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Dutch tourist dies from wasp sting while visiting WWI battlefield

After a wasp sting, a Dutchman had a severe allergic reaction and died while visiting a historic battlefield in Verdun, France.

The 52-year-old man was visiting the World War I battlefield with his wife on Tuesday, reports AD

While they were there, he experienced an anaphylactic shock from a wasp sting and died shortly after from cardiac arrest.   

READ MORE | Lock the doors, seal the windows: Asian hornets are in the Netherlands

Medical workers rushed to the Dutchman’s aid but, unfortunately, were unable to resuscitate him.

History of the battlefield

During World War I, the Battle of Verdun, which lasted for most of 1916, had large losses for both the Germans and the French. 

There are now honorary cemeteries and a monument in memory of the battle and those who were lost. 
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Growing weed? Amsterdam wants to trial legalising cannabis

The east district of Amsterdam might begin a four-year experiment where weed will be fully legal, paving the way for the Netherlands out of the weird limbo of tolerance. 

After a long discussion about how Amsterdam can try legalising cannabis, the city has designated Amsterdam East as the guinea pig for this trial, due to its number of coffeeshops, reports Het Parool

Amsterdam may soon create a special bubble in the neighbourhood where growing, selling, and buying weed will be fully legalised with the aim of observing its effect on society and public health.

Buying weed in the Netherlands

To the surprise of many (yes, especially you, tourists), buying large amounts of weed is actually illegal in the Netherlands. 

The toleration policy means that coffeeshops can buy and sell cannabis, but they are still technically considered criminals. 

Liberalising the weed policy in the Netherlands would make growing and buying weed even easier.

The smoky trial will begin quite soon, in the first quarter of 2024, and is expected to last between four to five and a half years. Amsterdam’s mayor, the chief public prosecutor, and the police chief are already on board. 

For weed buying and selling to be made even easier in the future, the trial will need to show positive effects on crime, safety, and public health. 

READ MORE | Smoking weed in Amsterdam: ultimate guide [Updated 2023]

And guess what? Soon, your local coffeeshop outside of Amsterdam might soon also give it a try. 

Quite a few municipalities are interested in participating in legalising weed for a few years to see the effects, such as Groningen, Nijmegen, Breda, Tilburg, and Maastricht.

What do you think about this experiment? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

How to set up your utilities in the Netherlands (in English!) with PartnerPete

Setting up your water, electricity, and other utilities in the Netherlands can be stressful enough to pull your hair out. There are so many providers and different rules and regulations that make the process a lot more confusing. 

Throw in the language barrier, and you may be tempted to stay sitting in a freezing, dark room with no water — not quite the Dutch dream. 

Luckily, there is a way to skip the stress and sign up for all of your Dutch utilities in English. PartnerPete lets you find and research all of the major Dutch utility companies, compare prices and then sign up for the one that suits your needs best.

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Arranging your utilities has never been easier! Image: Depositphotos

Even better, this service is completely free. That’s a lifesaver for new expats!

What’s the deal with PartnerPete?

PartnerPete can arrange more than utilities for your Dutch home. If you need that mandatory health insurance, a mobile phone subscription, life insurance, car insurance, or even a Dutch bank account, you can get that all in one place.

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Say goodbye to stressful appointments and endless phone calls. Image: Depositphotos

They can sort out all the confusing Dutch necessities upon arrival. It saves you from running around to dozens of suppliers and signing contracts in Dutch without knowing exactly what everything says. 

PartnerPete works with a carefully selected group of suppliers that best suit the needs of expats. The company works with a wide range of providers. Whether you prioritise flexibility, the lowest rate or outstanding service, PartnerPete can find you the perfect fit. Get a quote from them on a potential contract.

Hooking you up in English

In as little as three days and an average of five, PartnerPete can have all of your utilities fully connected. You get access to the same supplier rates and special offers as if you had organised the utilities. All with no extra charge, but that English service that you need.

Fill in your details in this form to get in touch with PartnerPete, and someone will give you a call. They’ll walk you through the process, and you can ask as many questions about utilities in the Netherlands as you like.

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Setting up utilities in the Netherlands has never been so easy and straightforward. Image: Freepik

You don’t have to commit to anything, but if you do, your new home will be cosy and warm, with lights and water in as little as three days. Moving has never been so stress-free (if only they carried your couch up those Dutch stairs too)!

What is the average cost of utilities in the Netherlands?

If you’re wondering how much water, electricity, and more will pull from your wallet each month, PartnerPete can give you a tailored quote. On average, here’s what you can expect to pay for basic utilities in the Netherlands.

Gas and Electricity

Having energy in your new home will likely be one of the biggest utility expenses depending on your usage. For example, an international living alone in Amsterdam could pay as high as €1,500 a year.

Water

You can expect to pay for your water bill in the Netherlands in two parts: how much water you use and a tax for services like maintenance.

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PartnerPete will walk you through all of your questions in one easy call. Image: Pexels

The tax will depend on how many you live with and whether you own your home or rent. For water usage, you can budget around €150 a year per person.

What else can PartnerPete do for you?

Getting your water running and keeping your lights on aren’t the only services PartnerPete offers. Check the PartnerPete website to find many other services they can help you with, including insurance and phone plans.

READ MORE | 10 dang smart ways to save on energy costs in the Netherlands

Why fish through an ocean of websites and companies when PartnerPete can do the fishing for you? If you want to get things sorted quickly, you’ll be happy to hear that you can get utilities sorted out online in just a few minutes, right here.

Green energy

For instance, if you’re climate-conscious and prefer to have all your utilities green, PartnerPete can organise that for you. As the country of windmills, about 15% of the energy in the Netherlands comes from wind power as of 2021. Most electricity comes from natural gas (47%), coal (14%), and solar (10%).

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The good old Dutch windmills provide some green energy to the nation. Image: Unsplash

This can make organising your own green energy quite a hassle since not all energy companies can offer you the greenest option. The team at PartnerPete are a big fan of keeping things green. They’re happy to set you up with a green energy provider in the Netherlands.

Internet providers

We can work in the dark and layer up in the cold, but nobody can live without the internet! PartnerPete can help you sort through all the internet providers and choose the one that works best for you.

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You’ll get the best internet package for you! Image: Depositphotos

Flexible contracts are available, perfect for expats, and you can choose between internet-only or internet and TV bundles. Whatever your preference, the team at PartnerPete can tailor options for you!

READ NEXT | Internet speed in the Netherlands: what you need to know

Mobile phones

Cell coverage in the Netherlands tends to be pretty good, regardless of where you are in the country (one advantage to having no hills!).

Still, some providers have more hot spots than others, so choosing a mobile operation in the Netherlands can be quite challenging. 

For example, combining a mobile plan with an internet bundle can save you money but comes with more long-term commitment. Calculating the gigabytes and call hours can make choosing a provider quite the headache if you need something short and flexible.

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You’ll find the right mobile subscription in no time! Image: Depositphotos

But there’s no need to worry with PartnerPete! They can quickly suggest the best options for your situation.


PartnerPete offers a simple but essential service to anyone new to the Netherlands. Setting up your utilities doesn’t get easier than this!

How did you find setting up your utilities in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2021 and was fully updated in June 2023 for your reading pleasure.

5 top museums in Tilburg to excite and ignite your curiosity 

Tilburg has it all: contemporary art museums, nature museums, and textile museums! A day trip to Tilburg can easily be filled up with history and wonderful art. 🖼

So, you’ve found yourself in this southern bustling city, full of engaging and unique museums. Now you’re wondering — where to go?

Well, you’re in geluk because we have the lowdown on a select few of the best museums in Tilburg.


1. De Pont Museum

De Pont Museum in Tilburg is a contemporary art hub. 🎨

The museum is built into a former will-spinning mill — a cool place to house contemporary art, creating a unique atmosphere and environment to browse and enjoy. 🧐

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Just outside the entrance to the museum, you’ll see this intriguing sculpture. Image: Merkt Tilburg/Supplied

Besides a ton of exhibits, what also really stands out at De Pont is the lovely interior of the museum. It’s a combination of minimalism and design that really does the trick.

Need a break? Grab a seat in the library or a cosy latté in the café! 

Exhibitions at De Pont Museum

There is plenty to see at this Museum, with an extensive list of artists featured. It’s safe to say that, no matter your preference, there’ll be something to keep you engaged at De Pont!

Here are just three examples of exhibitions currently on show at De Pont:

Raphaela Vogel

Exhibition dates: Open from February 18, 2023 to 27 August 2023

Vogel’s current exhibition in the Netherlands, ‘KRAAAN’, which is a play on both the Dutch and German words for crane (in German it is spelled with one ‘a’, in Dutch it has two), experiments with international art. The artist’s work is a ballsy exploration of gender, animals, people, and machines. The exhibition includes a reconstructed crane that seems to ascend to the sky.

Thomas Schütte

Exhibition dates: Open from August 16, 2023 to January 28, 2024

A German artist, Schütte, will soon be displaying three architectural works from his original 1981 exhibition called “Westkunst” at De Pont. His models tend to be quite interactive, meaning the structures often invite you to climb up the stairs or hide in a small interior gap (don’t get stuck though).

Collection

Exhibition dates: Open from December 15, 2023 to August 27, 2023. 

This is a particularly large collection with work from various artists, including the likes of Beatriz GonzálezMarlene Dumas and Rob Birza. If you’re interested in seeing something eclectic and unexpected, this is the one to choose!

On Thursday evenings, entrance to De Pont Museum is completely free after 5 PM!

📍 Location: Wilhelminapark 1, 5041 EA Tilburg
💲 Price: €12.50 and kids under 18 go free
⏰ Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM


2. PARK

PARK is a centre for contemporary art that was established by seven artists living in Tilburg. 

It is a platform for contemporary visual art — and if that sounds a bit vague to you, welcome to the contemporary art world! It has an educational programme for visitors, though, so never fear. 

It also offers workshops and special evenings where you can get involved in the contemporary art world in a more immediate way.

It has played host to some really cool exhibitions at the intersection of visual and performance art, and continues to collaborate with local and international artists to bring the contemporary art world to Tilburg. 

It usually hosts an artist for a summer residency, who will present lectures and workshops for the public.

📍 Location: Wilhelminapark 53, 5041 ED Tilburg
💲 Price: Free
⏰ Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, 1 PM to 5 PM


3. Doloris

Doloris is officially not a museum, but nonetheless, another awesome artsy and inspiring spot in Tilburg that offers you a fully immersive experience.

You can enter the Meta Maze, a collection of over 40 rooms of art. The catch? The art is surreal and immersive, designed to make you excited and also a little disorientated. Wandering through the maze, you’ll become completely absorbed by the art. 

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Inside the Meta Maze, you’re bound to see some mind-boggling things. Image: Merkt Tilburg/Supplied

After all that art, you’ll need some sustenance for your stomach, which Doloris can provide incredibly well. 

They have a rooftop filled with street food from all over the world, and, of course, some delicious drinks. Your final taste of Tilburg’s art at Doloris will be gazing at the skyline while munching on something tasty on the rooftop.

📍 Location: Spoorlaan 21C, 5038 CB Tilburg
💲 Price: €25
⏰ Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM


4. The TextielMuseum

The TextielMuseum in Tilburg offers a unique opportunity to see just how important textile and textile making was throughout Tilburg’s history. You can still see the working machines today, weaving and making fabrics! 

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The inside of the displays at the TextielMuseum, here’s DutchReviews Abuzer designing his own socks! Image: Nora Maria/Supplied

Exhibitions at the Textile Museum

Every Thread a Story

Exhibition dates: June 10, 2023 to October 1, 2023. 

This art exhibition centres around the artist’s use of textiles to express emotions and tell stories. Whether it’s social issues (including diversity, sexuality, and gender) or poetry, the stimulus has all been “translated” into the artistic medium of tapestries and other rich textiles. The exhibition consists of a selection of art from various contemporary artists. 

Damask design – designs with light and shadow

Exhibition dates: January 30, 2023 to January 14, 2024

Are you interested in learning more about how mind-blowing damask fabric pieces are made in the first place? Well, this exhibition delves into the process, revealing the initial stages of the “sketch” and how it eventually gets woven into the beautiful, final damask masterpieces.

📍 Location: Goirkestraat 96, 5046 GN Tilburg
💲 Price: €12.50 for adults, €4.00 for children, and free for those under the age of 13
⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 5 PM 


5. Natuurmuseum Brabant in Tilburg

Natuurmuseum Brabant has been around since 1935, with an aim to encourage people to appreciate all things natural! 🌲

From huge mammoths in the Ice Age exhibition to wolves in the Real Wolf exhibition, or even becoming a detective in the OO – ZONE, where you will find over 2000 objects in an accessible museum depot, there is enough to fill up an entire day.

For the youngest visitors, there are the exhibitions BOS and Frog & Friends, where they can visit Frog’s house and play various games.

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There is so much to do and see at the Nature Museum in Tilburg. Image: Merkt Tilburg/Supplied

Natuurmuseum Brabant is, first and foremost, a family-friendly museum about the lives of plants and animals, and it does a great job of explaining the awesome history of nature to you and your little ones.

Behold this life-size model of the woolly mammoth, at least three and a half meters high and six meters long. The model’s designers put the mammoth together on the spot because of its epic size. 

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Yep, that’s a giant mammoth in the background. Image: Merkt Tilburg/Supplied

While you’re there, you really can’t miss the giant whale skeleton. 🐳 

This skeleton is 15 meters long and weighs over 1000 kilos. The skeleton is one of three sperm whales which washed ashore in Scheveningen in 1995, and the size of it is mind-boggling.

📍 Location: Spoorlaan 434, 5038 CH Tilburg
💲 Price: €12.50 for adults, €10.50 for children, and free for kids under the age of 4
⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM 


Tilburg is a lovely city and one that deserves way more attention than it usually gets! Not only does it have epic museums on offer, but there is so much else to do in Tilburg. 

Have you been to any of these museums in Tilburg? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2018 but was updated for your reading pleasure in June 2023. 

Adulting? Nah. This adult playground will awaken your inner child in the most wholesome way

Launch yourself into a room-sized ball pit, get your groove on at the silent disco, or cuddle with ginormous teddy bears — this adult playground has us saying “yes, please. Now!” 🎈

The WONDR Immersive Playground Experience in Amsterdam takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of life and brings you right back to childhood dreams. 

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

Move from one room to the next, filled to the brim with all kinds of things to play around with, from bouncy castles to karaoke machines. This is a place with no limits — you can (actually, you need to) touch, jump, and sing with absolutely everything you see. 🕺

With rooms filled with confetti curtains and a slide that plops you right into a pool full of marshmallows, you’re sure to snap the most unique and unbelievable photos without even needing to take out your phone. 

How? All your escapades are caught on professional and innovative cameras, so you’ll never forget one moment of the day. 

Your photos and GIFs from your whole experience will be sent right into your inbox at the end of the day. 

There’s absolutely no chance of you leaving the place without your cheeks hurting from the hours of laughter and a hundred fabulous and colourful Instagram-worthy pictures.

Ready to play like a kid? For just €25.95, you can dive into this immersive experience with free cancellation. 


Enough reading, more bouncing! Book your ticket here now and never look back! 

ABN AMRO now gives you a very sad 1.25% on your savings; here are 4 options that make you more money

Starting August 1, 2023, ABN AMRO customers will receive a 1.25% interest rate on their savings. Guys, we gotta step in here: that’s a pretty terrible rate in this market, and you deserve better. 

First and foremost, if you don’t know what all this financial talk means, here’s a super short and sweet definition of interest rates on savings: savings interest is how much money a bank pays you when you keep your hard-earned cash in their bank.

It’s as if the bank is saying, “Hey, thanks so much for trusting us with your life’s savings. Here’s a treat!” 

That’s why 1% feels a bit condescending. Interest rates on mortgages have skyrocketed, so banks are earning more money — and only giving us a small slice of the pie. We deserve more!

READ MORE | Dutch savings accounts: banks with the best interest rates

ABN AMRO isn’t the only culprit. Rabobank offers only 1%, and ING only do 0.55%. We say, nee!

Want to earn more than double what ABN AMRO and the other big Dutch banks are offering? Here are four other options for fully-regulated, European banks. 

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.


1. Openbank

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Want a 3.20% interest rate on your savings up to €200,000? Openbank is your go-to. 

Not only that but opening and having an account is free of charge! Hello, personal yacht and limousine! 💰


2. bunq

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bunq is a 100% online bank and offers up to 2.01% on savings up to €100,000. The best part? You can have separate sub-accounts, each with its own budget. Set an account for home expenses, food, fun — in up to 25 accounts.

That way, you can make sure you never overspend on certain parts of your life. Hoera for financial responsibility!  🤑


3. Raisin

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If you want the highest rates in Europe, look no further. Raisin will get you up to a 3.85% interest rate

How? Because technically, this isn’t a bank; it’s a platform that offers different accounts to get you the highest rates from banks across Europe. 💶


4. Bigbank

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Finally, Bigbank is perfect if you’re a long-term thinker. On flexible account savings, you earn up to 2.3% on a maximum of €100,000. 

Want even more? For fixed-rate savings, you can get up to 3.5% starting at €1,000 for at least 12 months. Consider us interested! 💸


Do you use any of these bank accounts? What has been your experience with them? Tell us in the comments!

Editors Note: An earlier version of this article suggested that Revolut’s Metal account offered up to 3% interest. While this offer is advertised on their website, it is only applicable to UK tax residents. It has since been removed from this article.

This adorable Dutch family film could be the next English blockbuster

Heard of the film ‘Knor’? This heartwarming Dutch blockbuster is about to make headlines across the world — and it’s going to be in English! 

The animation film ‘Knor’ (preciously named ‘Oink’ in English) follows the story of a girl, Babs, that receives a super-cute but chaotic little piglet, Knor, from her grandfather for her birthday. 

She, of course, wants to keep it, but her parents say that Knor must follow a puppy course to become part of the family. Um, adorable?! Be right back, adopting a piglet. 🐖 

This lovable film will soon win hearts all over the world after being sold to 28 countries in the past year, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, China, Spain, Germany, France and Japan, reports NU.nl.

Three Golden Calves movie awards

Knor has been a huge success, being awarded three Golden Calves awards at the Netherlands Film Festival, and there are even whispers that it could be a nominee for the Oscars.

READ MORE | 11 movies about Dutch culture to watch

For all Dutchies out there, you might recognize some of the big Dutch movie names in the credits. The main voices in the film are played by Jelka van Houten, Kees Prins, Henry van Loon, and Hiba Ghafry.

The film wasn’t an easy task to produce either. Knor is a stop-motion animation, so it’s composed of millions of individual pictures of clay and plastic puppets to slowly create a whole movie. 

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How adorable (and maybe a little freaky) is this family photo from the Dutch film Knor? Image: Gusto Entertainment

Want to catch the film in the Netherlands (in the original Dutch) Now’s your last chance, since it’s already been playing for almost a year. 

The Focus Cinema in Arnhem, Eye in Amsterdam, and LantarenVenster in Rotterdam are the last cinemas in the Netherlands still showing the famous blockbuster. 

Want to see it in English? Hopefully we won’t be waiting long. 🐽

What’s your favourite Dutch movie? Tell us in the comments below!

Bye bye bottles: At this Dutch airport buying a plastic bottle of water is a thing of the past

Is this Schiphol’s redemption arc? Now the airport is going green! Many of its shops are quitting selling those toxic, disposable plastic water bottles. 

Frequenters of Schiphol also are used to witnessing a sea of plastic water bottle shelves in the retail group Schiphol Airport Retail (SAR).

Yet hoera! Gone are the dark days of paying €6 euros for a half litre of Spa Blauw water! 🥴

At least 12 airport shops are almost immediately bidding adieu to selling plastic water bottles, according to NU.nl.

A few other retailers will still be selling a few scant plastic water bottles here and there — *cough* traitors. 

The result? Approximately 750,000 fewer water bottles will be mindlessly wasted and end up in landfill.

This eco-friendly project is happening in collaboration with Dutch water bottle manufacturer Dopper — you know, that bottle you see all the Dutchies carrying? That’s the one.

Did you drink enough water today? 🤔

Instead of plastic waste, there’s a push to take your own reusable water bottle through security — which you can do at Schiphol, even when it’s filled with water.

Drank it all already? You go hydro homie! Luckily, there’s a push to include even more refill stations on the other side. 💧

Don’t forget, if you have a metal or insulated bottle, it should be emptied before passing through the scanner.

Refilling bottles: yay or nee

NU.nl’s commenters had some mixed opinions, with some saying we’re sacrificing “hygiene” for the sake of “environmentalism”. 

They added that people would be forced to “fill your bottle in the toilet” (we’re assuming they mean the sink, not the actual toilet) at airports abroad without the same pristine water fountains. 

Someone else chimed in, arguing that purchasing a new water bottle every trip is “overshooting the mark”, and that you might be able to “borrow” an empty water bottle when you’re there even if you forget to bring one…whatever that means. 🙂 

Dopper CEO Virginia Yanquilevich, on the other hand, claims that bringing a water bottle should be second nature to all, and as instinctual as “taking your phone and passport with you”. 

Besides, not destroying the planet is always fun. 🤗 🌱

Do you feel that bringing an empty water bottle is always a must? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! 

This Life of Anne Frank tour walks you through Amsterdam’s WWII history

You’ve heard of the Diary of Anne Frank. Now, you can see even more behind the scenes of her life in a riveting guided tour that follows in Anne Frank’s footsteps.

This unique tour takes you on an unforgettable journey beyond the iconic Anne Frank House. This one-of-a-kind experience offers both small-group and private options, allowing you to choose the setting that suits your preferences. 

So, gather your friends, family, or fellow history enthusiasts and embark on a journey that will forever transform your understanding of Amsterdam and the Holocaust.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

What you’ll see on the tour

Starting at the magnificent Portuguese Synagogue, you’ll be transported back in time to the Jewish Cultural Quarter, the original neighbourhood that played a vital role in shaping Amsterdam over the centuries.

READ MORE | 19 best day trips from Amsterdam: the ultimate travel guide

As you weave through the streets, the guide will tell tales of the Dutch Resistance during World War II, shedding light on the heroism and resilience of those who risked everything to protect the lives of their fellow citizens.

Witness the remarkable sites Anne Frank wrote about in her diary, gaining a profound understanding of the challenges she faced and countless others during this dark period of history.

Venturing beyond the familiar facade of the Anne Frank House, you’ll uncover hidden secrets and hiding places scattered throughout the city.

Delve into the lives of Anne Frank’s family, tracing their steps from Germany to their time in hiding, and explore the post-war journey of her father.

Learn more about what you thought you knew

But what specifically made Anne Frank’s diary resonate so deeply with the world? Uncover the answer to this question as you learn about her passion for writing and what catapulted her diary to worldwide fame. 

It’s a thought-provoking insight into the impact of one young girl’s words on the collective consciousness of humanity. 

READ MORE | Myths about Dutch history and the truth behind them

As you navigate the streets, this immersive tour offers more than just historical monuments. It invites you to glimpse into the daily lives of Amsterdam’s residents during the 1930s and 1940s, providing a fresh perspective on the city you may have called home for years.

Book your ticket for €28.50 with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and prepare for an afternoon that will transport you through time, blending education with entertainment.

Led by expert guides fluent in seven languages (English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese), this experience caters to visitors from all corners of the globe.

Unravel the layers of history, immerse yourself in Anne Frank’s world, and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s past.

In this tour, history isn’t confined to the pages of a dusty textbook. It lives and breathes on the streets of Amsterdam, waiting to be explored.


Have you been on the walking tour? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Living in the Netherlands? These 7 changes are hitting your wallet this July

Alarmingly, we’re already halfway through 2023. If you weren’t feeling existential enough already, July 1 is here to bring you some less-than-stellar updates. (Let’s just say that you’re going to feel them where it hurts — in your wallet. 😬)

RTL Nieuws just released a list outlining the major changes that will take place in the Netherlands.

These include (but are not limited to) higher taxes for petrol and diesel, increased student rent, preparation for road pricing, and inflation of internet costs. Wat leuk! 🙄

1. The silver lining? Minimum wage will increase

Okay, do you want the good news or the bad news first? The good news is, statutory minimum wage will increase by 3%, along with government benefits (which are dependent on minimum wage). The same goes for the minimum wage for employed youth. 🎉

Unfortunately, that may be the only silver lining. The bad news? Well, statutory interest will increase by 4 to 6%, and subsequently, borrowing money could get even more pricey. 

2. Stricter childcare allowance

In addition to a much stricter childcare allowance, child benefits will also be cut down by roughly 3%. Curious about what this means for you? Check out the new rates according to age group here

Kids under the age of five are losing out on €8, while those aged six to 11 will be missing €9 from their adorable little piggy banks starting next term. Won’t someone please think of the children? 😢

3. Another car-owning downside: petrol inflation

You might want to get used to riding that fiets (bicycle) of yours more regularly, since petrol and diesel will reportedly get hit by inflation in the next six months.

Petrol prices per litre will increase by €0.14, while diesel prices will also shoot up by €0.10. Public transport is starting to look really appealing. 😮‍💨

4. Kiss caravan trips goodbye! Thanks, road pricing

Motorists beware because it’s a bad year for cars. Roughly half of all car owners in the Netherlands are going to end up losing money depending on the incoming road pricing, reports RTL Nieuws

Though, before you go drowning your sorrows at an after-work borrel, there’s still a tiny sliver of good news left: we have a few more years to prepare. 

Road pricing, which taxes you on the use of roads as opposed to owning the car, won’t be fully implemented until 2030. 

For those of us who love travelling by car or are partial to road trips, this definitely puts a damper on the holidays. Especially considering how much the Dutch pride themselves on frugal caravan trips.   

5. As if student housing couldn’t get more expensive

July 1 will also be a solemn day for any university students out there, as student housing rent is predicted to increase by up to 3.1% for those who pay over €300 monthly. 

If you’re somehow fortunate enough to be paying less than that, you won’t be let off the hook either — you’ll be charged up to €25 more than that. 

READ MORE | Students, listen up: you could now get €440 a month just for studying in the Netherlands

On the bright side, however, lower-income housing will experience a much-needed decrease in rent, which is said to help out half a million people.

6. No wifi? Build a treehouse like it’s the 80s…said no one ever

Do you, like the rest of us, need the internet to function? Well, internet prices will also increase for many people this summer, along with cable television and the phone bill.  

READ MORE | 8 things to know about getting Dutch internet

Beloved telecom providers KPN and Ziggo will also be struck by inflation on July 1. KPN packages will rise by 6%, while Ziggo’s will climb up by 8.5%. Oof. 😬

7. “Life in plastic”? It’s expensive, not “fantastic”

To top it all off, that Starbucks cappuccino you like to get in a to-go cup at the station every morning could cost more. 

READ MORE | You’ll now be charged extra for that plastic packaging at your fave Dutch stores 

With the incoming plastic tax, you could be left wondering whether the price is worth it, or whether you should just bring coffee in a thermos from home. 

Which one of these changes will hurt your wallet the most? Let us know in the comments below!