Starting from next year, coach tour buses — and any other coaches for that matter — will not be allowed to enter the city centre of Amsterdam.
The municipality of Amsterdam feels like there is no longer enough space for coach buses to explore the city, and has decided to react to the residents’ complaints.
From January 2024, buses heavier than 7.5 tons will have to stop at the outskirts of the city. From there, tourists can take public transport, or a bike, if they’re keen on the real Dutch experience. 🚲
There will be some exceptions
In the Weesperstraat-Valkenburgerstraat-Kattenburgerstraat area, however, it will still be possible to hop on a coach tour bus.
In this circle, visitors will have a chance to see museums like Nemo, the Jewish Historical Museum, and the Hermitage, RTL Nieuws reports.
According to Melanie van der Horst, traffic alderman of Amsterdam, tourists aren’t the only ones using these giant buses to explore the city.
Maybe it’s time to use public transport instead? 🤔 Image: Freepik
“A lot of visitors come to Amsterdam every year with a coach. These are not only tourists, but also children on a school trip to Artis or the elderly who go to a museum, and we would like to offer space for that,” said Horst to RTL Nieuws.
Protecting the city
Annoyed residents weren’t the only reason for the new rule, as the heavy vehicles can easily damage the roads, bridges, and quays of the historical city centre.
These buses can also cause congestion in the narrow streets, and make roads more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.
What do you think of the new rule? Tell us in the comments below!
Another day, another strike. Instead of transport workers, from January 31 to February 6, Utrecht’s garbage collectors have launched a week-long strike, to demand higher wages.
And the results aren’t pretty — however, they most certainly are stinky. The city is starting to look like a sea of garbage bags which won’t be cleared for another three days.
Other cities to follow
Utrechts city cleaners aren’t the only ones dissatisfied with their pay, soon workers in The Hague, Betuwe, Drechtseden, and Emmen will strike, too, reports NU.nl.
The Hague Street Organisation will strike from February 13 for three days. What does this mean? The political capital’s streets will not be kept clean and street maintenance will come to a halt.
This is just a few hours after the strike has begun in #Utrecht imagine how much garbage there will be after 6 days! All the workers are asking for is better pay to be able to deal with the #costoflivingcrisis Who has caused this crisis? Make them pay! M…https://t.co/NGdmTCTxOC
It looks like we’re about to have a stinky Valentine’s day. 🤮
Why are they striking?
Much like many workers throughout the Netherlands, garbage collectors would like an increase in their salary to compensate for the rising energy costs.
As a result, there have been ongoing negotiations between trade unions and the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) to talk about increasing workers’ wages.
However, nothing has changed so far. Why? It’s a tale as old as time, the two parties can’t come to an agreement, specifically, about how much to increase the wage for 187,000 public servants.
Let’s hope they’re not squabbling like seagulls over which garbage bags to attack.
Will you be keeping your garbage bags in this week? Tell us in the comments below!
So, you happen to be in the oldest city of the Netherlands, but you don’t know of any good places to work or study in Nijmegen?
Before you can enjoy the fun Nijmegen offers, you’ll have to deal with the serious side of life: your work.
Whether you’re a freelancer, a student, or a worker from home who needs a change of scenery — look no further because here are the top places to work or study in Nijmegen! 👩💻
The word “fika” refers to a Swedish coffee break ritual, where you traditionally have a hot drink and a cinnamon bun. Image: Freepik
Step out of Nijmegen and into Sweden at FIKA! If you’re sick of boterhammen and other typical Dutch meals, this is the place for you. This charming cafe serves Sweden-inspired food and delicious coffee.
FIKA is located in the centre of Nijmegen, just around the corner from the Hertogplein bus stop.
But the best part? Besides a café, FIKA also has a kantoor (office) tailored to all your work and study needs. They offer spacious workplaces with fast WiFi and plenty of power plugs. Best of all? There’s no extra charge!
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: €3.60 for a latte macchiato ⏰ Opening hours: FIKA Café: 9 AM until 6 PM, Monday to Sunday, FIKA office: 9 AM until 6 PM, Monday to Friday 📍 Location: Van Broeckhuysenstraat 5, 6511 PE Nijmegen
2. De Witwasserij: Kill two birds with one stone
This could be you at de WItwassrij + a delicious cup of coffee. Image: Depositphotos
Whether you’re a freelancer, a remote worker, or a student, one thing is certain: you’re a busy bee. So, why not head over to de Witwasserij to grab a coffee, do your laundry, AND get your work done? 🤯
This unique laundromat-café is located right across from Valkhofpark and is A-OK with people sticking around all day to put their noses to the grindstone (and their dirty laundry in the machine). 🧺
It’s not just efficient but also sells delicious homemade doughnuts and lekker koffie. Truly an ideal study spot if you ask us!
🏢 Type: Café-Laundromat 💰 Price: €3.40 for a latte macchiato ⏰ Opening hours: Laundromat: 9:00 AM until 5.00 PM, Monday to Sunday, Café: 9 AM until 6 PM, Wednesday to Sunday 📍 Location: Hertogstraat 5, 6511 RV Nijmegen
3. Kattencafé Balthazar: Cramming between cats and coffee
Is this the most efficient way of getting work done? Maybe not. But is it the cutest? 100% Image: Depositphotos
You’ll find your favourite new work spot right in the Van Welderenstraat: Kattencafé Balthazar. Why would this place be your favourite, you ask? Because it has seven super schattige cats! 🥹
At Balthazar, you are welcome to come and work during the week (as long as you are fine with cute cats distracting you). They’ve got plenty of daylight, power outlets, and delicious homemade desserts — making it one of our favourite places to work or study in Nijmegen!
The tables here are on the smaller side, but unless you’re bringing three books, a tablet and a laptop, that should not be an issue. 😉
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: €3.80 for a latte macchiato ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM until 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Saturday, 12 PM until 5:30 PM, Sunday to Monday 📍 Location: Van Welderenstraat 46, 6511 MN Nijmegen
Bhalu is much more than a café with scrumptious vegan food. It’s a place with an outstandingly gezellig atmosphere, where people come together to talk, study, work, and even do yoga!
While plants keep you grounded, and coffee keeps you energised, Bhalu has many power outlets to make sure your laptop makes it through the day, too. 🔌🪴
Since Bhalu is right in Nijmegen’s city centre, and people are welcome to sit and chat, it might get a little noisy at times. Make sure to bring those noise-cancelling headphones to keep you in the zone. 🎧
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: €3.50 for a latte macchiato ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Tuesday, 9 AM until 10 PM Wednesday to Friday, 10 AM until 10 PM Saturday and Sunday 📍 Location: Bloemerstraat 95, 6511 EG Nijmegen
5. Radboud University Library: For some quiet focus time
Nijmegen is one of the Netherlands’ major student cities — so of course, this list would not be complete without Radboud University Library. And yes, it is open to non-students as well!
If you are looking for a motivating atmosphere to get your work done in Nijmegen, then RU’s bibliotheek is the place to be. It’s a bright and modern building with free WiFi, heaps of power outlets, and privacy screens for your top-secret work endeavours.
Need a break? Geen probleem, you can wind down in one of the massage chairs or take a power nap in the library’s energy pods. 😴
🏢 Type: Library 💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 AM until 10 PM, Monday until Friday, 9 AM until 8 PM Saturday, 10 AM to 10 PM Sunday. 📍 Location:Erasmuslaan 36, 6525 GG Nijmegen
6. Guesthouse Vertoef: The all-rounder
Being surrounded by other people that are working is a great way to stay focused and motivated. Image: Freepik
Nijmegen’s Guesthouse Vertoef is not only a hotel, bar, and workplace all in one — but also one of the best places to work or study in Nijmegen!
Located just a stone’s throw away from Nijmegen Central Station, this is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to get some focus time in before a commute. 🧠
Underneath the hotel’s lobby, you’ll find a super spacious workplace where long wooden tables are lined with comfy desk chairs. In exchange for a small fee, you can grab a seat and work away all day — without getting back pain. 😉
With their high-speed internet, you’re guaranteed to knock out those deadlines at record speed!
🏢 Type: Co-working space 💰 Price: €7.50 per day or €25 per week ⏰ Opening hours: 7 AM until 7 PM, Monday to Sunday 📍 Location: Nassausingel 3, 6511 EV Nijmegen
7. Bairro Buro: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle
Bairro Buro lets you save some of your hard-earned pennies by letting you bring lunch from home. Image: Freepik
Hidden behind the busy ‘Grote Markt,’ you’ll find Bairro Alto — a popular café among Nijmegen locals. Want to enjoy their yummy grub while staying focused behind your laptop all day? They’ve got just the solution: Bairro’s Buro!
Bairro’s Buro is right next-door to Bairro Alto and is the inspiring co-working place of our dreams. You can rent a variety of single desks, or brainstorm with up to four people at one of the bigger desks. Upon request, it is even possible to rent the entire space.
If you wish to rent a desk at Bairro Buro, you have to pay a low fee per hour. But in return, you are allowed to let out your inner Dutchie and bring food from home. Eet smaakelijk!
🏢 Type: Co-working space 💰 Price: €5 for the first hour, then €2.5 per hour ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Sunday 📍 Location:Kannenmarkt 6, 6511 KC Nijmegen
8. The Lobby: Easy and efficient
Leaving the house to get some work done can be a great way of meeting new people! Image: Freepik
Welcome to The Lobby, where hard work and good food go together like bitterballen and mustard!
Located in Nijmegen’s city centre, The Lobby shines with a basement that is entirely dedicated to everything students and flex workers could need. Good WiFi? Yep. Outlets? Ja zeker. Printer? Natuurlijk. Lockers? Jawel!
Wanna bring your co-workers or some study buddies? That’s also geen probleem. Just rent the designated meeting room. It fits up to eight people!
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: €3.50 for a latte macchiato ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Sunday 📍 Location:Mariënburg 72, 6511 PS Nijmegen
9. BCG Nijmegen: Connecting entrepreneurs
If being cooped up in your apartment all day makes you feel lonely, it might be time to meet some fellow flex workers at BCG Nijmegen.
Don’t want to make your way to the busy city centre? Great, BCG is one of the best places to work or study in Nijmegen, away from the hustle and bustle. It is located on the outskirts of the city but is super easily accessible by bike, public transport, and car.
Once there, you can rent exactly what your hardworking heart desires: from a single desk in a shared space to a big private office. Of course, you can also make use of the building’s cafeteria, printers, and of course, the free WiFi.
🏢 Type: Co-working space 💰 Price: €7.50 per hour for a private desk ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Friday 📍 Location:Groenestraat 294, 6531 JC Nijmegen
Hotel Credible is a Nijmegen hotspot where hotel guests sit side by side with flex workers and students.
The hotel’s location near Valkhofpark is excellent for that sweet mid-day walk, and, thanks to its late opening hours, Hotel Credible is an ideal spot for the night owls among us. You can sit down in their big café and lobby and knock out your work until the late hours.
So what are you waiting for? Connect to the free WiFi, order a snack, and werkze!
🏢 Type: Hotel 💰 Price: €5 for the first hour, then €2.5 per hour ⏰ Opening hours: 7 AM until 12 AM, Monday to Friday, 8 AM until 1 AM Saturday and Sunday 📍 Location:Hertogstraat 1, 6511 RV Nijmegen
11. PUCK Specialty Coffee: For the coffee-lovers
Eager to keep learning new things? Sign up for one of PUCK’s barista workshops! Image: Freepik
Do you need that occasional coffee (or five) to get you through the work day? We feel you. And luckily, we’ve got just the spot for you to satisfy that craving: PUCK Specialty Coffee, right in the heart of Nijmegen.
While laptops are a big no-no here on the weekend, PUCK is a great place to work and study during the week. At their designated laptop table, you are welcome to enjoy not only the tasty koffie, but also the free WiFi!
Whether you’re cramming for exams or giving 110% on that upcoming work project, these inspiring places to work or study in Nijmegen are guaranteed to give you just the motivation you need!
Did we miss any of your favourite places to work or study in Nijmegen? Share your recommendations in the comments!
What’s so special about a recycling facility in Tilburg? Oh, just the fact that it’s got the most beautiful wall mural in the world. Ja hoor, the world. 🙌
The title has been awarded by Street Art Cities, which launched a vote among the street art community — the result? “Trashure” proved to be the treasure.
Named “Trashure” in a clever play on the words “treasure” and “trash” by its creators Kaspar van Leek and Niels van Swaeman of Studio Giftig, the mural is a photorealistic image of a woman.
Stunning and topical? We love it!
The woman wears a dress made of recycled paper bags and plastic sheets, with a necklace of measuring spoons encircling her neck.
Leaping into the air in a kind of superheroine stance, the woman also holds a ball of fabric or plastic sheets that emits a bright, glowing light. Trees and a hilly ridge are silhouetted in the background.
A Dutch National Student Association has voiced its complaints about the skyrocketing number of international students — indeed, 1 in every 4 students in the Netherlands comes from abroad.
The Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO), in particular, feels there needs to be a temporary break from the constant stream of international students, reports Nu.nl.
An international student “crisis”
International students have been the hot topic of conversation over the last few months, with more and more Dutchies agreeing that there are just far too many in the country.
“Something has to be done, because this influx is at the expense of quality,” says Van der Velden, spokesperson for the ISO, to NU.nl.
The larger groups of students have increased the workload for teachers, which in turn has contributed to a deterioration of the quality of education in the country.
ISO thinks that a temporary hold on accepting international students in Dutch universities will create more breathing room for current students and teachers.
Not an easy decision
Education Minister Robert Dijkgraad has argued for a permanent hiatus on international students.
At least 40% of students at Dutch Universities come from abroad, leaving less room in classrooms for Dutch nationals.
However, a spokesperson from the ISO believes that the Dutch “can learn a lot from other cultures in education,” which makes it difficult to refuse entry to foreigners immediately.
What’s the solution?
The main problem is that most internationals go to the same cities. Mainly, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam.
Fancy falling asleep tothe rhythmic chugging of a train and waking up in Spain? Well, you’re in luck, because a new night train will be charging down the tracks to get you there by the end of 2023. 🇪🇸
European Sleeper, the Dutch railway company that will be rolling out a night train to Berlin from Amsterdam, has its eye on a new target destination: Barcelona.
With the European Comission approving plans to create or improve rail services across the EU, European Sleeper has unveiled a new night train.
Intended to ferry passengers from several stations in the Netherlands to Spain’s scenic heart, it’s expected to get here by December 10, 2023. (Early Christmas present, anyone? 😉)
The Netherlands and Spain just got a whole lot closer
Pick up the phone, because mouth-wateringly authentic paella and Rioja are calling! 🥘
According to the Autoriteit Consument & Markt (the Dutch authority for consumers and markets) his brand spanking new train will be stopping at stations Amsterdam Centraal, Den Haag HS, Rotterdam Centraal, and Roosendaal.
Although the exact schedule is still to be determined, the ACM has announced that trains will likely run three times per week — but this may be subject to change based on demand.
Will you be taking the night train to Barcelona this year? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Editor’s note: Based on new information, we have amended our article.
Wageningen BioVeterinary researchers discovered a singular case of mad cow disease at a farm in the South of Holland (but there isn’t too much to worry about).
Piet Adema, Minister of Agriculture, announced that the disease was found in the cadaver of a cow on January 30, reports the NOS.
Fortunately, the disease hasn’t entered the food chain and doesn’t pose a threat to food safety. Phew! 😅
Where did the disease come from?
The poor cow developed an atypical form of mad cow disease that usually occurs when they’re older. Since the disease developed internally, there is no need to worry about contamination in your food.
The news would be slightly more alarming if the cow developed a “classic” case, which is caused by eating contaminated animal feed, but thankfully, the situation is under control.
What is mad cow disease?
In humans, mad cow disease is a fatal brain disease that comes from eating the contaminated meat of a cow that’s been infected by it.
Usually, people die within one year of contracting the incurable illness.
What measures are being taken?
Adema says it was “a kind of ‘old-age BSE’” and that the 8-year-old cow has died of natural causes.
There are also 13 more animals that must be killed for preventative measures, including calves from the cow that contracted it.
To take extra precautions, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has blocked any cattle and manure from leaving the Dutch farm.
What do you think of this discovery? Tell us in the comments below!
Sorry students and young professionals, prices for student rooms have gone up and will continue to rise.
In 2022, the price for an average student room went up by 10%. 🤯
With a decrease in offers and an increasing demand for rental housing, more and more students are struggling to find a place to call home, reports kamernet.nl.
No place to stay
Dutch rental markets are suffering due to the global pandemic, the war outbreak in Ukraine, the rising of energy prices, and inflation.
With the return of in-person education, the housing demand from Dutch and international students in larger cities, especially in Amsterdam, The Hague, Haarlem, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, has risen.
Prices have gone up significantly for the average rental price of various housing types: a room (+10%), a studio (12%), and an apartment (+5%).
With no available or affordable accommodation, students and young professionals have had to press pause on their dreams as they haven’t found a place in cities where they want to work, study, or do an internship. Dat is echt slecht. 😔
What happens next?
More and more people are teaming up and jointly looking for housing to pay together with other starters or students. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
With one-third of municipalities imposing measures on real estate investors and private landlords to increase the supply of start-up homes, it’s still doubtful that these measures will be effective on the housing market.
Unfortunately, there is no clear light at the end of the tunnel, just yet. If anything, supply in the rental market will decline further while demand will only increase.
Have you had trouble finding a room in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
Ah, the age-old tale! Due to a regional strike by public transport staff, some trains in the east and the north of the Netherlands will not be riding today. (Sorry, passengers!)
As RTL Nieuws reports, Arriva employees from Leeuwarden, Emmen, Mariënberg and Zwolle will not work today.
The strike is a way of “fighting for less workload and higher wages,” says Wim Eilert, director of the labour union VVMC.
The wheels on the bus go round
According to Arriva, today’s strike should only affect trains, not buses. 🚌
Door een staking op donderdag 2 februari, kan onze dienstregeling van de trein op de Vechtdallijnen (Drenthe/Overijssel) en in Friesland te maken krijgen met verstoringen. We adviseren reizigers gebruik te maken van ander vervoer. Kijk voor meer info op:https://t.co/7PXEZTJrRhpic.twitter.com/g0yNfIXh7R
Translation: Due to a strike on Thursday, 2 February, our train timetable on the Vechtdal lines (Drenthe/Overijssel) and in Friesland may be affected by disruptions. We advise travellers to use other means of transport. For more information, look at: http://arriva.nl/staking
The strike comes after the recent halt of important negotiations for wage increases by the collective labour agreement — just like in December of last year.
Around 1,300 employees are concerned by these negotiations, but it is unknown whether they will all participate in the strike.
Keeping ‘em coming
You better sort out next week’s travel plans ahead of time, because the strikes are far from over.
Next week will see strikes on five consecutive days. Around 13,000 employees from the larger regional transport labour agreement will stop working, affecting mostly buses. Yikes!
What do you think about the upcoming strikes? Tell us in the comments!
Are you planning to commute tomorrow? You might want to check your train schedules before you leave the house.
According to the labour union, VVMC, the regional transport strike will affect regional rail transport and other public transport in the east and north of the Netherlands, reports RTL Nieuws.
For better working conditions
The regional strike affects multiple bus and train transport companies, such as Arriva and Keolis.
The third day of the strike includes 1,300 employees, primarily train staff, who “are fighting for less workload and a higher wage,” reports VVMC director Wim Eilert.
Next week from Monday, the employees of larger public transportation will strike for five days, mainly concerning buses.
The ultimatum
Edwin Kuiper, director of the largest trade union confederation, FNV, stated that “both collective agreements are about the same problems: people can hardly make ends meet due to high inflation, staff shortages, and high absenteeism.”
According to Kuiper, public transport companies should take measures to reduce the workload, which will also decrease absenteeism.
While employees were offered an 8% wage increase for 2023, the unions already stated that they thought this was too little. For this reason, the strike continues.
WVOV chairman, Fred Kagie, reported that it is important in the short term to see what employers in the sector deem important.
What do you think about these public transport strikes? Tell us in the comments below!
