If you’ve got a summer trip booked from the Netherlands, it’s worth checking the fine print, as rising fuel costs are starting to hit travellers in the pocket.
As many European airlines and travel services are locked into fuel contracts, it’s uncertain whether current high fuel prices will be passed on to consumers.
KLM has already raised ticket prices, P&O Ferries has added a fuel surcharge, and even Ryanair is eyeing summer cancellations.
With the holiday season approaching, RTL Nieuws looked at what travellers can realistically expect.
Did you book a package holiday? You’ve got more protection
If you’ve arranged your holidays through a tour operator, rather than booking flights and hotels separately, EU rules are on your side — to a point.
According to the Dutch travel industry association ANVR, tour operators are allowed to raise prices up to 20 days before departure. This, however, only applies if a possible price increase was explicitly stated in the terms and conditions at the time of booking.
Always double-check your tour operator’s policies on price increases. Image: Depositphotos
Has your package price increased by more than 8%? You may be entitled to a cancellation, completely free of charge.
Meanwhile, if you’ve booked with one of the many operators affiliated with travel industry association ANVR, the protections are even stronger. No surcharges can be added once you’ve made your final payment, which is typically around six weeks before departure.
Did you buy your tickets separately? Things are more complicated
If you’ve bought individual flight, ferry, or bus tickets, these fall into much greyer territory.
There’s no standard rule on fuel surcharges, so the allocation of additional costs comes down to each carrier’s terms and conditions.
That said, airlines have the option to cancel flights outright. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to more assistance.
In conversation with RTL Nieuws, EUclaim’s flight analyst Paul Vaneker said, “If you are flying with a European airline or with a non-European airline that departs from Europe, you are entitled to a replacement flight in the event of such a cancellation.”
If in doubt, always contact your airline for more information. Image: Depositphotos
But what if no replacement flight is available? Vaneker stresses that you’ll “get your money back.”
Meanwhile, if your flight cancellation comes within 14 days of departure, additional compensation may also apply.
Maar, let op: If you want to postpone your travel to the winter holidays (or even next year), you’ll need to book a new ticket yourself — at whatever the current price happens to be.
Interviewed by BNR, ANVR director Frank Radstake remains hopeful on ticket prices: “For individual flight tickets, airlines can pass on higher fuel costs. But that does not apply to all airlines. For instance, there are a number that work with forward contracts and are therefore still purchasing their kerosene at the agreed price for the coming months.”
If you’re eyeing a summer flight, these forward contracts could keep the cost of flight tickets from skyrocketing astronomically.
However, trade association BARIN has warned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, carriers could face pressure to cancel flights within six weeks. This warning primarily applies to routes to and from Southeast Asia.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are travelling to the United States next week for a three-city working visit, with stops in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Miami scheduled from April 13 to 15.
According to the Royal House, the visit will address maritime manufacturing, innovation, culture, technology, water, and healthcare. It’ll also include an overnight stay in the White House.
Throughout the rest of the trip, they’re joined by the Dutch ministers of Foreign Affairs, Development Cooperation, and Water Management, as well as Caribbean ministers from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
Philadelphia first
Monday opens with the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, greeting the couple at Independence Hall.
After a tour of the building and the Liberty Bell, they’ll sit down with business leaders for roundtable discussions on agriculture, biomedical science, and high tech.
The afternoon heads to Fishtown (a neighbourhood with visible Dutch architecture) before ending at the Philadelphia Eagles training facility. Bonus talking point: Curaçao is competing at the World Cup 2026, partly hosted at the Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field.
Then D.C.
Following a networking event in the US capital, the King and Queen will dine with President Trump and stay overnight at the White House.
Let’s hope the food is crunchy enough to cover the awkward silence, given that Jetten has previously called Trump a “misogynist,” “convicted criminal,” and something of a dictator-whore.
The Florida leg spans two days and leans into water resilience, healthcare innovation, and the Dutch Kingdom’s Caribbean ties.
At the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, the couple will tour a hurricane simulator and a coral lab breeding sturdier reef species.
More importantly, Miami functions as the key trade hub between the US and Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, so ministers from all three islands join for this leg of the trip.
Life in the Netherlands is full of amazing experiences and opportunities, but it’s also expensive.
From the cost of living to the price of daily essentials, it can sometimes feel like your money disappears faster than you can earn it.
But there’s good news. By taking inspiration from the Nederlanders and implementing these 11 smart money-saving hacks, you can save money while living your day-to-day life in the Netherlands.
With an international-friendly mobile banking app and a plethora of money-management tools, ING is our fast favourite for budget-savvy banking. Open an ING account.
Even better? ING offers free savings accounts that are not only safe but also packed with features. You can open your free savings account today and let that money grow! 📈
1. Travel with an NS subscription
Coming from Luxembourg (where all public transport is free), the price of train travel in the Netherlands was one of the biggest shocks for me and my wallet.
If you’re commuting regularly or exploring different parts of the country, you can easily run up a bill of a couple of hundred euros each month. However, a personalised OV chipkaart with an NS subscription can help you save a significant amount of money.
Travel without risking bankruptcy. 😉 Image: Dreamstime
Whether you opt for the Dal Voordeel (40% discount during off-peak hours) or the Altijd Vrij(unlimited travel), these subscriptions offer discounted rates that make your journeys much more affordable.
2. Set up an auto-save plan with your bank
One of the hardest parts about saving money is having to consciously think about it all the time. But you don’t have to!
Instead, just set up a recurring direct debit from your current account to your savings account and watch your savings grow effortlessly.
Some banks, like ING and bunq, make saving even easier by having a feature that lets you round up each purchase to the nearest euro or multiple of two or five.
The surplus is automatically put into your savings, and ta-da: you’ve got yourself a financial cushion without even noticing it. 📈
3. Go Dutch!
As silly as it may sound to internationals, going Dutch and splitting the bill is one of the most effective ways to save money and stay on top of your spending in the Netherlands.
Drinks taste better when you’re not left closing the tab. Proost! Image: Depositphotos
So, next time you’re out for dinner with friends or sharing an Uber, make sure you send them a payment request afterwards. Splitting the cost ensures you’re not overpaying and helps you manage your budget better.
And the best part? It’s so ingrained into Dutch culture that you don’t have to feel weird about it!
Cha-ching! Going Dutch is easier than ever with ING’s payment requests. Whether you want to request a specific amount, split multiple transactions or let your friends pay you via QR code, ING’sbetaalverzoek lets you get your money instantly. ⚡️
4. Get your cleaning and hygiene products at Action
Sure, buying all your necessities in one go at the supermarket is tempting, but did you know you can save a lot of money by buying certain things at Action?
The discounter gives you unbeatable prices, especially when it comes to cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products.
For example, my local PLUS supermarket charges €11.99 for 810 millilitres of trusty old Ariel laundry detergent, while I can get 2340 millilitres for €13.88 at Action. That’s more than double the amount of product for not even €2 more!
There’s a reason Dutchies love Action so much — and your wallet will, too.
5. Use big appliances during off-peak hours
Yep, you read that right: the Netherlands has a reduced energy tariff at night on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.
The exact times may depend on your province or energy provider, so make sure to check with them for more details.
Laundry detergent is expensive enough; save money by running a load on the weekend. Image: Freepik
Simple changes, such as charging your laptop overnight and doing laundry on weekends, can help you take advantage of these lower rates and save money on your energy bills.
It’s a small habit that can lead to significant savings over time.
Good to know: You’ll need a smart metre that automatically switches between the two rates, because old metres won’t cut it anymore.
6. Get things for free on your birthday
Is it your birthday? Gefeliciteerd! Time to make the most of it by scoring birthday freebies from your local businesses.
Yup, free stuff on your birthday isn’t just an American thing; the Netherlands knows how to join the party too. 😎
To get your hands on these goodies, you’ll often need to sign up for a business’s app or newsletter, but that’s a small price to pay for some birthday treats.
Here are some of the freebies you can snag in the Netherlands on your special day:
A free hamburger, McFlurry, or nuggets at McDonald’s
A free doughnut at Dunkin’
A free tompouce at HEMA
A free piece of Swedish pie at IKEA
A free piece of pie at La Place
A free dessert at New York Pizza
Discounts or free samples at Douglas, ICI Paris, Etos, Kruidvat, and Rituals
Discounts or free admission at selected amusement parks or cinemas
7. Save food from being wasted with handy apps
Food waste is a major issue for both our wallets and the planet. Luckily, there are ways we can make a difference with apps like Too Good to Go or Albert Heijn’s Overblijvers(leftovers) programme.
These apps let you buy surplus food and produce at a fraction of the cost, be it from businesses, restaurants, and stores. Simply download the app, browse the available offers, and purchase food that would otherwise go to waste.
Save food, it’s good for the planet! Image: Depositphotos
By doing so, you can enjoy delicious meals and produce at a lower price while contributing to reducing food waste. It’s a win-win!
8. Use tools to see what’s on actie
The Dutch love to save money, so it’s no surprise they have plenty of tools to help find the best deals.
Websites like Tweakers (for electronics), Teerkost (for groceries), Voordeelmuis (for general deals), and Biernet (for beer) are great for finding promotions on whatever you may need.
By keeping an eye on these sites, you’ll be able to score the best deals, keep your expenses down, and maximise your savings.
9. Shop at your local (super)market
Instead of always shopping at big chains like Albert Heijn or Jumbo, why not head to your city’s weekly market for fresh produce at lower prices?
Fresh AND affordable? Sign me up! Image: Depositphotos
If your city doesn’t have one or you need something during the week, try your local Polish, Turkish, or Asian supermarket! For example, at my Turkish supermarket, a huge bundle of fresh herbs is €0.40, while Albert Heijn charges €1.15 for a much smaller pack.
These local shops usually have quality goods at better prices, and they often offer unique products you won’t find in larger supermarkets. That means you get to widen your culinary horizons while also supporting local businesses AND saving money.
10. Get subscription plans where you can
Love going to the movies? Get a Cineville pass. Big fan of museums? A Museumkaart is perfect for you! Workout junkie? You’ll love a ClassPass membership.
Subscription services exist for everything from clothing rentals to workout classes, and finding the right abonnement for your lifestyle can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Not only do you get consistent access to your favourite activities and services at reduced rates, but you also get to enjoy your hobbies and interests without overspending.
11. Use apps to get discounts on outings
Going out to eat, shop, drink, or explore is so much more fun when you know you’re getting the best value for your money. The good news is that there are quite a few ways to save money on your uitjes (outings).
Who doesn’t love a good “korting”? Image: Depositphotos
First off, some banks, like ING, have a loyalty programme that lets you save points with your daily banking activities. Points can be redeemed online for discounts on various products and services, from spa visits to clothing, electronics, and meals.
When it comes to dining out, apps like The Fork, Neotaste, and Social Deal can help you score fantastic deals, such as meal discounts and special promotions. Eet smakelijk!
Living in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be a financial strain, and with the right money-saving hacks, it can be even more enjoyable.
So, monitor those price trackers, send those payment requests and keep that budget in check. You’ve got this!
What are your best tips for saving money? Share them in the comments!
The Japanese Garden in The Hague is opening up again! Twice each year, this tranquil hideaway in The Hague opens to the public — and best of all, it’s free!
You can take a peaceful stroll through this unique garden from April 23 until June 7. Yep, it’s a limited amount of time, so hurry up and don’t miss out!
Open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, it’s the perfect way to take a break and soak up a bit of the incoming sun. Even better? It’s one of our favourite free things to do in The Hague. 🎉
The garden has significant historical and cultural value, and in addition to that, it is very aesthetically pleasing. So grab your camera and enjoy some quality time with ‘Japanese’ nature while you still can.
What is a Japanese garden doing in The Hague?
Built around 1910, this remarkably beautiful garden is the legacy of the former owner of the Clingendael country estate.
Marguerite M. Baroness van Brienen, also known as Lady Daisy (how fitting!), was fascinated with Japanese nature.
The ferns are particularly spectacular in the Japanese Garden at this time of year. Image: Dreamstime
Lady Daisy travelled to Japan multiple times to pick out the plants and artefacts for her garden.
Today, the garden is home to tons of Japanese plants and trees, as well as authentic Japanese lanterns, sculptures, small bridges, two water casks, and a pavilion.
Due to its uniqueness, the garden was declared a national monument in 2001.
Why is the Japanese garden only open twice a year?
Due to its fragility, it is only open twice a year, during spring and autumn. However, it’s not the same both times around!
In spring, the predominant colours in the garden are pink and purple, while in autumn, it is orange and red. So you should check it out during both seasons.
Rules when visiting the Japanese Garden in The Hague: handle with care
Before you visit, please remember a few rules. For example, dogs are prohibited in the garden! 🐶
Strollers, baby carriages, and electric mobility devices are forbidden, too.
Even just looking at this picture, you can’t help but feel calm! Image: Dreamstime
The garden has limited access for people with disabilities, although a separate entrance with a shorter route is available.
It’s essential to remember that the Japanese Garden is very delicate, so please keep the kids on their best behaviour!🙏
There is still so much more to see in Park Clingendael
Don’t be too quick to leave once you’re done touring the Japanese Garden! The magnificent estate of Clingendael is surrounded by vast and beautiful natural scenery.
Inhabitants of The Hague enjoy walking in the woods, exploring the numerous gardens, feeding the ducks and swans, or having a picnic by the water. 🧺
Despite its small size, there is absolutely no shortage of things to do in Delft. Nicely nestled within the Randstad, this super-Dutch city is easily accessible — and it has tons to offer!
With numerous museums, old churches, beautiful canals (duh), and a good dose of Dutch history, Delft is a must-see for any tourist in the Netherlands.
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1. Stick to the basics at De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles
No trip to Delft is complete without a visit to the famous Royal Delft factory and museum. The city has been creating beautiful Delft blue pottery for centuries, and has become known for it all over the world!
Observe the making of these unique pieces of art, go crazy in the gift shop, or visit the museum to explore almost 400 years of Dutch (pottery) history.
If you visit the shop, our only important tip is: be careful what you touch! They might have your average museum store stashes like notebooks and tote bags, but they also have some pretty darn expensive pieces (like this pyramid-shaped wonder, for €23,000 😅).
💰 Price: €17.50 for adults, €11.50 for students, €10 for children between 13 and 18, €7.50 for children between 7 and 12, free for children under the age of 7. If you have a museum card, Rotterdampas, or ICOM Card, it’s free! ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM. 📍 Location: Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR Delft
Right in the centre of Delft is the Old Church, nicknamed “the leaning church” because, well, it’s quite crooked.
Founded in 1240, the church has an impressive history and has been a key part of Delft’s skyline for centuries. No wonder the tower looks a little tired! 😅
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, you cannot climb the tower, but it’s certainly worth admiring its alarming angles from the outside.
💰 Price: €10 for adults, €8 for students, €4.75 for kids ages 6-11, free for kids under the age of 5 (if you have a Rotterdampass or Delftpass, it’s free!) ⏰ Opening hours: November to January, 11 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. February to October, 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday 📍 Location: HH Geestkerkhof 25, 2611 HP Delft
3. Straighten up at the Nieuwe Kerk
The New Church in Delft is thankfully a lot straighter than the old one. Image: Depositphotos
The second-tallest church tower in the Netherlands looks down on the main square in Delft, and it’s certainly an impressive structure. 👀 The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is more than 108 metres tall and dates all the way back to the 14th century.
Almost all members of the Dutch royal family are buried in the famous Royal Crypt in the Nieuwe Kerk, so this church has a lot of history between its walls (and under its floors).
As opposed to the leaning church, the Nieuwe Kerk’s tower is perfectly straight, and open for visitors — yay!
💰 Price: €10 for adults, €8 for students, €4.75 for kids ages 6-11, free for kids under the age of 5 (if you have a Rotterdampass or Delftpass, it’s free!) ⏰ Opening hours: November to January, 11 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. February to October, 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday 📍 Location: Markt 80, 2611 GW Delft
4. Get your steps and bites in with a local food tour
Delft has many hidden treasures and delicious delights to offer. Image: Dreamstime
What is a local? Someone who knows where to go and what to eat, of course! Based on this definition, a food tour will turn you into a true Delft local. 😉
Combining a walk along the city’s beloved landmarks and hidden gems with a mouth-watering culinary journey lets you explore Delft at your own pace, filling your stomach and your eyes along the way.
We can highly recommend the BiteMe Food Tour. Featuring five delicious bites of some of the best food Delft has to offer, a well-deserved drink, and many more cultural stops, the tour is a perfect way to spend a few hours out and about in Delft (and sort out lunch ✅).
💰 Price: Starting at €49 per person ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, recommended start time 11 AM to 1 PM 📍 Location: Throughout the city!
5. Take an artsy coffee break at Uit de Kunst
It wouldn’t be a trip to Delft without hunting down a good cup of coffee. Image: Freepik
Whether you want to shop for some new, unique clothing pieces, grab a cup of coffee, or just have a generally artsy experience, Uit de Kunst Café is the place to go. 🎨
Since 1982, this funky hangout close to the Oude Delft canal has been attracting guests to its cosy backyard and fun products.
The café/art shop even has a few cute parrots you can chat to, if you’re lacking company! ☕
💰 Price: However much you choose to spend on their delicious goods! ⏰ Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 10 AM until 6 PM, Sunday 11 AM until 6 AM 📍 Location: Oude Delft 140, 2611 CG Delft
6. Admire the Old City Hall
The Old City Hall cannot be missed on a trip to Delft. Image: Depositphotos
Dating back to 1200, the old town hall of Delft is located in the city’s centre. Designed by one of the best Dutch architects of the time, Hendrik de Keyser, the building remains a true landmark today.
Inside, there’s a medieval prison, which is open to (supervised) visitors over the age of 9 — this one’s a bit too spooky for the kiddies. This is where the murderer of Willem of Orange was incarcerated in the 1500s.
The rest of the building is, unfortunately, only accessible for special events such as weddings and official ceremonies.
The Old City Hall is located right opposite the Nieuwe Kerk, so you can easily kill two Instagram birds with one stone — without moving an inch! 😎
💰 Price: €4 for adults, €2.50 for children (guided tour of the prison) ⏰ Opening hours: Upon agreement or on weekdays during school holidays starting at noon 📍 Location: Markt 87, 2611 GS Delft
7. Get your Dutch beer at the Bierhuis de Klomp
Nobody leaves the Netherlands without a good dose of Dutch beer! Image: Depositphotos
Claiming to be the oldest pub in Delft, Bierhuis de Klomp is the perfect spot for an afternoon borrel.
The building dates back all the way to 1538, and has been a café since 1652 — now that’s what we call old! 👵🏽
The pub has a wide variety of beers, but you can also enjoy the classic Dutch Jenever liquor as de Klomp is recognised as a proper “Jenever café”. 🥂
There’s more to it than just the drinks, however. The café might look small from the outside, but you quickly see that it has quite the Narnia situation going on in the back.
The building consists of many rooms, each with a different atmosphere and purpose. Our favourite: the board game room! 🎲
💰 Price: Thankfully, entry fees are not required for entering pubs ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4 PM until 1 AM 📍 Location: Binnenwatersloot 5, 2611 BJ Delft
8. Secure your Insta shots at the East Gate
The East Gate is a staple in any Delft tourist itinerary. Image: Depositphotos
Back in the day, Delft used to be guarded by walls, as any respectable city should. The East Gate (Oosterse Poort) is the only remaining gate in the city after more than 600 years of wear and tear.
The high-quality walls around Delft made it an attractive city for Willem of Orange, who decided to make it his headquarters in 1572.
Today, it’s still a beautiful old construction, including a drawbridge and two cute little towers. No wonder it’s been the very symbol of Delft’s identity for centuries — it looks gorgeous! 🏰
Currently, it’s actually someone’s home (yep, you read that right). Unfortunately, at the time of writing, this means you can’t go take a look inside without getting yourself a criminal record.
Interestingly enough, the great artist produced only 37 paintings — and all of them can be admired at this one museum. The originals are scattered all across the world, meaning that the artworks at the Vermeer Centre are all reproductions.
However, it’s also the only place in the world where you can admire all his works at once. 😍
💰 Price: €15 for adults, €11 for students and museum card holders, €7.50 for children between 13 and 18, €2 for children between 7 and 12, free for children under 6 years old, as well as Rotterdampass and Delftpass holders ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Voldersgracht 21, 2611 EV Delft
10. Go full Dutch at De Roos windmill
No Dutch city is complete without a windmill. Image: Steven Lek/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Netherlands without some windmill action, and De Roos is yet another classic attraction in Delft. There were once 18 mills in Delft. However, the beautiful De Roos windmill is the only remaining one, so make sure you don’t miss it!
There’s been (a few different versions of) a mill on this site since 1500 (dang), and they’re still grinding organic grain to flour in the old construction. Why not peek inside the building? The volunteers are happy to show you around for free!
From Wednesday to Saturday, you can even buy the flour produced at the mill in their very own shop on the ground floor.
If you’d like something more substantial (or something containing caffeine), you can also drop by the windmill’s café.
💰 Price: free! (but donations are welcome) ⏰ Opening hours: Wednesday and Friday, 1 PM to 4:30 PM. Saturday, 10 AM until 4:30 PM 📍 Location: Phoenixstraat 111, 112, 2611 AK Delft
11. Get your sugar fix at De Diamanten Ring bakery
After 225 years of baking, it’s no surprise they’ve perfected the art, and the traditional little bakery is truly a gezellig pearl you shouldn’t miss.
De Diamanten Ring produces several Delft specialities, such as ‘Delft Grof’, ‘Crooked Jantjes’, and ‘Delft Blue Whipped Cream Cake’ — perfect for bringing home as edible souvenirs! 😊
💰 Price: anything from a €2 cookie to a full-on €30 cake — the choice is yours! ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM until 6 PM, Sunday, 9 AM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Choorstraat 9, 2611 JD Delft
12. Discover new plants at the botanical garden
There are tons of beautiful plants to spot in the Hortus Botanicus! Tom Morris/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
For more than 100 years, the Hortus Botanicus in Delft has been a place of discovery, innovation, and relaxation.
The garden, now belonging to the Technical University of Delft, was closely connected to Dutch colonial activities abroad. It served as a hotspot for research on tropical agriculture and botany. 🌱
The Hortus Botanicus in Delft prides itself on being an educational institution, so besides visiting the beautiful garden, you can also join one of the many workshops organised here! Why not try out a botanical drawing course? 🖌
💰 Price: €7.50 for adults, €4 for children and students (children under 4 y/o enter for free), free for museum card, Rotterdampass, and Delftpass holders ⏰ Opening hours: March to November: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Poortlandplein 6, 2628 BM Delft
13. Crack open a cold one at Market Square
Dutch people come out once the sun is out, always! Image: Depositphotos
Between the Nieuwe Kerk and the Old Town Hall is the large square called Markt (Market Square). Being pretty much exactly in the middle of town, it’s the perfect pitstop during a busy day as a tourist. 😎
If you sit down for a biertje, koffie, or stroopwaffel at one of Market Square’s many cafés and restaurants, you’ll be perfectly situated to admire one of the most quintessentially Dutch views ever: beautiful, crooked buildings that look too old to be legally functioning (yet they are).
If you visit Delft over Christmas, you’re in for a treat. Market Square transforms into, well, a market square, with adorable little stands and a ginormous Christmas tree. 🎄
💰 Price: Depends on which spot you go to, but generally, regular Dutch restaurant/café prices ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: Markt 87, 2611 GS Delft
14. Go local at the Beestenmarkt
The big trees give Beestenmarkt a lovely atmosphere. Image: Depositphotos
Beestenmarkt translates directly to “beasts’ market”, but don’t worry, it simply means “animal market”.
The name comes from the fact that the square was used for cattle trade from 1595 to 1972 (phew, that’s a long time!).
You can’t go to Delft without taking a canal tour. Image: Dreamstime
Along with windmills, tulips, weed, and beer, canal tours are one of the main attractions for people who visit the Netherlands. And we get it, a boat ride along the old waterways is the perfect way to experience any Dutch city. ⛵
Delft has tons of canals, and there is no shortage of boat tours to pick from. Bring a Heineken, some stroopwafels, and a camera, and set sails!
If you’re extremely lucky and the weather is holding up, make sure you get a boat with an open roof!
💰 Price: Between €5 and €15, depending on the company ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: Koornmarkt 113, 2611 ED Delft
16. Take a break in the Wilhelmina Park
The Wilhelmina Park in Delft is the perfect sport for a green break. Image: Natubes/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
This beautiful, English-inspired park is the perfect spot for a chill stroll (or just a quick lay-down in the grass, being a tourist is tiring, we know).
It’s naturally named after the Dutch queen, Wilhelmina, and dates back to the 1930s. The park is definitely still worth a visit, with its many sculptures, pretty plants, and water fixtures.
In 2013, three linden trees were planted in Wilhelmina Park, named after three members of the royal family, including one named after King Willem-Alexander, to celebrate his coronation. 🤴🏽 Can you spot them?
17. Stroll around the city (with or without a plan)
Delft is wonderful for walking! Image: Depositphotos
The beautiful historic city of Delft is perfect for just walking around. It’s not too big, so you can calmly take your time and enjoy every second without feeling like you have to rush to see it all (anyone else traumatised by those Amsterdam blisters?). 🏃🏽♀️
If you’re more of the “organised fun” type of tourist, fear not! The city of Delft has put together several lovely themed walking routes for you, all for free (with one exception).
If you prefer experiencing the city with a traditional walking tour group, Delft has free walking tours covering all the important hotspots several times a week.
💰 Price: Between €0 and €3, depending on the tour ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: GW, Markt, Delft (starting point for Free Walking Tour Delft)
As you can see, there are tons of things to do in Delft, and you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this gorgeous little Dutch town!
Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!
So, you’ve got your trusty fiets, you’ve mastered the art of dodging tourists, and you’ve even learned to cycle in a skirt without flashing everyone. But now comes the burning question: should you take out bike insurance?
It’s a fair consideration. After all, you’ve already invested in your slightly scraped-up but beautiful bike, so do you really need to fork out even more cash to protect it? Let’s pedal through the details. 👇
Is bike insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?
Put simply, nee. Unlike car insurance, it’s not mandatory to take out bike insurance (fietsverzekering) in the Netherlands. This means whether you insure your bike is entirely up to you.
That being said, if you’re considering bike insurance or just curious about your options, it’s worth understanding why many Dutch cyclists choose to insure their bikes.
Why bother with bike insurance?
The Netherlands might be a cycling paradise, but that also makes it a bike thief’s wet dream.
There are many reasons why people choose to take out bike insurance in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
And it’s not just the numbers that are shocking, it’s the financial impact. Almost €700 million worth of bicycles were reported stolen last year, with the average stolen bike worth around €350.
The rise in e-bike popularity has made the situation even worse, with these electric beauties increasingly targeted because of their higher value.
Ready to protect your ride? Univé’s bike insurance offers comprehensive coverage starting from just €2.27 per month. Whether you’ve got a basic omafiets or a high-tech e-bike, they’ve got options to suit your needs and budget.
What does fietsverzekering (bike insurance) cover?
Dutch bike insurance typically covers you for several scenarios that could leave you stranded or out of pocket:
🥷 Theft: The big one. If someone steals your bike, you’ll be compensated for its value. However, you should note that you’ll usually need to prove you used an approved lock and report it to the police.
🚴🏻♀️ Accident damage: Whether you’ve taken a tumble or been in a collision, bike insurance covers repair costs or replacement if your bike is beyond saving.
👊 Vandalism: If someone decides to take their frustrations out on your innocent bicycle, you’re covered.
Many policies also offer extras like roadside assistance, accident coverage, and coverage for accessories.
How much does it cost?
Here’s the good news: bike insurance won’t drain your bank account. Basic coverage can start as low as €2.27 per month for a normal city bike.
Compared to the cost of replacing your ride, bike insurance costs are surprisingly affordable. Image: Depositphotos
E-bike insurance can cost you around €10 per month. However, some policies can be found for as little as €5 per month.
Now, compare this to replacement costs. A decent new bike typically ranges from €200 to €500, while e-bikes average around €2,200 to €2,500. Those monthly insurance premiums are starting to look pretty good, aren’t they?
So while it’s not mandatory to take out bike insurance in the Netherlands, it’s certainly a smart move. As getting your bike stolen is practically a rite of passage here, protecting your ride makes financial sense.
What’s your take on bike insurance? Share your wisdom in the comments below.
From Sinterklaasto Koningsdag, the Netherlands can be quite a festive place (perhaps to distract from the dull weather, but who knows?) However, not all Dutch holidays are alien to internationals, and the Netherlands also celebrates Easter!
That being said, Easter can be celebrated quite differently (or not at all) depending on where you’re from — so what does it look like in the land of cheese, clogs, and windmills? 🐣
Easter dates in the Netherlands 2026:
Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag): April 3
Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag): April 5
Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag): April 6
Easter in the Netherlands
Easter in the Netherlands is celebrated similarly to many Western countries: chocolate eggs, big brunches, and even a day or two off work.
As with other holidays, the holiday is observed on Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag), Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag), and Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag).But there are also aspects of this holiday that the Dutch do differently.
Yes, Easter symbols and decorations are a thing in many countries, but let’s just say the Dutch are a bit extra when it comes to letting everyone know it’s Easter time. 💁♀️
You’ll find that shops, supermarkets, and tables are decked out with what can only be described as an Easter Christmas tree.
Willow branches are also decorated with delicately painted, precariously hung eggshells, as well as all manner of cute mini bunnies, butterflies, and baby animals!
How cute are these Easter decorations? Image: Freepik
Dutch Easter Food
Speaking of baby animals, you’ll find them everywhere. No, not real ones, though. Picture miniature bunnies made from chocolate, lambs crafted out of butter, and chicks made from sugar. 🐥
While we’re on the topic of miniatures and food in the Netherlands, schoolchildren (the miniature) will often have a day when they bring Easter breakfast boxes to school.
Pupils fill a shoe box with ingredients for a tasty breakfast and bring it to class. (Cuuuuuteee, that won’t be messy at all.) 🙃
And speaking of tasty surprises, the Dutch love to experiment with just how weird they can make an Easter egg taste. Think bubble tea or even pizza. Yes, pizza. For the Dutch, no flavour is off-limits anymore. 👀
Easter Sunday in the Netherlands
Easter Sunday in the Netherlands — or as the Dutch call it, Eerste Paasdag, usually consists of a tasty breakfast (Paasontbijt) or brunch (Paasbrunch) featuring the precarious Easter Christmas tree, assorted mini animals and, of course, Paasbrood.
What a yummy treat to celebrate Easter with! Image: Depositphotos
This tasty Easter bread is strangely similar to Kerstbrood(Christmas bread). Both are filled with cinnamon, raisins, and almond paste, but the difference lies in the details!
Where Kerstbrood is topped with icing sugar, Paasbrood is often topped with orange peel and almonds. Lekker!
Dutch Easter egg hunt
In the Netherlands, it’s the Easter hare, not the Easter bunny. Image: Unsplash
Of course, there is the all-important Easter egg hunt. However, beware, ladies and gentlemen (specifically expat parents) in the Netherlands, there is NO EASTER BUNNY.
In this country, it’s an Easter Hare or Paashaas. Don’t worry, though; he still does his job and sets up a nice hunt for the kiddos. 😉
Easter Monday, or second Easter, as the Dutch call it, is a bank holiday in the Netherlands.
As the kids munch on their chocolate eggs and start bouncing off the ceiling, parents can take a chill pill and know they can enjoy a day off after Easter Sunday.
Let’s wrap up with the important points: you will likely have a day off (yay!), there’s lots of delicious food (fab!), and for the love of god, it’s the Paashaas,not the Easter bunny. Got it? Great.
How do you celebrate Easter, if at all? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
A “T. rex leather” handbag will be on display at Amsterdam’s Art Zoo Museum until May 11, before heading to auction.
Scientists took protein fragments from T. rex remains and reconstructed the missing sections of the collagen sequence to produce a genetic blueprint.
That synthesised DNA allowed scientists to engineer billions of cells and cultivate them into the leather-like material. Techwear label Enfin Levé then turned that raw output into the finished bag.
Critics are less than impressed, however
While this feat is nothing short of historic (wink-wink), some are sceptical, reports De Telegraaf.
No, not because they fear a Jurassic Park-style dinosaur handbag takeover of Amsterdam — you can rest easy on that front.
Instead, several experts have raised serious objections about the claim that the material is a true reconstruction of ‘dinosaur leather.’
It comes down to the science. Firstly, the collagen used to produce the material originates in fossilised skeletal matter.
Why is this important? Well, the fossil collagen used survives in 2026 only as tiny, heavily degraded fragments. Plus, skeletal collagen has a fundamentally different molecular structure from the fibrous layers that give conventional leather its durability and feel.
The critics’ conclusion: what has been produced here is something informed by prehistoric biology, not a reconstruction of it.
A handbag (millions of) years in the making
The project was created by three main actors: a creative agency known as VML, genomic engineering firm The Organoid Company, and biotech outfit Lab-Grown Leather Ltd.
Their position on the ‘authenticity’ of the leather is that it represents the upper limit of what biotechnology can currently extract from a 66-million-year-old specimen.
Whether that’s an achievement worth showcasing, we’ll let you decide for yourself.
Once the exhibition closes in May, the piece goes under the hammer.
The three companies plan to continue producing the material commercially, targeting luxury accessories first and, eventually, broader sectors such as fashion and automotive.
Think the sceptics have a point, or is the science impressive enough regardless? Let us know in the comments.
After a long and dark winter, the Dutchies have a great solution for recharging themselves. They get their family together, and they go to see some dancing cows! 🐮
Farmers let their cows leave their indoor corral to return to the Dutch fields when winter is over. It is usually done on a sunny day, and we are clearly not the only ones excited about the good weather!
The cows start jumping all around the field, and it is really damn cute to see! 👀
What is it?
In the Netherlands, there are organised tours and open days on farms. Some people even give each other tickets for Christmas and go together in the spring to see the dancing cows.
It never gets old! Jumping cows are simply too joyous! It’s a fun day out, and the entire dynasty of Dutchies can recharge themselves after a long and dark winter.
Why do they do it?
Well, it’s pretty simple: the cows do it because they are happy, and their delight passes on to the onlookers. It’s better than any therapy! 🐄
It happens only once a year, so it is also a rare experience for those who are used to seeing cows.
Small joys of living in the Netherlands #4578: Happy dancing cows 🐄🐄🐄 Too adorable! https://t.co/RsaXuO5ORO
— Dr. Carianne Pretorius (@cari_pretorius) March 1, 2021
Why is it quirky?
I mean, can you imagine a Dutch family standing outside of a farm’s fence, eating stroopwafels and watching the cows dance next to a tulip field? (Yes.)
If their jumping around wasn’t so damn adorable, you could even say that it’s quite cheesy to watch.
Should you join in?
Jaa! You don’t need to be Dutch to get addicted to this. If you want an overdose of Dutch things, you can easily combine your trip with visiting some tulip fields as well.
Ordering from outside the EU? A new national package fee will kick in from July 1 onwards, with a second European charge following in November.
Helaas, Temu and Shein lovers, the days of duty-free parcels from outside the Netherlands are now numbered.
Here’s what’s changing
In a letter to parliament, State Secretary Eelco Eerenberg (Finance) has confirmed that the Dutch government will start charging a €3 handling fee on all non-EU packages from July 1.
Meanwhile, the existing tax exemption, which allowed packages worth under €150 to enter without import duties, will also be scrapped.
Think that’s bad? Just hold on a tick, because a Europe-wide levy of €2 will be added in November — bringing the total surcharge to €5 per package.
How do these new fees actually work?
According to RTL Nieuws, the charges are calculated per line item on your invoice, meaning that what you order matters.
Costs are heavily dependent on the number of “line items” listed on your invoice. Image: Freepik
In simple terms, a single package containing three different products will cost more than one containing three identical items.
Why is the Netherlands doing this?
The new handling fee has two main goals:
slow down the sheer volume of parcels coming in from Asian webshops like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, and
help Dutch customs cover the growing cost of inspections.
This fee was discussed as early as December last year, as the Dutch customs office was already drowning under the daily wave of incoming parcels.
However, the EU-wide levy works slightly differently: its revenue is earmarked specifically to aid customs operations.
Will these new fees change where you shop online? Let us know in the comments below.
