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Essentially Amsterdam

Essentially Amsterdam Staff

Reporting by the Essentially Amsterdam newsroom. We cover the city every day for the people who live in it: transport, housing, policy, money and the things that change how a week in Amsterdam actually goes. Every story is written in our own words from the original reporting, and the newsroom that broke it is credited at the foot of the article. Corrections and news tips: editorial@essentiallyamsterdam.com

428 published pieces Corrections and tips: editorial@essentiallyamsterdam.com

  1. News Student union warns of increasingly sophisticated room scams

    Scammers are using artificial intelligence and video calls to target vulnerable flat hunters in Dutch university cities.

    13 August 2026

  2. News Amsterdam sports clubs prepare as daytime surface water pumping ban takes effect

    A regional ban on pumping ditch water during peak daytime hours forces local sports grounds to adjust irrigation routines amidst ongoing dry conditions.

    13 August 2026

  3. News Strict terrace enforcement on cafe benches triggers neighborhood debate

    Enforcement officers in Amsterdam are targeting simple drop-down cafe benches, prompting criticism over lost spaces for casual rest and local connection.

    13 August 2026

  4. News Mental healthcare analysis shows tens of thousands of severe psychiatric patients slip out of care

    A national report highlights how fragmented funding and housing shortages leave thousands of vulnerable adults without support after treatment.

    13 August 2026

  5. News Asian fusion spot Mr. Sam unveils refreshed concept in Zuid

    The long-running Japanese izakaya on Amstelveenseweg has updated its offering after more than eight years in the neighborhood.

    13 August 2026

  6. News Italian kitchen Demetra ranks among top dining spots worldwide

    The local Amsterdam restaurant has received international recognition for its traditional, scratch-made menu.

    13 August 2026

  7. News Daytime watering ban introduced across the Amsterdam region due to persistent drought

    Local water authorities are prohibiting the daytime use of surface water for gardens and sports fields as dry weather continues.

    13 August 2026

  8. News Drought conditions drive spike in Dutch home foundation damage

    Reports of sinking foundations and cracked walls have doubled nationwide as low groundwater levels cause clay and peat soils to shrink.

    13 August 2026

  9. News Eclipse glasses resold for up to 150 euros as retail stocks ran out

    High demand for protective solar viewers drove reselling online, with local sellers asking steep markups.

    13 August 2026

  10. News Purple heather plains bloom in nature areas near Amsterdam

    A short drive from the city offers sprawling purple landscapes and grazing sheep herds as seasonal heather comes into full bloom.

    13 August 2026

  11. News Rain and summer storms expected to break dry spell across North Holland

    Forecasters expect weekend showers across the province, though localized rain may not fully resolve ongoing dry conditions.

    13 August 2026

  12. News Booking.com faces criticism over sophisticated chat scams targeting travelers

    Hackers are using hijacked hotel accounts to send convincing payment requests directly inside the travel platform's official messaging app.

    13 August 2026

  13. News New AI app aims to help language learners speak spoken Dutch

    PraatMet uses interactive artificial intelligence to provide natural conversation practice without the tendency of locals to switch to English.

    13 August 2026

  14. News Demolition starts in Bos en Lommer after social housing rehousing debate

    Housing association Rochdale has begun tearing down 222 homes in West following months of relocation delays.

    13 August 2026

  15. News Gemaal Zeeburg balances historic heritage with modern water management in Amsterdam

    The historic pumping station on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal continues to protect the city from flooding, while preparing for a major future overhaul.

    13 August 2026

  16. News Coentunnel access roads set for weekend closures throughout August

    Drivers using the A10 and A8 should prepare for detours as maintenance work targets connecting ramps around the Coentunnel.

    13 August 2026

  17. News Vibrating trucks start scanning underground heat under Amsterdam

    A research initiative is using specialized vehicles and ground sensors across the region to map geothermal potential.

    13 August 2026

  18. News Floating wedding dress sculpture in Westerpark is stored away each winter

    A synthetic resin sculpture floating on a Westerpark pond is quietly removed every winter to protect it from maintenance issues and vandalism.

    13 August 2026

  19. News Experts recommend keeping sensitive pets indoors during upcoming solar eclipse

    Animal behavior experts suggest leaving dogs at home and keeping anxious cats indoors during the upcoming solar eclipse.

    13 August 2026

  20. News Student housing shortage drives rise in rental scams

    A persistent lack of rooms and sophisticated fraud tactics are leaving students increasingly vulnerable to fake rental listings.

    13 August 2026