Essentially Amsterdam — Thursday, July 16, 2026

Thursday July 16, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. The Weeknd plays the ArenA, the city is weighing a 20% tourist tax, and a direct train may link Amsterdam to London.

City weighs 20% tourist tax: Amsterdam is considering new measures to slow overtourism, including raising the local tourist tax to 20%. The proposal would also help pay for municipal services tied to the number of visitors coming into Amsterdam.

Direct train may link Amsterdam to London: Plans are being drawn up for a direct passenger train from London to Germany via Amsterdam. If it goes ahead, Amsterdam Centraal would be one of the stops on a new cross-channel rail route.

Parking permit fraud in Amsterdam-Oost: A resident in Amsterdam-Oost found that a neighbor had been using a handicap parking space with a permit tied to a previous tenant. It’s a small but telling example of how parking disputes play out in the neighborhood.

Erwin’s colorful ice cream cart: Erwin’s bright ice cream cargo bike is a summer sight around Sarphatipark and the Weesperzijde, where he sells eight flavors of Italian gelato. The cart stands out mostly for the color and the way it moves through East and South.

Microsoft data center uses 1% of power: A Microsoft data center in Noord-Holland used about 1% of the Netherlands’ electricity supply last year, based on government figures. It’s a large energy load for a single site.

Consumers overestimate inflation: A CBS study says people in the Netherlands think prices are rising by about 8% a year, while actual consumer price inflation is closer to 2.7%. That gap says something about how people experience day-to-day costs.

Parking permit conditions need correction: The municipality has found an error in the published parking permit conditions, so anyone applying for or renewing a permit should check the details carefully. Corrected guidelines are expected to be updated shortly in Amsterdam.

AI cameras may help pool safety: Amsterdam pools are looking at an AI camera system called Ocuma after closures tied to lifeguard shortages. The system watches swimmers and can alert lifeguards’ smartwatches if something seems wrong in the water.

Crowdfunding after Jan Evertsenstraat fire: Residents around Jan Evertsenstraat are raising money for Mahmoud Soltan after a major fire at his snack bar. The campaign is meant to help cover costs while the business is being restored, and it has already passed nearly €1,500.

More people left Amsterdam last year: New migration figures show more people moved out of Amsterdam than moved in last year: 62,165 left, while 41,216 arrived. One-third of those who left moved to neighboring municipalities, with Zaanstad the most common destination.

Mama Circle walks through Vondelpark: This stroller walk brings local moms and babies together for a relaxed loop through Vondelpark. Meet in front of Cafe Vertigo, with optional coffee at De Roos afterward. July 16, 2026, 11:00, Vondelpark 📅 Outdoor / Active

Kids skate lessons at Skatecafe: Karin and Yvonne are leading kids’ skateboarding lessons at Skatecafe, with a focus on learning safely on the ramp. It’s a practical afternoon session for children who want some guided practice. July 16, 16:00, Skatecafe 📅 Kids Workshop

Tanabata festival at Wereldmuseum: The Tanabata, or Star Festival, is being marked with hands-on activities, paper crafts, and storytelling for families. It’s a chance to see a Japanese summer tradition in Amsterdam. July 16, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam 📅 Festival / Fair

Kids join a water puzzle at ARTIS: Children can follow clues around ARTIS in a water-themed puzzle mission, including stops near the fish and jellyfish tanks. It’s built around learning why water matters for life. July 16, ARTIS 📅 Museum / Educational

Kids’ natural swimming pool sessions: Sport4kidz runs natural swimming pool sessions at Jeugdland through the summer on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It’s outdoor water play for children, with age groups and times to check ahead. July 16, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Sport4kidz Outdoor / Active

Free sports and games at Cremerplein: DOCK on Tour is bringing free neighborhood sports and games to Cremerplein during the summer holidays. It’s open to everyone and focused on simple movement and play. July 16, 12:00–16:00, Cremerplein 📅 Outdoor / Active

Kids nature club at Jeugdland: Children ages 6 and up can join a hands-on nature workshop with water creatures, edible plants, bugs, nature art, and outdoor cooking. It’s free and no sign-up is needed on July 16, 14:00, Jeugdland, Zeeburgereiland. 📅 Outdoor / Active

Lola’s Huis at Theater De Richel: Lola’s Huis is playing at Theater De Richel. No other details were provided, so this is mainly a note for families looking at the day’s programming. July 16, Theater De Richel 📅 Family Show

The Weeknd plays the ArenA: The Weeknd brings his After Hours Til Dawn Tour to the Johan Cruijff ArenA. It’s a large stadium show with a 20:00 start, so expect a full night of pop and R&B at the city’s main football venue. July 16, 2026, 20:00, Johan Cruijff ArenA 📅

Film scores at the Concertgebouw: Conductor Marzena Diakun leads a program of well-known film music, including Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Mulan, Apollo 13, and Star Wars. It’s a classical concert built around movie themes rather than a full film screening. July 16, 2026, 20:00, Concertgebouw 📅

Jigitz plays Paradiso tonight: Jigitz is on stage at Paradiso with a pop and rock set. It’s a straightforward late show at one of Amsterdam’s main concert rooms. July 16, 21:45, Paradiso 📅

Christ Dillinger and Acid Souljah at Paradiso: American experimental rappers Christ Dillinger and Acid Souljah play Paradiso’s Upstairs Room, with doors opening before the main set. The program is in the evening, so it’s a straightforward late show. July 16, Doors: 19:00, Main programme: 19:30, Paradiso

Caravãna Sun at Bitterzoet: Australian band Caravãna Sun is playing a set that mixes surf-rock, ska, and indie-electronica. It’s a straightforward live-music night at Bitterzoet. July 16, 19:30, Bitterzoet 📅

Live music on NEMO’s roof: Fata Morgana and Mototroko play on the NEMO Science Museum roof with jazz and world-influenced sounds, and entry is free. July 16, 17:30–21:00, NEMO Science Museum Roof. 📅

Organ concerts begin at De Nieuwe Kerk: De Nieuwe Kerk starts a summer series of organ concerts in its large historic interior, where the acoustics suit classical music well. The program runs across the summer and into autumn. July 14–November 10, 19:30–20:30, De Nieuwe Kerk 📅

Dinner concert with Rob van Bavel and Joan Fort: An intimate jazz dinner concert with Dutch pianist Rob van Bavel and Spanish guitarist Joan Fort. The evening pairs live music with dinner in a smaller room setting. July 16, 20:30, Contra Amsterdam 📅

Recital and tour at Singelkerk: A free classical recital is paired with a guided look inside the hidden Mennonite church on the Singel canal. It’s a compact way to hear music and see a historic Amsterdam church in one visit. July 16, 12:00–13:15, Singelkerk, Amsterdam Centrum 📅

Jazz night at De Roode Remise: Ola RudJazzDrama plays an intimate set with Pietro Aloi and Tomek van Leeuwen at Theatercafé De Roode Remise. Entry is free, and the evening runs in a small venue rather than a large club. July 16, 20:30–22:00, Theatercafé De Roode Remise 📅

Sepideh Kaav at ClinkNOORD: Sepideh Kaav’s English-language stand-up show mixes culture, identity, and personal quirks with a darker edge. It’s at ClinkNOORD, so it’s an easy one to note if you’re after comedy in English. July 16, 20:30, ClinkNOORD 📅 Comedy

Candlelight cruise in the Amsterdamse Bos: This evening boat tour goes through the waterways of the Amsterdamse Bos under candlelight. It’s a simple way to see the area after dark. July 16, 20:30, Amsterdamse Bos 📅

A Welcome Distraction turns three: A Welcome Distraction is marking its third birthday with an English-language improv show at Badhuistheater. Expect games, live music, audience participation, and the usual off-the-cuff format. July 16, 20:00, Badhuistheater, Boerhaaveplein 📅 Comedy

Radio Radio kiosk at Westergas: Radio Radio and Oatly have set up an outdoor kiosk at Westergas, with music and drinks at the Marktplein. The installation runs over several weeks rather than just one day. July 15–August 8, Westergas, Amsterdam 📅 Food / Markets

Paris, Texas screens at LAB111: Wim Wenders’ film screens as part of a summer program at LAB111. The screenings run at various times, so it’s one to check if you want to catch it on a flexible schedule. July 16 to August 6, Various times, LAB111 Film

Expat cinema shows Amoeba: Rialto VU screens the Singaporean drama Amoeba with English subtitles, then keeps things going with social drinks and networking. It’s a straightforward film night if you want an English-friendly screening and a chance to stay afterward. July 16, 19:00, Rialto VU 📅 Film

UFO lecture at LAB111: Historian Alexander Bartels looks at the modern history of UFOs, from CIA memos and Air Force cover-ups to fighter pilots and former presidents. The talk is part of LAB111’s We Are Not Alone season, with tickets available at the door. July 16, 19:30, LAB111, Arie Biemondstraat 111 📅 Talks / Ideas

Cabaret night at OT301: This is a romance-themed cabaret evening with comedy, variety, and a cast that includes Femke Fatale and Dr. Amore. It’s the kind of mixed bill where the tone can shift quickly from theatrical to absurd. July 16, 17:00, OT301 📅 Comedy

The Little Big Things at Carré: The West End musical The Little Big Things makes its Netherlands debut at Koninklijk Theater Carré, with Joy Wielkens and Edwin Jonker in the cast. Tickets start at €45. July 16, 19:30, Koninklijk Theater Carré 📅 Theater

Odyssey films at LAB111: LAB111 is running a retrospective of films built around journeys and epic storytelling, with screenings spread across the program. The series runs July 16–29, various times, LAB111. Film

Evening sketching walk by the Magere Brug: Illustrator Ellie leads a two-hour sketching walk through central Amsterdam, with quick exercises for streets, canals, and buildings. No drawing experience is needed, and each person gets an A5 sketchbook to keep. July 16, 2026, 19:00, Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Amstel river 📅 Workshop

Adult swim lessons in Oost: These adult swimming lessons are aimed at expats and take place in a private, underground shallow pool with no other visitors allowed. That setup should suit people who want a calmer place to build confidence or work on technique. July 16, 20:00, Sportfondsenbad Amsterdam-Oost 📅 Sports (Active)

Latin night at WestWeelde: This weekly night at WestWeelde mixes salsa, bachata, kizomba, and merengue, with time on the outdoor terrace before dancing starts inside. The weather may decide how much happens indoors or outdoors. July 16, 18:00, WestWeelde 📅 Games / Hobbies

Slacklining evening in Rembrandtpark: This is a casual meetup for trying slacklining in the park, with snacks and an easy social setting. Bring a friend or just show up and join in. July 16, 18:00, Rembrandtpark 📅 Sports (Active)

Chess tournament at The Miners: This community chess night includes drinks, snacks, and prizes, and your first drink is covered by the ticket. You do need some playing experience, but you don’t have to be especially strong. July 16, 18:30, The Miners Coffee, Oud-West 📅 Games / Hobbies

Workshop for upcycled lamps: At De Eester, this workshop shows how to turn scrap and recycled materials into working household lamps. It’s a practical session if you like making things rather than buying them. July 16, 11:00–13:00, De Eester 📅 Workshop

Storytelling practice in Amsterdam Zuid: This is a practice-and-feedback session for people who want to work on storytelling, communication, and public speaking in a small group setting. It’s at Buurtkamer Rijn58, July 16, 18:30, Buurtkamer Rijn58. 📅 Workshop

Thirsty Thursday at I-Dock: An early-evening social gathering for the international community at Marina I-Dock. It’s set up as an easy way to meet people over a drink by the water, July 16, 18:30, I Dock. 📅

Behind the bar at De Nieuwe Anita: This workshop walks you through the basics of working behind the bar, including pouring beers and running service. It’s at De Nieuwe Anita, July 16, 18:00, De Nieuwe Anita. 📅 Games / Hobbies

Van Gogh painting workshop: This beginner workshop introduces Van Gogh’s style and techniques in a hands-on format. July 16, 14:00–16:00, Brinkhuis. 📅 Workshop

Crisp raises €25 million: Amsterdam-based Crisp has secured another €25 million from existing shareholders. The app-only supermarket says the money will support its growth as it continues selling fresh, local food from Amsterdam. Business News

Founders Mesh meetup at Klaproos: This networking evening brings together Amsterdam startup founders and investors for drinks and introductions. It’s set up as a straightforward meet-and-greet for people working in the local business scene. July 16, 2026, 18:30 – 23:00, Klaproos 📅 Networking

AmsterdamPHP meets at TicketSwap HQ: The local PHP community is getting together at TicketSwap’s headquarters for drinks, networking, and a main talk about training its AI support assistant, Sarah. It’s a practical meetup for developers and people interested in the tools behind support work. July 16, 2026, 19:00, TicketSwap HQ 📅 Networking

Monumental raises $32 million: Amsterdam-based Monumental has raised $32 million for its bricklaying robot business. The company says it wants to deploy 1,000 automated robots over the next two years to help with construction labor shortages and speed up home building. Business News

ASML expands capacity again: ASML has raised long-term revenue targets and plans more capacity to deal with bottlenecks in chip production. The move matters in Amsterdam because the company is based in the Amsterdam Area.

Fastmail plans Amsterdam datacenter: Fastmail is opening a new datacenter in Amsterdam this August, so European users can store primary email data locally within the EU. The company says that should help with privacy and performance.

ASML shares rise on AI demand: ASML shares climbed after the company reported stronger sales growth tied to global spending on artificial intelligence. The Dutch chip equipment maker is based in Veldhoven.

Banks accept cheese as collateral: Some Italian banks are taking aging cheese as security for loans, treating premium wheels like a storage-based asset that can gain value over time. It’s an unusual mix of finance and food, but the logic is straightforward. Business News

Innovation tax relief favors big firms: A new calculation shows that about ten large corporations take roughly 95% of the Dutch innovation box tax relief. The Ministry of Finance is looking at how smaller businesses might benefit more. Business News

Stripe and Advent bid for PayPal: Stripe and Advent International have made a joint $53 billion offer for PayPal, at $60.50 per share. The bid includes substantial bank backing. Business News

Bakkerij Mama opens in West: Bakkerij Mama has opened a new shop in Amsterdam-West. The sourdough bakery now has a retail location closer to people in the neighborhood. Shop / Store

De Pimpelmees opens in Amsterdam: De Pimpelmees is a new wine bar in Amsterdam, with a Dutch name that refers to the Eurasian blue tit. It’s another small neighborhood spot to add to the list if you’re looking for a wine bar. Bar / Café

Flipper gets another restart: Flipper, the neighborhood pinball and gaming venue, is getting a fresh restart. The space has a new chance to reopen as a local place for games and casual play in Flipper. Venue / Space

Haku Coffee: Haku on Rozengracht is an oasis of calm on a street that never seems to calm down. They serve excellent matcha, delicious coffee, and a small selection of fresh (iced) tea and pastries. A wonderful break in the heart of the city. Bar / Café