Municipal elections in the Netherlands might not spark TikTok-level hype, but for expats, they’re often the only elections where your voice actually counts. So don’t miss out!
Dutch residents vote for their local council every four years.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need Dutch citizenship to vote; being registered with the municipality is enough.
So if you’re an international living here and want to wield your voting power, this guide on the 2026 municipal elections is for you.
The following roadmap outlines what the elections are, who can vote, how they work, and what’s at stake — with a special focus on Amsterdam, where the next elections are on the 18th of March, 2026.
What are municipal elections in the Netherlands?
Municipal elections (gemeenteraadsverkiezingen) decide who sits on your local council (gemeenteraad).
This council is the city’s highest decision-making body. It sets local policies, controls the budget, and keeps the alderpersons and the mayor in check.
Municipal elections decide who makes decisions on housing, transport, bins, and much more that affect your day-to-day life in the municipality you’re living in.
These elections happen every four years, and each municipality runs them separately.
Signage makes it clear where to cast your vote! Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
While they are all generally scheduled on the same day, it’s important to check your municipality’s website for more specific information, as locations and times can vary.
This is important: issues, parties, and candidates can vary widely from city to city.
Unlike national elections (which tend to focus on big-picture policies and lengthy coalition negotiations), municipal elections are actually refreshingly practical, especially for internationals. Local councils actually decide on policies that shape everyday life.
Think: housing developments, parking permits, cycle lanes, rubbish collection, local taxes, and how neighbourhood budgets get spent.
Why municipal elections actually matter for expats
Even if you can’t vote in Dutch national elections, municipal elections give you a valuable say in how your city works.
In cities with large international populations, such as Amsterdam, expat voters can genuinely influence outcomes.
Voting also sends a signal. It shows local politicians that internationals are engaged, paying attention, and deserve to be addressed in municipal policy discussions.
In short, if you live here, pay taxes here, and build a life here, municipal elections allow you to give input on elements that can greatly affect your quality of life.
Who can vote in Dutch municipal elections?
Mind-blowing PSA: You do not need Dutch nationality to vote in municipal elections.
The basic requirements
To vote, you must:
Be 18 or older
Be officially registered as a resident in a Dutch municipality
Live in the Netherlands legally
If you meet those conditions, your eligibility depends on your nationality.
Dutch citizens:
Dutch nationals can always vote in municipal elections, as long as they’re registered at a Dutch address.
EU citizens:
If you’re an EU citizen living in the Netherlands, you can vote in municipal elections without a minimum residence period.
As soon as you’re registered in the BRP (municipal population register), you’re eligible.
Non-EU citizens:
Non-EU expats can vote in municipal elections if they’ve legally lived in the Netherlands for at least five consecutive years and have been continuously registered during that period.
This applies to many long-term residents, including those on work or family permits.
One important caveat! You must be registered in the municipality by the official cut-off date. If you move shortly before the elections, it can affect where—or whether—you can vote. Don’t disenfranchise yourself accidentally, guys. We’re better than that.
How voting works in practice
If you’re eligible, voting is straightforward.
Your voter pass (stempas)
You’ll receive a voter pass by post around two weeks before election day. This is sent automatically by postal mail to your house — you don’t need to register separately.
If it doesn’t arrive, you can request a replacement from your municipality.
What to bring
On election day, you need your voter pass and a valid ID (passport, residence permit, or Dutch driving licence). Your ID can be expired, as long as it expired less than five years ago.
Where and when to vote
Polling stations are usually open from 07:30 to 21:00. You can vote at any polling station within your municipality.
Can’t make it yourself?
You can authorise someone else to vote on your behalf by proxy. This is common and well-regulated.
Who are you voting for?
In municipal elections, you vote for political parties and candidates who will form the municipal council (that’s the one that decides that wildly important local policy, remember?).
Seats are distributed through proportional representation. This means even smaller parties can win seats if they receive enough votes.
Not even a global pandemic could stop these determined voters! Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
In larger cities (like Amsterdam), voters may also vote for district or neighbourhood committees. These bodies advise the municipality and help decide how local budgets are spent.
The composition of the council influences who becomes an alderperson and which policies get prioritised.
So really, it’s a very important election, and your vote certainly has the power to change things. In practice, you’re shaping local coalitions and determining how your city is governed for the next four years.
Municipal elections in Amsterdam — what expats should know
Now, let’s get into a more practical example: Amsterdam’s 2026 municipal election (on March 18, remember? Write it down, guys.)
Amsterdam has one of the most international electorates in the Netherlands, which makes this municipality’s elections especially relevant for expats.
Who runs the city?
Amsterdam has a 45-seat city council, an executive board with the mayor and alderpersons, and district committees (bestuurscommissies) across the city.
Can expats vote in Amsterdam?
Yes — if you meet the national eligibility rules and are registered in Amsterdam, you can vote here.
This includes EU citizens and non-EU residents who’ve lived in the Netherlands for five years or more.
As previously mentioned, Amsterdam residents also vote for district committees. This vote actually has more lenient eligibility rules.
For district committee votes, you can vote from the age of 16. Non-EU residents still need to have been registered for five years.
Issues that matter locally
Amsterdam municipal elections often focus on housing shortages and rent regulation, cycling and public transport infrastructure, sustainability and climate measures, and tourism pressure versus neighbourhood liveability.
Local parties and city-specific lists play a big role, so national party positions don’t always tell the full story.
What’s on the docket this time, and who’s running?
Municipal candidate lists are submitted to the city election office on February 2, 2026, and are then the definitive source for who is running.
Here’s the run-down on this year’s lists:
First, there’s the D66 candidate list, led by Melanie van der Horst. In line with the party’s national goals, these candidates are focused on issues like housing mobility and inclusive governance.
There’s also information available for the lists of GroenLinks, VVD, and PvdA. The goals of their candidates generally reflect the larger ideological stances of each party, but, of course, things can still vary candidate to candidate.
While these are the parties most represented in Amsterdam, don’t forget that there are others, too!
While each party frames the municipality’s issues differently, the general topics include affordable housing, sustainability, public transport, urban planning, local economy, and resident safety.
The best thing to do before the election is to familiarise yourself with the candidates of your preferred party and vote based on their focus, credentials, and ideals.
How to prepare before election day
Before voting, it helps to check your polling station location, read party programmes (especially local ones), and look at candidate lists rather than just party names.
If you feel really lost, don’t fret: there are lots of resources to help you figure out who gets your vote (for instance, this stemwijzer from ProDemos).
No peeking! Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen
Many municipalities also organise debates or publish voter guides. Even a quick skim can help you vote more confidently.
What happens after the elections?
Once votes are counted, parties negotiate to form a governing coalition, just like on the national level.
This process can take weeks, especially in fragmented councils. Once a coalition is agreed, alderpersons are appointed, and policy plans are finalised.
Your vote helps decide which voices are at the table during those negotiations.
Voting in Dutch municipal elections as an international: Frequently asked questions
Can I vote if I just moved to the Netherlands?
Only if you’re registered by the cut-off date and meet nationality requirements:
+18 years of age,
Not legally barred from voting in your home country or in the Netherlands,
Citizen of the European Union, or
A non-EU citizen living in the Netherlands for at least 5 years with a valid residence permit.
Can I vote from abroad?
You can only vote in municipal elections if you are still officially registered as living in the Netherlands.
Do I need to speak Dutch to vote?
No. Ballots are in Dutch, but assistance is available at polling stations.
Do municipal elections affect national politics?
Indirectly. Results often influence national party strategies and leadership debates.
Where can I find more information about the elections?
Kiesraad’s website (the Electoral Council) is a great source for election details.
Additionally, as rules may vary slightly by municipality, it’s always best to check your local council’s election page for the most up-to-date information.
What are you waiting for? Have your say on March 18, 2026 — your voice in local politics starts here.
The Netherlands has had countless incredible, powerful, and strong women throughout history.
What better way could there be to celebrate International Women’s Day, or as the Dutch say, Internationale Vrouwendag, than by sharing the stories of a selection of Dutch women who championed feminism in their own way?
Here are 11 kick-ass Dutch women whose legacies live on.
1. Anna Maria van Schurman: the first female university student in Europe (1607-1678)
Anna Maria made waves as the first woman who attended university in the Netherlands — and potentially in Europe.
However, it wasn’t easy: at lectures, she had to hide behind a curtain because, goodness, a woman in the classroom may just distract the male students.
All in all, it was worth it: Anna Maria was extremely well-educated and could speak 14 languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Syriac, Aramaic, and Ethiopic, as well as various contemporary European languages.
She was also renowned as a scholar, poet, and painter. What a legend!
2. Cornelia ‘Corrie’ ten Boom: a weapon of the Dutch Resistance (1892-1983)
Corrie ten Boom is credited with saving around 800 Jewish people during World War II through her work in the Dutch Resistance. Corrie and her family opened their home to refugees, hiding them behind a secret wall.
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” Corrie Ten Boom – Nazi Holocaust Survivor pic.twitter.com/bW52ygrvgH
She later worked to smuggle Jewish people to safety through underground networks. Unfortunately, Corrie and her family were caught, and she was arrested and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp.
She was released in late December 1944 thanks to a clerical error — while the other women in her camp were sent to the gas chambers a year later. Now, she is remembered for her courage and commitment to humanity.
3. Fanny Blankers-Koen: the flying housewife (1918-2004)
Fanny Blankers was a 30-year-old mother of two when she competed in the 1948 London Olympics.
She became the most successful athlete at the event when she won four gold medals for the 80 metre, 100m, and 200m hurdles, plus the 4 x 100m relay!
The famous athlete during an 80m hurdles race in 1948. Image: Ben van Meerendonk/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0
But Fanny, nicknamed “the flying housewife,” didn’t leave her success at the Olympics. She went on to win five European titles, set/tied for 12 world records and won a whopping 58 Dutch championships.
In 1999, she was awarded the title “athlete of the century” by the International Association of Athletics Federation — flying champion seems like a more accurate description!
4. Elisabeth Wandscherer: the original “let them eat cake” (†1535)
Elisabeth wasn’t exactly lucky when it came to husbands. Image: Caspar Görke/Wikimedia Commons/CC01.0
A jump back in time takes us to Elisabeth Wandscherer, one of the 16 wives of the dictator Jan van Leiden.
Van Leiden chose Elisabeth as one of his many spouses in the German city of Münster after he made polygamy compulsory — his convenient response to the fact that the number of women in the city outnumbered the number of men.
But Elisabeth wasn’t a quiet wife: when the city was under siege during the Münster Rebellion, food shortages caused starvation. Elisabeth openly criticised her husband for living a life of luxury while his people starved.
She returned the lavish gifts he had given her and requested to leave the city — but Van Leiden wasn’t a particularly reasonable man and had her publicly beheaded instead.
5. Mata Hari: a sex symbol who owned it (1886-1917)
Born in Leeuwarden as Margaretha Zelle, Mata Hari is one of history’s best-known courtesans.
The Dutch dancer, who lived in the Netherlands, Indonesia, and France, began her career after leaving her husband, Dutch Colonial Army Captain Rudolf MacLeod, due to his alcoholism and abusive nature.
She cut ties with married life and took to the stage. She believed her “flawless body” was a gift from God and that it was a crime not to flaunt it — so she did. As she should!
As a feminist ahead of her time, she pursued her dream unconventionally. But it was her travels between the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands that drew the attention of the Germans.
The Germans believed she was working as a double agent for both Germany and France during World War I. To this day, it is unclear if these accusations have any truth to them.
On February 13, 1917, Mata was arrested by the French on the grounds of being a secret agent. She was found guilty of espionage and executed by a firing squad on October 15, 1917.
6. Sylvia Kristel: from a turbulent upbringing to a silver screen star (1952-2012)
Born in Utrecht, Sylvia won Miss TV Europe in 1973 at just 21. Her linguistic talents opened doors into the film industry for her.
Best known for her roles in the five Emmanuelle films, she was famed for bringing “softcore” pornography to mainstream cinema.
Sylvia won critical acclaim for her title role — and Emmanuelle remains the most iconic erotic French films to this day.
Sylvia was known for her role in the Emmanuelle films. Image: Hans Peters/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0
Sylvia also starred in Lady Chatterley’s Lover (the first “Fifty Shades” of its time) and even played Mata Hari (hey, remember her?) in the nudity-filled WWI biopic.
However, Kristel had a turbulent upbringing. She was abandoned by her father, abused as a child, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. It was, unfortunately, no surprise that after 49 years of smoking, lung cancer finally took her life at age 60.
7. Hannie Schaft: the red-haired badass of the Dutch resistance (1920-1945)
Jannetje Johanna Schaft, or Hannie Schaft, worked for the Dutch resistance during the German occupation of the Netherlands.
She acted as an assassin and saboteur for the resistance and became known to the Germans as “the girl with the red hair” — a description that was placed on the Nazi’s most-wanted list.
Schaft carried out many brave acts of resistance but sadly didn’t survive the German occupation. She was arrested at a military checkpoint in Haarlem on March 21, 1945, and was executed by Nazi officials on April 17, 1945.
She was shot at close range by two German soldiers. However, their first attempt only wounded her. She is said to have told them “Ik schiet beter,” meaning “I shoot better,” before receiving one last fatal shot.
8. Freddie Oversteegen: the teen Dutch resistance fighter (1925-2018)
She belonged to a group of three young women (including her sister, Truus, and Hannie Schaft) who would sabotage and assassinate German soldiers and traitors.
Freddie Oversteegen (left) was famous for her assassination techniques. Image: Dutch Ministry of Defense/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0
Freddie was quite small and wore her hair in two braids, which made her look innocent and enabled her to get away easily. Her method of attack was often a drive-by — Truus would cycle a bike whilst Freddie sat on the back and shot.
However, Freddie is most famed for her second assassination technique. She would meet soldiers and collaborators in the taverns and ask them if they would like to “go for a stroll.” Upon accepting the offer, the targets would be led to the woods and shot in a surprise attack.
9. Aletta Jacobs: suffragette and the first female Dutch doctor (1854-1929)
Aletta was a Dutch suffrage activist born in Sappemeer. As the daughter of a doctor, she knew from an early age the future she wanted for herself. Aletta studied many languages along with history and mathematics (all subjects typically reserved for boys).
Thanks to her father’s encouragement after being denied access to secondary education in 1867, she fought for her rights, later beating all odds to become an assistant chemist.
Aletta obtained permission from the then-First Minister of the Netherlands to attend a university where she became the first Dutch woman to complete a degree in medicine and become a doctor.
Her work and championing of feminism filled her entire life. Aletta worked to protect women from trafficking and the impunity of prostitution.
She helped inform women about STIs, provided contraception, and offered free consultations to prostitutes, poor people, and children.
In 1903, Aletta became the leader of the International Women Suffrage Alliance — truly championing women’s rights — and helped lead women to obtain the right to vote in 1919.
10. Corry Tendeloo: champion for equality (1897-1956)
Born in Indonesia, Cornélie Tendeloo moved to Leiden before becoming a lawyer in Amsterdam. It was a love for parity, social movements, and justice that led her to a life of public service and, ultimately, politics.
Beginning her political career as a councillor, she then obtained her seat in the Dutch House of Representatives after the war. Corry is the woman we have to thank for having the right to work.
Corry helped secure universal suffrage for the Dutch colonies of Suriname and Curaçao. Image: Nationaal Archief NL/Wikimedia/Public Domain
It was her efforts that helped to abolish the law insisting only married women had the right to work.
Sadly, Corry died before seeing her efforts come to fruition: emancipation for women, which allowed them to obtain gainful employment legally, become a reality. She passed in 1956, just before the law was scrapped.
Her work in seeking equality between husband and wife and men and women is still referenced and admired today — she, after all, helped to squash sexist rules that prevented Dutch women from thriving.
11. Anne Frank: a writer’s glimpse into WWII (1929-1945)
We couldn’t possibly finish this post without a nod to arguably the best-known woman in the Netherlands, Anne Frank. In a world-renowned diary, Anne provided the only real insight we have into the life of a Jewish person during World War II to date.
Anne’s diary provided a window into the life of a family, fearful for their lives and innocently caught up in Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
The story of Anne Frank humanised WWII in a way that nothing else could. Her story has and continues to impact our understanding of genocide and fascism today.
Who is your Dutch heroine, and where do you seek inspiration from this International Women’s Day? Let us know in the comments!
Repatriation flights from Oman and Egypt are on the way for stranded Dutch travellers, with a noon registration deadline.
The Dutch government is ramping up efforts to bring stranded nationals home from the Middle East, with KLM and TUI flights scheduled out of Muscat, Oman, and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in the coming days.
According to RTL Nieuws, Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen (CDA) informed the House of Representatives that the ambition is to operate even more flights going forward.
Further details could potentially be announced later today.
Who can get on board?
Eligibility covers residents of both the Netherlands and the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom.
You’ll also need to have registered via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Crisis Contact Form — and time is running out: the registration window closes at noon today (March 6).
The ministry also stresses that ringing airlines directly to ask about these flights is not the way to go, as they will be unable to help you.
Getting to the airport
For some travellers, the logistics go beyond just boarding a plane. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has arranged cross-border transport to get affected Dutch nationals to their departure airports.
Life in the Netherlands as an international is pretty great — but armed with these top apps, it can be even better.
And our favourite bit? They are all free! Trust us, you won’t regret downloading them! 😉
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
1. Buienalarm: always be ready for the rain
Never get soaked by a storm again! Image: DutchReview
If you really want to live like a Dutchie, then you need this app. Buienalarm sends you a notification if it’s going to rain or snow (which is every five minutes in the Netherlands).
It’ll say something like “heavy rain shower in five minutes for a duration of 30 minutes.”
Buienalarm is useful, especially if you’re about to pop out somewhere, and it tells you that you’re going to get soaking wet. It also shows you a graph of how much rainfall there is going to be.
It’s like a tiny buddy in your pocket, who can show you accurate weather information. Trust us, Dutchies rely on this app A LOT. Save yourself from being soaked!
2. Tikkie: IOUs the Dutch way
Handy money transfer apps for handy people. Image: DutchReview
This app is another staple in Dutch culture. You go out for some drinks with your new Dutch friends, and rather than buying rounds at the bar, they will probably “send you a Tikkie” the following day.
You’ll be able to keep track of your personal finances and spending, the stock market, and the money you’ve invested with ease. DEGIRO is a relatively low-risk investing app, so you’ll be able to learn the ropes without too much at stake.
Disclaimer: Investing involves risk of loss.
4. DigiD: identification at your fingertips
Essential for those tax authority mails! Image: DutchReview
This app is essential for getting through the sometimes baffling Dutch bureaucracy. DigiD is an online identification that links to your BSN (citizen service number) and is used by almost every governmental body in the Netherlands.
You’ll need it if you are filling out your taxes, applying for residency, applying for any benefits, or using many other services.
We recommend bunq due to the fact that their app is in English, you can open an account before your BSN arrives, and their bank is perfect for Dutchies or internationals. Hallelujah to bunq, our lives are much easier now!
That means you don’t have to make managing your money any more confusing because you don’t understand what it says.
So not only does it save time, but it also prevents some silly mistakes and gives you peace of mind when it comes to managing your finances.
6. 9292: use Dutch public transport with ease
This is an essential app for anyone who uses the Dutch public transport system! Image: DutchReview
The 9292 app is great as it has all public transport information in one place; it’s like your little travel companion.
No need to open multiple apps in a frantic attempt to try to find out when your next train is, with 9292, you can check times for trains, trams, the metro, and buses.
You can also get up-to-date information on delays, cancellations, and weather disruptions.
You can also personalise it and save your preferences, making the synchronisation of your travel information easier than ever.
7. NS: train tickets in your pocket
Keep track of train schedules, changes, and your tickets in one place. Image: DutchReview
NS is the Dutch train network, so this app is ideal for train information. Just as good as 9292 when it comes to train schedules, the NS app also lets you access your train tickets on your phone.
You can then use your phone to scan in through the gates and catch your train.
It means you don’t have to worry about buying the train ticket at the station, you don’t have to pay the surcharge for the disposable ticket, and it’s much harder to lose the ticket because it’s on your phone. Sometimes the tickets even come at a discount!
Just go into your tickets on the app, bring up the bar code (the app will automatically brighten your screen) and tap on the gate screens, and it should work just fine. Easy peasy!
8. Too Good to Go: reducing food waste in a big way
Too Good To Go is perfect for finding a last-minute dinner or a late-night snack! Image: DutchReview
Want some deliciously discounted food, and help save the planet? Then Too Good To Go might just be your new favourite app.
The app teams up with local businesses to make up “Magic Boxes” goodies on their sell-by date for only a few euros.
The idea is to help reduce food waste and get you some tasty treats. The app isn’t Dutch but is really popular in the Netherlands, with over two million users. That’s not surprising, seeing how eco-friendly the Dutch are.
9. Flitsmeister: making Dutch driving easy
Stay safe while driving! Image: DutchReview
This app is great if you have a car. It’s saved me from getting a lot of speeding tickets in the past. Before I found the app, I already had two speeding tickets. Oops.
Flitsmeister tells you the current speed limit and also lets you know if there is a speed camera up ahead.
This way, there are absolutely no excuses for speeding (even slightly), and you can drive safely and easily, and save yourself money from those silly fines!
It informs you of traffic updates from A to B, speed cameras, speed traps, road reconstruction, incidents, closed roads and if you’re nearing emergency vehicles on Dutch and Belgian roads. Not bad, eh?
10. Google Translate: the entire Dutch language, digitised
Your personal dictionary will always be on hand. Image: DutchReview
It’s kind of an obvious one, but honestly, this app has been a godsend. This is especially so if you’ve just arrived and had absolutely no idea about the Dutch language.
Google Translate allows you to copy and paste Dutch sentences and translate them into English (and other languages). You can also screenshot something on your phone, upload it to the app, and it will translate it all for you.
You can also hover over your chosen text or take a photo, and it will translate it all. This is so helpful while shopping or when you receive an important letter in the post. Just take a picture of it, and you’re away. 🤳
In case you’ve been living in a cave for a while and haven’t heard of it, here’s the concept.
Duolingo is a free language app in English, which provides you with many different languages that you can learn FOR FREE.
It’s really easy to use, and you can pick how frequently you want to practice the language by setting goals.
This app is perfect for beginners as it starts you off with all of the basic Dutch words that you need to know (like schildpad 🐢). If a free Dutch language app isn’t useful to an international, then what is?
We hope you found this guide helpful and that you’ve successfully got the best apps to have as an international in the Netherlands.
Now you’re set to tackle the big, wide Dutch world and explore the lowlands with ease!
What’s the most useful app you downloaded while living in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Investing involves risks, and you can lose your investment. DutchReview is not a financial consultancy. The content as shared on the website and on DutchReview’s social accounts does not contain any financially binding advice.
Getting a Dutch mobile number is often one of the first priorities for new internationals in the Netherlands, but is it better to opt for an eSIM or a physical SIM card?
Let’s break down the differences and help you choose the best option for your needs. 👇
What’s the difference between an eSIM and a regular SIM?
While eSIMs and physical SIM cards have many similarities, the way they function is quite different.
A regular SIM card is a small, physical chip that you can insert into your mobile device.
An eSIM, on the other hand, works electronically. Short for “embedded SIM”, an eSIM is a digital SIM profile that you need to purchase, download, and then install.
Pros and cons of getting a Dutch eSIM
eSIMs are rapidly gaining popularity in the Netherlands, thanks to their sheer convenience. You can activate most eSIMs in a matter of minutes, sometimes before your flight has even touched down at Schiphol.
This is ideal for new arrivals or tourists, especially those who want a connection ASAP and don’t want the hassle of trekking to a physical store to buy one.
With an eSIM, there’s no mad dash at the airport. Image: Freepik
Buying a SIM card online also bypasses a whole lot of headache-inducing Dutch bureaucracy. With an eSIM, you don’t need to wait for your BSN (citizen service number), open a Dutch bank account, or supply proof of your local address.
However, eSIMs aren’t without their flaws, either.
Not all mobile phones support eSIM technology, and individual eSIMs may be blocked on devices from certain regions. So, before purchasing an eSIM, it’s always a good idea to check if it’s compatible with your device.
In addition to this, eSIMs aren’t offered by all data providers. If you adore the speed and coverage of a certain provider, there’s no guarantee that they’ll offer eSIM versions of their prepaid or SIM-only plans.
Pros and cons of getting a regular Dutch SIM card
Despite not being the modern, high-tech choice, physical SIM cards still offer a whole host of benefits.
Not only can you actually transfer physical SIMs between devices, but they also work on virtually any mobile device — yes, even your nan’s old Nokia. So if your mobile runs out of battery or breaks, you can simply move your SIM to another device and carry on.
Physical SIM cards aren’t picky about how old your mobile is, and they’re super easy to swap between devices. Image: Dreamstime
On the downside, physical SIM cards take much longer to activate than their digital counterparts. You’ll need to either hop into a brick-and-mortar store or have your SIM card shipped to you by post. (And hope PostNL doesn’t lose your package. 👀)
Speaking of things getting lost, physical SIMs are much easier to misplace, being relatively small and delicate.
If you’re someone who travels frequently and needs to switch SIM cards, this might be an all-too-familiar annoyance.
Whether you’re Team eSIM or Team regular SIM card, Simyo has a generous range of budget-friendly plans available. Plus, with discounted access to KPN’s ultra-reliable network and a whopping 35 consumer awards to their name, you know you’re getting a good deal. 💪🏆
Rotterdam — a city where everyone loves to rave about the quirky new-age architecture, its multicultural quotient, and the resilience and ‘realness’ of the Rotterdammers.
But living in a city you love should not stop you from exploring places around it. You never know what you’ll find!
I’ve been living here for the past few years, so here’s my list of the 21 best day trips you can take from Rotterdam!
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
Day trips less than 30-minutes from Rotterdam
Perhaps you’re in the mood for a quick and refreshing jaunt to clear your head in the middle of a stressful week?
Well, you’re in luck, because these day trips are less than 30 minutes away from Rotterdam and are sure to give you a much-needed mood boost! 💪
1. Delft: a city steeped in history
Delft is a quintessential Dutch town. Image: Pixabay
Delft is one of the most easily accessible day trip destinations from Rotterdam. Don’t be fooled by its seeming similarity to other Dutch towns — Delft really is something special.
The city has a lot to offer for people who are looking for a bit of history (after all, it is the place where Willem van Oranje was shot), a bit of vintage Dutch architecture, and a whole lot of fun.
There are plenty of things you can do for free, making it the perfect day trip destination for those trying to travel on a budget.
You can even cycle (or walk) here from Rotterdam to save some extra cash! 🤑
🚗 Travel time by car: 25 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 11 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Oude & Nieuwe Kerk (churches), Prinsenhof, Oostport
2. Dordrecht: the oldest city in Holland
The historic centre of Dordrecht. Image: Depositphotos
It’s also the fifth largest city in the province of South Holland — but still has that typical Dutch small-city charm.
You’ll find quintessentially Dutch things here, from long winding canals and row houses to interesting monuments and museums giving testament to the prosperous history of this city on the water.
🚗 Travel time by car: 30 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 15 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Grote Kerk (church), Dordrechts Museum, Het Hof van Nederland
3. De Biesbosch: one of Europe’s largest freshwater tidal wetlands
Sit back and watch how the sun sets over the national park. Image: Depositphotos
Located just outside of Dordrecht, De Biesbosch is one of the Netherlands’ biggest national parks.
The park is basically a freshwater delta that is made up of 8,000 hectares of small streams and rivers — and one of few freshwater tidal wetlands in the world.
It’s one of the easiest to get to and the closest places to visit from the city!
If you just hop on the green, yellow, or red metro line at Beurs, you’ll reach Schiedam city centre in about 15 minutes.
The town has some of the best windmills, and it’s the gin capital of the world. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
🚗 Travel time by car: 17 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 5 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: De Noord windmill, National Jenever Museum, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
5. Plaswijckpark: Rotterdam’s backyard
Another fun day trip from Rotterdam option can be found pretty much right here on the outskirts of the city and is guaranteed to be one of the best places to spend a day with your family.
It’s on the very edge of Rotterdam North — so it’s very easy to reach.
Founded in 1923, Plaswijckpark has evolved into one of the most fun dagje uit activities when the sun is shining.
While this small-scale amusement park doesn’t have the extravagance of Efteling, it does have everything you need to make sure it’s an interesting day for you and your little ones.
🚗 Travel time by car: 13 minutes 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 25 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Just let your children pick the attraction they love the most!
Day trips less than one hour from Rotterdam
Perhaps you’ve got a bit more time on your hands and are looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon?
We feel you, so we’ve compiled a list of day trips less than an hour away from Rotterdam’s bustling heart! 👇
6. Hoek van Holland: Rotterdam’s very own beach
Stroll along the beach and enjoy the pretty views. Image: Jana Vondráčková
Hoek van Holland is technically part of the Rotterdam municipality. However, the vibe couldn’t be more different from the one in the city itself.
Think cute coastal town with a vast beach, amazing sand dunes, and beach bars and clubs to enjoy a drink or two. It’s a great place to unwind and escape the busyness of day-to-day city life.
Take your fiets with you and cycle around to get a proper taste of the area. Hoek van Holland is also a great day-trip destination for a little hike or nature walk.
🚗 Travel time by car: 31 minutes 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 58 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Grabbing a drink in one of the bars and enjoying the scenic views
7. Kinderdijk: the iconic windmill park
Who doesn’t have windmills on their list of things to see in the Netherlands? Well, Kinderdijk is the perfect place to go to to check this item off that list.
Windmill parks have long existed in the Netherlands to harness sustainable energy — and Kinderdijk is one of the two most well-known parks in the country, with thousands of visitors flocking to the site every year.
🚗 Travel time by car: 32 minutes 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 58 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Nederwaard Museum Mill, Blokweer Museum Mill
8. The Hague and Scheveningen: a great summer getaway
A quick day trip to The Hague from Rotterdam will let you see all the main sights. Image: Depositphotos
No list of day trips from Rotterdam is complete without a mention of The Hague.
A city known for embassies and government buildings, the political capital of the Netherlands is just a stone’s throw away from Rotterdam.
Great spot to take it all in? Head to Hofvijver: the large, square lake is a perfect opportunity to capture the unique blend of buildings that form storktown. 🤳
If the sun is shining, make sure to pack your swimsuits! Scheveningen is one of the best beaches in the Netherlands, and you don’t want to miss it.
Stroll around the Scheveningen pier. Image: Depositphotos
Stroll along the busy pier and gaze out into the sea on a warm day, or enjoy some of the other free things The Hague has to offer.
If you’re interested in the underwater world, visit Sea Life, a huge aquarium where you can learn about 150 different species of fish they have in there.
🚗 Travel time by car: 24 minutes to The Hague Central Station, 31 minutes to Scheveningen 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 29 minutes to The Hague Central Station, 50 minutes to Scheveningen ⭐ Don’t miss: The Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, The Peace Palace, Sea Life, Madurodam, Scheveningen Pier
9. Voorlinden: the famous museum in Wassenaar
A really interesting day trip you can take from Rotterdam is to Museum Voorlinden — a contemporary art museum surrounded by beautiful forests, a carefully landscaped garden, a restaurant, and amazing art to really open up your mind.
Like with any other museum, there are permanent as well as temporary exhibitions. You can easily get to this stunning area by car or by public transport.
Simply head to the museum’s website for all the practical information you’ll need to get there.
🚗 Travel time by car: 34 minutes 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 1 hour and 7 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich
10. Leiden: the city of arts and sciences
One visit to Leiden will leave you wanting for more. Image: Depositphotos
We have a personal bias when telling you about this cosy student town (after all, it is our headquarters), but Leiden truly has a lot to offer to its visitors.
If you’re more into innovation and entrepreneurship, check out PLNT Leiden (our home base with a killer rooftop with chickens).
🚗 Travel time by car: 35 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 34 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Hortus Botanicus, Naturalis, Molenmuseum De Valk
11. Keukenhof: the Garden of Europe
Thousands of tourists always flock to the Netherlands to experience the famous tulip season — and what better place to do this than the famous Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world?
Beautiful fields filled with thousands of colourful bulbs are a real treat for the eye, and should not be missed by anyone!
If you’re more of a budget traveller, there are also countless tulip fields around Keukenhof that you can enjoy for free.
How? You’ll have to travel there to find out! 😉
🚗 Travel time by car: 53 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 1 hour and 10 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: It’s not just Keukenhof — you’ll find countless beautiful flower fields in this region
If you’re looking for a day trip from Rotterdam that even the Wikipedia page recommends, then Gouda is the place for you.
The city is famous for various things like its cheese (of course, you’ve heard of Gouda, the cheese!) and its amazing Dutch architecture.
The city is easily reachable by car or public transport and if you’re feeling particularly fit, you can even hop on a bike for one and a half hours, and you’re there!
Go to the Gouda cheese market and relish in one of the Dutch addictions or wander around the city centre and explore the Sint Janskerk and the famous city hall.
Gouda also has plenty of other gorgeous buildings.
🚗 Travel time by car: 30 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 18 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Gouda Cheese Market, Sint-Janskerk (church), Gouda Town Hall
13. Utrecht: the city of literature
Utrecht — the UNESCO City of Literature. Image: Depositphotos
We like to call it mini Amsterdam — Utrecht is a great alternative for those wanting to sail along canals, ride through small Dutch streets, and enjoy a drink on the terraces without the hustle and bustle of the capital.
The city has been dubbed the UNESCO City of Literature and spoken word events and book readings happen almost daily.
On top of that, Utrecht has the iconic Dom Tower with amazing views.
Venture outside the city and head to one of the Netherlands’ iconic castles, the neo-gothic De Haar.
The oldest building dates back to the 14th century, and the castle gardens stretch out for acres and host several events throughout the year.
🚗 Travel time by car: 57 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 36 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: The Dom Tower, Rietveld Schröder House, Hoog Catharijne
14. Amsterdam: the famous Dutch capital
Visit the capital in all its glory. Image: Depositphotos
Aah, good ol’ Amsterdam! A city that’s on everyone’s “Dutch cities to visit” list, the capital has evolved into a top tourist destination.
It is a burgeoning city that continues to grow, attracting tourists, Dutchies, and expats alike.
Take a boat ride around the city, visit the many museums (such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum), check out the botanical gardens, or enjoy one of the many parks.
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 1 minute 🚆 Travel time by train: 41 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: ARTIS Royal Zoo, Anne Frank House, Albert Cuyp Market, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
15. Tilburg: city with a hip urban scene
Tilburg may be small, but it sure is a dynamic day trip destination.
The city is known for repurposing its old buildings in the edgiest ways — like the LocHal, an old industrial locomotive hall turned into one of the best libraries in the world.
Whether you’re after cultural experiences, like festivals and museums (it has five great ones!), lush nature walks, or even a longer staycation, Tilburg has it all.
Our personal tip? Rent an e-scooter and discover Tilburg’s magical murals — you’ll never look at graffiti the same.
End your day with a cocktail at the Doloris rooftop bar or add an extra fun factor to your day trip from Rotterdam by experiencing their out-of-this-world maze.
Not your thing? Venture to the largest wildlife zoo in the Benelux, the Safaripark Beekse Bergen.
It’s open all year round and easily explored by boat, bus, your own car, or even on foot.
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 17 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 38 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: LocHal, Spoorpark, Spoorzone, Textielmuseum
16. Efteling: a fairytale paradise
Efteling — a land of hopes and dreams. Image: Depositphotos
Who loves a good fairy tale? 🙋♀️ If you do, then Efteling is the place for you.
This popular theme park is centred around well-known fairy tales with plenty of activities on offer, whether you have kids — or you’re just a child at heart yourself.
Ride the roller coasters, enjoy theatre performances, or try out the 18-hole golf course!
Efteling also has its very own holiday resort, so you could always turn it into a weekend trip.
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 2 minutes 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 1 hour and 27 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: The Fairytale Forest, Baron 1898
17. Madurodam: a magical miniature adventure
The tall Dutchies are no stranger to towering over their surroundings; now, you too can grow tall among the sights of Madurodam! Image: Depositphotos
Fancy a day trip that lets you see the entire Netherlands in one day? Dat kan!
We knew this was a small country full of tall people, but a day out at Madurodam takes it to the wonderful extreme.
The interactive, miniature park Madurodam is an educational family day out with fun activities and attractions all about immersing yourself in the history and culture of the lowlands.
In just a short trip, you can discover the story of the Netherlands from the very beginning. 📖
🚗 Travel time by car: 25 minutes 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 49 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Setting sail aboard the immersive De Vergulde Bever ship for a true 17th-century experience
Of course, we couldn’t conclude this article without a little something for your weekend away bucket list. 😉
18. Oosterschelde: Netherlands’ largest national park
Netherlands’ largest national park is just an hour away from Rotterdam. Image: Luka Peternel/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
The largest national park in the Netherlands is just an hour-long drive away from Rotterdam!
What makes it so special? Every time you visit, it will look completely different because of the changing tides.
Even better, the park is home to various animals and plants, making it a place no nature-lover should miss.
Oosterchelde has cruises to take you around as well as plenty of walking trails — so get out your hiking boots, there’s a whole lot for you to explore.
You might even spot some porpoises out in the waters if you’re lucky! 🐬
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 12 minutes
19. Hoge Veluwe: a national park in the east of the Netherlands
Hoge Veluwe is definitely worth exploring. Image: Depositphotos
Hoge Veluwe is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the country.
It has a varied topography with everything from lush green forests to high sand dunes and is home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna.
As you would expect, the place has a great infrastructure for cyclists.
Drive to one of the entrances at Otterlo, Hoenderloo, or Schaarsbergen, and then make your way through the park with your bike.
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 17 minutes 🚆 Travel time by public transport: 2 hours and 3 minutes
A city whose history goes back over 2,000 years, Nijmegen is definitely one of the most unique destinations for a day trip from Rotterdam.
Follow the traces of the Romans or savour a walk through one of the local vineyards (with small breaks to also enjoy this drink, of course). 🍷
If you’re more into trendy boutique shops, Nijmegen has that too!
After a long afternoon of shopping, head to the Kronenburgerpark to relax or take in some views of the city from the popular Waalkade.
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 26 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 1 hour and 42 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Stevenskerk, Kronenburgerpark, Rivierpark, Waalkade
21. Maastricht: a place to see medieval monuments
A cruise on the Maas river is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Image: Depositphotos
A popular student city, Maastricht is located on the southernmost edge of the lowlands. It’s a great day trip destination with cute cobbled streets, medieval monuments, and pretty parks.
From a Roman settlement to a medieval centre of religion to a thriving cultural hub, the capital of Limburg has plenty to offer, whether it’s architecture, great food, or tranquil nature spots.
Enjoy a cruise on the river Maas or discover the famous caves of Mount Saint Peter from the 13th century.
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 17 minutes 🚆 Travel time by train: 2 hours and 16 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Vrijthof, Wyck, Helpoort, Maastricht caves
22. Belgium: a road trip to the neighbour
Antwerp is just one of Belgium’s pretty towns and cities. Image: Depositphotos
Looking for a quick road trip outside of the Netherlands for a day? The great thing about living in a small country with good infrastructure is that you can easily visit the neighbours.
Belgium is famous for great waffles, refreshing beer, and of course, the chocolate! Whether it’s Antwerp, Mechelen, or Brugge, there are several beautiful towns to choose from.
The best part? They are all just a short drive from Rotterdam — and easy to get to by bus or train as well, especially if you travel with Eurostar.
Some other cities you shouldn’t miss include, of course, Ghent and Brussels.
Mechelen: 🚗 1 hour and 37 minutes, 🚆 1 hour and 8 minutes Antwerp: 🚗 1 hour and 50 minutes, 🚆 32 minutes Ghent: 🚗 2 hours and 5 minutes, 🚆 1 hour and 35 minutes Brugge: 🚗 2 hours and 22 minutes, 🚆 2 hours and 3 minutes Brussels: 🚗 2 hours and 28 minutes, 🚆 1 hour and 21 minutes
How to get around the Netherlands for day trips
Wondering how to get to all these epic day trip destinations from Rotterdam? With the country’s great infrastructure, you’ve got multiple options:
Going with OV — the Dutch public transport system
One of the easiest ways to get around the Netherlands and tackle distances that aren’t manageable by bike is public transport.
The majority of Dutch cities have trains, trams, and buses, and some even have metro and ferries.
A great option is to get a day ticket which sometimes combines travel to a particular destination with, for example, a visit to an attraction or a meal.
Another great way to travel is with an OV chip card. Simply top up your balance and use the card on all forms of public transport.
Driving around Dutch cities, towns, and national parks
For places that are a bit further away and not easily accessible by public transport (such as many of the Netherlands’ nature spots), a car might be your best bet.
You can make use of one of the five major car rental companies — Avis Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt — or see what other options are out there.
Though be aware, for certain destinations, going by public transport or bike is actually faster than going by car.
Hop on your bike and explore Rotterdam’s surroundings
No article about day trips from Rotterdam would be complete without mentioning the good ol’ fiets — and with good reason.
Cycling is the cheapest way to get around most Dutch cities and villages, and it ensures the true Dutch experience.
If you have extra time and want to get some fitness in, head to places like Delft, Hoek van Holland, or Kinderdijk by bike.
Don’t have your own? Geen problem! With a personal OV chip card, you can pick up an OV-fiets from one of the many Netherlands train stations and rent it for a few hours at a time.
Day trips from Rotterdam: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place for a day trip from Rotterdam?
Depending on your preference and style of travelling, there is a number of wonderful day trip destinations.
Delft and Dordrecht are perfect if you’re looking for quintessential Dutch charm. Hoek van Holland and Scheveningen are two amazing beaches well suited for a summer day trip.
Fancy a city trip or a nature escape instead? Dat kan. The Hague, Utrecht, Leiden, and Amsterdam are just a stone’s throw away and there are beautiful national parks within an hour’s drive from Rotterdam.
Is Rotterdam worth visiting?
With its epic modern skyline, Rotterdam is different from any other place in the Netherlands. This makes it a unique travel destination you should definitely not miss — especially as there are many things in the city you can do for free.
How many days should I spend in Rotterdam?
If you’re short on time, one day will be enough to get a quick glimpse of Rotterdam’s main attractions, such as the Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, or Cube Houses.
Three days is a recommended time if you really want to get a feel for the city and venture beyond the city centre.
Start your Rotterdam day trip at the central station and slowly make your way into the city centre.
Stop by the Laurenskerk, the city’s famous church with a fascinating history, and continue to Markthal to grab a refreshment in one of the food shops and restaurants.
Step into the mindblowing Cube Houses and enjoy a drink at the adjacent Oude Haven (Old Port) where you’ll find Europe’s first skyscraper, the Witte Huis.
Stroll along the river Maas and admire Rotterdam’s famous bridges, including the Erasmus Bridge and De Hef, or visit one of the many museums.
Finally, end your day with some bird’s eye views of Rotterdam from the Euromast observation tower.
Is it better to stay in Rotterdam or Amsterdam?
While both cities have a unique character and things to see, Rotterdam is definitely the cheaper one of the two.
Rotterdam is where you want to be if you’re into bold modern architecture and authentic Dutchness. For cute picturesque canals, Amsterdam is the best bet.
Rotterdam is also more suitable if you’re looking for a base to visit the Netherlands’ neighbours, Belgium and Germany, from.
If you don’t feel like travelling far, there are also plenty of fun and free things to do in Rotterdam itself, as well as hidden gems and little nature escapes to keep you busy for the day.
What’s your favourite day trip from Rotterdam? Tell us in the comments below!
This article was a team effort between Jana Vondráčková and Kavana Desai.
How likely are people in the Netherlands to serve food to their guests? Here’s the map that took Twitter by storm.
When it comes to Northern European hospitality norms, people do not expect much. But when an amateur historian tried to explain the reason behind it, netizens were mad — to say the least.
The map of truth
Accompanied by a long thread of user-generated historical analyses of hospitality norms, the map supposedly shows that Northern Europeans are way less likely to offer their guests food than their Southern counterparts.
This is blowing people’s minds, so as an amateur historian and sociologist I’m going to try to explain this development/ cultural artifact. pic.twitter.com/vNF0MMpMFK
— Incompetent Beneficiary of Nepotism (@WallySierk) May 29, 2022
The scale, going from “almost always” to “very unlikely,” has offended many a Scandinavian, shocked many an Italian, and provoked many a historian.
The Netherlands is steadily grounded on the “very unlikely” end of the scale, and lots of netizens recognised the trend.
My brother in law is Dutch and he asks people to pay for their food when they eat at his house. It’s fucking WILD.
Some even offered their own interpretations of Dutch inhospitality, suggesting that it stems from their obsession with being efficient and organised.
Also, culture difference. The Dutch and Germans are about efficiency and planning. Arriving unannounced might mess up our plans which is seen as rude here because you insert yourself in another persons time without consent. Nonetheless we change plans and are hospitable.
Look. I’m from Norway, and I’ve been living in the Netherlands for almost three years now. I can tell you that the map holds at least a little bit of truth.
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve visited a Dutchie (or a Norwegian, for that matter) and seen them slap their thighs with that characteristic sigh before standing up and ushering me out the door.
According to the historian on Twitter, people from Northern Germanic cultures used to consider serving someone food a sign of superiority. In other words, if you’re being served food, you’re indebted to whoever serves you.
Debt used to bring about a lot of violence and force, which the Protestant church didn’t like.
So, in their attempt to make society more egalitarian, individualistic, less debt-focused, and most importantly, less violent, Northern societies supposedly stopped offering their guests food when they came over.
True?
It might sound like a bit of a stretch. I’ve always assumed the habit was a random Northern quirk that was founded in convenience.
The Netherlands loves Hollywood movies — but did you know the love is mutual? As it turns out, Hollywood loves the Netherlands (or, well, mostly Amsterdam) just as much.
Here’s a list of seven times that the lowlands have starred in Hollywood movies alongside famous actors we all know and love. ⭐️
1. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
Wait, so you’re telling us George Clooney, Matt Damon AND Brad Pitt were in Amsterdam at the same time? And we missed it? It was in 2004, but still. 😳
In Ocean’s Twelve, a group of criminals goes to Europe to stage a heist to avoid problems with the US authorities.
While in the Netherlands, they can’t resist stopping at an authentic Amsterdam coffeeshop. The scene below was filmed at De Dampkring, one of the most famous coffeeshops in the Dutch capital.
Besides this, the film crew also shot scenes at Haarlem‘s central station, the KattenKabinet, Hotel Pulitzer, and The Hague‘s city hall. They stayed in the Netherlands for a total of three weeks.
Based on the best-selling book by John Green, The Fault in Our Stars was an instant success, especially among those of us who were angsty teenage girls at the time of its release. 👀
TFIOS was famously filmed at many different Amsterdam locations — including the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and tram number 4 🚋 — after its main characters travel to the city to meet a fictional Dutch author.
The most famous of these Amsterdam filming locations is a bench located at the intersection between Herengracht and Leidsegracht.
After the film was released, the original bench mysteriously disappeared. But luckily, it has since been replaced. 🤨
3. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
Now, this is a tricky one because Spider-Man: Far from Home’s “Dutch” scenes were filmed in Prague, in an unknown courtyard that was made to look like a Dutch countryside town square — Broek op Langedijk, to be exact.
This means Tom Holland didn’t have a chance to explore his namesake. 😔
And rest assured, the scene where Peter Parker (Tom Holland) gets picked up from the tulip fields in a private jetwas all CGI. No tulips were harmed in the making of this film. 🌷
4. Dunkirk (2017)
Dunkirk is set during World War II and centres around soldiers trying to escape the town of Dunkirk in northern France during a difficult battle with German forces.
What many people don’t know is that some of the film’s combat scenes were filmed on the Dutch IJsselmeer, near Urk. 🇳🇱
The village of Urk, for the most part, is a strictly religious community. For this reason, they welcomed director Christopher Nolan under one condition… There would be no filming on Sundays, the day of rest, to respect Urk’s Calvinist values.
There was one little problem for Urk locals: there is no movie theatre in the town of Urk. If they wanted to see Dunkirk on the big screen, they had to travel to a bigger city nearby. 🍿
5. James Bond – Diamonds are Forever (1971)
Even James Bond, a true Hollywood legend, has been to the Netherlands before, in Diamonds Are Forever — the seventh film in the 007 series. 🎞️
In Diamonds Are Forever, the actors cruise the Amstel on a narrowboat. Here, they learn about the Skinny Bridge that is located between the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, which connects to become the Kerkstraat overhead.
It seems like they’re getting the typical tourist experience — except that this usually doesn’t include a dead body being pulled out of the canals. 🕵️
6. The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
The handsome Ryan Reynolds roaming the picturesque Amsterdam canals: does it get any better? 👏
Add some fast vehicles and a lot of action, and it’s typical Hollywood.
That just about sums up The Hitman’s Bodyguard, parts of which were filmed in Amsterdam. The locations included the Rijksmuseum, the Nieuwe Achtergracht, the Lijnbaansgracht, and the Plantage Kerklaan.
The film’s famous canal chase scene even did something good for Amsterdam (besides Ryan Reynolds). 👀
In preparation for the scene, the canals had to be cleaned and rid of hundreds of bikes that had sunk to the bottom, so that the stuntmen could safely fall in.
7. Who am I? (1998)
Last but not least, we have Hollywood’s all-rounder Jackie Chan in Who am I? — of which he is the writer, director, lead actor, AND stuntman. Lekker bezig, Jackie!
Parts of Who am I? were filmed in Rotterdam‘scube houses, but most famously at the Willemswerf building.👇
Yes, you saw that right! That’s Jackie Chan, the legend himself, sliding down the Rotterdam skyline. To film this scene, he was secured with a harness and cables before jumping off the ledge. 😳
Do you know any more blockbusters that were filmed in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!
The famous Dutch Hardt Hyperloop startup that promised to revolutionise transport in the Netherlands and beyond has been declared bankrupt.
Ever imagined teleporting from Amsterdam to Paris in under an hour? Well, you’re not the only one.
Students from Delft University created the Hardt Hyperloop project back in 2017 after winning a 2015 design competition hosted by Elon Musk himself.
It sounded wacky even then: the tech-heads were concocting a way to shoot travellers in a capsule through a pneumatic tube at breakneck speeds.
Alas, as of 2026, Hardt Hyperloop has declared bankruptcy: the Den Haag court issued the ruling on 4 March 2026, confirmed in the Centraal Insolventieregister (Central Insolvency Register).
Sometimes, reaching for the stars is just too expensive.
Optimism at first
Hardt Hyperloop came onto the scene with a bang. The Netherlands was all in: private investors, NS railway systems, and even the city of Groningen invested millions, reports de Volkskrant.
Even the European Innovation Council threw in their support, in the form of a not-so-quaint €15 million.
As reported by NOS, while the technology is fascinating and certainly speedy, it’s been too difficult to develop a business model for such an expensive form of transport.
Pneumatic tubes, or vacuum tubes, require entirely different and more costly forms of construction than more traditional transportation.
In the end, building an aeroplane or a high-speed train is just much cheaper. It seems investors have been frightened off by this daunting reality.
Despite a promising test-run in 2024, the company signalled in 2025 that it was unable to continue without significant and timely financial support.
RTL Z, who broke the story, reports that Hardt Hyperloop trustee Sjoerd Warringa definitively confirmed bankruptcy rumours were true.
More information on the exact details has not been disclosed. Warringa did not comment on the possibility of a project restart.
While this may well be the end of Hardt Hyperloop, however, it is certainly not the end of the hyperloop concept as a whole.
The test track in Veendam, for instance, continues to exist separately from the company, reports NOS, and could continue to be used for research and development.
Other startups and the European Hyperloop Centre have also shown stoicism in the face of another startup crash.
So while it might be the end of this particular Dutch endeavour of hyperlooping passengers at 1,200 kilometres an hour, don’t write off the idea entirely: you may still find yourself being catapulted to work in the future.
What do you think of Hardt Hyperloop’s declaration? Let us know in the comments!
Due to the ongoing war in West Asia, gas prices in the Netherlands have blown up. It’s almost as though a missile hit your energy bill.
Iran has blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for the world to source its liquefied natural gas (LNG).
To make matters worse, Qatar also halted LNG production after Iranian drone strikes hit its energy facilities at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. It remains unclear when production will resume.
The consequences are already visible on the Dutch gas market.
According to a report by RTL Z, the gas price on the Amsterdam exchange jumped 50% on Monday, 30% on Tuesday, and a further 11% on Wednesday morning, reaching €60 per Megawatt per hour.
What does this mean for your bill?
No need to start digging into your savings to pay the gas bill just yet.
According to the trade association Energie-Nederland, momentary price spikes do not immediately mean higher household bills because suppliers usually purchase gas in advance.
The type of contract you hold makes a big difference, though.
Dynamic contracts
If you’re on a dynamic contract, helaas pindakaas. Wholesale prices and how they are affected by geopolitics flow directly into your bill.
“Starting today, they’ll see that prices are significantly higher,” Ben Woldring of comparison site Gaslicht.com tells RTL Z.
The most recent figures from ACM Energy Monitor show that over half a million Dutch households hold dynamic contracts.
“Some of them will choose to fix the price now and opt for certainty,” Woldring believes.
Variable contracts
If you have a variable contract, you may be more immune to price changes caused by geopolitical events.
These contracts are adjusted periodically (at least twice a year), with the new rate based on market conditions at that time.
Depending on who your contract is with, you may be able to ride out the current crisis. For example, Essent customers with a variable gas contract will keep their current rate for the next three months, a spokesperson tells RTL Z.
That being said, the supplier is seeing growing concern among customers, who are unsure what prices will look like after that.
Fixed contracts
Commitment pays off! If you hold a fixed contract, you won’t experience any changes in your energy bill until your contract expires and it’s time to renew.
The bigger picture
However, it’s also important to remember that the wholesale price of gas is not the only factor behind your bill. There’s an energy tax, a VAT, and a surcharge from your supplier.
So realistically, geopolitical tensions may not hit your wallet as hard as you might think.
As power companies are inundated with calls from their customers, who are having flashbacks of the energy bills during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finance Minister Eelco Heinen says, “It’s too early to panic.”
The Netherlands has learned its lesson: there’s safety in numbers.
Aside from West Asia, the Netherlands now imports a lot of its LNG from the US and Norway, among some domestic sources too.
“It makes us less vulnerable,” says the finance minister.
