Dutch Lifestyle: Leisure & Daily Life in the Netherlands

Experience the best of Dutch daily life with our Lifestyle section. From cultural habits and social etiquette to food, leisure, and the rhythm of everyday living, discover what makes life in the Netherlands unique and enjoyable for expats.

A view of a large indoor food market with multilevel restaurants. The building is in the shape of a horse show with images projected onto the curved polish surface. Directly infron the builing has a glass wall to bring in natural light through which you can see a pencil shaped building with a sharp tip roof and adjacent buildings reflecting the sun.

Amsterdam Food Markets: Where to Find the Best Local Treats

Explore the best food markets in Amsterdam, offering fresh produce, international cuisine, and local delicacies for expats and food lovers.

A group of children and adults walking down the street in front of houses.

Avondvierdaagse: A Dutch Evening Walking Tradition

Discover Avondvierdaagse, the beloved Dutch walking event for kids and families. Learn how it works, when it happens, and how to join.

Two little figurine men dressed in traditional white clothing, depicting a cheese market, carrying cheese with a cheese market in the background.

Best Cheese Markets in the Netherlands

Discover the best cheese markets in the Netherlands, including Gouda, Alkmaar, and Edam. A must-visit for cheese lovers!

A large traffic intersection with several dutch people on bicycles.

Cycling in the Netherlands: A Guide for Expats

Want to cycle like a local? Learn the Dutch cycling rules, where to rent a bike, and essential safety tips for expats.

A top down view of Four beer glasses held and being clinked as part of a cheers by friend around a table.

Dutch Borrel: The Art of Socializing with Drinks & Bites

Discover the Dutch borrel tradition, where drinks, snacks, and socializing come together. Learn about borrel etiquette, food, and where to experience it.

A stack of Dutch stroopwafels is on a white plate with a blurred white cup in the background.

Traditional Dutch Food: A Guide for Expats

Discover traditional Dutch foods like herring, stroopwafels, and bitterballen. A must-try list for expats in the Netherlands!

Branches of a cherry blossom tree with flowering pink cherry blossoms with the blue sky as backdrop.

Dutch Spring: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It

Spring in the Netherlands is a magical time! Learn about the best activities, events, and ways to enjoy the season.

A round yellow road sign with a sprayed on happy face with a clear blue sky backdrop.

The Netherlands Ranks High on the Global Happiness Index

The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries. Find out why expats love living here!

An open square bordered by old dutch buildings in the backdrop with terraced restaurant seating, surrounded by wooden flower boxes and a clock tower towering over the buildings on the left.

Is the Netherlands a Good Place for Expats?

Thinking about relocating? Explore the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands as an expat.

A field hockey match with a closeup of 3 hockey players are around the goal keeper, trying to get a goal. The players are wearing orange shirts and the spectators can be seen in the background.

Sports Options in the Netherlands for Expats

Discover sports options for expats in the Netherlands, including club memberships, local teams, and fitness opportunities.

A sunny day with a view of the inner city netherlands with buildings to the left, a dutch flag moving in the breeze. To the right, the canal visible over the flowers directly in front on the bridge viewpoint. People are outside and enjoying the sun on the terraces.

Sunny Days in the Netherlands: What the Dutch Do When the Sun Shines

From terraces to beaches and boat rides, here’s how the Dutch celebrate rare sunny days.

What Is a Tikkie? The Dutch Way to Split Bills

Discover how Tikkie works and why it's the go-to payment app for splitting bills in the Netherlands.

A field of thousands of Bright pink and white coloured tulips in full sun, with a treeline just visible on the horizon.

When is Tulip Season in the Netherlands and Where to See Them?

Tulip season in the Netherlands is a must-see! Find out the best months and top locations to witness the breathtaking tulip fields.

A young man with a blue hoody sitting with his hands over his face. An open box next the to the man and more unopened boxes in the background.

What Is the Consumentenbond?

Learn what the Consumentenbond is and how it helps consumers in the Netherlands make informed choices about products, services, and legal rights.

What Is Buienradar? Your Go-To Dutch Weather Radar

Discover Buienradar – the Netherlands' popular weather radar app and website that helps you track rain and plan your day around the famously unpredictable Dutch weather.

Cycling with Helmets in the Netherlands: Should You Wear One?

Are helmets required for cyclists in the Netherlands? Learn about Dutch cycling culture, safety regulations, and when it makes sense to wear a helmet.

Green Spaces in the Netherlands: Where to Relax and Reconnect

Discover the Netherlands' most beautiful parks, forests, and nature reserves ,ideal green escapes for expats and nature lovers alike.

Having Pets in the Netherlands

Learn about having pets in the Netherlands, including the regulations for bringing pets to the country, pet-friendly areas, and more.

Loyalty Programs in the Netherlands

Discover the most popular loyalty programs in the Netherlands, from supermarket savings to airline points. Learn how expats can benefit from Dutch reward schemes.

The Museum Card (Museumkaart) in the Netherlands

Discover how the Dutch Museum Card (Museumkaart) offers unlimited access to over 500 museums across the Netherlands. Ideal for expats and culture lovers.

You Need an Afspraak in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, making an afspraak (appointment) is essential for many everyday tasks. Learn when and where you need one, and how to book it.

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