A tragic incident has shaken a residential area in Schiedam, near Rotterdam. A 13-year-old boy was stabbed on Sunday afternoon. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he did not survive.
Later that same day, another 13-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident, as reported by RTL Nieuws.
Investigation and youth violence concerns
So far, the police have not disclosed further details about the suspect — but they have confirmed that he is under investigation for involvement in the crime.
During his arrest, forensic specialists were seen wrapping the boy’s hands in plastic to preserve potential evidence.
Peter Ottens, co-founder of local youth organisation YETS, highlighted the deep impact on local youth workers.
Knife violence among minors remains a pressing issue in the Rotterdam region, and in 2020, then-mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb initiated an action plan to combat youth weapon possession.
Community in shock
On Monday morning, a group of young people placed flowers at the scene of the stabbing.
Some knew the victim indirectly and expressed their disbelief. “Especially the young age affects people,” one resident told RTL Nieuws.
Authorities have acknowledged the impact of the event and have sent police officers and municipal employees to offer support.
The community is left with grief, questions, and an urgent need for solutions to prevent further violence among young people.
A picture has recently circulated on Reddit that has some Dutch people in a frenzy — a coffeeshop in central Amsterdam put up a sign with an unusual company policy.
If you want to sit back and relax the good-old-fashioned Amsterdam way, you better be a tourist.
Why’s that? Because locals are now banned from sitting inside and may only get their products for take-away.
Making the most out of Amsterdam tourism
We all know that Amsterdam can be overrun with tourists sometimes, but this coffeeshop on Brouwersgracht said that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.
What some see as an overcrowding nightmare, others see as a business opportunity.
At least that’s what they suggest on their controversial sign, which states that they allow only tourists to sit inside to better regulate crowds and focus on their target customer group.
Translation: PICK-UP ONLY! We have chosen to only give local clients the option to pick up products since our coffeeshop primarily focuses on tourists. This policy allows us to better tailor our services to our target group while minimising the pressure and overcrowdedness of our coffeeshop. We value all customers and hope for your understanding of this choice.
This rule is especially ironic in light of the fact that the Dutch drug toleration policy aims to make Dutch coffeeshops less attractive to drug users from abroad.
An honest tourist trap
As you can imagine, Dutch people aren’t impressed with the coffeeshop’s business model, no matter how savvy it is.
The coffeeshop received a lot of less-than-kind messages and felt compelled to respond to the controversy on Reddit.
They claim they’ve “had problems with loitering youth for a long time and have made great efforts to keep them out.”
It makes sense, then, that Dutch people would be prohibited from sitting inside while the famously polite and calm young tourists of Amsterdam get the VIP treatment.
Another Redditor had a different explanation: “English translation [of the sign]: Our prices are ridiculous. Locals, please don’t waste your time.”
See, Amsterdammers: they’re looking out for the community. ❤️
Do you think a coffee shop has the right to enforce such an exclusionary company policy? Let us know your thoughts!
Snackbars are small fast-food-like venues that serve your classic Dutch frituur (fried food) go to’s.
From friet (or is it patat?) and bitterballen to kroket and kaassoufflé, you and your empty stomach’s desires will be fulfilled. 🤰
Plenty of people, Dutchies and internationals alike, love going to a snackbar after the bar to grab a bite to eat when nothing else is open.
Why do they do it?
Frituur is the perfect type of food after a night out of drinks — it’s greasy, it’s filling, and it’s carb heaven, making it the ideal snack to eat to soak up the alcohol.
(And, most importantly, prevent the impending hangover! 😉)
Not to mention, frituur can curb your salty cravings late at night.
Friet is a great snack to have if you’re sharing it with other people but otherwise, falafel wraps or a broodje frikandel is the perfect thing to keep for yourself.
Why is it quirky?
The more you drink, the more questionable your snack choices become.
Whether it’s putting obscene amounts of mayonnaise on everything or picking an “interesting” sauce combination for your friet, we’re not here to judge your cravings. The heart wants what it wants. ❤️
And while eating a lot of snack food in the night seems like the best idea at the moment, you might find yourself feeling a little queasy from it.
We can’t tell you if that’s the alcohol or the snack food talking, though. 🤷🏻♀️
Should you join in?
This activity is definitely something to try out, especially if you want to try some fun Dutch snacks but also drink responsibly!
However, if you’re looking for a place to stretch your legs, or simply want to discover more of Rotterdam’s hidden gems, the city offers plenty of opportunities for the perfect nature escape.
Whether you’re down for a long hike or just a short afternoon walk, Rotterdam has something for everyone.
It’s also relatively close to the Kralingse Bos, which offers a relaxing walk through nature! Image: Depositphotos
Kralingse Plas is a spot for families, couples, singles, and groups of friends alike.
Not only is it a wonderful place for a walk, but the area surrounding the lake also offers plentiful opportunities to sit down for a picnic or go for a quick swim at the local beach (if the weather and water quality allow).
There are also various restaurants and cafés on the way, where you can grab a quick bite in case you need a refresher.
The local deer farm, as well as the playing ground next to it, is sure to make the youngest members of your family happy.
If you really enjoy the serenity of Dutch forests, and the five-kilometre walk around the lake is not enough for you, you can also venture into the Kralingse Bos.
To explore this piece of nature at a faster pace, simply bring your roller skates with you!
📏 Walk distance: A loop around the lake is about 5 kilometres. 🚲 How to get there: The Kralingse Plas is a 15-minute cycle from Rotterdam Centraal. 📍 Starting point: You can start at the Beach House restaurant and make your way around the lake from there. 🗺️ Route: We suggest walking around the lake anticlockwise to save the nicer views for later.
TIP: The wooden piers located on the north and west sides of the lake are definitely a highlight. Sit down for a moment and enjoy the sun setting over the city’s epic skyline.
2. Relax in Het Park, the perfect picnic spot
The city park is the perfect place to clear your head after a long day. Image: Depositphotos
Fancy a walk in one of the oldest parks in Rotterdam? Head to Het Park.
With trees that are over 100 years old and a French-style garden, Het Park is the perfect place to relax after a long week of work.
If you’re lucky, you may also be able to spot some woodpeckers or tawny owls.
But that’s not all: Het Park frequently turns into a lively spot with various food festivals and events, making it the perfect destination for a weekend outing.
For €12.50 you can go up the Euromast tower and enjoy the views of the entire city. Whether you go during the day, or at night when the whole of Rotterdam is lit up, you’re in for some incredible views.
Had enough greenery for the day? Head to the nearby bank of the river Maas and enjoy some views of the Erasmus Bridge and Hotel New York.
If a moment of peace and tranquillity is what you’re looking for instead, you shouldn’t miss the nearby Schoonoord at Kievitslaan.
A true hidden gem, Schoonoord is the perfect place to unwind. You can visit from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
📏 Walk distance: 1+ kilometres, depending on how quickly you find the perfect picnic spot. 🚇 How to get there: Take the metro to Erasmus MC (metro station Dijkzigt) or the tram to Kievitslaan. 📍 Starting point: If you get off at Kievitslaan, the upper edge of the park will be right in front of you. Just cross the road, and you’re there. 🗺️ Route: Make your way into the park and let the winding paths lead you.
3. Hike the Lage & Hoge Bergse Bos
Venture out of the forest and stroll in the sun along the river Rotte. Feature Image: Jana Vondráčková/Supplied
With highland cattle grazing parts of the forest, walking in Lage and Hoge Bergse Bos is probably as close as you can get to experiencing real wilderness in the Netherlands.
There are numerous different hikes you can opt for, whether they are three or 13 kilometres long.
The two forests offer space for all sorts of activities, from mountain biking and roller skating to climbing, canoeing and golf.
You may not be able to enjoy everything during a single hike, but luckily, there are camping sites you can stay at if you wish to enjoy this lovely piece of nature for longer than a day.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also combine your explorations of Lage and Hoge Bergse Bos with a walk around the Zevenhuizerplas.
On a warm sunny day, leave the shade of the forest trees and stroll along the river Rotte instead. You’ll see plenty of cheerful Dutchies sunbathing on their boats.
📏 Walk distance: 10+ kilometres (but there are also many shorter routes). 🚗 How to get there: Put the Eekhoornplaats or Mollenplaats parking lot in your GPS and follow the directions to get to Lage Bergse Bos. To start your adventures in Hoge Bergse Bos, search for Vliegenzwamplaats parking lot or head to Oud Verlaat. Cross the Rotte river via the Rottebanbrug to enter the forest if you start your wanderings in Oud Verlaat. 📍 Starting point: Any spot in the forests is a good starting point. 🗺️ Route: Both Hoge Bergse Bos and Lage Bergse Bos have different routes to choose from. One way through both forests is about 5 km.
4. Walk around the Zevenhuizerplas
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your stroll around the Zevenhuizerplas. Feature Image: Jana Vondráčková/Supplied
Looking for a walk through a paradise of water birds? Then a walk around the Zevenhuizerplas is the perfect option for you. You’ll have the chance to spot kingfishers, cormorants, herons, or reeds.
While you’ll find birds in the quiet areas around the lake, you can also stop by the more lively Nesselande beach for a quick swim.
This artificially created lake is a great recreational area for water sports enthusiasts, as it is well-suited for canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, and even surfing.
📏 Walk distance: About 7.5 kilometres to walk around the lake. 🚇 How to get there: Head to Oud Verlaat or take the metro to Nesselande. 📍 Starting point: Make your way from the metro station to the Nesselande beach in about seven minutes and start your walk around the lake. Alternatively, begin your walk at Oud Verlaat. 🗺️ Route: Clockwise or anticlockwise, it’s up to you!
5. Discover the great Zuiderpark
If you want to venture to the south of Rotterdam, make sure you don’t miss out on a walk in Zuiderpark.
Zuiderpark is located in the neighbourhood of Charlois and is supposedly one of the biggest city parks in the Netherlands.
The park covers 215 hectares, which equals approximately 430 football fields.
You can come here to enjoy the swamps, the forest, a beach, little islands, and a large playground. While you’re here, try to spot the reed warbler or look out for the dozens of bats at twilight.
📏 Walk distance: 7+ kilometres (and various shorter routes). 🚇 How to get there: Take the metro to Slinge. 📍 Starting point: Walk for about four minutes from the Slinge metro station and then enter the park. 🗺️ Route: As you enter the park, pick whether you want to go left or right, and start your wanderings from there.
6. Wandelen around Prinsemolenpark & Bergse Plassen
Prinsemolenpark is the perfect place to go for some amazing water views. Image: Jana Vondráčková/Supplied
Want to enjoy some good old Dutch windmills? Then a walk through Prinsemolenpark and around the Bergse Voorplas might be something for you.
The windmill called Molen de Vier Winden (The Four Winds Mill) is located only a few minutes’ walk from the upper corner of the park.
Prinsemolenpark is a green strip of land located between the Bergse Voorplas and the river Rotte, which means you can enjoy marvellous views of the water from here.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, this is the perfect spot to come and savour a moment of tranquillity.
📏 Walk distance: 6 kilometres from Rotterdam Noord to Molen de Vier Winden and back. 🚗 How to get there: Head to Rotterdam Noord train station and make your way from there. 📍 Starting point: Rotterdam Noord. 🗺️ Route: Head north from the station via Bergweg, turn right to Ceintuurbaan, and once you get to the river Rotte just continue alongside it.
7. Venture to Het Schollebos
The greenery and blue skies of Het Schollebos. Image: Wouter Engler/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
If your wanderings take you to Capelle aan den IJssel, which is right east of Rotterdam, make sure you walk around the Schollebos.
Schollebos is home to all kinds of tree species and a great spot to encounter various animals. Think moles, hedgehogs, rabbits, and occasionally also hares and foxes.
Although the pancake place called Petit Restaurant Schollebos is a great place to start your walk, we recommend treating yourself to this tasty delight only after you’ve walked around the park. 😉
📏 Walk distance: 3+ kilometres. 🚇 How to get there: Take the metro to De Terp and walk for 15 minutes to reach the pancake house. 📍 Starting point: Start at the pancake house Petit Restaurant Schollebos at Bermweg 133 and make your way around the park. 🗺️ Route: Wander around the forest as you please, exploring the different ponds and creeks.
8. Get your nature fix in the Ackerdijkse Plassen
Ackerdijkse Plassen is a designated bird sanctuary. Image: A.Beijer/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
If the biggest port city of the Netherlands still doesn’t fulfil your water view cravings, head for a hike around the outskirts of the Ackerdijkse Plassen.
Home to numerous kinds of birds, Ackerdijkse Plassen is a closed nature reserve and a designated bird sanctuary.
But don’t worry about missing out on some great views just because the area is closed to humans. There are still three watchtowers you can spot birds from, all year round.
📏 Walk distance: Between 6 and 20 kilometres. 🚌 How to get there: Take the bus to Oude Leede, Oude Leedeweg bus stop, and head to Ackerdijkseweg to reach the starting point of the loop. 📍 Starting point: Ackerdijkseweg. Alternatively, start at Pijnacker Zuid for a longer return walk of about 20 km. 🗺️ Route: Follow the signs around the edge of the nature reserve.
9. Stroll around Prinses Beatrixpark
If you’ve ever ventured west of Rotterdam to Schiedam, you probably already know about this gem.
It’s a place to enjoy not only walking but also a botanical garden, a petting zoo, various playgrounds, and some lekker eten. With all this, it’s probably no surprise that Prinses Beatrixpark is the biggest park in Schiedam.
After the construction of Wilhelminahaven in the 1950s, the park was supposed to make up for the lost forest, and its creation was meant to provide jobs for the unemployed.
However, after the 1953 floods in Zeeland, much of the newly acquired workforce left to work in Zeeland and Prinses Beatrixpark began to decay.
In 2012, it was finally revamped, and now it offers a vibrant location in the city to be enjoyed with family and friends.
📏 Walk distance: A loop around the park is about 2.5 kilometres. 🚇 How to get there: Take the metro to Schiedam Nieuwland and walk for about five minutes from the station to reach the park. 📍 Starting point: Start at the edge of the park or head to Restaurant Parckhoeven to stock up on some carbs before beginning your walk. 🗺️ Route: Left or right, make a loop around the park, or just weave your way through it.
10. Visit Het Klauterwoud
Looking to venture even further away from Rotterdam than Schiedam? Plan a walk in Het Klauterwoud.
Located close to Vlaardingen, Het Klauterwoud is a true paradise for children. Stroll through the labyrinth of trees and bushes and find your inner adventurer as you explore the natural playgrounds.
📏 Walk distance: Anything between two and 10 kilometres, depending on how much of the forest you decide to explore. 🚗 How to get there: Park your car at Watersportweg 11 or 21. Alternatively, you can leave your car at the Broekpolder parking lot. 📍 Starting point: Start from the parking lot and slowly make your way through Klouterwoud. 🗺️ Route: Take a lap around the forest or stroll along the different paths.
11. Explore centuries of Dutch history: Kinderdijk
Does it get any Dutcher than this? Image: Depositphotos
Fancy a wander through seven centuries of Dutch water management?
The Dutch have shown an incredible amount of skill and persistence when it comes to managing water and fighting off the seas, and Kinderdijk is a prime example of their efforts.
Located a quick drive from the city, Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Netherlands’ most popular tourist spots.
Stroll along the canals and enjoy the view of 19 picturesque windmills. People actually live in some of them, so who knows? Maybe you’ll make some friends with the locals while you’re here.
📏 Walk distance: A stroll along the canal with windmills is about 1.5 kilometres. 🚌 How to get there: Take a bus from Kralingse Zoom or come by car or bike. 📍 Starting point: Start making your way around the area from the bus stop or the parking lot. 🗺️ Route: Just follow the canal and enjoy the views of the picturesque windmills.
TIP: To beat the crowds, make sure to head to Kinderdijk early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
12. Off to the coast: Hoek van Holland
Discover these picturesque beach houses on your walk along the Hoek van Holland beach. Image: Jana Vondráčková/Supplied
What’s better to lift your mood than some vitamin sea? The Hoek van Holland beach offers plentiful opportunities for walks with scenic views.
You can opt for a short two-three kilometre walk and then spend a laid-back afternoon relaxing at the beach or instead go on a longer hike which takes you through the local dunes, forests, and charming villages.
On your way, you can explore the bunkers and underground passages of the Atlantic Wall defence line. The options here are truly endless.
📏 Walk distance: You can opt for walks and hikes between three to 10+ kilometres. 🚇 How to get there: Take the metro from Rotterdam all the way to the Hoek van Holland beach. 📍 Starting point: Many of the walking routes start at the tourist information office on Prins Hendrikstraat. 🗺️ Route: Choose directions based on which route you want to take.
If you’d like to venture beyond Rotterdam and explore other natural areas in the Lowlands, check out our guides on hiking in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Maastricht.
Have you tried any of these walks? Are there any other hikes and walks in Rotterdam that you’d like to see added to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Germany’s exit polls reflected the wider European trend of centre-left losses amid growing support for the far-right — but unlike the Netherlands, the latter didn’t win.
The CDU/CSU Union (Christian Democrats) received 28.5% of the vote, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to over 20%.
Germany’s Conservative win is being welcomed in the Netherlands with some cautious relief, reports the AD.
Big hopes for Merz among the Dutch
Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU and soon-to-be chancellor, faces high expectations — not least in his position against AfD’s vision for Germany and Europe.
Whether swung by the voters’ rejection of Trump and Putin, or Germans wanting to remain in the EU, this win holds great international weight.
In the Netherlands, entrepreneurs, politicians, and researchers see the potential for a much-needed, strong, new German leader in Merz.
Congrats to @_FriedrichMerz on today’s election victory in 🇩🇪 Looking forward to working with you in this crucial moment for our shared security. It’s vital that Europe step up on defence spending and your leadership will be key.
The Dutch are hopeful that Merz’s leadership could urge collaborative projects, such as the building of new CO2 and hydrogen pipelines from the Netherlands to Germany.
Collaboration without far-right ideals
Unlike the Dutch PVV, the German far-right party AfD did not score a win, and Merz outright rejects cooperation with them.
A woman in Zutphen was enjoying her routine sunbed tanning when she suddenly gave birth— without knowing she was even pregnant in the first place.
Using sunbeds while pregnant is not allowed, so she had no idea she would be leaving the salon with a newborn daughter in her arms.
Unexpected UV delivery
The owner of the tanning studio, Fokko Beuker, was stunned (to say the least).
He tells Omroep Gelderland that the woman called for help several times, and he immediately called 112 before grabbing towels and making space for first responders.
Beuker witnessed the entire birth, reporting that the baby “didn’t make a sound, but she was breathing. The umbilical cord was fortunately not around her neck.”
Emergency services arrived too late
Although Beuker quickly jumped to action — the baby had places to be. She arrived in ten minutes, long before the emergency services even got there. 🏃🏻♀️💨
Once help did arrive, they were very prepared.
The midwife was accompanied by an ambulance and trauma helicopter with a medical team.
Thankfully, both the mother and baby were healthy but were taken to the hospital just to be safe.
In September 2023, a 28-year-old mother named Roshin was murdered in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, in front of her three-year-old daughter.
The Arnhem court sentenced her male relatives to 25 years in prison for the premeditated honour killing.
A plot to kill
The tragic murder was planned out by two brothers and two cousins, one of whom was Roshin’s ex-husband and the father of her daughter, NOS reports.
Roshin, of Syrian-Kurdish descent, began a relationship with an Arab man and stayed in Apeldoorn against her family’s wishes for her to be with her parents in The Hague.
The family believed her new relationship was dishonourable and conspired to kill her.
According to the court, exchanged messages and a failed attempt in July 2023 reveal they planned the murder for months.
The murder
On the day of the attack, Roshin was fatally stabbed 28 times outside her home by Peshang A., her 36-year-old brother.
She was murdered in broad daylight while her daughter watched. The child was physically unharmed.
The consequences
The Arnhem court found all four men guilty of orchestrating the murder. They received a 25-year prison sentence.
Additionally, they were ordered to pay €70,000 in damages to Roshin’s daughter, who now lives with a foster family at a confidential location.
Honour killings on the rise
The prosecutor condemned honour killings as “a completely unacceptable and undesirable phenomenon” that has no place in society.
This case underscores the growing issue of honour-related violence in the Netherlands. Since 2023, the police have reported 619 cases, up from 460 a decade earlier.
After what felt like an eternal deep freeze, the Netherlands is finally defrosting! This Friday, temperatures are set to hit a casual 17 degrees Celsius — excuse us while we recover from whiplash.
But don’t get too excited, Saturday will bring rain. In typical fashion, Dutch weather is keeping us on our toes. 🌦️
Sunny Friday vibes (for some)
How better to kick off the weekend than with a taste of spring?
For many of us, the morning started with a mix of sun and clouds across the country, and they’re bringing higher temperatures with them.
Most of the country will remain dry for the day, with temperatures climbing up to 17 degrees — a true heatwave after shivering through the last few days.
However, not all of us are so lucky. For those living in the Wadden Islands or Ijsselmeer, the morning started in typical February fashion: with fog.
While the rest of us may start sweating in our winter coats, the cooler winds over the water in these regions will also keep temperatures a bit lower, ranging between 11 and 15 degrees, asRTL Nieuws reports.
Then Eurostar will confirm your train time between 5:40 AM and 8:30 PM within 48 hours of departure.
And that’s it! In no time, you could be taking embarrassing photos in front of the Eiffel Tower and struggling to make use of your high-school French.
Spontaneity, not so much flexibility
Ok, so you’ve made the spontaneity leap; just don’t expect to be flexible as well.
Snap tickets can’t be refunded, cancelled or transferred. You are also not able to book a round trip for the same day, so make sure you have a place to stay in Paris. 🥐
While other Eurostar tickets can be used on any train on the same day, the same doesn’t apply to Snap. If you have a 5:40 AM ticket, you better get on that 5:40 AM train!
Travelling with friends? Snap tickets can be booked with other people, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be sitting together.
Would you take advantage of this last-minute travel option? Let us know in the comments!
So, you’ve made it to the Netherlands, but you’re not here for the art and tulips. You want to know more about taking ecstasy in the Netherlands. Remember, prepare before you pop!
Planning on taking drugs in the Netherlands?
Well, before we begin, I just want to point out that ecstasy (a.k.a XTC or MDMA) is considered a hard drug and is illegal in the Netherlands. It’s not like you can walk into a shop (as you can with weed) and buy ecstasy.
So it’s important to know all about ecstasy, its use, the law, and safety. What makes the Netherlands different is that they like to inform their users of the risks in order to keep people safe.
So, what is ecstasy (XTC/MDMA)?
Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug that is used recreationally, usually for dance music events. It emerged in the 1980s as a street drug and has only grown in popularity since.
Ecstacy is mostly used in club settings and on nights out. Image: Depositphotos
The person who takes the drugs will feel;
Euphoric
Energetic
Confident
Serotonin basically floods into your brain, and you’re as happy as anything. This feeling tends to last for several hours after the user has taken the drug.
The adverse effects are issues such as;
Difficulty sleeping
Teeth grinding
Sweating
Rapid heartbeat
A serious side effect of ecstasy is death. There can be serious consequences if the user has taken too much of the drug, if they are dehydrated, or if the drug has been cut with other substances.
It can also be addictive. Mood and setting are really important when taking ecstasy.
What is the law on ecstasy in the Netherlands?
Ecstasy is a ‘hard’ drug in the Netherlands, making it illegal. For some reason, people seem to think that every drug is legal in the Netherlands or, as people say, ‘what happens in Amsterdam…’
Ecstasy is illegal in the Netherlands, so make sure you know the law. Image: Depositphotos
You only have to do a quick Google search to see that there are so many people asking and thinking all drugs are legal in Amsterdam. I’m not entirely sure why this is, maybe because the Netherlands is known as ‘tolerant’ and ‘liberal’ when it comes to drugs and sex.
Despite the fact that ecstasy is illegal in the Netherlands, it is still one of the most used illegal drugs on Dutch soil — maybe because dance music is so widely popular here.
Drug use is more openly discussed too, and the police tend to turn a blind eye if you are found with a small personal amount on you (and you aren’t causing trouble). In other countries, this will be enough to prosecute you.
Buying ecstasy in Amsterdam: dangers of street dealers
Tourists are easy targets to sell to, as they are usually hyper-excited to engage in drug use in the Dutch capital. However, these street dealers have been selling fake and dangerous drugs for a while now.
Buying illegal drugs from street dealers in Amsterdam is extremely risky. Image: Pixabay
Two tourists from my hometown in the UK (and who many of my friends knew) bought what they thought was cocaine from a street dealer in Amsterdam a few years back — it was actually white heroin. They were found dead in their hotel room.
This started many campaigns to encourage tourists to ‘ignore street dealers’, and signs and stickers were issued along the streets of Amsterdam. The Red Light District is where you’ll find most of these dealers.
In short: don’t buy from street dealers. It’s too risky.
How can I be sure what is in an ecstasy pill?
In short, you can’t. Do not believe the rubbish that comes out of people’s mouths when it comes to telling what’s in it.
It’s important to know what you’re taking if you’re experimenting with drugs. Pill testing saves lives. Image: Depositphotos
You have ‘experts’ who think that by looking at or licking it, they can be totally sure what’s in it, and that’s simply false.
Of course, sometimes they can outright look dodgy as hell, so you make that decision first-hand. But in general, it’s impossible to tell EXACTLY what is inside it without testing it.
Tip: Remember to always test before you take. If you’re in Amsterdam for more than a week, you can have your pills tested on the spot by official sources. And no, you won’t be arrested. It’s free and anonymous!
Are ecstasy pills from the Netherlands good?
Ecstasy pills in the Netherlands are stronger than the average, so if you are used to ecstasy somewhere else, then you cannot be sure that it’s the dosage you’re used to.
This is also a plus point of going to a test centre, so you’re aware of the strength of your pill.
You can buy self-testing kits in some shops in the Netherlands or from an online provider. These tell you if there is a strong reading of ecstasy inside the pill. This way, you can know if there is ecstasy present in the pill, but you still cannot tell what else is inside it.
You can also check pill reports, but they are not completely foolproof. For this, you would have to visit a drug testing clinic.
Can you get ecstasy tested in the Netherlands?
The good news? Yes, you can!
The Netherlands has specially designed clinics where you can test your drugs. They’ll compare your pill to others they’ve tested recently, or if they don’t have a match, they will take a sample. If they have a match in their system, you get the result on the spot.
Make sure to get your drugs tested at an Amsterdam clinic if you’re unsure of what’s inside. Image: Pexels
If not, the sample will be sent off to the lab, where it will be tested. Once the results are back (no longer than a one-week wait), you will receive a phone call. Then, they will inform you about what components make up your pill.
They will then advise you whether it would be safe to take it. For example, if it’s not real ecstasy, then they would tell you to get rid of the pill. In the case that you still want to take it, they may also offer you advice on how to stay safe and minimise any risk of overdose.
At these centres, they will test a sample of your ecstasy and let you know what it is composed of. You will not get in trouble for going to these test centres, and they will keep your info anonymous.
If you want to get them tested outside of Amsterdam, there’s a map with all locations in the Netherlands where you can get your drugs tested.
Taking ecstasy, do’s and don’ts:
DutchReview isn’t here to glamourise drug use, but it’s important to be educated on drugs and their effects. Here are a few things that you must take into consideration if you are taking it.
Do:
Take ecstasy if you have decided to. Not because your friends are doing it or because someone asked you to.
Take small doses and work your way up — don’t rush it
Make sure that you have someone with you that you can trust in case something goes wrong
Make sure that you can go somewhere to cool off. Ecstasy makes your body temperature rise, which, mixed with dancing, can cause your body to shut down as it overheats. Always take a breather!
If you’re feeling weird or panicky, take a breather and try having a chat with a close friend
Test before you use
Don’t:
Buy drugs from street dealers
Down water or any other liquid after taking ecstasy — you could drown. Ecstasy affects the way that your body deals with water (and levels of salt), and you won’t be able to pass the liquid
Take ecstasy on an empty stomach: it hits you faster and harder, and it suppresses hunger. This will exhaust your body
Mix alcohol and drugs. Alcohol makes you pee, while ecstasy doesn’t. It’s a recipe for disaster, and it’s very dangerous.
Where can I get help with my ecstasy use?
Although many people don’t have any complications, it can happen, so we thought we’d leave this here in case you need some help.
Are you or a friend/family member having an issue with their drug use? There are plenty of people who are out there to help, and you don’t have to deal with it alone. There are a few helplines that you can call, and they will help you.
Don’t be worried about asking for help because the drug is illegal. Rest assured: you won’t get in trouble.
Did you know that ecstasy was illegal in the Netherlands? Tell us in a comment below! 👇
Taking ecstasy in Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
Is ecstasy legal in the Netherlands
Ecstasy is considered a hard drug in the Netherlands and is illegal.
Is buying ecstasy in the Netherlands safe?
Since ecstasy is illegal in the Netherlands, you can never be sure that the drugs are pure and safe. It is highly not recommended to buy from street dealers as they’re usually very risky.
Where can I test ecstasy drugs in Amsterdam?
There are two test centres in Amsterdam: GGD Amsterdam and Jellinek Test Centre, where ecstasy can be tested cheaply, anonymously, and within one week. You can use a self-test, but it is less reliable.
