sunrise 05:43 · Sunset 21:50 · First Quarter · Moonrise 13:35 · Golden hour 21:20–21:50
🌊 Outdoors: Water 21°C / 70°F (swimmable) · Air quality: fair (AQI 20)
💶 Markets: AEX 1,092 (+0.6%) · S&P 500 7,458 (-1.6%) · €1 = $1.14 · $1 = €0.87
🏆 Dutch sport: Football: NEC goes into the draw for CL preliminary round: Norwegian stunt team possible opponent · Even if (almost) everything goes well, Verstappen and Red Bull remain far from victory
Piet Hein Tunnel reopens after long closure: The Piet Hein Tunnel is open again after an extended shutdown, restoring a key east-side link for drivers between the Eastern Docklands and the A10.
Fourth regional heat wave possible in late July: The cooler weekend looks temporary. Temperatures could climb well above 30°C in the final week of July, with a strong chance of a fourth regional heat wave and a hot start to August.
Metro 52 to Noord disrupted; shuttle buses running: Metro 52 between Centraal and Noord is disrupted after a collision near Amsterdam Centraal this morning. GVB has put on shuttle buses (line 164); service toward Zuid still runs from Rokin.
Cooler air and mixed sun and showers this week: A northwest wind brings cooler temperatures and changeable weather across the Netherlands this week as the dog days begin, useful if you’re planning outdoor time in Amsterdam.
Energy coaches are helping residents keep homes cooler: Volunteer energy coaches are expanding from winter warmth to summer cooling, giving residents practical, low-cost tips to keep apartments livable as heat waves grow more frequent.
Kids robotics bootcamp at the Central Library: A week-long holiday camp taught in English and Dutch where kids ages 8 to 12 design, build, and code robots and smart tech prototypes. July 20, 10:00, OBA Junior Lab (Central Library). 📅 Kids Workshop
Fiep Westendorp illustrations at the Rijksmuseum: A family-friendly showcase of Fiep Westendorp’s playful drawings, including the work behind Dutch children’s characters Jip and Janneke. July 15 through September 13, during museum hours, Rijksmuseum. Museum / Educational
Kids ice cream workshop at OBA Javaplein: Ages 8–13 make Italian-style fruit ice cream and slush with a real machine, then turn the Maakplaats into a mini shop and taste everything. Max 12 kids; email to reserve. July 20, 11:00–13:00, OBA Javaplein Maakplaats. 📅 Kids Workshop
Drop-in kids crafting at Het Muizenhuis: The miniature mouse-world museum hosts an open crafting workshop for children all summer, with no reservation needed. July 11 through August 29, 10:00–17:00 daily, Het Muizenhuis, centrum. 📅 Kids Workshop
Kids CoBrA art workshop at Museum Cobra: A hands-on arts and crafts space for children to explore the expressive, colorful CoBrA style through their own making. July 13, 2026 through July 19, 2027, various times, Museum Cobra, Amstelveen. Kids Workshop
Kids workshop at the Amsterdamse Bos timber yard: Free hands-on outdoor session for kids at the Houtwerf, combining nature and craft. July 9, 2026 through July 15, 2027, 14:00–15:30, Houtwerf, Amsterdamse Bos. Outdoor / Active
Pick-your-own flower garden open in Amstelveen: Pluktuin Amstelveen lets kids and families select and cut fresh blooms in an outdoor summer setting. The garden is open daily through the end of October. Through October 30, 10:00–17:00, Pluktuin Amstelveen. 📅
Baby story time at Amstelveen Westwijk library: The Westwijk branch runs a weekly Boekstart Baby session for little ones aged 0 to 2. Entry is free, a gentle social morning for parents and their youngest children. Wednesdays 09:30–10:30, through July 15, 2027, Bibliotheek Westwijk, Amstelveen. 📅 Story / Reading
Free sports pop-ups around Amsterdam West: West Beweegt On Tour brings free sports activities to playgrounds and open spaces across Amsterdam West on rotating days. A straightforward drop-in option for families and active residents. Through September 17, various playgrounds, Amsterdam West. 📅 Outdoor / Active
Bryan Cheng plays Dvořák at the Concertgebouw: Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng joins the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava for Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony. July 20, 8:00–10:00 PM, Het Concertgebouw.
Kidd Voodoo makes Dutch debut at Melkweg: Chilean artist Kidd Voodoo brings his mix of reggaetón, trap, and indie-inflected songwriting to Amsterdam for the first time. July 20, 19:30, Melkweg. 📅
Summer organ concerts at De Nieuwe Kerk: De Nieuwe Kerk is hosting a summer series of organ concerts in the historic church on Dam Square. July 14 through November 10, 19:30–20:30, De Nieuwe Kerk. 📅
Papisa and Tagua Tagua at Vinyl Rocks: An intimate live set blending dreamy Brazilian pop, psychedelia, and modern electronics. July 20, 19:00, Vinyl Rocks, Marnixstraat. 📅
All the Joys of a Noise at de Roode Bioscoop: Lluís Pérez-Villegas Morey presents a musical performance exploring sounds and textures at the intimate Theater de Roode Bioscoop. July 20, 21:00, Theater de Roode Bioscoop. 📅
Ola Rud Trio plays jazz and blues at Roode Remise: Ola Rud, Pietro Aloi, and Tomek van Leeuwen present an intimate evening of vocal jazz, blues, and Latin music. July 20, 19:30, Roode Remise. 📅
Hip-hop and live-looping night at Het Groene Veld: AP Major, Ramez, and Warrobit share an intimate bill of hip-hop and creative live-looping. July 20, 20:00, Het Groene Veld. 📅
Martin Parr solo show at FOAM: A solo exhibition of documentary photographer Martin Parr, with his colorful, satirical, and humorous take on modern life. Through August 12, FOAM Photography Museum. Art / Museums
My Neighbor Totoro outdoors at Pllek: Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro screens at the outdoor cinema on the NDSM wharf, with English subtitles and skyline views. Headphones from 21:35; film at 22:35. Tuesdays through September 30, Pllek, NDSM Wharf. Film
Foam Talent 2026 at FOAM: A group exhibition of international contemporary photographers selected for FOAM’s annual Talent program. Through August 26, FOAM Photography Museum. Art / Museums
Boom Chicago improv comedy in the Jordaan: English-language improv comedy from Boom Chicago, with fast, audience-driven scenes in the Jordaan. July 15 through October 15, Boom Chicago. 📅 Comedy
Radio Radio and Oatly kiosk at Westergas: Radio Radio has teamed up with Oatly for an outdoor kiosk on the Marktplein, with music and drinks through the summer stretch. July 15 through August 8, Westergas. 📅 Food / Markets
Jazz in 1930s Amsterdam at the City Archives: A temporary exhibition on jazz in pre-war Amsterdam, tracing how migration and music reshaped the city between 1930 and 1939. April 3 through September 13, Stadsarchief Amsterdam. 📅 Art / Museums
Ed van der Elsken portraits at the Rijksmuseum: Black-and-white portraits and documentary photography by Dutch street photographer Ed van der Elsken, on view through early autumn. July 15 through September 13, during museum hours, Rijksmuseum. Art / Museums
Costumes and identity at Allard Pierson: An exhibition on costumes, masks, and identities, covering historical crossdressing, classical theater models, and contemporary portraits by Diana Blok. July 4 through November 29, 10:00–17:00, Allard Pierson Museum. 📅 Art / Museums
Paris, Texas’ screening at LAB111: Wim Wenders’ restored film Paris, Texas screens at the indie cinema LAB111. July 20 through August 6, LAB111. 📅 Film
Open choir rehearsals at Tolhuistuin: Join modern choir rehearsals in Noord with no audition required, singing songs by Jungle, Beyoncé, and Caroline Polachek. Two free trials available. July 20, 17:30, Tolhuistuin. 📅 Workshop
Guided tour of World Press Photo 2026: A curated tour through the World Press Photo exhibition inside the Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square. July 15 through September 23, 15:00–16:00, De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam. 📅 Tour
Dutch improv class for language learners: An active one-hour Dutch improv workshop for non-absolute beginners who want more conversational confidence without drilling grammar rules. July 20, 18:00, Language Corner Amsterdam. 📅 Workshop
Free papercutting workshop at KunstRUIM: A free afternoon workshop on papercutting at a gallery in East Amsterdam. July 20, 13:00–16:00, Galerie KunstRuim. 📅 Workshop
Soap-making workshop on the Bloemgracht: Learn the traditional process of blending natural ingredients to make your own custom soap in a hands-on craft session. July 20, 19:00, Moustaqbel Amsterdam, Bloemgracht. 📅 Workshop
Beginners’ salsa series starts at De Ceuvel: A four-week salsa course for beginners at De Ceuvel, the creative sustainable hub in Amsterdam-Noord. July 20, 19:30, De Ceuvel. 📅 Class
Walk-in photography workshop at FOAM: Drop in for an interactive workshop held alongside the Martin Parr exhibition, a chance to practice looking at the world through a documentary lens. Through August 9, FOAM Photography Museum. Workshop
Shut Up & Write at the Central Library: Bring a laptop, notebook, or project for one hour of quiet writing alongside others, followed by casual socializing on the 7th floor. July 20, 19:15, Oosterdok Central Library. 📅 Games / Hobbies
Open slackline session at De Eester: Try slacklining in a friendly open session in East, a balance activity you can drop into without experience. July 20, 11:00–13:00, De Eester. 📅 Sports (Active)
Pingpong and board games in Amsterdam-Noord: Relaxed evening at Het Groene Veld with free food (donations in time or money welcome), followed by pingpong and board games. July 20, 17:00, Het Groene Veld. 📅 Games / Hobbies
Picnic expands further but posts €272M loss: A decade in, Dutch online supermarket Picnic keeps expanding but posted a €272 million net loss last year as heavy investment outruns profits. Business News
Eneco CEO calls for more data centers: Eneco’s chief argues the Netherlands needs more data centers to absorb green power and help unlock new wind farms. The comments sit within a wider debate over grid capacity and local planning. Business News
Loyens & Loeff seeks longer-term corporate clients: The Netherlands’ largest law firm is shifting strategy under managing partner Harmen Holtrop, aiming for less reliance on deals and private equity and more lasting relationships with big corporate clients. Business News
Clean drinking water may not be assured after 2035: A Dutch drinking-water company director warns that public supply of clean water can no longer be taken for granted after 2035, as pressure on the system grows. Business News
Chip stocks wobble after strong results: After months of near-unbroken gains, chip companies are stumbling on the markets. Analysts are split on whether this signals an AI bubble or a healthy pause, closely watched here given ASML’s weight in the sector. Business News
Belgium looks past Damen for new frigates: Belgium’s defense minister says the country will seek other suppliers after two frigates ordered from Dutch shipbuilder Damen roughly doubled in cost and fell years behind schedule. The first ship is now due no earlier than 2033. Business News
How a student debt changes your life: Economist and researcher Kim Fairley of Radboud University examines the longer-term consequences of carrying a student loan. She looks at how study debt can shape people’s choices and financial lives after graduation. Business News
Truth Social plans paid early access to Trump posts: Truth Social wants paying users to get faster access to posts from influential accounts, including Donald Trump. That could let traders act on market-moving information early; the Dutch shareholders’ group VEB says such a setup is completely forbidden. Business News
EU risks dual reliance on US and China materials: Europe’s effort to depend less on Chinese critical raw materials for defense is meeting another obstacle: large US investments in the same supply chains. An analysis suggests the EU may end up relying on both China and the United States. Business News
CDU’s Jens Spahn steps back after surrogacy row: Prominent CDU politician Jens Spahn is stepping aside after pressure from Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Spahn became a father through a surrogate mother, which is banned in Germany and sparked the controversy. Business News
Restaurant Europa opens in Amsterdam: Restaurant Europa is a new Amsterdam restaurant making its debut. The name suggests a pan-European or classic continental concept. Restaurant
Smaak Ramen opens in Amsterdam: Smaak Ramen is a new ramen restaurant that has opened in Amsterdam. Restaurant
PAINDEMIE and MOYŌ open at the same address: Two new spots have arrived together: PAINDEMIE, a bread-and-bakery concept (the name riffs on the French word for bread, pain), and MOYŌ opening alongside it. Restaurant
Euro Pizza opens in Amsterdam Noord: Euro Pizza is a new pizzeria that has opened in Amsterdam Noord, adding another option north of the IJ. Restaurant
Good to know
New on Dutch streaming: House of the Dragon S3 (HBO Max), Sugar S2 (Apple TV+), The Apartment Job S1 (Netflix), R.J. Decker S1 (Disney+) 🎬📺
Overheard on Reddit: Someone asking about selling your own apartment without a makelaar found the thread split between those pointing out Funda’s near-monopoly on buyers and others who’d done it successfully via fixed-fee services.
Today’s supermarket deals: Sun machine cleaner (1+2 free) from Albert Heijn, BBQ (4 for €10.00) from Jumbo.
Did you know? The floating flower market is less a romantic flower market than a tourist bulb bazaar on moored barges.
84 years ago today: On July 20th, 1942, the Hollandsche Schouwburg began being used by the occupiers as a deportation assembly point for Jews.
Adoptable pet of the day: Meet Akira Amarok, a 6-year-old Siberian Husky at Dierenopvang Amsterdam. Take a look →In tomorrow’s edition: James Taylor live at AFAS Live, France vs. Spain in the World Cup semi-final on the giant screen at Marktplein Westergas, and ARTIS Summer Evenings with music, theater and magic at the zoo.
Stay cool out there, and see you tomorrow.
