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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 Amsterdam explores options for second home tax following New York model

    Local officials face tracking challenges as they consider a levy on part-time residents to bolster the housing market and city budget.

    12 August 2026

  2. News Symbolic wedding venue in Amsterdam Oost launches new season with site refresh

    Trouwen voor 1 Dag in the Tweede Oosterparkstraat lets people exchange vows without civil paperwork or legal commitments.

    12 August 2026

  3. News IJburg thrift shop Petit Circuit offers second-hand goods for children

    A dedicated children's thrift store on Kiekstraat is helping local families buy and donate second-hand goods.

    12 August 2026

  4. News Water board installs pumps and closes locks to combat local drought

    Measures near Muiden and Weesp aim to protect surrounding nature reserves as severe dry weather continues.

    12 August 2026

  5. 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

  6. News Cheap off-peak rail passes set to double in price for Dutch commuters

    A government-subsidized summer train pass will soon switch travelers to a much pricier standard subscription unless they cancel.

    12 August 2026

  7. News Eye specialists urge caution ahead of largest solar eclipse since 1999

    Medical professionals across North Holland warn that viewing tomorrow's solar eclipse without certified glasses can cause permanent retinal damage.

    12 August 2026

  8. News Termite sightings increase across the Netherlands as experts urge early action

    Milder winters and increased trade are allowing Southern European termites to establish themselves in Dutch homes, prompting pest control specialists to warn of structural damage risks.

    12 August 2026

  9. News Studio goes on the market in historic Berlage building in Amsterdam Oost

    A compact apartment inside the landmark Berlageblokken social housing complex is listed for 350,000 euros.

    12 August 2026

  10. News Dutch infrastructure cabinet face 80 billion budget gap for transit maintenance

    Infrastructure minister Vincent Karremans is preparing to delay or cancel national transport projects to prioritize existing maintenance.

    11 August 2026

  11. News Eclipse chasers head to Iceland through Schiphol Airport

    Travelers depart from Amsterdam looking for a prime view of the total solar eclipse.

    11 August 2026

  12. News Private train operators mark 30 years of competing with NS

    Three decades after Lovers Rail launched at Amsterdam Centraal, private rail companies still face ticketing and access hurdles in the Netherlands.

    11 August 2026

  13. News AkzoNobel brand to disappear following merger approval with US rival Axalta

    Shareholders approve a cross-border coating deal that will end the historic name and delist the firm from the Amsterdam stock exchange.

    11 August 2026

  14. News Dutch hospitality sector faces flat growth as dining costs mount

    A new bank analysis shows consumer spending at restaurants and cafés is dropping as price hikes continue to hit the sector.

    11 August 2026

  15. News Five surprising legal quirks of renting an apartment in the Netherlands

    From bare concrete subfloors to minor maintenance fees, Dutch housing regulations contain rules that often surprise international residents.

    11 August 2026

  16. News Dutch bike manufacturer Accell declared bankrupt

    The parent company behind Babboe cargo bikes has filed for bankruptcy as trustees attempt to rescue parts of the business.

    11 August 2026

  17. News Mandatory intern pay plan raises fears of reduced placements

    Education groups warn that forcing employers to compensate interns could leave vocational students without placements.

    11 August 2026

  18. News WT Express opens takeaway dim sum kiosk in De Baarsjes

    The team behind WonTon Dumpling Club has launched a compact grab-and-go spot next door on Jan Evertsenstraat.

    11 August 2026

  19. News Eclipse glasses sell out across Amsterdam as eye experts warn against home remedies

    Specialist protective eyewear is selling out quickly across local shops and venues ahead of the upcoming solar eclipse.

    11 August 2026

  20. News Alderwoman knew Oostbrug costs had doubled months before elections

    Documents obtained through public records reveal Amsterdam alderwoman Melanie van der Horst held back updated bridge costs until after local elections.

    11 August 2026