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Recycling in the Netherlands: an international’s guide in 2026

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭

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January 22, 2025

Recycling in the Netherlands: an international’s guide in 2026

Chances are no one taught you about recycling and waste management in the Netherlands — and we don’t blame you!

Recycling and garbage disposal may not be the most exciting part of moving to a new country, but it’s essential to know if you want to live here comfortably.

Let op! Many Dutch cities will fine you big bucks if you don’t recycle correctly.

Whether you’re looking to live waste-free or want to do your part for the environment, this is the complete guide to recycling in the Netherlands.

Need to recycle fast? Jump to a section below! 🗑

🗑 Household waste and recycling in the Netherlands

The majority of Dutchies sort and recycle their waste in one way or another — but what do you do with all the different types of waste?

Waste in the Netherlands is managed on a local government level, which means that it does differ a little depending on where you live. You should get in touch with your municipality to find out:

the details on how recycling and waste management work where you live,
all the important dates and schedules and
if there are special ways of handling certain waste and recycling in your local area.

Sorting your waste

In the Netherlands, different kinds of waste need to be separated. Most municipalities require you to dispose of separately:

Paper and cardboard waste 🗞
Plastic, metal, and drink packaging (PMD) 🍸
Green waste 🥗
General waste 🗑

This means you have to sort it!

It’s typically easier to sort your waste as you go to avoid rooting around in your bin later. Your municipality might be kind enough to give you small containers to sort your waste. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy them yourself.

Where do I dispose of my sorted waste?

There are two ways to dispose of your waste and recycling in the Netherlands. In most areas, you must deposit your waste and recycling in shared containers.

Recycling-in-the-netherlands-with-different-coloured-bins — An example of a communal recycling point in the Netherlands. You can usually find these within every neighbourhood. Image: Depositphotos

Municipalities usually have containers for waste, paper, glass, plastic, metal, and drink packaging (PMD). These communal containers look like large metal boxes.

You lift the lid to put your waste or recycling in the correct container, and it falls into a huge underground storage unit.

The municipality regularly empties these containers, so there’s no need to worry about timing your recycling days or remembering to put a wheelie bin out.

TIP: Your municipality’s website will have a map of all recycling container locations and which materials you can recycle there.

If you live outside of a city, your household may have been given two to four containers for waste and recycling. The municipality will come a few times a week to empty the containers.

Recyclable vs. non-recyclable waste: what happens?

Once your recycling is sorted, the materials are usually recycled in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe. Non-recyclable waste goes to an incinerator or a landfill.

However, these incinerators produce electricity that is put back into the power grid for hundreds of thousands of Dutch homes.

Looking ahead, the Netherlands aims to become a completely waste-free country by 2050. This means they want to:

reduce the number of raw materials used to make products,
reuse as many raw materials as possible, and
reduce waste from using products.

Hopefully, this will reduce the need for incinerators or landfills in the future!

Operating-crane-at-a-landfill-in-the-netherlands — Landfills are not a common sight to see in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

💪 Become a recycling and trash pro — the Dutch way

Now, here’s where your part comes in. It’ll get some taking used to, but managing your waste won’t be too complicated once you get the hang of it.

🗞 Recycling paper in the Netherlands

Most paper (papier) and cardboard can be recycled in the Netherlands as well as food packaging, cardboard, and parcel packaging can all get a new life. Hoera! 🎉

But if your paper is soiled, for example, it has oil, paint, dirt, or some other grime on it, you’ll have to toss it in with your general waste.

Depending on how busy your city is, municipalities empty the recycling bins a few times a week or once every one or two weeks. 📄

If a recycling point is full, it’s best to bring your recycling back home and wait a few days for the municipality to empty the bins.

⚠️ Warning: You might be tempted to leave your recycling in a pile near the bins instead, especially if other people have already. Not only is this bad for the environment, but some municipalities also search through this rubbish, find the litterers by looking at the shipping labels on boxes and envelopes, and then send them a hefty fine.

What goes in the paper bins (papierbakken)?

✅ Newspapers, food packaging, cardboard, mail, envelopes, paper packaging, paper wrappers

❌ Shop receipts of any kind, any soiled paper material, and other dirty paper products like food napkins, used paper plates, greasy pizza boxes, etc.

🥤 Recycling plastic in the Netherlands

Plastic recycling can be a tricky business. No one wants to be responsible for the ocean plastic problem or hurting adorable sea turtles, but not all plastic can be recycled.

international-recycling-plastic-bottles-in-the-netherlands — The sea turtles will thank you for recycling your plastic responsibly! 🐢 Image: Freepik

To figure out if you can recycle your plastic waste, you can usually check the packaging to see if it’s recyclable. Plastic can be sorted with metal and drink packaging when you’re recycling waste.

But before you chuck that piece of plastic in the bin, make sure you clean any leftover crumbs from the waste you want to recycle. Otherwise, it can contaminate whole loads of recycling, forcing it into landfills or to be incinerated instead.

It’s also important to know that you can get a bit of money back for returning some types of plastic bottles to your local Dutch supermarket.

This is called statiegeld (deposit money). Most beer (by the crate, bottle or can), plastic soda bottles and cans, like Coca-Cola or water, will get you anywhere from €0.10 to €0.25, depending on the size of the bottle.

Using a bottle return system (statiegeld) in the Netherlands

If you’ve never used the bottle return system in the Netherlands, fear not! Here’s how it works.

Most supermarkets have a machine in the store to deposit both plastic bottles and beer bottles/crates. If you’re unsure where the machine is, you can ask a supermarket employee to point it out for you.

infographic-about-how-statiegeld-works-in-the-netherlands — If you’ve never done a bottle return in the Netherlands before, here’s a handy little graph you can use! Image: DutchReview

Once you’ve finished putting all of your recyclables in, you get a voucher back instead of actual cash. You can scan this voucher to get a discount on your groceries, or you can ask for it back in cash at the service desk in the supermarket.

This is definitely a service you should use, especially because you can get money back, all the while lessening plastic pollution. Seems like a win-win in our books!

Be aware that the supermarket has to sell the brand you are returning. For example, you can’t return a Coca-Cola bottle to Lidl because they don’t sell Coca-Cola there.

You can’t return all bottles for statiegeld.

Person-drops-off-plastic-bottle-at-drop-off-point-in-a-dutch-supermarket — Most big supermarkets have drop-off points for bottles just like this one here. Image: Statiegeld Nederland

It’s important to recycle properly because plastic pollution is an ongoing issue in the Netherlands, but the country deals with it in a few interesting ways.

For example, plastic fishing in Amsterdam has become a popular way of handling plastic in the city. But of course, there’s always room for improvement.

What goes in the plastic bins (plasticbakken)?

✅ Plastic packaging, some food packaging, plastic wrappers, etc.

❌ Cling film/saran wrap, plastic tape, bottles for cleaning products (like bleach and toilet cleaner), foil-like food packaging (like chip bags), etc.

🍾 Recycling glass in the Netherlands

Glass from food and drink packaging (such as bottles and jars) are the only types of glass you can recycle. Other glass products, like tableware and cookware, are recycled differently.

Sometimes, you have to separate the glass into coloured (bont) or white (wit) glass, and some cities even divide green (groen) and brown (bruin) glass. 🥛

If you have to recycle glass separately, the municipality will clearly label the recycling bins with bont, wit, bruin, or groen glass.

Otherwise, the recycling bins will just say “glas”, and you can put any food or drink glass packaging in.

Glass-bottle-bin-in-front-of-a-house-for-recycling-in-the-netherlands — Some households get a large bin for recycling glass (mostly beer bottles) in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

You can also get statiegeld for glass, particularly from beer bottles. If you drink beer as much as Dutchies do, you can turn in your beer bottles by the crate or half-crate, but you can also deposit single bottles.

Glass bottles usually have “statiegeld” written somewhere on the label along with how much money you get back so you can find out which of your glass recycling can be deposited.

What goes in the glass bins (glasbakken)?

✅ Food jars, sauce bottles, etc. You can leave lids and covers on the jars and bottles.

❌ Light bulbs, glass cookware, eyeglasses, glass from windows, etc.

🔗 Recycling metal in the Netherlands

Metal recyclables include mostly food packaging such as drink cans, food tins, and aluminium foil, which can also be put with plastic and drink packaging.

If you want to recycle scrap metal or bulkier metal waste, you will have to dispose of it as grofvuil (more on that later).

What counts as metal recyclables?

✅ Metal drink cans, food tins and cans, aluminium foil

❌ Any other metal waste

💻 Recycling electronics and appliances in the Netherlands

This type of waste is not as common as the other types, but leave it to the Dutch to recycle it.

You can usually drop off electronic and small household appliances at some recycling points along with paper, PMD, glass, and restafval bins.

Check your municipality’s website to see which recycling points have a bin for electronics and appliances.

If you have an old phone that doesn’t work anymore, you can dispose of it in one of these recycling bins or try to recycle it at your local electronics stores like MediaMarkt.

If there’s nothing nearby, you can drop off electronics and appliances at the general waste drop-off centre in your municipality.

What counts as a small appliance?

✅ Mobile phones, cables, light bulbs, appliances like lamps, headphones etc.

❌ TVs, laptops, PCs, monitors (these definitely wouldn’t fit in the recycling bins)

🛋 Recycling large items in the Netherlands (grofvuil)

We know IKEA is everyone’s go-to furniture store (mostly because it’s the only furniture you can transport around here). Still, it’s not every day you have to get rid of an old couch to make room for the new.

That brings us to the two ways to handle large waste: dispose or donate.

Donating large waste

If your large items are still in good condition, consider bringing them to a charity or a second-hand shop (called the kringloop in the Netherlands). Donating is a great idea, especially if you’re looking to reduce your overall waste.

It’s such a great idea that some kringlopen will even come to pick up your old stuff for free! This does vary per store, so make sure to check what options are available with your local kringloop.

Disposing of large waste

If your large items are beyond repair, they can often be picked up by the municipality’s waste management and collection department by making an appointment through the municipality.

The municipality usually does these pick-ups for free under a certain size and weight. Not all municipalities offer this pick-up service, so it’s best to check what the municipality can do for you.

TIP: It’s not necessarily legal, but if you put a large item on your sidewalk for a few hours with a little “gratis” sign on it, someone else might just claim the item for you. Just make sure to remove it if no one takes it!

If you have large items that don’t fit the regulations, you can make an appointment to bring them to your local waste management station. You can check the exact regulations in your municipality through their website.

What counts as grofvuil (large waste)?

✅ Mattresses, old furniture like couches, TVs, ovens, etc. 🛋

❌ Small household items and appliances like lamps and light bulbs

👖 Getting rid of old clothes in the Netherlands

If you’ve just come back from a shopping haul or are in desperate need of a spring clean, you might want to consider recycling or donating clothes to make room in your closet.

Donating clothes in the Netherlands

If you still have wearable clothes but don’t want to keep them, consider donating them to a kringloop or thrift shop. There’s always someone out there who’s thrifting for clothes or wants to buy second-hand. 👗

The only real requirement for donating clothes is that they’re in good condition (no holes, no tattered edges, little to no discolouration of the fabric, unless it’s part of the style) and that they’re clean when you donate them. 🧺

To donate clothes, you can talk to the kringloop or thrift shop employees about how to drop off your recyclables. The shops will check the quality of the clothes and see whether they can take your clothes and resell them.

Woman-shopping-for-clothes-at-a-thrift-shop-in-the-netherlands — Lots of people shop at kringlopen — you’ll never know what kind of hidden gems you’ll find in the piles of clothing. Image: Depositphotos

If the shops decide they can’t resell your clothing for whatever reason, you can recycle them at a recycling point, the same way you would recycle paper or glass.

Recycling clothes in the Netherlands

You can recycle clothes that are both in good or bad condition — for example, you could recycle a pair of trousers that just aren’t quite your style but are relatively new and clean. It’s also possible to recycle clothes that can’t be worn anymore, for example:

If they have holes
If the fabric is tattered or worn
Scrap clothing
Scrap cloth or textiles

The municipality usually puts recycling bins for clothes and other textiles (textielbak) near other communal recycling bins. Still, these bins are not as common as the other types of waste.

You won’t always find them at your closest recycling point, so it’s best to check your municipality website to find where these bins are exactly.

Your clothes have to be clean (no oil or paint stains) and dry to put in the recycling bins. You can put clothes into a plastic bag and pack them tightly to stay clean.

You can also tie together shoes and put them in the bag together with clothes.

What goes in the textielbak (textile bin)?

✅ Clean clothes (even if they are worn or torn), hats, scarves, purses, belts, shoes (tied together), towels and washcloths, tablecloths, blankets, and stuffed toys.

❌ Badly stained or wet clothes, carpets/rugs, duvets, pillows, and mattresses.

🌱 Composting in the Netherlands

Some households get groenbakjes (green bins) used for composting biodegradable materials (materials that bacteria and other living organisms can decompose to avoid pollution). All of these materials are called “green waste”.

image-of-a-dutch-garden-with-a-compost-bin-by-the-shed — Investing in a compost bin for your garden is also an excellent alternative to throwing away green waste. Image: Dreamstime

Groenbakjes is an option but not a necessity. You can check up with your municipality’s website to see if you can get a groenbakje where you live. If you don’t have a groenbakje, you can put your food and other waste with restafval (general waste).

What goes in a groenbak (green bin)?

✅ Vegetables, fruits, peelings, leftover cooked food, fish and meat leftovers (with bones), egg and nut shells, cooking fat, tea bags, coffee filters and grounds, garden waste like branches, leaves, weeds, flowers, straw

❌ Cat litter, baby diapers, drink or plastic packaging, large pieces of wood or branches, sand, fireplace ash, pet hair, vacuum cleaner contents

💉 Responsible disposal of chemical waste and medicine in the Netherlands (klein chemisch afval)

Small chemical waste (klein chemisch afval or KCA) also needs to be disposed of properly, which includes waste like medicine and chemicals. This refers to paint, paint thinners, toners, printer cartridges, turpentine, and cleaning agents. ⚠️

You cannot throw these away with the restafval. Instead, dispose of chemical waste at the waste management and collection station closest to your house.

For medicine, you can return outdated prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, like pills, cough medicines, and antibiotic ointments, to a pharmacy counter for proper disposal.

If you’re unsure about what’s disposable, check your local municipality’s regulations.

Disposing of batteries in the Netherlands

Batteries get a bit of special treatment because they’re a pretty common recyclable but full of chemicals. Luckily, it’s just as easy to recycle as paper and plastic.

Most supermarkets and some stores have space for collecting old batteries in a batterijenbak (battery box), which is usually red or blue. You can sort batteries with the rest of your chemical waste, but this might be a more convenient way to recycle them!

What chemical waste and medicines can be responsibly disposed of?

✅ Batteries, pesticides/insecticides, medicines, DIY materials like paint, thinners, brush cleaner, printer cartridges

🛻 Garbage collection and recycling stations in the Netherlands

Municipalities have garbage and recycling collectors who come every week either to empty the communal bins or to pick up waste from individual households.

If you live in a bigger city, it’s more likely you’ll have to bring your waste and recycling to the communal bins. The bins are regularly emptied, so you don’t have to stress about pick-up schedules.

Garbage-truck-in-amsterdam-the-netherlands — You might see a garbage truck like this a few times a week. Image: Depositphotos

In the less built-up areas, waste and recycling collectors might have specific pick-up days for different waste types. It’s important to check with your neighbours or your municipality so you can leave the right type of waste out on the right day.

💬 Common Dutch terms about recycling in the Netherlands

Whew, that was a lot of information. If you’ve lost track, here’s a list of common Dutch terms when it comes to recycling and waste management that might come in handy later.

Dutch	English	Meaning
Afval	Waste	All waste
Restafval	Residual waste	Non-recyclable waste
Papierbak	Paper bin	Bin to recycle paper
Plastiekverpakkingen	Plastic packaging	Any plastic products used for packaging
Glasbak	Glass bin	Bin to recycle glass
Batterijenbak	Battery bin	Bin to recycle batteries
Groenbak	Green bin	Bin for compostable materials
Textielbak	Textiles bin	Bin to recycle textiles and clothes
Grofvuil	Bulky waste	Large items to be disposed of
Statiegeld	Deposit	A deposit paid on eligible bottles and cans that you receive back when the items are returned

And that’s everything you need to know about recycling and waste management in the Netherlands! Do you have any recycling tips for newcomers to the Netherlands?

Recycling in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get money for returning bottles in the Netherlands?

In short, yes! You can recycle plastic and glass bottles like soda and beer bottles, but not all will give you back the money.

For example, a Coca-Cola or Heineken bottle will get you some money back, but a super-niche Belgian craft beer probably won’t.

You can check whether bottles give you statiegeld on the packaging themselves, look online, or check with supermarkets.

Can I recycle batteries in the Netherlands?

Yes, you can! Most Dutch supermarkets have a box where you can drop off your empty batteries safely. They’re usually labelled, and if you can’t find one, ask a supermarket employee to direct you.

Where can I recycle electronics in the Netherlands?

Each municipality has its way of recycling small appliances, so it’s best to check your municipality’s website. In general, the municipality has a few recycling bins for electronics which you can find by looking on their website.

Is there an option to dispose of waste privately in the Netherlands?

Each municipality has its way of recycling small appliances, so it’s best to check your municipality’s website. In general, the municipality has a few recycling bins for electronics which you can find by looking on their website.

Trans healthcare in the Netherlands: The ultimate guide in 2026

Beatrice Scali 🇮🇹

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January 21, 2025

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Trans healthcare in the Netherlands: The ultimate guide in 2026

Navigating trans healthcare in the Netherlands can appear overwhelming, but accessing gender-affirming care is possible — if you know where to look.

Moving to a new country as a trans or gender non-conforming person involves a lot of extra research, including on how to access gender-affirming care as an international.

The good news, though, is that there is plenty of information and support out there!

Here’s everything you need to know to access trans healthcare in the Netherlands. 👇

The current state of Dutch trans healthcare

For a country with a worldwide reputation of openness towards the LGBTQIA+ community, the Netherlands could definitely do better when it comes to the T in the acronym.

photo-of-Dutch-trans-woman-holding-a-protest-sign-at-a-trans-demonstration-in-the-netherlands — Dutch trans organizations are fighting fiercely against the barriers to trans healthcare in the Netherlands. Image: Dreamstime

On the bright side, in the Netherlands:

being trans is not criminalised (the bar really is low…),
people theoretically can change their legal gender without undergoing hormone treatment or surgery, and
many Dutch insurances reimburse a decent amount of gender-affirming care treatments, provided that they have contracts with the institutions performing them

However, access to trans healthcare is made more complicated by language barriers, bureaucracy, and a good dose of transmedicalist or downright transphobic institutional bias.

What does this mean in practice? Let’s get down to it.

Transitioning in the Netherlands: The typical steps

The most straightforward way to access gender-affirming care in the Netherlands is through a gender clinic.

photo-of-Dutch-trans-man-holding-his-hand-up-and-smiling-in-front-of-trans-flag-in-the-netherlands — Accessing trans healthcare in the Netherlands as an international is much easier with the right information! Image: Dreamstime

The advantages of these medical centres are that:

they employ qualified professionals specialised in trans healthcare,
they offer a very comprehensive range of health services, and
They often work with Dutch insurances, meaning that many procedures can get partially or fully reimbursed.

Usually, gender clinics assist people in their transition through the following steps:

Psychiatric counselling
Gender dysphoria diagnosis
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Gender-affirming surgery(ies)
Legal name and gender change

Accessing a Dutch gender clinic

If you’d like to approach your transition as described above, registering with a gender clinic can be a great choice, as the centres often offer multiple services under one roof, saving you some time and money.

photo-of-dutch-gender-clinic-at-vumc-amsterdam — Amsterdam’s VUmc houses one of the most well-known gender clinics in the Netherlands. Image: Dreamstime

Dutch gender clinics are accessible to anyone who legally resides in the Netherlands and has a Dutch GP and health insurance, regardless of nationality. These are usually strict requirements, but there are some rare exceptions, such as the Trans United Clinic in Amsterdam.

Waiting lists for Dutch gender clinics, however, are often long, and people can end up waiting for up to four years before a spot becomes available.

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Once it does, the first step is an intake or screening interview, during which data from previous health providers is also reviewed.

If the appointment establishes that the clinic’s services match your needs, the next steps are evaluated together with a professional “gender team” (genderteam), usually starting from the diagnostic process.

Pro tip: For an overview of the gender clinics currently active in the Netherlands, consult this comprehensive interactive map, made by Transvisie and Transgender Netwerk.

Finding a trans-friendly GP in the Netherlands

As a trans person, finding the right General Practitioner (GP) can make all the difference.

In the Netherlands, GPs can prescribe hormones, which potentially allows trans patients to access HRT or at least be referred to an endocrinologist without getting a formal gender dysphoria diagnosis, speeding up the process.

photo-of-rans-friendly-Dutch-doctor-filling-in-form-at-their-desk-in-the-netherlands — GPs are allowed to prescribe Hormone Replacement Treatment in the Netherlands. Image: Dreamstime

However, only a minority of Dutch GPs are currently willing to prescribe hormones or have the necessary training to help their trans patients.

Things are slowly changing, though, and several trans organisations have compiled lists of trans-friendly healthcare professionals, including GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, endocrinologists, and other professionals.

Looking for a trans-friendly healthcare professional in the Netherlands? Check out this map by Transvisie and Transgender Netwerk, or contact one of the organisations mentioned in the Support & Community section below.

Getting a dysphoria diagnosis in the Netherlands

While HRT can technically be prescribed by GPs without presenting a gender dysphoria diagnosis, in practice, the diagnosis is necessary for virtually every step of transitioning.

You will need a diagnosis to access HRT through a gender clinic, to increase the chances of having surgery plans approved, and to increase the chance of gender and/or name change requests being successful.

In the Netherlands, only licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and certain sexologists can diagnose gender dysphoria, usually after a minimum of five sessions and filling out several questionnaires, which are sometimes only available in Dutch.

Choosing the best Dutch health insurance for gender-affirming care

As you might already know, everyone living or working in the Netherlands must take out standard health insurance. For trans people, this step is even more critical, as most Dutch insurance companies can help cover the medical costs related to transitioning.

Up until 2024, trans organisations recommended that people in need of gender-affirming care choose a Dutch insurance company and, specifically, pick the restitutiepolis, a “reimbursement policy.”

photo-of-non-binary-person-researching-dutch-health-insurance-that-will-cover-their-gender-affirming-care-expenses — Doing health insurance research is essential when looking to get gender-affirming care in the Netherlands. Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

However, this type of policy was scrapped in 2025. The new advice is to take out a combinatiepolis, a combination policy, even though it means having to shoulder a portion of the costs most of the time.

This policy allows for the greatest freedom in terms of choosing your preferred healthcare providers among those who have a contract with your insurance.

As for who covers what, contracts vary throughout time, but in general, international insurance companies and student plans tend to offer the least coverage for gender-affirming care.

In any case, before choosing a Dutch insurance provider, you should contact them with specific questions about the medical treatments you plan on having, or consult one of the trans organisations listed below, as many of them offer insurance advice.

Starting Hormone Replacement Treatment in the Netherlands

photo-of-Dutch-doctor-prescribing-hormone-replacement-treatment-to-a-trans-patient — For many trans people in the Netherlands, accessing HRT is a huge part of transitioning. Image: Dreamstime

Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) consists of the administration of hormone medications meant to help people align their physical characteristics with their gender identity.

As one of the most common trans healthcare needs, accessing this gender-affirming treatment is crucial to many trans people. For transmasculine people, this usually means taking testosterone, while for transfeminine people, it involves both estrogen and anti-androgens.

photo-of-testosterone-bottle-and-injection-kit — Testosterone is usually either injected or applied topically as a gel. Image: Dreamstime

HRT should always be initiated in consultation with an endocrinologist or, at least, one’s GP, and should be monitored through regular check-ups, such as blood tests monitoring hormone levels.

The official channel to start HRT in the Netherlands is by referral to an endocrinologist, which can be obtained from your GP or your gender clinic, almost always after getting a gender dysphoria diagnosis.

Undertaking HRT through official channels is not only the safest option, but also the only way to be eligible for at least partial reimbursement by Dutch health insurers.

Getting gender-affirming surgery through Dutch healthcare

In the Netherlands, certain gender-affirming surgeries can only be accessed through gender clinics. This means they can only be pursued in consultation with a team of psychologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons.

photo-of-non-binary-person-discussing-gender-affirming-surgery-with-their-gender-team-at-dutch-gender-clinic — Options for gender-affirming surgery are usually explored together with a “gender team”. Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

This is the case for chest reconstruction (top surgery) and genital reconstruction (bottom surgery), two of the most common kinds of surgeries within trans healthcare.

As with Hormone Replacement Treatment, these more usual types of gender-affirming care are often at least partially reimbursed by Dutch health insurers, if they have a contract with the institution performing them.

Other procedures, for example, breast enlargement or facial and body hair removal, may also be accessed without medical approval.

photo-of-several-chest-binders-in-various-skin-tones — Saying “doei” to your chest binder forever is possible 🥰 Image: Mary Mark Ockerbloom/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

However, for these procedures to be even partially reimbursed by insurance, they must be deemed a “medical necessity” by a Dutch doctor.

This can sometimes represent a challenge, which is why these steps, too, are easier to undertake with the assistance of a gender clinic or a trans-friendly GP.

Changing legal name and gender markers in the Netherlands

While not strictly pertaining to trans healthcare, legal matters such as how to change one’s official name or gender marker are an essential part of transitioning for many people, and can arguably be considered integral to gender-affirming care.

photo-of-two-trans-lovers-hanging-out-at-a-park-in-the-netherlands — Changing one’s legal name and gender marker is crucial to many trans people. Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

Here’s how to navigate these legal procedures in the Netherlands. 👇

Changing a legal name in the Netherlands

Depending on your nationality, saying doei to your deadname in the Netherlands can be tricky.

According to Dutch law, this can only be done if the person’s country of origin allows for the name change. If it does, they can follow the same name change procedure as Dutch nationals.

photo-of-young-trans-woman-talking-to-her-dutch-lawyer-about-changing-her-legal-name-in-the-netherlands — Changing a legal name usually requires the support of a lawyer in the Netherlands. Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

In that case, if you only wish to change your first and/or middle name and not your gender marker, you must go through the same procedure as any Dutch person wishing to modify their first name, regardless of the reason.

This process involves filing a court petition through a lawyer, which is quite costly. The total price, including court proceedings, lawyer fees, and taxes, varies case by case, but it ranges between €700 and €1500.

Usually, if the court determines that the person requiring the name change has “sufficient vital interest” (voldoende zwaarwichtig belang) to do so, no actual court hearing is required, and the change is approved within about three months.

Let op! The name change request can be rejected, and the rejection can be appealed, bringing the actual average length of the process to eight months.

Changing the gender marker on Dutch documents

Changing the gender marker on Dutch documents is usually easier and cheaper than changing a name only.

And the best news is: if your nationality allows for the name change, you can do both things at once.

Photo-of-entrance-of-the-hague-municipality — People born abroad can apply to change the gender marker on their Dutch documents through the Hague Municipality. Image: Dreamstime

Technically, changing your gender marker from M to F or vice versa is free of charge — but there are some hidden costs.

People wishing to change their legal gender on Dutch documents as non-Dutch citizens must:

Be over 16
Have resided in the Netherlands for over 12 months
Provide a copy of their birth certificate
Provide documents on their parents’ marital status at the time of their birth
Provide adoption documents, if applicable
Provide a “Change of Gender” statement

Once you’ve fulfilled these requirements, you can apply for the gender marker change at the municipality where your birth certificate was issued or, for people born abroad, at The Hague municipality.

You’ll be given an in-person appointment, and if everything is in order, within about two months, your gender marker will be changed in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP).

photo-of-group-of-gender-diverse-friends-celebratingat-a-borrel — Obtaining your gender marker change calls for a big celebratory *borrel* 🥳 Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

This is done by adding an appendix to your birth certificate, obligating all Dutch institutions directly connected to the BRP to adjust your gender marker automatically.

However, you will have to renew all your Dutch documents yourself (passport, identity card, driving license), covering the costs.

Obtaining a “Change of Gender” statement

One of the trickiest (and most expensive!) steps to changing the gender marker on Dutch documents is to procure the “Change of Gender” (wijziging geslacht) statement.

photo-of-dutch-transmasculine-therapist-listening-to-their-patient-and-taking-notes — Obtaining a “Change of Gender Statement” from an expert working with a Dutch gender clinic as an out-patient can be quite costly. Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

If you manage to obtain this statement from one of the licensed professionals accompanying you in your transition, such as your psychologist or a doctor from your gender clinic, this is sometimes free of charge.

Otherwise, it can be quite costly: obtaining the statement from Amsterdam UMC as an out-patient, for instance, costs €65 for the expert statement itself, plus €250 for each of the interviews the expert deems necessary.

Also, for the statement to be valid for your gender marker change application, it cannot be more than six months old.

You can check which professionals are recognised as valid gender experts on this webpage.

Pro tip: Some municipalities, such as The Hague, have schemes to (partially) reimburse costs related to gender marker changes to their residents. Check with your municipality to find out if that’s the case for you!

Alternative routes to gender-affirming care

There are multiple legal, financial, and self-determination reasons why the transition journey described above may not fit your situation.

phptp-of-non-binary-person-using-their-laptop-to-research-dutch-gender-care-cropped — Many trans people resort to alternative transition routes when the Dutch trans healthcare system fails to assist them. Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

There are as many routes and approaches to transitioning as there are trans people: here are some alternative routes to accessing trans healthcare in the Netherlands.

Choosing the DIY route to trans healthcare

Many trans and gender-diverse people face legal, financial, and ideological barriers to accessing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in the Netherlands.

Sometimes, due to these barriers or excessively long waiting lists for gender-affirming care, people resort to self-administering HRT, a route also known as DIY or self-medication.

photo-of-transmasculine-person-injecting-testosterone-in-the-netherlands — Trans people who choose to DIY their Hormone Replacement Treatment should still inform their GP. Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

This route is discouraged for multiple reasons:

Health risks associated with initiating hormone treatment without adequate medical advice and monitoring
Legal risks related to obtaining substances illegally

Should you decide to pursue it anyway, this is the Netherlands-specific information about DIY-ing HRT you should know:

Estrogen and Progesterone can usually be bought and owned legally in the Netherlands
Testosterone is a controlled substance, and there are legal consequences for purchasing it without a prescription, especially if it’s imported from abroad
Starting HRT independently will not impact future treatment by a Dutch gender team or GP. As such, there is no reason to hide it from medical professionals
For health reasons, you should always inform your GP about your DIY hormone usage

Non-binary: Getting an “X” gender marker on your Dutch documents

For non-binary or gender non-conforming people wishing to change their gender marker on Dutch documents to an “X” as opposed to an “F” or “M”, the process is more complicated and costly.

photo-of-gender-neutral-and-women-toilets-stalls-in-the-netherlands — For non-binary people, navigating the Dutch trans healthcare system can be even more complicated. Image: Dreamstime

Getting an “X” on your papers must be arranged through the legal system, following a procedure similar to the one for changing one’s legal name detailed above.

This involves both administrative and court costs, often amounting to €1000 to €2000. The process is also quite lengthy, averaging between three and nine months.

For more information about the requirements for getting an “X” gender marker on Dutch papers, consult dedicated webpages by organisations such as Transgender Netwerk.

What if I already started transitioning independently, or in another country?

People who started their transition journey in another country and wish to continue it within the Dutch trans healthcare system can often do so, provided they bring all related documentation when moving to the Netherlands.

In any case, it is advisable to have the documents (gender dysphoria diagnoses, HRT prescription, health records) officially translated into Dutch or English to increase the chances of Dutch professionals or institutions accepting them.

If you’ve started medically transitioning independently, for instance by self-administering HRT, you may also be able to continue your gender journey through official channels.

photo-of-non-binary-person-informing-their-Dutch-GP-that-they-have-started-hormone-replacement-treatment — You should always inform your Dutch GP of the steps you’ve already taken towards transitioning on your own or abroad. Image: Dreamstime

Ultimately, however, whether your previous gender-affirming care is recognised by the Dutch system varies case by case.

Also, regardless of how you started transitioning, you should know that having already received some gender-affirming care won’t necessarily speed up the process of accessing Dutch trans healthcare, as waiting lists often do not make this distinction.

Finding support within the Dutch trans community

Dutch trans healthcare is far from perfect, but you don’t have to deal with all of this alone.

Here are some Dutch trans organisations and communities you can turn to for support, advice, or simply meeting new friends (also in English!). 👇

Name	Location	Type of assistance
Transvisie	Countrywide network	Support for gender-questioning people, their family, and their loved ones
Genderpraatjes	Online	Youth hotline for support and questions about gender
Trans in Eigen Hand	Online	Empowerment of trans people in Dutch gender care
Trans United Europe	Countrywide network, gender clinic in Amsterdam	Empowerment of the BPOC trans community, policy advice and advocacy
Transgender Netwerk	Countrywide network	Advocacy for and education about trans rights and healthcare
Trans in NL Advice Line	Online	WhatsApp line for trans migrants to the Netherlands, available in English, Spanish, and French
Trans Zorg Nu	Countrywide network	Advocacy to improve Dutch trans healthcare
Trans Utrecht & Beyond	Utrecht (and beyond 😉)	Events by and for trans and non-binary people, with a special eye for (neuro-)accessibility
Trans Radical Resource Exchange (T-RREx)	The Hague	In-person English-speaking events to exchange trans resources and harm reduction practices (@trrex_denhaag)

Have you or someone you know dealt with Dutch trans healthcare? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.

Trans healthcare in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

How do I transition in the Netherlands as an international trans person?

The most straightforward way to transition as a trans international residing in the Netherlands is to register with a Dutch gender clinic.

How can I access Hormone Replacement Treatment in the Netherlands?

Accessing Hormone Replacement Treatment in the Netherlands requires a prescription by a licensed healthcare professional, such as your GP, or a specialist from your gender team if you rely on a gender clinic.

Can I get gender-affirming surgery through the Dutch healthcare system as an international?

Internationals who legally reside in the Netherlands and pursue their gender transition through the Dutch healthcare system can undergo gender-affirming surgery in the Netherlands.

Can I change my legal name and sex in the Netherlands as an international?

Changing your gender marker on Dutch documents as an international is usually possible if you comply with the administrative requirements. Depending on your nationality, however, changing your legal name(s) might be more difficult or impossible.

Which Dutch health insurance should I pick as a trans person?

Dutch trans organisations advise gender-diverse people living in the Netherlands to choose a Dutch insurance with a combinatiepolis, a combination policy, and to check with the specific insurance which gender-affirming services they cover before making a definite choice.

Feature Image: Vice Media/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0/Cropped

34 best things to do in Amsterdam in 2026 [UPDATED]

Juni Moltubak

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January 21, 2025

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34 best things to do in Amsterdam in 2026 [UPDATED]

The biggest problem with going to the Dutch capital is that there are so many things to do in Amsterdam — sometimes you don’t know where to start!

From Dutch classics like Van Gogh and canal houses, to unexpected surprises like skating and human body exhibitions — Amsterdam has something for everyone and anyone, and it’s truly a city you’ll never forget.

So without further ado, fasten your seatbelts, and delve into our hand-picked and carefully curated top 33 things to do in Amsterdam in 2026.

Looking for a shortcut? Jump straight into it! 👇🏽

1. Stop to smell the flower market

photo-of-woman-looking-at-bulbs-at-amsterdam-flower-market — Get bulbs for years at the Amsterdam flower market. Image: Depositphotos

The flower market is a truly unique thing to do in Amsterdam, dating back all the way to 1862, with the impressive title of being the only floating flower market in the world. 🌷

It’s said to be floating, because a large part of the market is located on houseboats, in true Amsterdam style.

Whether you’re interested in bulbs for your garden at home, fresh flowers for your special someone, classic Nederlands cheese, or just fun-but-a-little-touristy souvenirs — this is a must-see among the many markets in the Dutch capital.

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 5:30 PM Monday to Saturday, 11 AM until 5:30 PM Sunday.
📍 Location: Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam

2. Tick the highlights off your bucket list with a walking tour

photo-of-free-walking-tour-tourists-amsterdam — Of course, a biking tour is always an option in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

Any experienced budget traveller will already have plotted this into their agenda, but in case you forgot: a walking tour is the best way to discover a city you just arrived in.

Interested in the alternative history of the city, the culinary scene, or just the basic highlights? With millions of tourists coming to the Dutch capital every year, there are naturally heaps of different tours to choose from.

It’s also not uncommon to have the same tour in multiple languages, so if you’re not 100% confident with your English (or, God forbid, Dutch), you’ll be just fine.

💰 Price: €2 in taxes and fees, the rest is up to you.
⏰ Opening hours: daily, specifics depend on the tours
📍 Location: Spuistraat 68 F, 1012 TW Amsterdam

3. Swing over the best view of Amsterdam at A’DAM Lookout

photo-of-adam-lookout-things-to-do-in-amsterdam — Feel the breeze tickle your toes at the A’DAM Lookout. Image: Depositphotos

If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to get high in Amsterdam, the A’DAM Lookout will hit the spot.

Located at the highest lookout point in Amsterdam, you’ll find the highest swing in Europe, suspended over the city in a nerve-wracking experience that’s not for the faint-hearted. 😵

Dangle your feet 100 metres above the vast cityscape, or check out the observation deck’s virtual rollercoaster through the city — what more can a thrill-seeker want when looking for things to do in Amsterdam? Oh yeah, there’s a bar with incredible views too. Life complete!

💰 Price: €16.50 for adults, €10.50 for children when bought online
⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 10 PM Monday to Sunday
📍 Location: Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam

4. Immerse yourself in the Highlights of Holland

photo-of-a-group-of-frineds-on-indoor-bicycles-at-highlights-of-holland-in-amsterdam — Experience all the Dutch culturral quirks in one place. Image: Highlights of Holland/Supplied

If you’re short on time, the interactive Highlights of Holland experience lets you take in the very best of the Netherlands in around an hour, using visuals, sound, and hands-on elements to bring it all together.

Inside, you’ll move through themed rooms that each spotlight a different side of the Dutch culture. There’s a space devoted to the Netherlands’ centuries-long battle with water, complete with a virtual canal boat, a cycling room, and an art room that drops you straight into the Golden Age, with famous masterpieces springing to life — plus plenty more along the way.

Tours begin every 10 minutes, and the entire experience is indoors, making it an easy addition to a day already filled with city-centre wandering, eating your way around town, and dodging the ever-present threat of rain.

💰 Price: €19 for children up to 10 years, €25 for adults
⏰ Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
📍 Location: Spaarndammerstraat 460C, 1013 SZ Amsterdam

5. Discover more Dutch delicacies at Foodhallen

photo-of-two-people-getting-food-and-two-people-foodhallen-in-amsterdam — Discover the world through food, at Foodhallen Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

If your herring experience got you hungry for some more familiar food, or just any Dutch food other than the traditional raw fish, you might want to check out Foodhallen.

This old tram depot was turned into a venue to give local delicacies an international platform. The product? A cool 17 different food stalls that all have lekker (delicious) food experiences to offer. 🤤

The venue also frequently hosts music events, so keep an eye on the “what’s on” page of their website.

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: 12 PM until 12 AM Sunday to Thursday, 12 PM until 1 AM Friday & Saturday.
📍 Location: Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam

6. Get artsy in the Jordaan quarter

photo-of-jordaan-area-shopping-touristy-area-in-amsterdam — The cosy Jordaan area is perfect for a shopping stroll. Image: Depositphotos

This trendy, cosy, and absolutely beautiful area of Amsterdam was once a traditional working-class neighbourhood full of craftsmen and artists. Now, it’s one of the most popular spots in the city. 🤩

Tons of independent shops, classical Dutch canals, and gezellige cafés can be spotted wherever you look. In other words, it’s the perfect area for a chill (shopping) stroll and an iconic thing to do in Amsterdam.

Although they are not technically located in the Jordaan area, the widely famous Negen straatjes (the Nine Little Streets) are usually considered an unofficial part of Jordaan, with their picturesque sights and amazing shopping opportunities.

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: varies between establishments
📍 Location: Bloemstraat 64ST, 1016 LE Amsterdam

7. Take it easy at a coffeeshop

coffeeshop in the middle of amsterdam — Amsterdam’s coffee shops famously have a lot more than caffeine on the menu. Image: KLEIN MEDIA/Supplied

It might not be for everyone, but there’s no getting around the fact that the Dutch capital is (in)famous for its liberal marijuana policy. Visiting a so-called coffee shop (note: not only a place you can get coffee) is, therefore, a popular tourist thing to do in Amsterdam. 🚬🌿

Hunter’s Coffeeshop, for example, puts care and quality at the heart of everything they do. Next to their relaxed, classic coffeeshop, you will find the stylish Hunter’s Smoker Friendly Bar — a rare experience unique to Amsterdam.

If you’re a newbie in the cannabis world, make sure to ask any and all of your questions to the budtenders before shopping. That’s the easiest way of avoiding a bad first experience, and they’re usually more than happy to help.

💰 Price: varies
⏰ Opening hours: vary between establishments
📍 Location: Utrechtsestraat 14 & 16, 1017 VN Amsterdam

8. Eat the infamous herring

photo-of-hand-holding-paper-plate-with-dutch-herring-pickle-and-raw-onion — The infamous herring is a controversial, but culturally enlightening thing to do in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

If you’ve ever googled “Dutch cuisine”, you’ve probably come across the traditional, slimy, herring dish. Well, “dish” might be a bit of an exaggeration — the Dutch usually just eat the raw fish on its own, or at most in a bun of white bread with some pickles and raw onion (yummy). 🐟

It’s an acquired taste, for sure, and few foreigners end up loving it. Still, it’s probably one of the most Dutch things you can eat, so it might be worth doing in Amsterdam — for the memories, the pics, or just for the sake of tasting something slightly gross.

A hot tip for any first-time herring eater is to keep a napkin and a real strong Dutch beer in close proximity. 🤢

💰 Price: Between €3 and €6, depending on the vendor
⏰ Opening hours: varies between establishments
📍 Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 200, 1012 RR Amsterdam

9. Get lost in the classics at a museum

photo-of-rijksmuseum-at-museumplein-amesterdam — The beautiful Rijksmuseum is a must-see on your trip to Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

Sure, you might go to Amsterdam for the weed, beer, canals, and stroopwafels. But you simply cannot take the trip to the Dutch capital without visiting at least one museum too.

The Rijksmuseum is an obvious candidate if you want to get a general introduction to the Dutch masters, and you’re looking to spend quite a few hours surrounded by paintings.

If you prefer taking a deep dive into one of the single best painters to come out of the Netherlands, the Van Gogh Museum is a fan favourite among the many things you can do in Amsterdam. With a slightly more manageable amount of art to digest, this museum doesn’t require more than a few hours.

If you came to the Netherlands to explore the country’s rich seafarer history, you should not miss the National Maritime Museum. With one of the largest collections of its kind in the world, this impressive building is full of ship models, sea maps, and maritime paintings. ⚓

💰 Price: between €17.50 and €25 for adults, and between €0 and €8.50 for children (depending on the specific museum)
⏰ Opening hours: Between 9 AM and 6 PM Monday to Sunday (depending on the specific museum)
📍 Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam

10. Go modern at a contemporary museum

photo-of-modern-art-exhibition-in-amsterdam — Spot all your incredible contemporary pieces at one of Amsterdam’s many museums, like the Moco Museum above. Image: Ivaylo Kirov/Supplied.

If Van Gogh and the Dutch “Golden Age” don’t quite grab your attention for things to do in Amsterdam, you might want to check out some of the many modern and contemporary art museums on offer.

Moco Museum attracts young people with its famous Banksy pieces, but people stay for the museum’s uniquely immersive and accessible art experiences. 👩🏽‍🎨

If you wish to delve more into the crazy world of psychedelic art, NXT Museum’s groundbreaking new media art installations might be more your style.

If you’re looking for the Rijksmuseum equivalent of modern art, however, you should look no further than to Stedelijk Museum. It has the best collection of world-renowned artists from the 20th century, as well as heaps of contemporary Dutch talent on display.

💰 Price: between €20 and €25 for adults, and between €0 and €16.95 for children (depending on specific museum)
⏰ Opening hours: Between 9 AM and 10:30 PM Monday to Sunday (depending on the specific museum)
📍 Location: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

11. Enjoy real Dutch beer by the biggest wooden windmill in the Netherlands

photo-of-de-gooyer-windmill-brouwerij-t-ij-in-amsterdam — The largest windmill in the Netherlands conveniently has a very Dutch bar right next to it. Image: Depositphotos

Yep, sometimes you really can get the best of both worlds. Bruwerij t’ IJ is located right next to the largest wooden windmill in the country. The brewery has a wide selection of beer on tap, which can be enjoyed on a lovely outdoor terrace. 🍻

And best of all: the terrace has a gorgeous view of the old windmill, so you can get your Dutch beer fix and fill up on windmill sights at the same time. Win-win if you ask us!

The brewery also offers 20-minute tours of the establishment, for free (or, well, it’s tip-based, so you decide the price).

💰 Price: Free entrance; €2.50 for a guided tour
⏰ Opening hours: 2 PM until 10 PM daily, organised tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 3 PM and 4 PM
📍 Location: Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam

12. Get freaked out at the Body Worlds exhibition

photo-of-body-worlds-exhibition-museum-in-amsterdam — The Happiness Project will leave you in a good mood, if only a little uncomfortable. Image: Depositphotos

Brace yourself, because this is a wild thing to do in Amsterdam (or anywhere). The Body Worlds exhibition in Amsterdam consists of real (!) human bodies, that have been plastinated to show you what’s really going on under your skin. 😬

The Amsterdam edition of this controversial construction is titled “The Happiness Project”, and aims to shed light on how “everyday choices impact your happiness and health”.

It can be a touch freaky, but the exhibition has also received great acclaim, and is definitely worth a visit. Oh, and surprisingly, the exhibition even claims to be suitable for children.

💰 Price: €22.50 for adults, €13.50 for children
⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 10 PM Monday to Sunday
📍 Location: Damrak 66, 1012 LM Amsterdam

13. Experience something new at the Red Light District

photo-of-red-light-district-amsterdam — The Red Light District is one of the most interesting things you can do in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

For centuries, the Red Light District in Amsterdam has been a sexy hotspot for tourists and locals, looking for things to do in Amsterdam.

Due to the liberal sex worker laws in the Netherlands, it is not illegal or sketchy to stroll through these streets. In fact, it’s quite the tourist trap! 💸

If you’re interested in sprinkling some culture and history into your Red Light meandering, you can check out the Museum of Prostitution, or the Hash Marihuana and Hemp Museum.

If you’re there for a different type of good time, however, you’ll easily be entertained for hours by the many sex shops and other ✨spicy✨ activities going on in the district.

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: N/A
📍 Location: Oudezijds Achterburgwal, 1012 DA Amsterdam

14. Say hi to four-legged friends at Amsterdam Zoo

photo-of-flamingos-in-artis-zoo-in-amsterdam — Flamingos chillin’ in the beautiful Artis Zoo in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

The Royal Artis in Amsterdam is not your average zoo, but rather a beautiful, old, oasis for humans and animals alike.

Since 1838, the zoo has welcomed visitors to meet rare (and not-so-rare) animals, and in 2020 the park was extended to include a beautiful botanical garden as well. 🐒

Say hi to the 700 different species living here, admire the gorgeous historic buildings making up the grounds, and take a fun break from the busy city centre. Perfect for families looking for things to do in the Dutch capital, or anyone who’s into cute animals and pretty parks, really.

💰 Price: €26.50 for adults, €22.50 for children
⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 5 PM Monday to Sunday
📍 Location: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam

15. Discover your inner scientist at the NEMO museum

photo-of-nemo-science-centre-museum-in-amsterdam — The NEMO Science Museum is definitely an eye-catching sight in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

Want to create a giant arm, save humanity from its fossil fuel dependency, or just discover something new about the world? The NEMO Science Museum is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, and will keep you occupied for hours!

Check out the many workshops that take place in this iconic building, like the Hands-on Chemistry lab or the Maker Space activity — it’s fun for people of all ages.

Explore your creative side and conjure up a chemistry experiment with regular household ingredients, or get intrigued by the interactive science exhibitions. The NEMO Science Museum is an unmissable thing to do in Amsterdam!

💰 Price: €21.50 for all visitors over 4 y/o, €0 for children under 4 y/o
⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 5:30 PM Tuesday to Sunday
📍 Location: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam

16. Dive into the famous Amsterdam nightlife

photo-of-clubs-and-nightlife-street-in-amsterdam — The bustling nightlife alone makes Amsterdam well worth a visit. Image: Depositphotos

Amsterdam is famous for its bustling nightlife, and a trip to the Dutch capital is not complete without a barbarian evening out. 🍾

With bars, clubs, festivals and events to cater to any taste, you’re bound to have a great time if you dive into Amsterdam’s nightlife. Take a sweep of the Red Light District to get the full tourist experience, or head to Leidseplein for a more local vibe.

READ MORE | 12 best clubs in Amsterdam

No matter where you end up, though, make sure to get your hands on some delicious Dutch snacks, like bitterballen or frikandel. They go perfectly with your locally brewed Dutch beer, and they’re a borrel staple!

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: N/A
📍 Location: Leidseplein, 1017 PT Amsterdam

17. Work your way out of an escape room

photo-of-three-people-trying-to-escape-from-an-escape-room-in-the-netherlands — The Dutch have a weird obsession with locking people up as a team-building exercise, and we kinda like it. Image: Depositphotos

Want to get to know your travel companions on a deeper level? Try making your way out of an escape room together!

An escape room is typically Dutch without being too touristy, and it’s bound to spice up your afternoon with adrenaline, creativity, and quick thinking.

And more importantly, it’s the perfect thing to do when it’s raining in Amsterdam, and your romantic canal cruise plans fall through.

💰 Price: Typically between €15 and €30 per person, depending on the escape room
⏰ Opening hours: Varies, depending on the escape room
📍 Location: Damrak 247, 1012 ZJ Amsterdam

18. Live out your royal dream and visit a castle

photo-of-muiderslot-castle-in-amsterdam — Anyone up for a day trip from Amsterdam to check out some awesome castles? Image: Depositphotos

If the palace on Dam Square is not enough for you, the countryside around Amsterdam is full of beautiful old castles. There’s no shortage of day-trip options if you’re looking to add castles to your list of things to do in Amsterdam!

A short hour by train from the Dutch capital, you’ll find both the beautiful 14th-century Muiderslot, the breathtaking 16th-century Zuylen castle, and the impressive 18th-century Groenveld castle.

If you’re down for a real day trip, you can also take the two-hour train journey to the fairytale-like Kasteel De Haar in Utrecht. 🏰

💰 Price: €17.50 (Muiderslot)
⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday to Sunday
📍 Location: Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden

19. Experience the new Amsterdam at Hembrugterrein

photo-of-art-galley-in-hebrugterrein-in-amsterdam — Check out one of the many artsy areas of Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

The north of Amsterdam was not always a hipster hot spot, but as is often the case with old, abandoned factory areas, Hembrugterrein is now bustling with artsy culture.

This area used to be an artillery and ammunition hub but now gives off anything but a strict military vibe. Brimming with museums, galleries, restaurants, and event venues, you’ll easily find that Hembrugterrein can keep you occupied for a whole day.

Our best tip is to check out the international food court, once you’re done with all the culture, art, shopping, and other things you can do in Amsterdam’s best hipster spot.

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: Varies, depending on establishments
📍 Location: Hemkade 18, 1506 PR Zaandam

20. Uncover the best second-hand finds at IJ-Hallen

photo-of-flea-market-IJ-Hallen-Amsterdam — There are always tons of treasures to find in Amsterdam’s IJ-Hallen flea market. Image: Depositphotos

The largest flea market in Europe is located in Amsterdam and offers an unimaginable array of second-hand products. There are few better places to go thrift shopping in the Netherlands (or, for that matter, in Europe), so if that’s your jam, you’re in luck. ☘🧣

An impressive 750 stalls make up the massive market, which takes place once a month. Here, you can find anything from furniture and antiquities to clothing and accessories — everything you need for your new Amsterdam hipster style.

Just remember, you can’t simply wander into the coolest flea market on earth, so make sure to book your entry ticket in advance (on-site purchase is also possible, but you’ll have to wait in line — ew). Oh, and if “waking up insanely early” is on your bucket list of things to do in Amsterdam, you can pay extra to get access to the market before the crowds arrive (at 6 AM!).

💰 Price: €6 for adults, €2.50 for children
⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 4:30 PM one weekend a month
📍 Location: NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC, Amsterdam

21. Walk the hallways of Anne Frank’s house

photo-of-anne-frank-house-diary-exhibition-in-amsterdam — The famous, heartbreaking, and infuriating diary of Anne Frank. Image: Depositphotos

Even if you haven’t read the heartbreaking story of young Anne Frank, who came of age behind closed doors while hiding from the Nazis during World War II, you have most likely heard about her.

The Anne Frank house in Amsterdam provides an in-depth exploration of the story of the Frank family, in the very house they hid in, from 1942 to 1945.

The extensive museum is a popular thing to do in Amsterdam, which also makes it necessary to book tickets weeks, and sometimes months in advance.

💰 Price: €16 for adults, €7 for children aged 10 to 17, €1 for children under 10
⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 10 PM Monday to Sunday
📍 Location: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam

22. Get a nature boost in one of Amsterdam’s many parks

areal-photo-of-vondelpark-in-amsterdam-the-netherlands — The most popular park in Amsterdam: Vondelpark! Image: Depositphotos

No big city trip is complete without a chill stroll in a beautiful park. While Vondelpark is the most popular thanks to its convenient location, there are many others to pick from. 🌳

Oosterpark is known for being a multicultural hub, located in the most ethnically diverse part of Amsterdam. It features the National Monument of Slavery, in an area dominated by ethnic impulses from a wide array of cultures.

Westerpark is known for being a creative hotspot, due to its proximity to the hip Westergas complex. With bronze sculptures, a cinema, and several event stages scattered around the grounds, Westerpark is buzzing with creative energy.

If you crave closeness to nature, you should explore the forest vibe of the Amsterdamse Bos, while if petting zoos are more your thing, you should pay Amstelpark or Rembrandtpark a visit. 🐮

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: generally 24/7, with some exceptions.
📍 Location: Vondelpark 1, 1071 AA Amsterdam

23. Meet all your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds

photo-of-madame-tussauds-museum-in-amsterdam — Few places will contain more Insta-worthy spots than this one! Image: Depositphotos

Looking for an easy way to pimp up your Insta grid? Look no further, just go to Madame Tussauds and make everyone believe you met Beyonce, the Hulk, and Barack Obama in one day. 😎🥇

Have you always dreamt of squeezing Robert Pattinson’s biceps, staring into Zayn Malik’s deep brown eyes, or shaking the hand of King Willem-Alexander? Viewing these hyper-realistic wax figures is a staple among things tourists get up to in Amsterdam, and will get anyone into fangirl mode.

💰 Price: €23.50
⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 8 PM Monday to Sunday
📍 Location: Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam

24. Have a photoshoot at the tulip fields

photo-of-keukenhof-tulip-fields-and-garden-in-the-netherlands — Keukenhof is probably one of the Dutchest places you’ll ever go. Image: Depositphotos

Certain things are simply non-negotiable on any Amsterdam itinerary, and visiting the famous Dutch tulip fields is one of them. Just a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam lies stunning Keukenhof — the most famous tulip fields and show gardens in the Netherlands. 💐

Tulips have been a core piece of Dutch identity for centuries, and visiting the vast flower fields is certainly one of the most memorable things you can do on your trip to Amsterdam.

If you visit the Dutch capital in the spring (mid-March until mid-May), you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy the one-of-a-kind sights.

💰 Price: €20 for adults, €9 for children
⏰ Opening hours: March 20 to May 11, 2025
📍 Location: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse

25. Blend in with the locals and go for a bike ride

photo-of-bike-rental-in-amsterdam — There’s really no better way to discover Amsterdam than by bike. Image: Depositphotos

Two things will forever be true about the Dutch: they love biking, and they hate it when tourists disturb their biking. So, what better way to experience real, Dutch culture than to explore the Dutch capital on two wheels? 🚲

There are tons of places to rent bikes in Amsterdam, and there really is no faster way to get from A to B in those narrow, crooked streets.

Just make sure you read up on the Dutch traffic rules before embarking on your biking adventures, and try sticking to the quiet streets — the Dutch take biking very seriously.

Just started to learn how to bike? Head to Amsterdamse Bos for deliciously wide, long, and straight bike paths — perfect for a beginner!

Oh, and make sure you don’t end up in a canal, that has happened to many a drunken Dutchie before you.

💰 Price: between €10 and €30 a day, depending on establishment
⏰ Opening hours: varies, depending on establishment
📍 Location: varying establishments

26. Explore the city of canals with a romantic boat tour

photo-of-romantic-rocco-boat-trip-things-to-do-in-amsterdam — Just you, your loved one, and the romantic Amsterdam canals… Image: Depositphotos

There are plenty of themed boat tours in Amsterdam — but if you want something special, romantic, and personal, then you can’t go wrong with Rocco’s romantic boat tour. ⛵

In a private boat with just you, your special someone, and a captain, you’ll get to sail around in the sunset hours, discovering all of Amsterdam’s most amorous spots. 💕

READ MORE | Cruising Amsterdam’s canals is officially the top tourist experience (in the world!)

The 50-90 minute tour includes lovely treats like a glass of bubbles, romantic anecdotes, and music that will have you falling in love with both your partner and the city, all over again.

💰 Price: from €205
⏰ Opening hours: varies, upon request
📍 Location: Herengracht 124, 1015 BT Amsterdam

27. Hear unforgettable stories at the Mezrab cultural centre

photo-of-person-speaking-into-a-mic-at-mezrab-cultural-centre-house-of-storytelling — Mezrab is known as “the house of storytelling”, and it’s one of Amsterdam’s more underrated and unknown places. Image: Depositphotos

If you’re a sucker for a good story (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you should definitely add a visit to the Mezrab centre to your list of things to do in Amsterdam.

With storytelling events every Wednesday and Friday, and music gigs and comedy nights basically all the time, Mezrab is the perfect place for a cultural night out. 🎤

All events are in English (unless specified otherwise), and many shows are totally free of charge (although donations are warmly welcome). Grab a drink, and immerse yourself in some casual, cool, Amsterdam performances.

💰 Price: between €0 and €12.50, depending on the event
⏰ Opening hours: weekly Wednesday to Saturday, sporadically also other days
📍 Location: Veemkade 576, 1019 BL Amsterdam

28. Take an active break at the Skate Café

photo-of-millenial-skater-boy-posing -with-his-skate-in-amsterdam — Food and skating, what else do you need? Image: Depositphotos

If you need a break from your tourist duties, but don’t want to miss out on any Amsterdam things to do, you should take your dinner pit stop at the Skate Café.

With both a café, a restaurant, a shop, and a half pipe for skating (because what else would you use to decorate your restaurant?), this place will give you a dinner to remember. 🛹

If you can, try reserving a table — you’re not the only one interested in this cool experience.

💰 Price: main dishes around €20
⏰ Opening hours: 3 PM until 1 AM Thursdays, 3 PM until 3 AM Saturday and Sunday.
📍 Location: Gedempt Hamerkanaal 42, 1021 KM Amsterdam

29. Keep rollin’ at the Roller Dreams experience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bevhaSVW_28

Dance, music, good drinks and good vibes. What else can you ask for? Roller skates, of course! Roller Dreams is a new, colourful and glitter-filled pop-up experience, for anyone looking for something active to do in the north of Amsterdam.

Rent a pair of old-school roller skates, and immerse yourself in this time machine to the 80’s for 90 minutes. It’s the perfect place to snap unique Insta shots, so don’t forget to finesse your colourful 80’s outfit before coming. 😉

Disclaimer: Roller Dreams is a pop-up establishment, but the closing date is currently unknown.

💰 Price: €19.50
⏰ Opening hours: 12 PM until 7 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 12 PM until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays
📍 Location: Meeuwenlaan 88-B, 1021 JK Amsterdam

30. Embrace your inner hipster at Westergas

photo-of-nightlife-at-westergasfabriek-in-amsterdam — Westergasfabriek is one of the many colourful places you can explore in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos

Okay, you ticked off “taste Dutch beer” and “view Dutch art” from your bucket list, so what’s next? Embracing your inner Amsterdam cool kid, of course! 😎

The 19th-century industrial complex Westergas has been transformed into a bustling “cultural village” of trendy restaurants, cool galleries, bars, and cute shops.

Check out the event calendar, there are always tons of things to do in this interesting part of Amsterdam.

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: varies between establishments
📍 Location: Van Bleiswijkstraat 8, 1014 DA Amsterdam

31. Go back in time at the Begijnhof

photo-of-old-houses-in-begijnhof-amsterdam — Begijnhof is **the** place for a break in the busy city. Image: Depositphotos

Once the courtyard of an all-female Catholic religious community called the Beguines, this little pearl in the middle of Amsterdam is perfect for a quiet break in the day. 😴🌳

The 14th-century yard is surrounded by some of the oldest houses in the city, and includes a hidden church open to visitors. Keep in mind, though, that the houses are currently private residences, so stick to the visitors’ walking paths, and refrain from taking pictures.

💰 Price: €0
⏰ Opening hours: 9:30 AM until 6 PM Monday to Sunday
📍 Location: Begijnhof 1, 1012 WS Amsterdam

32. Taste Dutch pride at the Heineken experience

photo-of-two-bartenders-behind-the-counter-at-heineken-experience-in-amsterdam — You should check out the Heineken museum. For educational purposes. Image: Depositphotos

Of course, no trip to the Netherlands is complete without extraordinary amounts of Dutch beer. And what better way to get your fix than to go full-out at the Heineken experience? 🍻

Heineken was established in Amsterdam, so a tasty tour of the old brewery (now a museum) is a highly fitting thing to do in the Dutch capital. Take your time at the exquisite tasting bar, and enjoy the interactive multi-media exhibition with a beer… or three.

Only people over 18 are allowed on the tours, though, so if you need an excuse to leave the kids with a babysitter, this is it.

💰 Price: €24.95 for the standard tour
⏰ Opening hours: 10:30 AM until 7:30 PM Sunday to Thursday, 10:30 AM until 9 PM Friday and Saturday.
📍 Location: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam

33. Have a laugh at the Boom Chicago Improv show

photo-of-boom-chicago-venue-in-amsterdam — Amsterdam’s English comedy scene is booming. Image: Michael Bosboom/Supplied

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A post shared by Boom Chicago (@boomchicago)

Unscripted, hilarious, creative fun, anyone? Boom Chicago is an improv and comedy club, and it’s one of the best things you can do in Amsterdam.

You can rest assured you’ll have a memorable evening if you add a Boom Chicago show to your itinerary, and before you ask: yes, they’re all in English.

If you’re planning on staying in A’dam for a while (which, you definitely should), you can also get out of your comfort zone and attend an improv class — you’re guaranteed to create memories for life. 😋

💰 Price: Generally between €10 and €25, depending on the show
⏰ Opening hours: 6 PM until 12 AM Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 6 PM until 1 AM Friday, 4 PM until 1 AM Saturday,
📍 Location: Rozengracht 117, 1016 LV Amsterdam

34. Visit the artsy Rembrandt House

photo-of-rembrandt-house-in-amsterdam — The Rembrandt House in Amsterdam just looks so quintessentially Dutch! Image: Depositphotos

Rembrandt might technically have been from Leiden, not Amsterdam, but the capital happens to have a whole house dedicated to the world-renowned painter. 🎨

Admire the beautiful exhibition at the Rembrandt House, attend an artsy lecture, or test your painting skills at one of the many events that take place here throughout the year.

The house often has activities for the youngest members of the family, too, if you’d like to expose your kids to the world of art while searching for things to do in Amsterdam.

💰 Price: €21.50 for adults, €15 for people aged 18 to 25, €8 for children aged 6 to 17, free for children under 6
⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 5 PM, daily
📍 Location: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam

There are enough things to do in Amsterdam to fill weeks, if not years, of activities. No matter if you’re staying a day, a week, or a month, you can rest assured you’ll easily find things to pack your itinerary with.

Looking for a small town break from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam? Head to Leiden, Delft or Gouda for some peace and quiet. If you’d like to go even further away from anything resembling a city, you can also take the trip to the beautiful island of Texel, and enjoy some real, Dutch nature and wildlife.

Do you think we should add anything to this list? Tell us what we missed in the comments below!

Renting a car in the Netherlands: driving in Amsterdam and beyond

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰

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January 21, 2025

2

Renting a car in the Netherlands: driving in Amsterdam and beyond

Amsterdam might be a city of cyclists, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from driving to, from, or in the Dutch metropole. In fact, renting a car in the Netherlands could be the perfect way to explore the country beyond the capital!

But what should you look for in a rental car? When is it worthwhile to rent a car in Amsterdam? And how do you go about it all?

Easy! Let’s have a look at everything you need to know about car rentals in Amsterdam (and beyond).

Time to shift gears? Jump to the section you need! 🏎️

Requirements for renting a car in Amsterdam and the Netherlands

When it comes to renting a car in the Netherlands, different rental companies have different requirements for prospective drivers.

So, make sure that you’ve actually read those terms and conditions before signing off on your sweet ride.

In all cases, you’ll need a valid driver’s licence (duh). However, if the details on your licence are written in another alphabet than the Roman one, you’ll need an international permit to drive in the Netherlands.

What is the International Driving Permit (IDP), and how do I get one? The IDP is regulated by the UN and is an official translation of your national driver’s licence, not a replacement for it (i.e. bring both!). You need to apply for an IDP with your own country’s issuer before travelling to the Netherlands.

So, what do they need to read on that licence? Well, first of all, your age.

Most car rental agencies in Amsterdam and beyond require you to be at least 21 to take out a rental from them. Many also want you to have at least one or two years of driving experience. 🚗

photo-woman-sitting-red-car-receiving-keys — Unsure what the requirements are for different agencies? We made a nice table for you below. Image: Freepik

Comparing car rental agencies in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Sounds vague? Alright, let’s break the tables out! We’ve done the legwork for you. These are the requirements and the most important knowledge for the five biggest rental car agencies in the Netherlands.

Rental agency	Age	Years of experience	Surcharge for under-25s	Other requirements
Hertz	21 or 25, depending on the car group.	One	€19.36 per day, €60.50 per week, or €96.80 per month (incl. tax).	Specific requirements for licences issued from China, Japan, Korea, or Vietnam.
Avis	21 or 25, depending on the car group.	One	Yes, price varies depending on the car type (€20-24 per day, and max €240).	None
Sixt	21	Two	Yes, price varies depending on the car type.	None
Europcar	19 to 30, depending on the car group.	One	None	None
Enterprise	18 or 25, depending on the car group.	One	None	None

Costs of renting a car in Amsterdam

Unfortunately, renting a car in Amsterdam is not always a cheap endeavour. Of course, you have to pay the rental fees, but on top of that comes gas, parking expenses, and (potentially) insurance.

Since gas seems to get more expensive by the minute and parking in Amsterdam deserves a section of its own, we’ll break down rental, toll, and insurance costs below. 👇

photo-client-paying-with-credit-card-for-car-rental — Paying with a credit card could score you some extra insurance. Image: Depositphotos

Rental fees in the Netherlands

Prices for car rentals in Amsterdam vary wildly, but sometimes you can be lucky to scoop up a good deal! To give a rough estimate, the keys to an economy vehicle could be yours for only €30-60 per day in the off-season.

Generally, you’ll probably want to set aside €60-100 per day for an economy car if you want to tour the Dutch countryside in the summer.

If you’re booking last minute or want something a bit snazzier than a Kia, a rental car can set you back €100-300 per day.

Our tip? Book a ride well in advance and ask yourself whether you really need to drive a Mercedes to enjoy your vacation. 😉

Tolls in the Netherlands

Unlike other European countries, the Netherlands does not have any toll roads, which makes driving around the country much simpler (and cheaper!).

The only places you’ll encounter toll booths are by the Kiltunnel in Dordrecht and the Western Scheldt Tunnel in Zeeland (although this only applies to vehicles higher than three metres).

You’ll only be paying €2 for the Kiltunnel if driving a normal car.

photo-traffic-jam-at-toll-station — You won’t see none of these when driving in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

Rental car insurance in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, fire insurance and third-party liability insurance are included in the price of all car rentals.

Generally, you can choose whether you want to pay for a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and/or Theft protection (TP).

For most car rentals, these aren’t mandatory insurances, and the terms and conditions vary per agency. So, make sure you read that fine print to make an informed decision about your insurance package.

In some cases, your credit card may offer some sort of insurance on car rentals as a benefit of having an account. 💳 That could save you some great cash!

Picking up your Dutch rental car

There are 55 car rental locations in the Netherlands, meaning heaps of pick-up points. This means you’re sure to find a place that suits your arrival location and travel itinerary.

photo-employee-handing-keys-to-client-at-dutch-car-rental-agency — You’ll find car rental agencies scattered all around the Dutch capital. Image: Depositphotos

The most popular city to rent a car in is Amsterdam. There, you’ll find several agencies at transport hubs such as Schipol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal station — but there are also agencies scattered around the city.

If you’re planning on renting a car from a smaller city or town in the Netherlands, we recommend checking what rental agencies operate there.📍

When picking up your rental car, make sure to bring:

Your national driver’s licence,
International Driving Permit (IDP), if applicable,
A valid ID (such as your passport),
Any other documentation specified by the rental agency.

Parking your rental car in Amsterdam

Sometimes, it seems like the most difficult thing when renting a car in the Netherlands is finding a place to park it — especially in Amsterdam.

But while you may not notice a ton of available parking spots when first glancing at the cityscape, there are actually more than meets the eye.

two-electric-cars-charging-by-amsterdam-canal — Need parking for an electric car? Amsterdam has that too! Image: Depositphotos

If you’re brave enough to parallel park along the canals in true Dutch fashion, you can opt for on-street parking. These spots are plentiful — but busy and expensive.

If you need to park your rental car for longer periods while you explore the city on foot, we recommend getting a day or week ticket to save some bucks. 💸

Generally, a better option than on-street parking is to seek out one of the city’s parking garages. If you’re staying at a hotel, make sure to check if they have any parking spots for guests!

Looking for cheap parking in Amsterdam? Of course you are! The further away you are from the city centre the goedkoper (cheaper) the parking will be. However, the only places you’ll find free parking are in Amsterdam-Noord.

If you’re not put off by parking on the outskirts of Amsterdam, check out the municipality’s Park and Ride (P+R) discounts!

Tip: The municipality of Amsterdam has an interactive map showing the hourly prices in the city’s different parking zones.

Pros and cons of renting a car in Amsterdam

As the organisational freaks we are, we love a good pro and con list — and we bet you do as well. So here goes! ✍️

Pros

Booking a car rental in Amsterdam is easy! Not only do you have heaps of rental agencies, but there are also plenty of pick-up points to choose from.
The road network in the Netherlands is extensive and well-maintained, making driving a rental around the country a breeze.
This mighty country is actually quite small, so it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have to drive for more than three hours.
There aren’t any toll roads in the Netherlands, so you don’t have to budget money for that as you would in other European countries.

Cons

Renting a car in Amsterdam can be expensive.
There is almost no free parking in Dutch cities.
Driving in the city centre is not advised due to the many cyclists and narrow roads.

Renting a car in the Netherlands gives you a level of flexibility that even a trusty bike can’t give you. Spontaneous trip to the beach? You got it. Off to the Keukenhof to see the tulip fields? No problemo!

With a Dutch rental car, the Netherlands truly becomes your oyster. Enjoy!

Do you have any other tips for renting a car in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Renting a car in Amsterdam: Frequently asked questions

Is it necessary to rent a car in Amsterdam?

No, renting a car in Amsterdam is not necessary. You can easily get around the city by foot, bike, or using public transport. However, if you want to explore the surrounding cities or the countryside, renting a car might be a good idea.

Is it easy to drive in Amsterdam?

Driving in Amsterdam can be a challenge due to the city centre’s narrow roads and the many cyclists. How easy you’ll find driving in the Dutch capital depends on what you’re used to. Is it easier than driving in Paris? Yes. Is it easier than driving in Berlin? Probably not.

How expensive is parking in Amsterdam?

Parking in Amsterdam costs as little as €1.40 per hour on the outskirts of the city but up to €7.50 per hour in the city centre.

What do you need to rent a car in Amsterdam?

To rent a car in Amsterdam (and the Netherlands in general), you’ll need a valid driver’s licence, a valid ID, and any additional documents requested by the rental agency.

If your licence is written in a non-Roman alphabet, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit.

Do you need an international driver’s licence to rent a car in the Netherlands?

You do not need an International Driving Permit unless your national driver’s licence is written in a non-roman alphabet. If that is the case, remember to bring both when you pick up your car rental.

Can you rent a car in Amsterdam and drive to a different country?

In most cases, you can pick up your car rental in Amsterdam and drive to other European countries without additional costs. However, this will depend on the terms and conditions for your specific hire, so make sure to read them.

The Dutch mindset: 5 secrets to the Dutchies’ happiness

Marianne Lalande

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January 21, 2025

7

The Dutch mindset: 5 secrets to the Dutchies’ happiness

The Dutch have the reputation of being one of the happiest nations in the world. But why? Is it the cheese? The (lack of) altitude? The godforsaken rain?

Having observed this rare breed of happy humans for a few years now, I think I have uncovered the secrets of the Dutch mindset. Here is a Dutch guide to happiness — but let’s keep it just between us. 😉

1. Don’t get hung up on the details

If you feel like your life is a huge mess (and it is 100% your fault), you may want to take a leaf out of the Netherlands’ book.

The Dutch don’t mess around. They don’t get hung up on complications and tackle every issue with poise and pragmatism.

This translates to their incredible time management skills. Efficiency is even applied to your lunch in the Netherlands. If you want to save time and focus on your goals for the day, try the Dutch diet: Take a buttered slice of bread, add a slice of cheese, and fold it up.

Repeat as necessary, or switch it up by adding ham or another kind of cheese or meat if you like to live dangerously. 😎

For breakfast, treat yourself to a buttered slice of bread with hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) on top.

photo-of-two-slices-of-sandwich-bread-with-hageslag-dark-chocolate-butter-white-plate-white-bread-closeup — A classic Dutch dish: white bread, butter and chocolate sprinkles (Hagelslag). Image: Amin/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

2. You do you

There is something very freeing (if not a tad insulting) in the fact that Dutch people do not care what you do. You could wear feathers in your hair or decide to only eat kale for a month (though I strongly advise you to reconsider), and nobody will say a thing.

You know how Americans always exclaim, “This is a free country!”? Well, the Netherlands is freer. We’re talking about a place where weed is (semi) legal and prostitution is regulated, a place where you don’t need to be Dutch or to speak the language to be treated like an equal.

@dutchreview
They sensed I needed the extra support 😔 #dutchreview #dutch #netherlands #nl #expat #international #dutchlanguage #learningdutch
♬ оригинальный звук – КолючКа__

On top of this, the Netherlands has got to be one of the most accepting places in the world when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. This is really a come-as-you-are country, and the Dutch take pride in that.

3. Don’t make excuses

The Netherlands is a land of tough individuals.

The Dutch have no time for faff or making excuses. Yes, it’s raining, and yes, they will still cycle for half an hour to get to wherever they need to be. 🚲🌧

If the Dutch let the dreadful weather get to them, they would never get anything done from October to June. This goes against the go-getter spirit of the Dutch; sure, they will spend 85% of their time complaining about the weather, but they sure as hell aren’t going to let that ruin their life.

hahaha I will never complain about polish weather again after spending summer in the Netherlands 😅
— m (@arialtina) August 16, 2022

4. Go back to basics

Again, nobody cares what you do.

Nobody worries about what you look like, so there is no point in dedicating extra time to make your hair voluminous, which the rain will flatten the moment you step outside, or wear a full face of makeup. Well, unless you don’t mind standing out. Remember, you do you.

5. Chill. Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.

Chill. Not even celebrities in the Netherlands are harassed on the street.

It’s a regular occurrence to see the prime minister ride his bike to work just like anyone else. The Dutch value privacy and personal space.

@ahurskyy
No wonder, that’s The Hague 😌 #denhaag #thehague #netherlands #thenetherlands #nederland #dutch #europe #viral #rutte #markrutte #nato #politics #politician
♬ Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

An increasing number of high school graduates take a gap year instead of jumping straight into studies they don’t feel 100% sure about. And if they do start studying a subject they don’t like, no problem!

People change their minds (and their degree programme) without apologising for it. It is common for someone to be in their 20s (or older) when they start studying for their bachelor’s degree.

No pressure! The Dutch value life experience. There’s no need to have it all figured out; just don’t take things too seriously.

In every aspect of life in the Netherlands, you can apply this uniquely Dutch mentality.

Their Calvinist roots influence everything from their open curtains to their insistence on you paying them back for that €0.90 coffee they bought you. ☕️

What do you think makes the Netherlands such a happy nation? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

A fireworks ban in the Netherlands? Dutch politicians are calling for it (again)

Ada Dolanay

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January 21, 2025

0

A fireworks ban in the Netherlands? Dutch politicians are calling for it (again)

Dutch political parties are digging up an old bill from 2022 to legally ban fireworks. They’re hoping that this time, it’ll spark more support than outrage.

GroenLinks/PvdA and the Party for the Animals are resurrecting the proposal.

In the summer of 2022, they shelved the bill to avoid rejection; however, this did not extinguish ongoing discussions — nor the fireworks themselves.

“Everybody wants this!”

Speaking with RTL Nieuws, GroenLinks/PvdA MP Geers Gabriels claims society is ready for this ban.

“The police unions want this, the doctors, the hospitals, the emergency services,” he says.

@dutchreview
Did I sleep? No. But I’m ok. #dutchreview #dutch #netherlands #nederland #expat #nye #nieuwjaar #fyp
♬ original sound – DutchReview

What’s the big deal?

There are different types of fireworks. This proposal would ban all fireworks from category F2.

But geen stress! F1 “prank and joke” fireworks will still be around to keep scaring pets and setting off car alarms. Hoera!

Currently, VVD is the party that will swing the vote. However, for now, they seem less than enthusiastic.

After all, there has been a fireworks ban in several municipalities, but rule-breakers still manage to sneak in their fun every New Year’s Eve.

Do you think fireworks should be banned in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below.

Man (30) caught walking naked through Dutch city, just trying to deal with “family stress”

News
Weird

Lina Leskovec

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January 21, 2025

0

Man (30) caught walking naked through Dutch city, just trying to deal with “family stress”

While some opt for meditation or nice calm music to deal with stress, this 30-year-old Alphen aan de Rijn resident tried a much more unorthodox method — walking naked around the city.

We don’t recommend this method to anyone, though, as it could result in a €500 fine and a very uncomfortable conversation in court.

A walk on the wild side

The police arrested 30-year-old P. in late August 2024 when he was caught walking down a street in Alphen aan de Rijn in nothing but his birthday suit.

That wasn’t his first rodeo either — according to the AD, he had already taken his unconventional walk three other times during the same week.

He recently made his appearance in court and when asked to explain why he decided to take his naked walks, he told the judge: “Good question. I asked myself the same thing.”

But P. isn’t just confused; he’s also relatable (not too relatable).

Life was a bit too much

According to P., he was feeling a lot of stress due to starting a family, job responsibilities, and house payments, and the naked walks served as an outlet for that stress.

“Something like that shouldn’t happen, can’t happen, isn’t right. I know. Even though I may have tried my best not to be seen naked, it still happened. I was stupid.” remarked P.

In the future, we recommend P. stays away from city centres if he wants to remain unseen. Needless to say, we recommend he sticks to pants as well.

After the arrest, P. decided to seek professional help to assist with his stress and will continue with his treatment after court.

Let off easy

The judge accepted the prosecution’s demands and charged P. a €500 fine, which he only has to pay if he commits another criminal offence during his two-year probation.

He also has to report to the probation service in the near future.

P. is just happy to put this very exposed period of his life behind him and hopefully go back to his job at a care institution.

Do you have any good tips for dealing with stress? Leave them in the comments below!

Dutch Quirk #17: Treat the public footpaths like their personal terrace

Ultimate List of Dutch Quirks

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸

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January 20, 2025

0

Dutch Quirk #17: Treat the public footpaths like their personal terrace

Picture this: one side of the street has a lineup of bikes, and on the other, your neighbour’s wooden bench doubles as the neighbourhood cat’s bed. For Dutchies, this isn’t just a street — it’s the perfect location to pull up a table, a few chairs, and a plate of sandwiches for a meal!

Forget the garden! The Dutch know the real spot to soak up the sun is the public sidewalk next to the street.

Strangers peeking at your lunch and bikes zooming by at an alarming speed? Doesn’t faze them.

What is it?

It’s a popular Dutch neighbourhood habit to use as much area in front of their house as possible.

It’s usually a tradition among the tenants of the ground floor, but sometimes, the whole building joins in on the fun as well. 🥳

This area — which also happens to be a public footpath — is transformed into a convenient space for Dutchies to host dinners, have drinks, or simply read a good book while getting some fresh air. 📖

photo-of-orange-white-cat-laying-on-bench-in-front-of-house-dutch-street-licking-itself — Walk around, and you’ll find the benches are designated for the house cat. Image: Depositphotos.

If a building or a house happens to have a set of outside stairs — that’s a whole new world of possibilities. 🌟

We’re talking about a makeshift table for a stereo or afternoon tea. A place where the pets can lie down while the owner unwinds on a foldable chair with their front door wide open.

Get creative with it! 😎

Why do they do it?

In a country as small as the Netherlands, we know how important it is to use every space as efficiently as possible.

Who wouldn’t want to throw a bench in a sunny spot to soak up some vitamin D in the cold months? 🥶

That’s not all there is to it, though. The possibility of a social gathering space right next to your very own front door in itself is tempting.

Why is it so quirky?

If you’re more of a homebody but still enjoy the occasional breath of fresh air, then it’s the perfect solution!

You’re just a few steps away from your fridge, making it easy to grab all your favourite snacks and drinks without breaking a sweat.

No need to worry about reserving a table or stressing about what time the restaurant closes. It’s the perfect (built-in) borrel spot. 😋

@aasaprosie
♬ Halcyon Age – Vansire

However, if you’re the pedestrian trying to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, bumping into someone’s furniture on the side of the street isn’t exactly convenient. 😬

On the bright side, you do get to witness the amount of creativity these Dutchies have to turn any space into an opportunity to hang out.

Should you join in?

Are you going to be disruptive in any way?

If the answer is yes, then we would suggest finding another hangout place, we suggest you find an actual park close by or a friend’s backyard. 🌳

But if you want to have a nice mid-sized planter underneath your window with some bright flowers to bring you and others joy, then by all means, go for it.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you ever used the public sidewalk for your own pleasure? Tell us in the comments below!

An age limit for social media? The Netherlands is considering it

Ada Dolanay

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January 20, 2025

2

An age limit for social media? The Netherlands is considering it

The Dutch House of Representatives has started discussing introducing a minimum age for social media users in the Netherlands.

Key players in the discussion, including parties D66, VVD, and NSC, support the new restriction, but disagree about what the minimum age should be.

Age is (not) just a number

The idea of setting a minimum age for social media usage was initially proposed by D66, which supported a limit of 15 years.

According to RTL Nieuws, their suggestion comes as a way to protect children and young teenagers from the potentially harmful effects of social media.

While other parties support the restriction, they differ in opinions regarding the minimum age, with some saying that 13 would be a more suitable threshold.

Political party NSC (New Social Contract) also suggests organising a citizens’ council to help determine the appropriate age, taking into account public opinion and the voices of young people themselves.

Public opinion supports the change

A survey of 20,000 people conducted by the RTL Nieuws Panel revealed strong public support for stricter social media regulations in the Netherlands.

Of the parents with children under 18 who participated, 79% supported setting a minimum age of 15 for social media use. 📲

Despite the overwhelming support for the age restriction, SP, another prominent political party, expressed concerns about the measure’s effectiveness, focusing on the broader issue of the addictive elements that make social media apps unhealthy for young people.

An SP representative emphasised, “We cannot leave the protection of children on the internet to big tech,” and that an age minimum is not out of the question if big tech does not deliver.

Not everyone is on board

While some parties support the proposal, GroenLinks/PvdA opposes the idea altogether.

MP Barabara Kathman argues that the real problem lies in the addictive designs of social media platforms. “These platforms do not have to be harmful, that is how they are made and we should no longer accept that.”

As the debate continues, D66 MP Hanneke Van der Werf says that “parents are yearning for some kind of clarification or guideline from politics,” highlighting the frustration among families grappling with the impacts of social media.

What’s your take on this debate? Should there be a minimum age for social media usage? Let us know in the comments below.

Another week, another recall: Albert Heijn pulls contaminated endive from shelves

Health
News

Beatrice Scali 🇮🇹

-

January 20, 2025

0

Another week, another recall: Albert Heijn pulls contaminated endive from shelves

Albert Heijn is not even done investigating what caused last week’s product recall, and it’s already apologising for a new one. This time, the culprit is… endive.

That’s right, the innocent light-green stamppot staple is being recalled due to possible contamination, reports the AD.

Pesticide contamination

The recalled product is the “AH Andijvie”, Albert Heijn’s endive, specifically the 400-gram bags expiring on 19-01-2025.

The reason for the recall is possible contamination due to excessively high levels of the pesticide “tau-fluvalinate.”

In small quantities, this substance is harmless. However, if ingested in large quantities, it might cause mild symptoms such as headaches and nausea.

Return and refund

In a new apologetic announcement, the supermarket chain urges customers who purchased the recalled endive to return them to the store for a refund.

Customers who bought the product online can fill out this form, and anyone with questions can contact Albert Heijn’s customer service.

The announcement also addresses the (frozen) elephant in the room, reiterating the chain’s stance on food safety:

“We understand that this recall may raise questions or concerns, especially after the events with the frozen blueberries earlier this week. At Albert Heijn, the safety of our products always comes first. We would like to emphasise that such recalls are exceptional and are intended to ensure the highest food safety standards. We are continuously taking measures with our suppliers in the chain to prevent these types of situations. We sincerely apologise.”

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DutchReview

DUTCHREVIEW

DutchReview

🗑 Household waste and recycling in the Netherlands

Sorting your waste

Where do I dispose of my sorted waste?

Recyclable vs. non-recyclable waste: what happens?

💪 Become a recycling and trash pro — the Dutch way

🗞 Recycling paper in the Netherlands

What goes in the paper bins (papierbakken)?

🥤 Recycling plastic in the Netherlands

Using a bottle return system (statiegeld) in the Netherlands

What goes in the plastic bins (plasticbakken)?

🍾 Recycling glass in the Netherlands

What goes in the glass bins (glasbakken)?

🔗 Recycling metal in the Netherlands

What counts as metal recyclables?

💻 Recycling electronics and appliances in the Netherlands

What counts as a small appliance?

🛋 Recycling large items in the Netherlands (grofvuil)

Donating large waste

Disposing of large waste

What counts as grofvuil (large waste)?

👖 Getting rid of old clothes in the Netherlands

Donating clothes in the Netherlands

Recycling clothes in the Netherlands

What goes in the textielbak (textile bin)?

🌱 Composting in the Netherlands

What goes in a groenbak (green bin)?

💉 Responsible disposal of chemical waste and medicine in the Netherlands (klein chemisch afval)

Disposing of batteries in the Netherlands

What chemical waste and medicines can be responsibly disposed of?

🛻 Garbage collection and recycling stations in the Netherlands

💬 Common Dutch terms about recycling in the Netherlands

Recycling in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get money for returning bottles in the Netherlands?

Can I recycle batteries in the Netherlands?

Where can I recycle electronics in the Netherlands?

Is there an option to dispose of waste privately in the Netherlands?

The current state of Dutch trans healthcare

Transitioning in the Netherlands: The typical steps

Accessing a Dutch gender clinic

Finding a trans-friendly GP in the Netherlands

Getting a dysphoria diagnosis in the Netherlands

Choosing the best Dutch health insurance for gender-affirming care

Starting Hormone Replacement Treatment in the Netherlands

Getting gender-affirming surgery through Dutch healthcare

Changing legal name and gender markers in the Netherlands

Changing a legal name in the Netherlands

Changing the gender marker on Dutch documents

Obtaining a “Change of Gender” statement

Alternative routes to gender-affirming care

Choosing the DIY route to trans healthcare

Non-binary: Getting an “X” gender marker on your Dutch documents

What if I already started transitioning independently, or in another country?

Finding support within the Dutch trans community

Trans healthcare in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

How do I transition in the Netherlands as an international trans person?

How can I access Hormone Replacement Treatment in the Netherlands?

Can I get gender-affirming surgery through the Dutch healthcare system as an international?

Can I change my legal name and sex in the Netherlands as an international?

Which Dutch health insurance should I pick as a trans person?

1. Stop to smell the flower market

2. Tick the highlights off your bucket list with a walking tour

3. Swing over the best view of Amsterdam at A’DAM Lookout

4. Immerse yourself in the Highlights of Holland

5. Discover more Dutch delicacies at Foodhallen

6. Get artsy in the Jordaan quarter

7. Take it easy at a coffeeshop

8. Eat the infamous herring

9. Get lost in the classics at a museum

10. Go modern at a contemporary museum

11. Enjoy real Dutch beer by the biggest wooden windmill in the Netherlands

12. Get freaked out at the Body Worlds exhibition

13. Experience something new at the Red Light District

14. Say hi to four-legged friends at Amsterdam Zoo

15. Discover your inner scientist at the NEMO museum

16. Dive into the famous Amsterdam nightlife

17. Work your way out of an escape room

18. Live out your royal dream and visit a castle