Have you been searching for a place to enjoy a quality craft brew along with some tasty eats here in the Netherlands? While beer snobs might quibble over whether or not these operations technically qualify as brewpubs, tasting rooms, or something else entirely, here are a few spots that combine some of the country’s best suds with great food. Brouwerij de Prael – Amsterdam, The Hague and Groningen Brouwerij de Prael was originally called De Parel and began brewing in... More >

Recent research shows that the ratio between Amsterdam house prices and Amsterdammers’ disposable incomes is the highest in Europe. So it’s no surprise that many of us are feeling strapped for cash. Add in the city’s steepening restaurant prices, and even going out for an evening meal is looking less and less affordable. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are still several good eateries where you can have a simple meal for around €10, so you can stop... More >

Learning Dutch in an international work environment can be tough especially if English is your common language. Deborah Nicholls-Lee tracks down some expert advice. The Netherlands is a popular workplace: its people speak excellent English, it’s economically stable, and it offers a great work-life balance. It is no surprise that big international names such as Adidas, Booking.com, IKEA, and Nike all have their European headquarters here, with Panasonic and Sony due to follow shortly. But, with expats now staying longer,... More >

Dana is a Romanian, living in Amsterdam since 2010. She’s passionate about the city and everything it has to offer. On her blog, she shares her discoveries, experiences and thoughts with everyone who’s interested in Amsterdam, the Netherlands or travel in general.  There is a Romanian expression: “Cu fundul în două luntri“, which means ‘sitting with your bum in two boats’, or in other words not being able to make up your mind about something. For the title of this... More >

Summer should be well and truly upon us next month, but not all the activities in our July round-up feature the great outdoors. Dance July away Contemporary dance festival July Dance is coming to Amsterdam again, with challenging performances that make you sit up and think. There are eight venues featuring shows by seasoned dancers and choreographers as well as new talent. Additional events include a ‘dance route in the centre of  Amsterdam inspired by its colonial past’ and free... More >

Everywhere you look in major Dutch cities, there seem to be bikes with distinctive blue front tyres – on the roads, sprawled along pavements, and even joining the sorry crew of lost vehicles dredged out of canals. These are the ranks of Swapfiets, a company originating in Delft which in five years has spread to four countries, 42 cities and some 124,000 users. The idea is simple: instead of buying a bicycle and having to deal with the usual repair,... More >

Did you move to the Netherlands when your partner got a job or was posted here, or did you come here for love? If so, ICAP needs your help. We all know someone who has moved to the Netherlands to be with a partner and has struggled with visa requirements, or who is still trying to slot into the jobs market. ICAP, the International Community Advisory Platform, is trying to find out more about the experiences of the partners of... More >

You wouldn’t say so to look at him but Donald Duck is 85. The irate duck, full name Donald Fauntleroy Duck, was born on June 9, 1934 and in 1952 Donald Duck, ‘the happiest weekly of the Netherlands’ started life. The weekly comic is still, apparently, the biggest selling publication in the country. Since then millions, children and adults alike, have enjoyed the (mis)adventures of Donald, who, after many years residency in this country has become more popular here than... More >

Can Amsterdam keep up with the demand for international school places? Amity’s new senior school is a step in the right direction. Time flies when you are a parent and before you know it your children are senior school age. Almost half of all expats in the Netherlands are now staying for longer than five years and the parents among them face a competitive market when seeking places for their children in an international secondary school. Boomtowns like Amstelveen, near... More >