Are you a tourist eager to soak in Dutch culture but short on time? Or a local without plans on an autumnal weekend?
No matter who you are, Madurodam might just be the perfect way to spend your day, letting you explore the country of tulips and windmills without the hassle of travelling across the nation.
A small Netherlands with a big spirit
Madurodam is an attraction park in The Hague that brings together the country’s stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural icons — all brought to life in 1:25 scale miniatures.
Yes, you read that right! This unique theme park lets you explore the Netherlands in incredible detail through miniature replicas of the country’s iconic buildings, cities, and attractions.
We could spend hours exploring the impressive details. Image: DutchReview
From the Rijksmuseum to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and from the windmills of Kinderdijk to Schiphol Airport, Madurodam lets you get up and close to the Netherlands like never before.
It’s not just about tiny buildings, though. Madurodam is packed with interactive experiences that captivate kids, inspire adults, and allow everyone to immerse themselves in Dutch culture.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel on top of the world, this is your chance — or well, at least on top of the Netherlands! 👀
Attractions you don’t want to miss
Madurodam has a wide range of attractions that showcase different facets of Dutch history, innovation, and creativity.
Here are a few highlights that you won’t want to miss:
Nieuw Amsterdam offers an interactive experience where you travel back to the 17th century and witness how a Dutch settlement transformed the city we now know as New York.
In De Hollandse Meesters (The Dutch Masters), you walk inside the paintings of iconic Dutch artists. This is art coming to life — literally.
The Flying Dutchman is one of the last Dakota planes in the Netherlands, and it lets you discover the wonders of the Netherlands through flight.
The perfect family outing! Image: DutchReview
And the best part? These attractions are available in both Dutch and English.
A glimpse into the history
The idea for Madurodam came in 1952 when Boon van der Strap wanted to create a fundraising project for students with tuberculosis. A miniature city seemed like the perfect way to do it.
At the same time, as the Netherlands was rebuilding after World War II, the park was built alongside it, becoming a symbol of national pride and hope for the future.
It was named after George Maduro, a heroic soldier who fought bravely during WWII, making Madurodam not just a fun attraction but also a meaningful tribute.
George greets you at the entrance of Madurodam. Image: Madurodam
Since then, tens of millions of visitors have walked through its tiny streets, exploring the whimsical world of Dutch culture and heritage. 🌷
Planning your visit
Let’s be real — the Netherlands isn’t the most predictable regarding the weather. But that’s not a problem at Madurodam.
While the miniatures are outside, the park has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained, even if the skies turn grey unexpectedly.
Of course, visiting during nice weather makes for the best experience, letting you explore freely without opening an umbrella every other minute (though that would be the true Dutch experience). ☔️
Yep, these are all replicas. Image: Madurodam
TIP: The park’s website conveniently shows real-time weather conditions for your planned visit, so be sure to check before booking your tickets!
When should you go?
Madurodam is open daily as early as 9 AM, but opening times vary depending on the time of year. Be sure to check out Madurodam’s detailed schedule to plan your visit.
You’ve just arrived in the Netherlands, eager to experience the local cuisine. At 7 PM, you confidently stroll into a restaurant expecting the dinner crowd. But to your surprise, the place is nearly empty.
Welcome to one of the Netherlands’ most bewildering cultural quirks: dinner time that would make your Spanish friends weep and your Italian grandmother question everything she knows about civilised society.
The Dutch typically eat dinner between 5 PM and 6 PM, having already finished their evening meal while you were still answering work emails. Why? Let’s dissect the Dutch dinner eating habits.
Why is dinner so early in the Netherlands?
To understand the origins of the early dinner tradition, we must look back to the Industrial Revolution. Factory work meant working-class people no longer had time to go home for midday meals, which fundamentally reshaped Dutch eating patterns.
The Protestant work ethic also played its part: life was centred around work, and food was meant to fill you up quickly so everyone could get back to being productive. No lingering over wine here — dinner was fuel, not entertainment.
What makes up a Dutch dinner?
Traditional Dutch dinners follow the sacred AVG formula: aardappelen, vlees, groente (potatoes, meat and vegetables). This practical, one-course approach reflects Dutch efficiency — why complicate things with multiple courses when you can get all your nutrients on one plate?
Even better, these sacred ingredients are often mashed together into the beloved stamppot. Is this hearty approach what has contributed to Dutch height supremacy? We don’t know. Perhaps some research will one day support this theory.
If the Dutch are feeling particularly fancy, you might find a soep (soup) as a starter and vla (custard) as dessert on the dinner table.
Dinner as a public performance
Here’s where things get properly surreal for newcomers: those famously open Dutch curtains mean everyone can see inside during dinner time.
Walk through any residential neighbourhood at 5:30 PM and you’ll witness dozens of families gathered around their dining tables.
This visibility isn’t accidental. The Dutch obsession with transparency also has its roots in Protestantism. There’s nothing to hide about a good, honest family meal. But for internationals used to privacy during dinner, it might seem like dining in a fishbowl.
Early dinner leaves time for evening family activities. Image: Freepik
The speed at which these meals disappear is equally mesmerising. Dutch dinners are efficient affairs, often wrapped up in 30 minutes or less. No dawdling, no lengthy conversations over multiple courses — just efficient nutrient consumption before moving on to evening activities.
It is no surprise that international newcomers face culture shock when it comes to Dutch dinner habits. As one confused expat noted online: “Won’t you be hungry again at like… 11 PM? And when is lunch then?”
The logic seems backwards when 5:30 PM could just as well be late afternoon coffee time in many cultures. Besides, you’re not just adjusting to new timing; you’re adapting to a completely different philosophy around food and privacy.
Changes in Dutch dinner habits
All that being said, times are slowly changing. Dinner time has gradually moved to 6 PM in many households, and Dutch restaurants typically serve dinner between 5 PM and 9 PM.
Urban areas, in particular, exhibit this shift, as international influence and changing work patterns create a need for greater flexibility.
The traditional pattern, where everyone still gathers around the dinner table at precisely the agreed-upon time, still persists in many families, though. Dinner plans are scheduled well in advance, ensuring everyone synchronises their day around that sacred family moment.
Dutch restaurants typically serve dinner between 5 PM and 9 PM. Image: Depositphotos
And the menu? That is slowly evolving, too. You’ll find Dutch households venturing beyond the AVG formula, occasionally adding a proper starter or extending dessert beyond vla or yoghurt (revolutionary!).
Is early dinner actually better?
Here’s the plot twist: the Dutch might actually be onto something brilliant. Early dinner creates a genuine work-life balance, as family time happens before evening activities, not instead of them.
There’s more time for cycling, organising (a Dutch passion), blowing some savings at an online casino (ok, maybe not; the Dutch love their savings as much as an extra early dinner) or simply enjoying gezelligheid without the pressure of late-night digestion.
From a health perspective, earlier eating aligns better with natural circadian rhythms. Additionally, as every savvy international traveller discovers after a while, Dutch restaurants often offer better value during those “awkwardly early” dinner slots.
The efficiency extends beyond timing. When meals are straightforward and quick, families spend more quality time together without the stress of elaborate preparation or lengthy cleanup.
So how do you survive this as a bewildered international? Embrace the schedule completely. Book restaurants for 5:30 PM without shame. Learn to appreciate stamppot. Accept that the classical 9-to-5 work schedule naturally leads to 6 PM family dinners.
And most importantly, remember that this isn’t stubbornness, it’s cultural logic. When work ends early, families eat together promptly, and evenings become genuinely free, the Dutch 5 PM dinner reveals itself as perhaps the most practical life hack in Europe.
Have you mastered the art of Dutch dinner timing, or are you still struggling with the 5 PM culture shock? Share your early dining adventures in the comments below!
Leiden is a picturesque town centrally located between Amsterdam and The Hague, and happens to look gorgeous in the rain. Given that our DutchReview office is located here, it’s no surprise we think the city is glorious.
Some cities need sun for their beauty to truly shine but not our lovely Leiden! It is stunning in all seasons — wet winter, windy Autumn, cloudy spring and yes, the cold summer!
We teamed up with the talented @carjstudio, who clearly has a knack for city photography as well. Enjoy the following photos of Leiden in the rain!
We hope you enjoyed these stunning photos! (And that they make you appreciate the rainy weather a bit more).
Have you been to Leiden? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2019, and was fully updated in January 2024 for your reading pleasure.
Before you move to this gorgeous country, it’s always worth knowing what the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands are. This way, you can work out if the place is really for you. After all, nowhere is perfect.
So, before you move to this beautiful flat land of tulips and windmills, what are the pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands? 🌷 As somone who has made the move myself, let me tell you about it.
The pros of moving to the Netherlands
Let’s start on a positive note! What can you look forward to if you decide to move to the Netherlands?
1. The Netherlands is small and easy to get around
The Netherlands is a very small country — you can travel from one side to the other in under three hours.
This is great if you want to explore your new home, as there will be no excruciatingly long car journeys, nor any need to board a domestic plane.
Moreover, everything is accessible by train and, provided that you have an OV chipkaart, it’s not too expensive either.
Easy and accessible public transportation in the Netherlands, what’s not to love? Image: Depositphotos
The Netherlands is also sandwiched between Belgium and Germany, meaning that if you’re after a cheap travel opportunity or a quick weekend getaway, you really don’t have to go far for it.
It’s in a pretty good location for everything, really.
2. There’s a high quality of education in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a very good quality of education for its residents and foreigners alike.
Okay, it’s not the prettiest university building in the Netherlands, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Image: Depositphotos
Many people end up leaving school with good grades and go on to land well-paying jobs or attend university.
The Netherlands also has high rates of people with post-graduate degrees.
3. The Dutch education system is international friendly, especially for children
Speaking of education, if you don’t want to take your child through a regular Dutch school, there are also a lot of choices when it comes to international schools in the Netherlands.
International schools in the Netherlands give you options for your children. Image: Depositphotos
However, having a child in the Dutch education system means that they’ll be fluent in your native language, but also in Dutch and English.
4. Dutchies are some of the best non-native English speakers in the world
The Netherlands actually has the best English proficiency level out of any non-native country, meaning that it’s the perfect place to be if you’re looking to get away from your homeland.
Most people can at least speak conversational English, so if you find yourself in a sticky situation, there will always be someone to help.
Dutchies are great at speaking English and will help you! Image: Freepik
There are even services, such as utility providers, who will specifically offer their services in English, making the transition from home to the Netherlands slightly easier.
In fact, setting up anything from your new mobile phone to your bank account is usually quite stress-free since you won’t have to face a huge language barrier during the process.
This can also be a bit of a downside, however, as you have to work twice as hard to learn Dutch. If you practice, you’ll find that people will tend to switch to English because it’s much easier to communicate.
5. There’s a great cycling culture in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its cycling culture. Come rain or shine, its residents will be out on their bicycles. Not only is it healthy and free, but it’s part of the daily commute here.
Separate cycle lanes make it the perfect place to rekindle your love of cycling, albeit with a slight fear of getting run over by one of the crazy locals.
Everybody pays the same for their basic healthcare, no matter how ill or healthy you are, making it a fairer process overall.
Basic healthcare costs are the same for everyone in the Netherlands. Hoera! Image: Depositphotos
You have the opportunity to opt-in for healthcare ‘add-ons’, so if you want more specialist advice on things such as a dentist or specialist mental healthcare, then you can pay a bit extra for these.
Moreover, if you have a low income, the government will give you an allowance, called a zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance), so you don’t have to worry about not being able to pay for your healthcare. 💸
The cons of moving to the Netherlands
Let’s keep things real and talk about some of the difficulties you may run into should you move to the Netherlands.
1. You’ll pay high Dutch taxes
The Netherlands is known for its notoriously high tax rates on basically everything. Income tax is especially high in comparison to other places in Europe, and it’s also expensive to own a car.
High taxes are a challenge in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
You may also find that electronic items are more expensive in the Netherlands (tip: go on the German Amazon), and some food can be a bit pricey too.
However, once you know how and where to shop, you can get some good deals.
The price of rent is also generally quite high around the whole country, due to the somewhat unbalanced supply and demand. Jobs, in general, pay pretty well here, so it’s all relative in the end. 🤷🏼♀️
2. It’s expensive to own a car in the Netherlands
Having a car in the Netherlands is definitely not a cheap affair. It’s expensive to own a car, and this goes not only for buying it, but also for fuelling it, fixing it, and insuring it.
This comes down to the Dutch government’s strategy of deterring people from driving, but so far, that’s not working too well.
You better practice your parallel parking. Image: Depositphotos
Oh, and there are rules in place to prevent people from just buying a cheaper car in Germany or other neighbouring countries. So bear that in mind if you were thinking of saving some money on a car. 🚗
3. There’s a housing shortage in the Netherlands
We speak about this on a regular basis here at DutchReview, and you’ll often see questions about it in international groups on Facebook, and other social media.
Sadly, the housing crisis is a thing to be reckoned with in the Netherlands, and it’s important that you look well in advance for somewhere to live. Remember, there are no guarantees that you’ll find a place immediately, but don’t give up hope!
The price of Dutch housing is expensive, especially in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos
If you’re looking to live in Amsterdam or other cities in the Randstad, you want to be extra patient in your search for a new home and plan in a little extra wiggle room in your budget.
This also goes for students. Even if you’ve received an unconditional offer from a university, if you don’t sort the accommodation straight away, you could quickly find yourself sleeping in a tent or having to defer your course for a year (true story, this actually happens). 🤯
4. The Dutch service industry may not be what you’re used to
The Dutch service industry is renowned for being less helpful and harder to navigate than in other countries. We’ve very rarely had someone be outright rude, but the Dutch aren’t exactly known for their customer service skills. 😒
Dutch customer service may not be the best, but you might just get to enjoy the sunshine while waiting. Image: Depositphotos
You’re either waiting forever to talk to the manager, in a queue of 25 people on the phone or waiting weeks for an email response.
Not to mention the amount of aggravation many people have when receiving things like letters and deliveries (if they ever get the physical post, that is).
Be prepared to have to test your patience head-on. 😬
No place is perfect, so find out for yourself what living here can do for you! Good luck with your move! 🧡
What does your pro and con list look like? Tell us in the comments!
Amsterdam’s architecture is unique and varied. You’ll find tall houses, historic houses, slanted houses, and even sinking houses. But Amsterdam’s homes are perhaps best known for being narrow.
Coming from the vast lands of the United States, getting used tiny ol’ Amsterdam was quite the adjustment for me. People on the sidewalks and in bike lanes are crammed shoulder to shoulder, and the houses are no different.
Why? Because when the city saw a growth spurt after the economic boom of the 17th century, narrow houses meant more people could squeeze into the city’s limited space.
But a few of these houses are so narrow you’ll have to see them to believe it. 👇
The narrowest house in Amsterdam: Oude Hoogstraat 22
Just remember, pinkies up, elbows in. Image: Brin Andrews/Supplied
Of the three skinniest houses in Amsterdam, the one holding the record for the narrowest of them all measures just 2.2 metres in width. (Americans, that’s about the length of six wine bottles.)
If you’ve been to the Red Light District, you’ve likely passed by the narrowest house in Amsterdam without even noticing. It stands bashfully between the gateway to the Walloon Church and the historic East Indies House.
With its red-brick facade and traditional spout gable, it looks like any other Amsterdam canal house — only miniature.
The municipality of Amsterdam purchased the small plot of land for this particularly narrow house all the way back in 1738. It was first leased to a clockmaker in 1742, as a single-story building (with ridiculously high ceilings.)
Over the years, the building went from a workshop to a three-story home. Eventually, Amsterdam’s narrowest house became a storefront for small businesses, like a jewellery store and flower shop.
The dainty landmark is now aptly home to Amsterdam’s tiniest tea shop, which opened its doors in 2014. At just five metres deep, the total area of the tea room is a gezellig nine square metres.
📍 Where to find it: Oude Hoogstraat 22, Amsterdam 🧭 How to get there: Head to the heart of the Red Light District, near the Zuiderkerk
Amsterdam’s other narrow houses
These next two Amsterdam houses may not be the skinniest of the skinny, but they’d still be approved for a high fashion runway in the ’90s.
The Loophole: Singel 7
It may not be the smallest house, but it sure could fool the tax collectors. Image: Brin Andrews/Supplied
This Amsterdam canal house is located on Singel 7. Mistakenly (but understandably), it is often thought to be Amsterdam’s narrowest house.
However, it’s only the back facade that’s so slim, measuring just above one metre in width. The front of the house looks completely normal, so altogether, the inside of the house isn’t that narrow at all.
Oddly, Amsterdammers used to pay taxes on the width of their houses on the canal side, which happens to be the front side of the vast majority of houses.
So, Single 7’s narrow, canal-facing rear facade is seen as a creative approach to tax evasion. Gotta love that Dutch ingenuity.
📍 Where to find it: Singel 7, Amsterdam 🧭 How to get there: Head southwest from Central Station
The kleine Trippenhuis: Kloveniersburgwal 26
The skinny house of Amsterdam lore. Image: Brin Andrews/supplied
Our final narrow Amsterdam house stands out for its mirroring of the stately mansion across the canal. The Trippenhuis was the largest residential house in Amsterdam in the 17th century, owned by the well-known arms-dealing Trip brothers.
Legend has it, the brothers’ coachman had mentioned he’d be delighted to live in a house even just the width of the mansion’s door.
In good humour, the brothers commissioned the 2.4-metre house across the canal to emulate the neoclassical facade — a slender gift for their dear coachman.
You can easily see all three of Amsterdam’s narrowest houses in just an hour or two.
It makes for a great self-guided walking/cycling tour around some of the loveliest parts of the old city. Just follow these directions, or wander around more creatively on your own route. There’s always plenty to keep you entertained along the way.
Have you seen the narrowest houses in Amsterdam? Let us know what you think of them in the comments below!
“Autumn is really here now, isn’t it?” We’ve been saying it all week, but this weekend is going to remind us what autumn in the Netherlands can really look like.
Thanks to a storm depression that goes by the name of Amy, we’re probably all going to be feeling a bit depressed.
According to the NOS, we can expect wind gusts of up to 100km per hour in some areas. And, of course, rain. Lots and lots of rain.
It starts on Friday evening
Unfortunately, for many of us, the bad weather should kick off just as we clock out of work this evening.
According to RTL Nieuws, by the late afternoon, almost the entire country (aside from some lucky ducks in the southeast) should be under a cloud of rainfall.
Temperatures will be equally autumnal, lingering around 14 degrees Celsius. And during the night? Those winds are going to pick up.
And it will continue on Saturday
While there will be some respite from the rain during the night, the second heavy wave will hit on Saturday morning, moving from the northwest to the southeast.
These showers will turn chilly on Saturday afternoon, and they may even bring some thunderstorms with them. The evening? Not much different, with even more rain expected.
But don’t worry, if you’re along the coast, you’ll probably be too distracted by winds of up to force 8 to notice that you’re soaked.
The NOS reports that winds along the coast will continue to blast us on Sunday morning, as will the rain (especially for those in the west, northwest and Wadden Sea).
However, there will be more frequent spells of sunshine between the downpours, which are expected to bring around 30 to 50 millimetres of rain between Saturday afternoon and Sunday night.
The good news? By the time we all return to work on Monday, things should have calmed down. 😑
Royal families, English language and football fanatics —Brits and Dutchies have lots in common. But as for cultural differences? Yeah, there’s a fair share of those too. 🇬🇧⚡️🇳🇱
When I first landed in the lowlands way back in 2016, I thought I was in tune with the ways my beloved homeland differed from the not-so-distant Netherlands I now call home.
That was only a few months in. And boy, was I wrong.
Brit attempts Dutchification
Before we dive into the cultural clashes, let me set the scene for my initiation into Dutch culture.
I was busy dealing with the big culture shocks at hand: getting on a bike for the first time in 15 years and navigating city cycling without injuring myself or anyone else. Succes!
And after initially being taken aback by the infamous Dutch directness, I soon came to love and appreciate it. I even incorporated stamppot, bread, cheese, and copious amounts of stroopwafels into my diet (adjusting my gym routine accordingly).
It’s safe to say I was feeling like a Dutchified pro — until my parents came to visit.
Sure enough, showing them around my new home revealed nuances that had escaped my attention as I focused on mastering bigger obstacles like biking and cuisine.
Three of these are among the most (stereotypically) important institutions of British culture. So here’s how they differ, for better or worse, from the way things are done in the Netherlands.
Differences between Britain and the Netherlands
1. To queue or not to queue?
🇬🇧 What the British do
Queueing is what the British do best. It gives us a sense of order and civility, and we’ll be damned if someone jumps the line we love oh-so-very much.
Especially in the midst of the drama that is Christmas shopping, expect scorn and shame if you mistakenly join the queue at the incorrect point. One smug shopper will no doubt “politely” show you the “proper” end of the line.
🇳🇱 What the Dutch do
It’s a very different tale in the Netherlands. Take the buses, for example. Everyone mooches around the stop in an attempted queue-like fashion: personal space is maintained and there is a distinct acknowledgement of who arrived first.
But when the bus pulls in, it’s a free-for-all.
Often the last person to join the crowd gleefully steps aboard, with confused Brits left in a daze. They shuffle on last, completely bewildered by the savagery that had just occurred.
2. Fish and Chips vs. Kibbeling
Is it the British Fish and Chips, or the Dutch kibbeling? Image: Depositphotos
🇬🇧 What the British do
As far as being quintessentially British goes, fish and chips are up there with the King, talking about the weather and having a pint in a pub.
The only food not subjected to rationing in WWII, paper-wrapped fish and chips have been a familiar go-to dinner in Great Britain since the mid-19th century. 🐟
Typically flavoured with salt and vinegar, the nation’s favourite is often consumed on rainy days by the seaside, at lunchtime for the rebellious teenagers straying from school, and of course for Friday supper after work!
🇳🇱 What the Dutch do
For the most part, the principle is the same: battered fish cooked before your eyes and served to the masses.
But having travelled far and wide, I never encountered a dish that rivalled the sentimentality attached to fish and chips back home. That is until I stepped foot in Groningen.
Now, I genuinely look forward to queueing (of course) at the counter of the Dutch fish truck just to place my order: “Een portie kibbeling met saus, alstublieft“.
The main difference is the smaller pieces of kibbeling that are dusted with some mysterious spice, served on a tray instead of in paper and with a nice space for some garlic-based sauce. Delicious!
3. Tea vs Thee
Black tea with a splash of milk — an English national treasure. Image: Pexels
🇬🇧 What the British do
Confession time. I am a Brit who was not always a tea-lover. 🪦
I know, I’ve burst many ideas of what it means to be a true Brit by forgoing a lovely brew for a good ol’ glass of water. My parents, on the other hand, are staunch tea supporters and rarely travel without their treasured Tetley Teabags or Yorkshire’s finest.
The classic brew (though widely debated) involves said teabag, hot water, removal of the teabag and the addition of milk and sugar to taste. In that order.
🇳🇱 What the Dutch do
While the Dutch also have thee in abundance, it is normally fruity, green, or minty. This was something I immediately got on board with — who doesn’t love a good cup of Bosvruchten (forest fruit) in the morning?
My poor father, however, found this fundamental difference out the hard way.
After leaving his beloved Yorkshire Gold behind when visiting, I offered him a cup of thee. Unfortunately, my favourite Yorkshireman could not find peace with his citrusy cup of steaming Pickwick.
In an attempt to improve things (against my advice), he followed the institutional method and removed the lemony tea bag to add a splash of milk. As one can imagine, this didn’t go down well — unless you count the sink.
Parting wisdom for incoming Brits
Such differences may be futile, but when your national stereotype is largely centred around these three things, any small alterations become significant.
Incoming Brits, beware: bring your own tea bags, take Valium when embarking on public transport, and prepare to take a step back. Most importantly, swallow your pride and accept that the Dutchies do battered fish way better than we do.
Were there any other noteworthy differences between Britain and the Netherlands I left out? Leave ’em in the comments!
Here’s the thing about Zwolle: whilst Amsterdam and Rotterdam were still muddy villages, this star-shaped city was already busy making serious bank as one of Europe’s most powerful trading centres.
Fast-forward 800 years, and most internationals still haven’t cottoned on to what locals have always known: Zwolle is an absolute gem that deserves way more attention than it gets.
Located just an hour by train from Amsterdam, this former Hanseatic League powerhouse offers everything you want from a Dutch city break without the selfie-stick-wielding crowds.
We’re talking medieval architecture, world-class museums, a bookstore housed in a 15th-century church, and the Netherlands’ only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Not too shabby for a place most expats can’t even pronounce correctly (it’s “ZVOL-luh,” by the way).
Short on time? Find the perfect activity for you in the list below 👇🏼
The controversial “cloud” of Museum de Fundatie. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Let’s start with Zwolle’s most Instagram-worthy attraction. Museum de Fundatie sits in a neoclassical building that’s impressive enough on its own, until you notice the bizarre egg-shaped addition perched on top like a giant metallic cloud.
This architectural oddity houses one of the Netherlands’ premier art collections, with works by Van Gogh, Mondrian, and Chagall alongside rotating exhibitions. That controversial “cloud” offers spectacular 360-degree views over Zwolle’s historic centre. All in all, a must-see from all angles.
💰 Price: €15 for adults, €7.50 for students ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Blijmarkt 20, 8011 NE Zwolle
Van der Velde in de Broeren has transformed this Gothic stunner into what many consider the most beautiful bookstore in the Netherlands, with soaring ceilings, original stone columns, and stained glass windows creating an almost ethereal atmosphere for book browsing.
Don’t miss the Leeshemel (Reading Heaven) café, where you can sip coffee surrounded by books and contemplate the beautiful absurdity of it all. Even if you’re not much of a reader, this place is worth visiting just for the “only in the Netherlands” factor.
💰 Price: Free to browse ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Broerenkerkplein 13, 8011 TW Zwolle
3. Conquer the mighty Peperbus tower
De Peperbus offers great views of the city. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
The 75-metre tower of the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basilica dominates Zwolle’s skyline, and locals have nicknamed it De Peperbus (the pepper pot) because of its distinctive copper dome.
Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, the tower survived a fire in 1815 that destroyed its original spire. The current copper dome is where the fun nickname comes from.
The 236-step climb to the first gallery at 51 metres is no joke, but the panoramic views over the city and surrounding Overijssel countryside are worth every wheeze.
💰 Price: €7 for adults, €4 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 2 PM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Ossenmarkt 1, 8011 MJ Zwolle
4. Step into the Middle Ages at the Sassenpoort
Step into the Middle Ages in Zwolle. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
The Sassenpoort isn’t just Zwolle’s most photographed building; it’s also a legitimate piece of European heritage that’s earned its place in the top 100 Dutch monuments (Rijksmonumenten).
This 14th-century city gate is the crown jewel of Zwolle’s star-shaped fortifications, built when the city was serious about keeping unwanted visitors out.
Walking through its Gothic arches feels like stepping into a medieval film set, except this is the real deal. The gate originally formed part of a defensive system with 23 towers, though only three survive today.
💰 Price: €5 for guided tours ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Sassenstraat 53, 8011 PB Zwolle
5. Dive into Zwolle’s Hanseatic trading glory
Between the 13th and 16th centuries, Zwolle was a major player in the Hanseatic League — medieval Europe’s most successful trading network, basically.
While other Dutch cities were still figuring out how to drain their swamps, Zwolle was already dealing in international commerce and wielding serious political influence. You can follow a Hanseatic city walk to see the key sites, or just wander the historic centre with this context in mind.
💰 Price: Free to explore ⏰ Opening hours: Always accessible 📍 Location: Historic city centre
6. Dine like royalty at De Librije (if you can get in)
De Librije is not just the best restaurant in Zwolle, it’s arguably the best restaurant in the entire Netherlands. This three-Michelin-starred establishment has been setting the standard for Dutch fine dining since the 1990s, and it’s housed in a former women’s prison (because apparently the Dutch can’t resist a good conversion project).
Lovely experience, but getting a reservation requires planning (think months ahead), and the tasting menu will set you back around €200 per person without wine.
💰 Price: €200+ per person for tasting menu ⏰ Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, lunch and dinner 📍 Location: Spinhuisplein 1, 8011 ZZ Zwolle
7. Take a canal cruise around the star-shaped city
A perfect place for a canal cruise. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Zwolle’s unique star-shaped layout is best appreciated from the water, and canal cruises here are blissfully free from the tourist boat traffic that plagues Amsterdam’s waterways.
The city’s defensive moat system has been converted into a scenic route that offers perspectives you simply can’t get on foot. The most fun option has to be the round boats that you can rent for yourself.
They might look like floating bathtubs and handle about just as gracefully, but they’re perfect for a leisurely afternoon exploring at your own pace. Summer evenings are particularly magical when the setting sun lights up the historic buildings.
💰 Price: From €15 for boat rental, €12.50 for guided tours ⏰ Opening hours: April to October, weather dependent 📍 Location: Various departure points around the city centre
8. Hunt for the “Blauwvingers” legend
Zwollenaren (people from Zwolle) are known as “Blauwvingers” (Blue Fingers), and the story behind this nickname is peak Dutch pettiness.
Legend has it that in 1682, Zwolle’s church tower collapsed, and they sold their church bells to the neighbouring town of Kampen at an extortionate price. Upon accepting, Kampen discovered that the bells were too damaged to be used.
Kampen’s revenge? They paid in the smallest denomination coins available, forcing Zwolle authorities to count thousands of tiny copper coins. After meticulously counting every last one, their fingers had turned blue from handling all that copper. The nickname stuck, and it’s still used today with a mixture of pride and mild embarrassment.
💰 Price: Free entertainment ⏰ Opening hours: Anytime you fancy a bit of local culture 📍 Location: Throughout the city (ask locals for their version)
9. Wander the medieval city centre
Zwolle’s charming historical centre. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Zwolle’s historic heart is a masterclass in urban planning that somehow manages to feel both grand and intimate. The Grote Markt forms the traditional centre, surrounded by patrician houses that scream: “We made serious money from international trade.”
The Saturday market on Grote Markt brings the space to life with local vendors selling everything from Dutch cheese to seasonal produce. Unlike Amsterdam’s tourist-packed centre, you can actually wander these streets without having to dodge selfie sticks every three steps.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Always accessible 📍 Location: Grote Markt and surrounding streets
10. Have a roaring good time at Dinoland
Dinoland Zwolle is a well-executed family theme park that manages to be educational without being boring, and fun without being completely chaotic.
Set in a forest location just outside the city centre, the park combines indoor and outdoor attractions that work regardless of the weather, which is crucial in a country where “four seasons in one day” is considered normal meteorology.
The dinosaur theme is carried through with enough scientific accuracy to keep adults engaged, whilst the interactive elements and playground areas prevent younger visitors from getting bored. Perfect for families with kids aged two to 12.
💰 Price: €18.50 for adults, €16.50 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 10 AM to 5:30 PM 📍 Location: Willemsvaart 19, 8011 AK Zwolle
11. Get your retro gaming fix at Bonami Games & Computers Museum
You can play almost anything at Bonami in Zwolle. Image: Freepik
The Bonami SpelComputer Museum houses one of Europe’s most comprehensive collections of vintage games, computers, and arcade machines. The best part? Almost everything is playable.
For €17, you get unlimited access (so don’t worry about bringing guldens for the slots) to over a hundred arcade games, pinball machines, and vintage computer systems spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s.
Located in a former church (because Zwolle is really committed to the whole “repurposed religious buildings” thing), the setting adds an extra layer of surreal charm to the experience.
💰 Price: €17 for unlimited play and museum access ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM 📍 Location: Nieuwstraat 6, 8011 TK Zwolle
12. Follow the footsteps of Thomas à Kempis
Follow the footsteps of Thomas à Kempis in Zwolle. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Thomas à Kempis might not be a household name, but his book “The Imitation of Christ” is one of the most widely read Christian texts after the Bible. Why should you care? He spent most of his life in Zwolle!
This 15th-century monk and mystic was part of the Modern Devotion movement, which emphasised personal piety over institutional Christianity — a stance that was pretty radical for its time.
His remains were moved to the Onze Lieve Vrouw ten Hemelopneming Basilica in 2006, where you can visit his shrine. There’s something appealing about a religious figure whose motto was “Everywhere I have sought rest and not found it, except sitting in a corner by myself with a little book.”
💰 Price: Free to visit the shrine ⏰ Opening hours: Church open daily 📍 Location: Ossenmarkt 1, 8011 MJ Zwolle
13. Explore the remaining medieval towers
Of the 23 towers that once protected Zwolle’s walls, only three remain: the Zwanentoren (Swan Tower), Wijndragerstoren (Wine Carriers’ Tower), and Pelsertoren (Furriers’ Tower).
The Wijndragerstoren is your best bet for a visit, as it now houses Het Beugeltje, a brown café that serves local beers in medieval surroundings.
There’s something deeply satisfying about having a drink in a 14th-century defensive tower. It’s the kind of casual historical experience that makes living in Europe feel properly magical. Walking the approximate line of the old city walls also gives you a sense of how compact medieval Zwolle was.
💰 Price: Free to view externally, café prices for Het Beugeltje ⏰ Opening hours: Always visible, café hours vary 📍 Location: Various locations around the old city perimeter
14. Shop and snack at bustling local markets
Zwolle’s Saturday market on the Grote Markt is everything a Dutch market should be: unpretentious, good value, and filled with locals who treat it as a social event rather than just shopping.
You’ll not only find Dutch cheese that’s actually worth getting excited about, but also fresh stroopwafels that put supermarket versions to shame, and seasonal produce that changes with the calendar.
What makes markets like this essential for expats is the cultural education that comes with every purchase. This is where you learn that there are approximately 847 different types of Dutch cheese, that haggling is absolutely not done, and that bringing your own shopping bag isn’t just environmentally conscious, it’s expected.
💰 Price: Varies by vendor ⏰ Opening hours: Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM (main market) 📍 Location: Grote Markt, 8011 LV Zwolle
15. Embrace the green city life
Perfect place to escape the bustle of the city. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
In 2017, Zwolle was named Europe’s greenest city. Once you start exploring its parks and green spaces, you’ll understand why.
Park de Wezenlanden, for example, hosts the Netherlands’ largest Liberation Festival every May 5. However, it’s worth visiting year-round for its combination of manicured gardens and wilder natural areas along the river IJssel.
Park Het Engelse Werk combines forest walks with riverside views, and it’s popular with locals for everything from morning jogs to family picnics.
For expats coming from more densely urbanised countries, Zwolle’s green spaces offer a glimpse of how Dutch cities prioritise quality of life alongside economic development.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Always accessible 📍 Location: Various locations around the city
16. Explore the local food scene beyond De Librije
Wanna Waffle serves amazing waffles with unique toppings. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Zwolle’s restaurant scene punches well above its weight, offering everything from international street food to traditional Dutch cuisine.
Wanna Waffle serve incredible waffles with crazy toppings like pulled pork, ice cream combinations, and creative sweet and savoury options that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about waffles.
For a more traditional Dutch experience, hunt down one of the city’s brown cafés (bruine kroegen) where locals gather for beer and conversation. Local specialities include Zwolse mustard, which has protected designation status and makes an excellent souvenir for food-loving friends back home.
💰 Price: Varies widely ⏰ Opening hours: Restaurant-dependent 📍 Location: Throughout the city centre
17. Use Zwolle as your Overijssel base camp
One of Zwolle’s greatest assets is its location as a gateway to the beautiful Overijssel province.
Giethoorn, the famous “Venice of the Netherlands,” is just 30 minutes away by car, whilst the Weerribben-Wieden National Park provides hiking, cycling, and boat tours through landscapes that feel almost prehistoric.
Other nearby Hanseatic cities like Kampen and Deventer make for excellent day trips, each offering its own take on medieval Dutch architecture and trading history.
Having Zwolle as your base means you can experience both urban culture and natural beauty without constantly changing accommodation.
💰 Price: Transport and attraction costs vary ⏰ Opening hours: Plan according to destinations 📍 Location: Throughout Overijssel province
Zwolle isn’t just another pretty Dutch city trading on canal-side charm. It’s a place with genuine depth, outstanding food, fascinating history, and enough character to keep you entertained for days rather than hours.
The best part? You can experience all of this without fighting through crowds of tourists or paying Amsterdam prices for everything. Zwolle offers the authentic Dutch experience that many expats are searching for, a place where you can actually imagine living, working, and becoming part of the community.
Have you discovered Zwolle’s charms, or are there hidden gems we’ve missed? Share your own experiences in the comments!
A Dutch court has ruled that Meta must offer Instagram and Facebook users in the Netherlands the option to choose a chronological feed that can be set as default over a feed based on an algorithm.
The tech giant has two weeks to comply, or face fines of €100,000 per day. Spoiler: that’s pocket change for a company worth over $1 trillion.
The ruling comes after digital rights organisation Bits of Freedom took Meta to court, arguing the company violated the EU’s Digital Services Act by burying the chronological feed option so deep in settings that most users don’t even know it exists.
Yes, you can technically view posts in chronological order on both platforms right now, but good luck finding that option without a treasure map.
And even if you do locate it, you can’t set it as your default, meaning the algorithm sneaks back in every time you open the app.
What the court actually ruled
According to the NOS, the Amsterdam court sided with Bits of Freedom, ruling that Meta must make the algorithm-free feed easily accessible and allow users to set it as their permanent default.
No more being force-fed content based on what Meta’s algorithm thinks you want to see.
Meta now has two weeks to roll out these changes for Dutch users. Miss the deadline, and they’ll owe Bits of Freedom €100,000 per day, capped at €5 million total.
Evelyn Austin, director of Bits of Freedom has reacted to the ruling, saying “Fantastic, really a boost for everyone trying to rein in Meta’s power,” the NOS reports.
The election angle (and why this matters beyond voting day)
Bits of Freedom originally filed the lawsuit because of concerns about algorithmic content influencing the Dutch elections set to take place on October 29.
“Elections are coming, so it’s important that people have control over their information diet,” director Evelyn Austin tells the NOS.
The idea? When an algorithm curates your feed based on engagement, it can create echo chambers and amplify divisive content, particularly around politically charged topics.
Even once we’re through the election period, the court has ruled that the algorithm-free option must remain available permanently.
Will Meta actually comply, or just pay the fine?
Here’s where things get interesting. The maximum penalty is €5 million, which sounds like a lot until you remember that, according to Variety, Meta made $164.5 billion in revenue in 2024.
That makes €5 million roughly 0.003% of their annual income. To put it in perspective, if you earn €50,000 a year, this fine would be equivalent to about €1.50.
So will Meta bother complying, or just pay what amounts to a rounding error in their quarterly earnings? The company wasn’t available for comment when NOS reached out, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
The ruling only applies to the Netherlands for now, since that’s the jurisdiction of the Amsterdam court.
However, as Austin pointed out, the Digital Services Act is an EU-wide regulation. If other European courts follow suit, Meta might actually have to take this seriously.
If Meta does comply (big if), instead of Meta deciding you need to see your uncle’s conspiracy theories because they get lots of comments, you’ll just see posts from accounts you follow, in order, like the good old days.
Will you switch to a chronological feed if Meta actually makes it available, or have you already abandoned these platforms entirely? Let us know in the comments.
Every year, there’s one day that all Leiden residents look forward to, Leidens Ontzet (Relief of Leiden). On October 3rd, people treat themselves to a city-wide partyfull of food, games, carnival rides, and, most importantly, alcohol! 🍻
It might be the only day that Leiden’s large student population intermingles with the locals as they sing the Leiden anthem or the October 3 song of ‘Rubberen Robbie’ together in brotherly love.
For the people who don’t know what we’re talking about, we’ll explain this exceptional phenomenon to you and clarify some crazy scenes you might see on this day.
The history of Leidens Ontzet
A pretty long time ago, the Dutch were at war with the Spaniards in the Eighty Years War (1568-1648). Like all wars during this time, this was about religion, independence, and power.
The ruler of the Spaniards, Catholic King Philip II, was a repressive old crook who didn’t want the Dutch to be independent. This was obviously ridiculous, and so the Dutchies rebelled against him.
The city of Leiden was attacked by the Spaniards for the first time in October 1573. However, the invaders were soon challenged by Lodewijk van Nassau’s Dutch army.
Lodewijk van Nassau, younger brother of Willem van Oranje. Image: Rijksmuseum/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Van Nassau, who was the brother of Dutch freedom fighter Willem van Oranje, eventually got the Spaniards to lift the siege on Leiden on March 21, 1574. But, helaas, this was only temporary: the Spaniards came back with 5,000 men — and this time, the siege would last until October 3.
During the siege, the citizens of Leiden didn’t have enough food and diseases spread all over the city. Thousands of people died from starvation and the plague.
However, the city secretary, Jan van Hout, and the leader of the troops, Jan van der Does were determined not to surrender to King Philip II.
It was a heroic fight, especially when Mayor Van der Werf offered his arm as food to his starving people. Such self-sacrifice must certainly be remembered for eternity… even though it’s a myth.
Van der Werf offering his sword instead of his arm to the people of Leiden. Image: Museum de Lakenhal/Wikimedia Commons/CC 1.0
Van der Werf even has a park named after him with a huge statue dedicated to his honour.
On October 3, 1574, the siege came to an end because of Willem van Oranje’s genius plan. He decided to flood the surrounding areas of Leiden by making holes in the dykes of Holland to expel the Spaniards.
When the surrounding areas were flooded at the beginning of October, the Watergeuzen (water rebels) were making their way to Leiden to set the citizens of Leiden free.
The Spaniards panicked because of the water and the Watergeuzen, and so they fled back to Spain.
The people came out of their houses to see if the Spaniards were really gone. The only thing the Spaniards left was a porridge pot with hutspot (mashed potato and vegetable dish), while the Watergeuzen brought herring with white bread into the city.
The relief of Leiden. Otto van Veen/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
First thing in the morning, all the citizens went to the Pieterskerk, where they thanked God for this miracle that happened. And since we are all still very thankful, every October 3 we honour this miraculous moment by drinking and partying as much as we can. 😉
Did you know? Willem van Oranje proposed to establish the first university in the Netherlands as a reward for defeating the Spanish. In 1575, Leiden University was inaugurated in the Pieterskerk.
How to party the Leiden way
There are many ways you can enjoy Leiden Ontzet. Want to do it like a Dutchie? Say no more.
Eat some food
You may be asking yourself: is Dutch food even a thing? Yes, it actually is!
While the holiday technically starts on October 3, most people actually begin the festivities on the night of October 2. On this night, Leiden people eat hutspot (a dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables), then go out in the town for drinking and debauchery.
Just what you need before a night of celebration! Image: Depositphotos
When you wake up from your hangover on the morning of October 3, you can make your way to the De Waagfor FREE herring and white bread. 😋
After finishing this “Dutch delicacy”, you can head into the city and take a look at the magnificent Taptoe parade with lights and fun performances.
Ride some rides
After stuffing yourself with some Dutch delicacies, walk around the funfair in the city centre and lose your money trying to win a stuffed animal for your partner.
Here, you can eat some churros and deep-fried doughnuts and get on some roller coaster rides (though you may want to do the rides before eating the snacks 🤢).
Get drunk and watch some fireworks
Did we mention that you should drink alcohol all the time while doing these things?
Then, while getting a good buzz going, you can take a look at all the stages around the city where you can listen to all kinds of music, especially those you don’t want to hear when you’re sober. 💃
Expect fireworks, lots of fireworks. Image: Depositphotos
Then, just before midnight, you can watch a spectacular fireworks show at the Zijlsingel. 🎆
After that, you can slowly move to an overly crowded pub.
If you’re somehow still able to walk at the end of the evening, you should go to bed and sleep for a few hours before picking up your herring and white bread (again) the next morning on October 4. Then the fun is over, and you’ll have to wait another year to do it all again!
Have you been to Leidens Ontzet, or are you planning to go? Let us know in the comments below!
