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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 Sterre der Zee bookstore in Kinkerbuurt to close for major renovation

    The local secondhand bookshop will temporarily shut its doors on August 15 ahead of a multi-year building renovation.

    10 August 2026

  2. News Early drought leaves Dutch houseboats resting on dry riverbeds

    Low water levels across the Netherlands are leaving houseboats stuck on lake and river bottoms, causing structural damage and sewage issues.

    10 August 2026

  3. News New sculpture installed on Sloterdijk roundabout

    Artist Hans van Bentem's latest work, depicting a run-aground ship, has been placed at a busy intersection in Westpoort.

    10 August 2026

  4. News American line dancing classes draw big crowds

    A Texas native has introduced updated line dancing sessions at Boom Chicago, attracting participants from across the Netherlands.

    10 August 2026

  5. News Extreme heat could wipe out Dutch economic growth this year

    A new report from Triodos Bank warns that extreme summer heat and lost labor productivity could fully offset expected economic gains in the Netherlands.

    10 August 2026

  6. News Modern linedancing trend takes hold in Amsterdam nightlife

    Texan transplant Riley McGann is filling sessions at Boom Chicago with a refreshed take on traditional American line dancing.

    9 August 2026

  7. News Amsterdam power grid congestion delays business expansion and threatens jobs

    Nearly 500 local companies remain on waiting lists as electrical infrastructure fails to keep up with green transition demands.

    9 August 2026

  8. News Stork population recovers to 2,000 breeding pairs across Netherlands

    Decades of conservation work have restored white stork numbers across the country following severe declines in the 20th century.

    9 August 2026

  9. News Party boats on the IJmeer spark noise complaints from nearby residents

    Residents along the IJmeer face recurring noise issues from floating party venues, while overlapping jurisdictions complicate enforcement.

    9 August 2026

  10. News Grid congestion in Amsterdam stalls business growth and climate plans

    Nearly 500 businesses sit on waiting lists for power grid connections as local capacity reaches its limits.

    9 August 2026

  11. News Redesign of Purmerplein in Amsterdam-Noord delayed until 2030

    A comprehensive plan to transform the historic square has hit snags over parking concerns, funding issues, and delayed roadwork.

    9 August 2026

  12. News Amsterdam prepares for major weekend crowds and travel delays

    A cluster of large summer events combined with transit works will bring heavy traffic and busy transport routes across the city.

    9 August 2026

  13. News KPN drops mandatory mobile price increase following customer complaints

    Dutch telecom provider KPN will allow mobile customers to cancel a mandatory security add-on and claim a refund.

    9 August 2026

  14. News Health authorities urge daycare centers to improve hot weather measures

    Dutch public health services say blanket heat protocols fail to protect young children during increasingly frequent hot spells.

    9 August 2026

  15. News Print books remain popular in the Netherlands as AI transforms publishing tech

    A new industry report shows generative AI is changing publishing, but Dutch readers still heavily favor paper.

    9 August 2026

  16. News Heineken profit grows despite falling beer sales in Europe

    Strong demand across Asia and Africa helped the Amsterdam brewing giant balance declining sales volumes in European and American markets.

    9 August 2026

  17. News Hoofddorpplein completes major redesign featuring a new public amphitheater

    A resident-led project to overhaul Hoofddorpplein in Amsterdam West wraps up this September after two and a half years of work.

    9 August 2026

  18. News A9 Wijkertunnel reopens after month of maintenance work

    Drivers traveling between Alkmaar and Amstelveen can now use the A9 highway again without detours.

    9 August 2026

  19. News Most Amsterdam parents pay above government rates for childcare

    High property rents and ongoing staff shortages leave 81 percent of local families paying extra out-of-pocket costs for daycare.

    8 August 2026

  20. News Dutch companies sharp increase in spending on AI tools

    Corporate expenditure on software like Anthropic and OpenAI rose significantly in early 2026, according to analysis by spend-management platform Pleo.

    8 August 2026