Lifestyle News in English
Latest lifestyle headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
The 7 best doner kebab sandwiches in Amsterdam
This article highlights several top-rated döner kebab establishments across Amsterdam, featuring well-known spots such as Beste Döner, Ibo’s, and Erol Döner. These locations are recognized for th...

HaarlemPas helps with pet costs
Starting January 19, 2026, the municipality of Haarlem will provide financial assistance for pet care to low-income residents holding a HaarlemPas. The pilot program offers up to €200 annually for g...
The best hot chocolate in Amsterdam is served here
This article highlights several top-rated locations in Amsterdam for high-quality hot chocolate, featuring diverse styles ranging from thick Italian and French varieties to sustainable craft options. ...

Vote on the name of the new gymnastics hall
The city of Haarlem is inviting residents to vote for the name of a new multifunctional gymnastics hall being built on Pim Mulierlaan. Residents can choose from a shortlist of five names until January...
Shorter and more frequent ski holidays are the trend: 'It's incredible how many Dutch people are coming again'
Dutch winter sports enthusiasts are increasingly opting for shorter and more frequent ski trips to cope with rising vacation costs. Instead of canceling their plans, many travelers are choosing budget...
Dutch prepare well for ski holidays but drink too much
Although Dutch travelers are known for preparing thoroughly for their skiing holidays, nearly half admit to skiing while under the influence of alcohol. This behavior occurs despite a majority of thes...

Zuidas Market started as a trial among the office towers: "Now 300 to 400 people visit during lunch"
The Zuidas Market in Amsterdam has evolved from a 2021 trial into a permanent weekly fixture at George Gershwinplein, securing a five-year permit in 2023. Every Thursday, the market attracts hundreds ...
The favorite Turkish spots of Esra’s owners: ‘It felt like we were in Istanbul’
Selin Kiazim and Steph de Goeijen, owners of the Amsterdam restaurant Esra, are highlighting a "new wave" of high-quality Turkish cuisine flourishing across the city. They recommend several local favo...
Book now or is it cheaper to wait a bit longer?
Many travelers book their summer vacations in January to take advantage of widespread early booking discounts. This article examines whether January is truly the most cost-effective time to secure a h...

Basic health insurance might be enough: check if supplemental coverage is really needed
The basic health insurance package is often comprehensive enough for individuals with minimal medical needs, offering extensive coverage that may make supplemental plans unnecessary. Consumers are enc...

Why are we suddenly so much more generous in December than during the rest of the year?
People tend to be significantly more generous and likely to donate to charity in December compared to the rest of the year. Experts suggest that this seasonal surge in giving is driven by a fundamenta...

What to do in the city during the Christmas holidays: an overview
Amsterdam is hosting a wide range of festive activities during the Christmas holidays, including ice skating at various city squares, the World Christmas Circus at Carré, and the annual Amsterdam Lig...

Podcast series on the Amsterdam punk movement: Paradiso was their living room
Paradiso has launched "Punk in Paradiso," a six-part podcast series by music journalist Oscar Smit and artist Elmer exploring the history of the 1970s Amsterdam punk movement. The series documents how...

Dreading Christmas already? How to handle sky-high expectations
The article provides guidance on managing high expectations and feelings of loneliness during the Christmas holidays. It encourages individuals to create a celebration that fits their personal reality...

NU+ | Avoiding a 'Mama Mo' situation: How to maintain a good relationship with your mother-in-law
Experts explain that relationships with in-laws can cause significant distress, using the intrusive behavior of "Mama Mo" from the reality series *De Hanslers* as a cautionary example. The article pro...

NU+ | The five-gift rule: the ideal Sinterklaas gift mix
As the holiday season approaches, this guide offers advice on selecting meaningful gifts for children who may already have an abundance of toys. It suggests using a balanced "five-group" strategy to e...

NU+ | How to recognize the red flags that can lead to femicide
CBS data reveals that the number of femicides in the Netherlands has remained stable over the past 15 years, with approximately 20 women killed by an (ex-)partner annually. The report highlights the i...

Suriname 50 years independent: As long as you can dance a polonaise
To mark the 50th anniversary of Surinamese independence, this report examines how Surinamese music has shaped the Dutch cultural scene through the work of pioneers like Edgar Burgos and modern produce...
Visiting the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or Yellowstone? It will cost you an extra $100
Starting next year, foreign tourists visiting the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Yosemite National Parks in the United States will be required to pay a $100 surcharge. This significant price increase w...

Suriname 50 years independent: Surinamese cuisine was primarily seen as takeout
As Suriname celebrates 50 years of independence, a news series explores how Surinamese culture has shaped Amsterdam, specifically through the evolution of its cuisine. Father and daughter chefs Jim an...

NU+ | Bratwursts and barricades: What to expect at German Christmas markets
German Christmas markets remain a popular destination for Dutch tourists, offering traditional food and drinks despite recent media discussions regarding potential terror threats. Experts indicate tha...

The multi-headed waste monster: why fines alone won't clean up the city
The City of Amsterdam has expanded its team of waste enforcement officers to 53 members to crack down on illegal trash dumping by searching for identifiable information on items left outside container...
Claudia didn't know she applied for British travel document ETA on the wrong site: ‘I thought: wow, that’s a lot of money’
Dutch travelers are being misled by commercial websites charging up to 200 euros for a British Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which officially costs less than 19 euros. These third-party platf...

NU+ | No maternity care is (sometimes) dangerous: what you can do
Although maternity care is a legal right for new mothers in the Netherlands, ongoing personnel shortages are preventing many families from receiving the guaranteed amount of assistance. The article hi...

Hedgehog shelters working overtime: Can you care for a hedgehog in your own garden?
Hedgehog shelters are currently overwhelmed due to a wet autumn and food shortages that have left many animals unable to survive independently. As these centers reach capacity, the public is seeking g...

NU+ | Sinterklaasjournaal in a war-like atmosphere: Can a preschooler handle it?
The Dutch children's show *Sinterklaasjournaal* has sparked concern among parents due to this season's intense storylines involving military occupation and dangerous cliffhangers. The article addresse...

You can't peak too early in your career: 'As long as you have a goal'
Recent high-profile political successes, such as Rob Jetten's potential premiership in the Netherlands and Zohran Mamdani's mayoral win in New York, have raised questions about peaking too early in a ...

Suspect child abuse? What to do (and what happens next)
Following the start of a trial regarding a foster child in Vlaardingen, this article provides guidance for citizens on how to handle suspicions of child abuse. It outlines how to recognize warning sig...

NU+ | Why you shouldn't want to lose your accent
Dutch actress Famke Janssen is appearing in her first Dutch series after a long career in the United States, where she notably conceals her American accent. The article examines whether it is possible...

NU+ | SHEIN fails miserably: how to buy sex toys safely?
Chinese webshop SHEIN has removed its entire adult toy range from its platform after facing legal complaints in France for selling child sex dolls. The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on ...