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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 Early pumpkin harvest in Zwanenburg leaves care farm waiting for seasonal demand

    A early harvest has left decorative pumpkins ready well before autumn shoppers are looking to buy.

    13 August 2026

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. News Dutch tech group warns against cheap air coolers sold as airco

    Industry association Techniek Nederland says misleading online listings exploit a legal loophole to sell basic water coolers and fans.

    13 August 2026

  7. News E-bike battery fire forces nighttime evacuation in De Pijp

    A overnight storage room fire linked to an e-bike battery displaced residents in De Pijp and renewed safety concerns.

    13 August 2026

  8. 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

  9. News Dutch high court rules foster care agencies must pay full childcare costs

    A landmark legal decision by the Council of State ensures foster parents will no longer face thousands of euros in personal expenses for daycare and after-school care.

    13 August 2026

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. News Social housing points system faces regional evaluation following complexity concerns

    Authorities in the greater Amsterdam region are surveying house hunters to assess whether the social housing allocation rules are too complicated.

    13 August 2026

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. News Bureau Wijn brings specialty natural wines and pairings to Amsterdam neighborhoods

    Independent wine shop Bureau Wijn continues to serve local neighborhoods in Amsterdam West and Oost with European bottles and artisanal pairings.

    13 August 2026

  17. News Amsterdam tech firm deploys bricklaying robots on local sites

    Monumental uses automated fleets to help offset ongoing labor shortages across the Dutch construction industry.

    12 August 2026

  18. News Vehicle authority considers blocking mandatory road checks over unresolved car recalls

    A proposed rule could fail cars during annual safety inspections if recall repairs remain open, raising concerns among motoring groups.

    12 August 2026

  19. News Circusbende festival returns to Amsterdam amid municipal regulation challenges

    Organizers of the alternative circus festival express frustration with local bureaucratic rules as their event gets underway in Amsterdam Noord.

    12 August 2026

  20. News Childcare costs vary by over 1,000 euros across Amsterdam neighborhoods

    Data shows parent contributions differ dramatically depending on neighborhood, provider type, and local operating overheads.

    12 August 2026