Essentially Amsterdam — Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Tuesday July 28, 2026

Good morning, Amsterdam. Today: an otter and a giant catfish are spotted near Zeeburgereiland, Thievery Corporation plays Paradiso, and Pllek hosts an outdoor screening of My Neighbor Totoro.

Amsterdam to remove 10,000 more parking spots by 2030: The city has already converted over 10,000 on-street parking spots into bike paths, pedestrian space, and local greenery under its autoluw policy. Plans call for removing another 10,000 spaces across Amsterdam over the next six years.

Amsterdammers revive quiet Dutch tradition of twilight sitting: Locals are bringing back schemeren, an 18th-century Dutch custom of sitting outside in silence for half an hour to watch dusk turn to dark. Communal twilight sessions are taking place along the Amstel river and at Mediamatic.

An otter and giant catfish appear near Zeeburgereiland: Artificial floating islands built near the A10 highway three years ago are drawing unexpected wildlife. Camera traps recently caught a wild otter, the first seen this close to the center in nearly 60 years, and a catfish over two meters long.

Rembrandtpark north playground reopens after major upgrades: Children can head back to the renovated play area in the northern part of Rembrandtpark. The updated site now features a new zip line, wooden climbing structures, swings, and a large rope net structure.

Dutch households face fines for keeping analog energy meters: Dutch residents who refuse to replace their traditional analog utility meters with digital smart meters by the end of 2027 could be fined up to €1,650. Grid operators are requiring the shift to help manage the electricity network.

Interactive seating installation arrives at NDSM Wharf: A new travelling art installation designed for public seating is now set up at NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam Noord. The project aims to provide functional outdoor relaxing space in a city where many residents lack personal gardens.

Drop in moped accidents fuels fatbike helmet plans: Fewer light moped accidents following their recent helmet mandate have given the Dutch government data to support planned rules requiring helmets for young fatbike riders across the country.

Experts warn of rising fire risks in home meter cabinets: Safety inspectors are cautioning households about an increase in electrical fires inside electrical meter cabinets, which are frequently overloaded by the combined power demands of solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle chargers.

Sinking foundations could cost Dutch property owners billions: Nearly 500,000 buildings in the Netherlands face foundation damage from shifting groundwater and drought, with over 120,000 homes needing urgent repairs. Property owners across Amsterdam and the rest of the country face substantial structural repair costs.

Retiring dentists and aging population threaten Dutch oral care: A sector report warns that an aging population alongside an impending wave of dentist retirements will create widespread shortages in Dutch dental care over the coming years.

Van Beuningenplein hosts afternoon sports and neighborhood games: Neighborhood kids and families can drop by Van Beuningenplein for an afternoon of outdoor sports and active games during the summer break. July 28, 12:00–16:00, Van Beuningenplein. 📅 Outdoor / Active

Het Scheepvaartmuseum hosts water yoga sessions for toddlers: Children ages two and up can join short wave-themed yoga classes on the museum jetty, stretching like seaweed and swaying like boats. Through August 31, 10:30–11:00, Het Scheepvaartmuseum. 📅 Outdoor / Active

Free summer sports drop-in opens in De Baarsjes: Children and youth aged 6 and up can join an open summer sports afternoon in De Baarsjes featuring kickboxing, ball games, and outdoor activities. July 28, 12:00–17:00, De Baarsjes, Amsterdam. 📅 Outdoor / Active

Groengebied Amstelland offers three swim spots for summer days: Summer swimming spots: Groengebied Amstelland has three designated beach areas where families can swim and relax by the water on warm days this summer. July 28 and August 9 at Groengebied Amstelland. Outdoor / Active

Harriet Krijgh plays Romantic chamber music at Concertgebouw: Dutch cellist Harriet Krijgh performs a selection of classic Romantic works alongside a ensemble of fellow musicians. July 28, 20:00, Concertgebouw. 📅

Thievery Corporation plays two summer nights at Paradiso: The Washington, D.C. electronic music duo brings their mix of downtempo, dub, and trip-hop to the main hall for two consecutive evenings. July 28–29, 19:30, Paradiso. 📅

Solya performs live at Paradiso: Singer-songwriter Solya plays a live set at Paradiso tonight, offering fans an evening of focused, personal songs in an intimate setting. July 28, 19:30, Paradiso. 📅

Frankie and the Witch Fingers play Tolhuistuin: Psych-rock group Frankie and the Witch Fingers bring their high-energy garage rock set to Amsterdam Noord tonight. July 28, 19:30, Tolhuistuin. 📅

Tkandz performs live at Bitterzoet: Musician Tkandz brings a mix of alternative beats and hip-hop to the city center music venue. July 28, 20:30, Bitterzoet. 📅

Candlelit Bach concert set for Westerkerk: Organist Evan Bogerd plays a program of Johann Sebastian Bach’s organ works to mark the anniversary of the composer’s death. July 28, 21:30, Westerkerk Amsterdam. 📅

Vrij Spel and Timm Knipt bring live performances to West: De Nieuwe Anita is hosting an informal evening of lighthearted live performances in its retro living-room space. Entry is free. July 28, 20:00, De Nieuwe Anita. Free 📅

De Nieuwe Kerk hosts summer organ concert: The summer music series continues inside the historic church on Dam Square, featuring a live organ recital. July 28, 19:30, De Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square. 📅

Australian punk band ARSE plays Cinetol: Sydney-based punk trio ARSE brings their fast, energetic live set to Cinetol’s intimate room in South Amsterdam. July 28, 20:30, Cinetol. 📅

Gershwin Bonevacia brings spoken word show to De Parade: Former Amsterdam Poet Laureate Gershwin Bonevacia presents Gershwin’s Garden, a performance mixing poetry, spoken word, and theater. July 28–31, various times, Martin Luther Kingpark. Theater

Pllek screens My Neighbor Totoro outdoors in Noord: Watch Studio Ghibli’s classic animation outdoors on the beach at NDSM wharf, complete with skyline views and wireless headphones. July 28, 22:10, Pllek, NDSM Wharf. 📅 Film

Echt Gebeurd brings personal stories to De Parade: The storytelling event Echt Gebeurd comes to De Parade theater festival, featuring people sharing true, funny, and personal experiences around the theme of uncharted territory. July 28–31, various times, Martin Luther Kingpark. Theater

Hokjesdenker performs latest production at De Parade: Theatre group Hokjesdenker brings their new show to the travelling theatre festival, exploring boundaries and societal labels. July 28 to July 31, Various times, Martin Luther Kingpark. Theater

Geert Sweep brings new show to De Parade: Performer Geert Sweep takes the stage at the annual theatre festival with his latest show, Mijn Hemel! July 28 to August 1, Various times, Martin Luther Kingpark. Theater

Blackout poetry dinner mixes food and creative writing: This interactive dining event combines a meal with a creative workshop exploring themes of heritage and revision through blackout poetry. July 28, 18:00 – 21:00, Treehouse NDSM. 📅 Food / Markets

Movie night comes to Stayokay Vondelpark: The hostel in Amsterdam Oost is hosting an informal community film night in its social space. July 28, 18:00, The 5th, Amsterdam Oost. 📅 Film

Alien Zoo brings outdoor theater to De Parade: Theater group De Wezens presents its latest performance, Alien Zoo, as part of the traveling festival program. July 28, Multiple times, De Parade, Martin Luther Kingpark. Theater

Weekly organic farmers market runs in Amstelveen: Stalls set up weekly offering local produce, fresh foods, and organic products in the center of town. July 28, 09:00 – 16:00, Stadshart Amstelveen. 📅 Food / Markets

De Thomas hosts intimate theater show De Biecht: The cultural sanctuary De Thomas in Amsterdam South is putting on a performance of De Biecht, offering an intimate drama in a unique space. July 28, 20:00, De Thomas. 📅 Theater

Social run links three gelato shops across Amsterdam: This casual group run connects three different ice cream parlors, allowing runners to pick their own route between stops and grab a scoop along the way. July 28, 18:00, Massimo Gelato, Jan Hanzenstraat 15. 📅 Sports (Active)

Practice foreign languages at Meet Berlage: Meet native speakers and fellow learners to practice languages in a casual setting. Pick up a name tag listing what you speak and want to practice, then start conversing over drinks and snacks. July 28, 18:30–21:30, Meet Berlage. 📅 Class

Van Gogh color painting workshop held at Het Brinkhuis: Try out bold color combinations and classic painting techniques in a practical workshop inspired by Vincent van Gogh. July 28, 11:00–13:00, Het Brinkhuis. 📅 Workshop

Beginner coffee brewing workshop hosted at Two Story Coffee: Learn the basics of making quality coffee at home, including espresso dial-in, milk steaming techniques, and tasting different roast profiles. July 28, 17:00, Two Story Coffee. 📅 Workshop

Soprano Claron McFadden leads vocal workshop at Splendor: Soprano Claron McFadden hosts a beginner-friendly workshop exploring collective singing techniques and creating shared soundscapes. July 28, 10:30, Splendor. 📅 Workshop

Monk Bouldergym hosts climbing session and social drinks: Climbers of all skill levels can gather for a casual bouldering session, followed by drinks and snacks at the venue’s bar. July 28, 19:30, Monk Bouldergym, Amsterdam. 📅 Sports (Active)

Community weaving workshop addresses Dutch colonial history: Participants can contribute directly to a large national tapestry project examining colonial and slavery history. July 28, SHEBANG. 📅 Workshop

Open craft studio offers space for creative projects: Anyone over 18 can drop in to work on their own creative and design projects with guided assistance available. July 28, 10:00 – 12:30, Stichting The Beach. 📅 Workshop

Resto VanHarte hosts community dinner in Amsterdam East: Neighbors can gather for a shared three-course dinner organized to bring local residents together. July 28, 17:30, Podium Genieten, Amsterdam East. 📅 Tasting

Learn DIY haircutting at De Nieuwe Anita: Timm Knipt is running a practical workshop on how to cut hair. You can practice on a willing friend, a model, or yourself. July 28, 20:00, De Nieuwe Anita. 📅 Workshop

Dutch passports now offer visa-free travel to 186 countries: A new global mobility report shows that Dutch passport holders can now travel to 186 destinations without securing a visa in advance. The Netherlands sits near the top of the global passport index. Business News

First-time home buyers risk overextension on maximum mortgages: Financial analysts warn that home buyers in the Netherlands who borrow to their maximum allowed limit leave themselves exposed to unexpected repair costs, as stretched budgets offer little margin for emergency home maintenance. Business News

TikTok Shop officially launches in the Netherlands: TikTok has rolled out its integrated shopping service to Dutch users. The feature allows businesses and brands to sell products directly inside the video app. Business News

BitMEX to shut down crypto trading platform: Cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX has announced plans to close its trading platform on September 23 following an internal strategic review. Account holders are being advised to close their open positions and withdraw remaining funds. Business News

Dutch inflation expected to cool in upcoming report: Economic data due out this week is expected to show Dutch inflation easing compared to June levels. Preliminary estimates also point to modest economic growth for the second quarter. Business News

Amsterdam lender defends higher borrowing rates for small businesses: Bridgefund CEO Julian van de Steeg has responded to criticism regarding the firm’s financing costs in Amsterdam. He noted that small businesses primarily use the platform as a flexible line of credit, paying interest only on the funds they draw. Business News

Parcel delivery price wars erase industry margins: Intense competition among Dutch parcel delivery companies is severely undercutting profit margins despite high package volumes. Industry analysts warn that low delivery prices are commercially unsustainable over time. Business News

AI hallucinated web links pose security risks: Cybersecurity researchers warn that generative AI models frequently invent non-existent web addresses that look like legitimate brands. Hackers can buy these hallucinated domains to orchestrate phishing attacks. Business News

Cocoa prices drop but retail chocolate stays high: Wholesale cocoa prices are starting to decline after reaching record levels, but consumers should not expect cheaper chocolate soon. Manufacturers are keeping prices firm to restore squeezed margins. Business News

Financial briefing highlights subcontractor debts and legal salaries: A new podcast report details how low-cost parcel delivery relies on subcontractors who frequently leave behind significant unpaid debts. It also looks at how AI adoption has so far left entry-level legal salaries unchanged. Business News

Bos Lo opens egg-focused breakfast spot in Kolenkit: A new casual restaurant called Bos Lo has opened in the Kolenkit neighborhood. The menu focuses heavily on creative egg dishes, coffee, and morning meals. Restaurant

Indoor golf simulator facility opens on Willem de Zwijgerlaan: Golfers in Amsterdam West now have a new option for practice as an indoor golf simulator opens on Willem de Zwijgerlaan, allowing players to work on their game year-round regardless of the weather. Venue / Space

VENEUR opens new restaurant in Amsterdam: A new dining spot named VENEUR has opened in the city. The concept points toward a French-inspired or game-focused menu. Restaurant

Maison Champenoise: Two founders from Reims making pate en croute, the Champagne region’s own savoury meat pie, in a small open-kitchen shop in West. Every pie comes with a sharp salad to cut the butter, and the owners will tell you the only correct drink alongside it is champagne. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Restaurant

De Poldervogel: New neighborhood restaurant in Watergraafsmeer from a duo with experience at De Kas and Vuurtoreneiland: refined comfort food, sharing dishes, seasonal produce and an off-menu kids dish. Restaurant

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