The Designer Outlet Roermond is a fashion outlet mall located near the Dutch-German border in the south of the Netherlands. It is run by the McArthurGlen Group – the Roermond location has around 186 branded stores and is the largest mall in their international portfolio. The Netherlands isn’t generally renowned for discount shopping and bargain basement prices. It’s no surprise that the Designer Outlet Roermond has become popular with those seeking branded discounts and the chance to visit stores not normally available on the local high street. Generally, expect about 30% off the standard reta ..read more

The Go City Amsterdam All Inclusive Pass is a visitor pass that offers free entry to a number of attractions and tours in and around Amsterdam. It is issued by Go City which is an international group offering city passes to over 30 destinations worldwide. Go City offers digital passes which can be used with the Go City app or just simply printed out. The Go City Amsterdam All Inclusive Pass is an alternative to the official I Amsterdam City card. Go City also has an Explorer Pass which is based on the number of attractions you visit. In this article we will take a detailed look at the Amsterda ..read more

IJ-Hallen is a flea market which takes place monthly over a weekend at NDSM wharf in the north of Amsterdam. With around 750 outdoor stalls (400-500 indoor stalls in winter) it is the largest regular flea market in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe. NDSM wharf can be easily reached from the back of Amsterdam Central station by hopping on the free GVB ferry. The trip takes about 15 minutes and offers some great views of the IJ river and Amsterdam’s waterfront development. On arrival it is a short walk from the ferry towards the former shipyard area. The market is normally hosted ..read more

RTXP Amsterdam is an art gallery exhibition which features 50 replicas of some of the world’s most iconic paintings. The name RTXP stands for ‘art experience’. Book RTXP Amsterdam tickets here RTXP was opened in January 2023 by a father and son team and is located in De Pijp district of Amsterdam close to the Heineken Brewery. It is housed in a monumental building on the corner of Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat and Ferdinand Bolstraat. This was built in 1882 in neoclassical style and was a former school. RTXP at Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 59 RTXP has oil painted full-size replicas of many re ..read more

The Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet is an outdoor discount mall in the city of Lelystad about 60km drive north-east of Amsterdam. It is quite similar in set-up to the larger Designer Outlet Roermond which is located further away in the south of the Netherlands. Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet contains around 150 shops from well known local and international brands. Expect discounts of around 30% off standard retail prices and up to 70% for limited special offers. Batavia Stad entrance near the bus stop Do remember that high street Dutch prices for clothes are often higher than in the UK, US and other ..read more

Efteling is a theme park in the south of the Netherlands based on traditional fairy tales that opened in the 1950s. It attracts millions of visitors per year and is firmly ingrained in Dutch cultural identity. Book your Efteling tickets here Although the Efteling park has continued to modernise over the years, it certainly retains a unique charm and friendliness and makes for a great day out for the whole family. Efteling – Fata Morgana The enchanting Fairytale Forest (Sprookjesbos) part of the Efteling remains a very popular attraction for those with small children. The iconic Long Neck (Lang ..read more

The Embassy of the Free Mind is a museum and library in Amsterdam which promotes freedom of thought. The museum is located in the historic House of Heads on the Keizersgraacht canal which was built in 1622. The affluent De Geer family moved into the house in 1634 and opened it up to dissidents escaping social and religious persecution in their own countries. Hence it became known as the Embassy of the Free Mind. Embassy of the Free Mind Amsterdam – entrance hall The library collection known as the Biblioteheca Philosophica Hermetica (Library of Hermetic Philosophy) contains around 28,000 books ..read more

The Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) is a unique museum in a canal house in Amsterdam with a hidden Catholic church in its attic. The Op Solder Museum added a modern wing in 2015 in the adjacent building which is connected to the original house by an underground passageway. Op Solder Museum modern wing Without doubt, the centrepiece and highlight of the museum is the beautiful small church spanning the attics of 3 adjacent houses. The church can seat up to 150 worshippers and has magnificent decor with its own organ. Op Solder Museum Amsterdam – secret churchOp Solder Museum A ..read more

Dutch general store HEMA used to offer a very cheap breakfast. As inflation has surged the price has crept up over the years – so it is certainly not the bargain it once was. However, if you still are looking for a basic budget breakfast in Amsterdam (or any city in the Netherlands) it remains an option. HEMA breakfast is available between 0900 and 1000 on Monday to Saturdays at its larger stores that have a restaurant inside. HEMA restaurant Amsterdam HEMA offers a ‘pick&mix’ breakfast priced as follows: Warm drink (small coffee/small cappuccino/tea) €1.50 Boiled egg €0.75 Banana €1 Crois ..read more

Primark’s new flagship store in Amsterdam opened back in 2016, after about 3 years of building work in the former C&A complex. The location of Primark Amsterdam is at Damrak 77, opposite Beursplein and very close to Dam Square. It is a 5-10 minute walk from Amsterdam Central station. Primark is a discount clothes store from Ireland which has become very popular in the UK and internationally with over 400 stores worldwide. Primark has been present in the Netherlands for a number of years but previously lacked an Amsterdam store. Primark Amsterdam – map wall At 8,800m² in floor space sp ..read more