Have you ever wondered why the Dutch are called ‘Dutch’? You might be surprised by the word’s origin.

The Dutch are famous for being very direct and straightforward people. Do you want a genuine opinion about your outfit? You got it! Want to split the bill? No problem! Do you want to have unlimited types of cheese to choose from? You got that tenfold!

Everything seems pretty simple here until you start asking yourself specific questions. Why does this country have two names? Is it the Netherlands or Holland?

And why are people here called the Dutch? And why do these words have nothing in common with one another? Well, we have the answers for you!

The Netherlands vs Holland: what even is the difference?

If you know the difference between the Netherlands and Holland, have heard the Dutch national anthem at least once, and know a thing or two about Dutch history, then you’re pretty much a half Dutchie. But for those who don’t know those things, let’s get it out of the way before we get to the main question.

In short, the Netherlands is split up into 12 provinces. However, the two provinces of North and South Holland are the ones that contain all the good (read: touristy) stuff.

READ MORE | Provinces of the Netherlands: the easy guide

Think tulips, windmills, canals, Amsterdam, and The Hague. So because the two Holland provinces are so popular, the whole country became known as Holland — even though its real name is the Netherlands. But why are the people here called Dutch? Well…

The British are to blame

England? English! America? American! The Netherlands? Netherlander? Hollander? No, Dutch! Why? Because logic.

But actually, the British are to blame. As if Brexit wasn’t enough to screw up half of Europe, the Brits messed things up for the Netherlands quite some time ago.

Now, we need your full attention for the reason why we call the Dutch, well, “the Dutch”. As we all know, the German word for Germany is “Deutschland”.

Now, for the British, everyone who spoke a Germanic language was one and the same. This resulted in the British calling people from Germany and the Netherlands both Dutch.

Then, as time passed, the Germans became known as, well, Germans. However, like a nickname you got in high school, “Dutch” still sticks with the Netherlands.

What do you think about the word’s origin? Did we surprise you with the reasoning behind it? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in June 2018, and was fully updated in June 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Moving to a new country is challenging enough as it is, so we don’t need to add getting scams to our worries. We’ve made a list of quick things to keep in mind to stay smart and avoid getting scammed in the Netherlands.

If you’re an expat or an international student, learning how not to get scammed is vital. Even though the Netherlands is considered a safe place, foreigners easily fall prey to scammers.

That’s why it’s important to be mindful of certain things.

How not to get scammed in the Netherlands: burglary

If you’re a student studying in the Netherlands, the chances of falling victim to burglary are quite high.

Unfortunately, student accommodations are very “social” places, where random people enter and exit throughout the day. Sometimes these random people are burglars.

One way to ensure you stay safe is by having a key and a working lock for your room. Whenever you go out, hide your most valuable possessions in a secret spot. 

A random person walking around has a small chit-chat to see if there’s anything suspicious (if they’re actually burglars, best-case scenario, you’ll spook them out).

And if you want to be extra safe, you can always ask your landlord to install an anti-burglary strip.

How to avoid bicycle theft in the Netherlands

Ah, yes — the most common form of crime in the Netherlands! Everyone who has lived in this flat country has gone through the heartbreak of having their bicycle stolen at least once.

Unfortunately, this is usually inevitable no matter how many locks you put on your bike. But there are always steps you can follow to reduce the risk of that happening.

• Make sure you invest in a reliable (and usually expensive) lock. Heck, buy two!
• Make sure to attach both your frame and your wheel to a fixed object, like a bicycle rack.
• Park your fiets at a designated bike parking whenever you can — most have cameras.
• Lastly, check if your bike has an identification code and take a photo of it (or write it down). That way, if it gets stolen, you can provide that number to the police so that they know it’s yours if they find it.

Fencing bicycles

You’re still recovering from the heartbreak of having your last bike stolen. Then suddenly, a somewhat sketchy dude offers you this amazing bicycle for a super low price.

It’s as if the universe has seen your sorrow and offered a solution to your problem. But not too fast! If the bike is great but too cheap, chances are it was stolen.

Do not buy it! If you do, you might be charged with peddling stolen goods. You will not only get a fine, but you will also end up with a criminal record.

And who wants the trouble for a bike you didn’t even steal yourself? Meanwhile, the guy that sold it to you is rolling in cash.

If you want to buy that amazingly cheap bike, check if the product is registered as stolen on Stopheling.nl.

How to avoid a housing fraud scam in the Netherlands

Unfortunately, the Netherlands is currently experiencing a shortage of student housing. This has resulted in many students desperately looking for accommodation in a short period. This is when all the scammers come in.

If you see a posting about a room in perfect condition and at a perfect location but also a very low price — chances are it’s a scam.

Most of the time, students get asked for the deposit ahead of time and never get the key to that amazing room.

Unfortunately, this scenario happens way too often, but there are a couple of red flags you can look out for.

How to avoid an identity fraud scam in the Netherlands

Always be mindful of sharing your personal information with people (who might be offering you a pretty good room, for example).

Often scammers in the Netherlands will ask you for a copy of your ID, passport, or driving licence so that they can commit identity fraud. This allows them to open accounts or buy things in your name.

In the chance that you do need to send your personal information to someone, then cross out identifying information such as your BSN (burgerservicenummer, meaning your citizen service number).

If you’re unsure what kind of documentation actually matters in the Netherlands, there is a checklist of important documents you must have with you as a resident.

How to avoid an internet, gas and electricity scam

Once you’ve moved to the Netherlands, your landlord often already has internet, gas and electricity sorted out for you.

However, in some cases, you have to choose your provider for either one or the other. This is when some sketchy companies may start approaching you, offering you better prices than the more “popular” providers.

Unfortunately, many expats fall prey to these scams, ending up with utility bills worth thousands of euros. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you do your research before signing up with any company.

Just remember the age-old saying: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Have you ever fallen prey to any of these scams? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in October 2018, and was fully updated in June 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Rotterdam or the Hague (or even neither)?

Two DutchReviewers and expats (Emma Brown and Veronika Licheva) decided to battle it out, which was the best Dutch city for expats. Who did you think will win?  

Why The Hague is better than Rotterdam

Other than the fact that The Hague is a beautiful and picturesque city, here are some more reasons why it is one of the best Dutch cities for expats.

The beach

One of the best things about living in The Hague is how close to Scheveningen beach is.

In the summer you can go every evening to the beach if you wanted to. Not to mention all the exquisite fish restaurants and bars that give you the perfect summer vibe.

It really feels like you are at a resort! So if you’re skipping out on an exotic vacation this summer, but still want to feel like you’re getting the most out of those hot months, just head on to Scheveningen.

The beach really makes The Hague one of the best places to live in the Netherlands.

The city centre

The city centre in The Hague also has a lot to offer. It has a big shopping street, where you can shop — from major global clothing brands to small local boutiques.

Various restaurants offer food from all over the world, including countries like Mexico, Japan, Argentina, Italy, Korea, Cuba, China, and many more.

There are a number of bars that are always full of people enjoying their free time after work. Not to mention the multiple movie theatres, tattoo shops, food markets, museums and historical monuments that are situated right in the centre of The Hague.

You really don’t need to go far to find whatever it is you are looking for. It is very easy to have fun in The Hague without spending too much money (looking at you, Amsterdam!).

The Hague: beautiful, friendly, lovely places to relax including the beach, awesome hash at good prices, public transport paradise, good local entertainment and only a train ride away from Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Utrecht, have local friends, and love Dutch houses/neighborhoods.

— keldoge (@keldoge) January 29, 2023

It’s a big city with a small town vibe

Even though The Hague is one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands, it’s not as overcrowded as Amsterdam.

You can actually walk down the streets freely, without bumping into people or getting hit by a bicycle. Another big plus to The Hague is that everything is a tram ride away.

Commuting within The Hague is very easy, and the distances aren’t that big. So even though you live in a big city, you do not feel the burden as much.

In fact, there are some neighbourhoods that can also give you that sweet, small-town vibe. There are also many parks in The Hague that are so serene and peaceful that if you do get stressed, you can also go there to get some quiet and fresh air.

Speaking English is totally fine

Unlike some Dutch cities where speaking English is not always acceptable, The Hague doesn’t seem to have a big problem with that.

You can easily shop, order food, and get around the city without knowing that much Dutch.

READ MORE | 5 English-teaching yoga studios in The Hague to get your mat out for

People in The Hague seem to be very accepting of foreigners, so you rarely get an attitude for speaking English.

It may not be as easy to find a job in The Hague if you only speak English, but the possibility is still higher than in other cities like Utrecht.

You can impress your friends from back home

Telling your friends back home that you live in The Hague just sounds pretty cool. All of them get pretty impressed!

“Isn’t that where the International Court of Justice is?” “I have studied about The Hague!” “Oh my God, The Hague is very popular, isn’t it?” Yes, yes, and yes!

Everyone knows what The Hague is about. Just saying you live there almost makes you feel like a stuck-up intellectual…almost.

Why Rotterdam is better than The Hague

Apart from Rotterdam clearly being any architect’s dream, there is so much more that Rotterdam has to offer. Here is why it’s the BEST place for expats to live.

Cool architecture

Okay, despite me saying that Rotterdam has a lot more to offer than just architecture, I’m going to start with just that. Basically, if you go to Rotterdam Central and walk in basically any direction, you’ll find some cool asf buildings.

READ MORE | 31 unmissable things to do in Rotterdam in 2023

I mean, I’ve never been a massive building lover myself, but this city definitely converted me to falling in love with them (but not quite as much as those people who marry buildings and bridges, like wtf).

Rooftop bars

Rotterdam has some of the best rooftop bars around! And it’s no surprise when you consider the amazing view that you can get from a lot of them (being the Dutch sky-scraper city and all).

Rooftop bars such as Suicide Club, Stroom and the Euromast, not to mention Rotterdam Rooftop Days, means that you have no shortage of a drink with a view.

Why would this appeal to expats? Well, most people in general like a bit of a wine and dine every now and then, not to mention that it makes friends visiting seem even more ace.

Plus, if bar work is your thing, then there is no shortage of cool places to work your magic.

Young-at-heart vibe

As Rotterdam is one of the most modern cities in the Netherlands, it naturally has a young-at-heart feel to it.

When Rotterdam was destroyed in the war, Rotterdam was essentially a blank canvas to make something amazing. And that it is.

Offering something for anyone, no matter what your age is, Rotterdam is a great place for expats to lay down their roots. Although naturally, the younger generations (me included) may be more inclined to pick Rotterdam, it’s still as diverse as ever.

READ MORE | Where to eat in Rotterdam: 12 trendy restaurants to go to in 2023

Don’t be fooled by its hustle and bustle, either. There are plenty of nice neighbourhoods that aren’t chaotic, which makes it the go-to place.

Lots of business

Okay, so DutchReview, in the past, has spoken about the issues with the dreaded job search, and I’ll admit, it’s not always an easy task.

As Rotterdam is such an innovative city, with plenty of business, then there are more jobs around than in some other main Dutch cities.

READ MORE | 18 energising places to work or study in Rotterdam

If you’re specifically into business, innovation or finance, then you’re laughing. But no, it’s still not easy for everyone, but it’s still a great place to try your luck in the job market by how much Rotterdam is continuously thriving!

Everyone speaks English

Rotterdam is also a place that sports amazing English skills. When I first arrived in Rotterdam, I found it easy to get around (because not only is transportation brilliant, hello underground metro), but things are usually translated into English.

A lot of buses, metros and trams also offer information in English. Everyone seems to be able to speak amazing English, which is helped by how diverse the city is, so you can meet internationals from anywhere (who nearly always speak English and aren’t afraid to show it off).

So if you’re struggling in the early years, then there is no need to worry!

What do you think is the best Dutch city for expats? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2018, and was fully updated in March 2023 for your reading pleasure.
Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

There are so many Dutch foods you need to try before you die, or at least before you leave the Netherlands.

Despite what you may have heard, Dutch food can be incredibly tasty! From Christmas-themed pepernoten to the everyday krentenbol there are so many delicious Dutch foods you just have to try.

1. Poffertjes: the cute version of Dutch pancakes

Think of this Dutch dish as mini pancakes, but puffier. They’re made with yeast and buckwheat flour and are typically served topped with powdered sugar and butter.

But why limit yourself, when whipped cream, syrup and strawberries are also possible toppings?

These cloud-like bites of heaven can usually be bought from street vendors in the winter. Poffertjes are typically served in mini cardboard boxes, which can be eaten with (of course) mini plastic forks.

It’s all about the small things in life, right?

2. Bitterballen: one of the most savoury Dutch foods

These savoury bite-sized balls of chewy goodness are perfect for you if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth!

Bitterballen are battered in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and filled with a gooey mixture of chopped beef, beef broth, flour, butter, herbs, and spices.

And if this doesn’t already make your mouth water, you get mustard on the side too.

Available at almost every cafe and bar in Amsterdam, bitterballen go extremely well with a glass of cold Dutch beer.

3. Stroopwafels: the most popular Dutch cookies

Stroopwafels are one of those delicious treats that you buy for your friends and family when you go back home. Made from two thin layers of batter with a sticky syrup filling in the middle, these Dutch cookies are simply delicious.

You can buy them in bulk from every Dutch convenience store and they’re great for stocking up for the cold Dutch winter!

Shops also offer these stroopwafels in a very unique Dutch-style tin packaging, so it’s the perfect souvenir!

But if you want to try the real thing, just buy fresh ones from street vendors in Amsterdam. Small tip — stroopwafels go great with tea or coffee.

4. Hollandse Nieuwe Haring: Dutch sushi

Think of it as the Dutch version of sushi, but not really! This raw fish might not be up to everyone’s taste but you must try it at least once! Herring fish is typically served with chopped onions. Mmm!

You can also eat it with bread and pickles as a sandwich if you want to tone down the explosion of flavours a bit. Lekker?

The traditional way of eating herring is by holding the fish by its tail and eating it in one go with your head tilted backwards.

This method is attempted only by the most daring tourists! Oh, and don’t forget to have a mint after that, just so that you don’t kill anyone with your breath.

5. Kroket: you will absolutely love this Dutch snack

Think of kroketten (croquettes) as a bigger and better version of the bitterballen. The original Dutch kroket is made from beef or veal. But recently, many other different flavours have been popping up.

You can try chicken satay, shrimps, goulash or even vegetarian croquettes. If you want to, you can eat it just like that. However, the Dutch usually prefer it in sliced white bread with mustard.

You can easily find Dutch kroketten in vending machines (yes, I meant what I said). The Netherlands has cafes with special vending machines that keep different types of food warm.

All you have to do is put some coins in and voilà, a small door opens and you can grab your kroket. Genius!

6. Erwtensoep: a must when visiting the Netherlands in the winter

Erwtensoep, or green pea soup, is something that the Dutch absolutely love! The main ingredient is, of course, green peas, but the rest is all up to you.

Typically this soup is cooked with slices of rookworst (smoked sausage), celery, onions and leeks. However, some Dutchies like adding some potatoes and carrots in there as well.

The point is, you can go wild with any ingredients you want, as long as the accent is on the green peas.

This thick soup is usually very popular around wintertime, so if you happen to be in Holland when it’s cold, you know what to order! Your body and soul will be warmed up instantly.

7. Cheese: the food that the Dutch excel at

You can live in the Netherlands for as long as you want, but you’ll probably never get to try all the variations of cheese or kaas. Dutch people have so many different types of cheese, that you can eat it every day and never get sick of it.

Of course, the most popular one is Gouda Cheese, but you’ll be missing out on so much if you just stop there.

Apparently, the Dutch have been making cheese since 800 B.C. In fact, they got so good at it that the Netherlands is the largest cheese exporter in the world. Wat leuk!

So if you’re walking down the streets in Amsterdam and feel like having a cheeky little bite, walk into any cheese shop.

READ MORE | The time Dutchies used cheese to defend themselves against the French

There are so many cheeses to taste, that you will get full in no time. Not to mention that you can also buy cheese packages for your friends and family from back home. How cheesy!

So there you have it! Seven Dutch foods you need to try before you die. Did we miss out on any of your favourite Dutch foods? Let us know in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2018 and was fully updated in December 2022 for your reading pleasure.

The Netherlands is full of statues that will make you look twice, and sometimes even laugh to tears. Here are our top five favourites in the weird statutes category.

Holland has always been a pretty artsy place, but there are some weird statues in the Netherlands that will simply make you exclaim, “WTF?”.

While we do understand that art comes in all shapes and forms, there are some pieces that even the most snobby art student will have a hard time taking seriously.

1. Butt plug Santa, Rotterdam

As surprising as it might be, the “butt plug” was actually not intentional. This statue in Rotterdam was supposed to depict good old Santa Clause holding…something? Is it a deformed Christmas tree, a candle, or marshmallows stacked on a stick? Nobody really seems to know the answer.

READ MORE | Architecture in Rotterdam: 11 buildings that prove Rotterdam is the best

No matter what it was supposed to be, this unfortunate Santa will forever be cursed with this vulgar nickname. Because seriously, this is the Netherlands. Even old grannies know what a butt plug is.

Regardless of what really went down in 2001, when the statue was commissioned, we are oh-so-happy that this lovely piece of art still stands tall and proud in Rotterdam. Because nothing is more festive than Santa with a dirty sense of humour!

2. Giant tooth, Doetinchem

Dental care is important, and the citizens of Doetinchem are reminded of that every single day. While it hasn’t been confirmed whether this is actually a giant tooth or not, it would be weird if it’s anything else. Just look at it: this magnificent beast of a tooth is every dentist’s wet dream.

While there seems to be no explanation as to what exactly this magnificent tooth is doing there, the mystery that it is shrouded in makes it even more intriguing.

Because, at the end of the day, art is all about feelings. Feeling confused, feeling intrigued, or even feeling like you should floss more often.

3. Spider walk man, Hoofddorp

Now, this is straight out of a horror movie! This giant red sculpture goes against all laws of human anatomy. The poor red man looks just as uncomfortable as he makes us feel.

READ MORE | The 21 weirdest things Dutchies don’t realise are only Dutch

And yet he leaves us with so many questions. Why is he bending over? Is he waiting for anything? And why red? Not to mention that the statue looks like it’ll soon be activated to destroy the town!

We would love it if an art student actually explained this one to us. But in the meantime, we’ll do our best to suppress this image deep, deep down, until it eventually comes back to haunt us in our nightmares.

4. Concerned sea elephant, Leiden

Unlike the aforementioned entries in this list of weird statues in the Netherlands, this one actually has a very sweet story behind it.

This seemingly well-mannered sea elephant is actually called Homunculus Loxodontus (try saying that five times fast). The sculpture represents the emotions of people who wait at the doctor’s office, and is now located at the entrance of the LUMC.

READ MORE | Going to a doctor in the Netherlands? Here’s the ultimate guide

We’ve got to hand it to the sea elephant. He seems to have more patience than most people you can find in the doctor’s waiting room.

I mean, between screaming children and adults coughing in your face, you must have nerves of steel to remain this calm. And where on earth is his smartphone? On second thought, he might actually be a psychopath.

5. The gift of life, Den Bosch

The best way to describe this piece is “art”. Yes, it’s a man’s lower body. Yes, his upper body is nowhere to be found. Yup, he is giving birth. Yes, it’s a bird hatching from an egg. Yes, there seems to be an arrow penetrating that bird. Pretty straightforward, right?

This sculpture was actually inspired by an artwork of Hieronymus Bosch, and proudly stands in the town of Den Bosch. The more you look at it, the more uncomfortable you’re bound to feel.

But look at it from the bright side: this is the gift of life. Congratulations, it’s a… bird!

Honourable mention: penis fountain, Amsterdam

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A post shared by Classic penises (@classicwillies)

It pains us to say this, but the penis fountain in Amsterdam is no longer erected (pun intended). This glorious piece of art originally resided in the Red Light District, until the city council wasn’t feeling it anymore.

And while the penis fountain may no longer be there, we will surely remember it forever, through the images that remain to remind us of its former glory.

Which weird statutes would you add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2018, and was fully updated in November 2022 for your reading pleasure.

So you’ve decided! You’re going to move to Leiden! Congrats! It’s a beautiful Dutch town, and living in Leiden will be a life-changing experience!

But now that you’ve decided on moving to Leiden there are some choices to be made. Where to live? How to get a job? What to do?

This article will help you get on your feet if you’ve just made the move to Leiden or planning on it — and heck might even help you with stuff if you’re already living in Leiden for years on end.

1. Decided you want to make the move to Leiden? Check where you want to live in Leiden.

Leiden is a very beautiful and historic town that is filled with authentic Dutch buildings. That’s probably why you actually want to live there!

This is also why living in the city centre of Leiden can be a bit more costly, due to the historical and sentimental values of the houses situated there.

Plus, it’s small, and there’s a high demand from students.

Living in the Leiden city centre

Everything in between the old canals of Leiden is considered the old heart and center of Leiden. You’ll get the classic Leiden vibe at its best there, and with the city being really compact you can always walk or bike to almost anything.

But the city centre is also a bit on the pricey side when it comes to renting or buying a house, and all the events and students there make it a buzzing scene — but also a bit too busy for some.

If you venture a little further, you can find multiple neighbourhoods that are just as lovely. For instance, the neighbourhoods of De Merenwijk and Stevenshof are just a few minutes cycling away from the city center.

These two areas are good for families, as they are fully equipped with schools, playgrounds, and shops. The houses in these neighbourhoods were built between the 1970s and 1980s and carry the true spirit of traditional Dutch suburbs.

READ MORE | The museum town of the Netherlands: 14 great museums to visit in Leiden

Even fancier and closer to the centre of Leiden are neighbourhoods like the Tuinstadwijk, de Lage Mors and the Professorenwijk.

These Leiden neighbourhoods have some classy 1930s houses and are very popular among both Dutch and expat families. (There are quite a few other neighbourhoods as well, we left some out — feel totally welcome to ask about these in the comments!)

Another great option is living in Leiden’s neighbouring municipalities. Leiderdorp, Voorschoten, Warmond, Oegstgeest, and Katwijk are popular with families and often offer a better space-to-price ratio.

Oegstgeest would be the most popular option as it is right next to Leiden and generally offers more spacious housing options as well as classic Dutch-style houses. The neighbourhood is also generally safe, clean, and family-friendly. However, the prices can be pretty steep.

Katwijk (AKA Katwijk aan Zee) has more of an independent character to it. A former fishing village, Katwijk is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to live in the middle of all the hustle and bustle and wants the beach to be just a short bike ride away.

However, the cost of housing isn’t that friendly here, and there’s limited availability. A lot of the accommodations here are only available temporarily for holiday-goers.

If you just want to visit Katwijk, that’s an easy 30-minute bus ride or 30-40 minute cycle from the Leiden city centre.

As with so many Dutch regions, Leiden and its neighbouring municipalities are all conveniently within biking distance of each other with lovely bicycle paths to boot.

So now you know a bit more about potential living spots in or around Leiden. Time to properly settle yourself and register with the municipality of your new home.

2. Have a ton of legal questions after your move to Leiden? Walk in at the Expat Centre in Leiden for help

Moving to a new town can be quite stressful and confusing, especially if you’re new to the country as well. Thankfully, Leiden has an excellent Expat Centre which can help you with any questions of any sort you may have.

Located in the city center, the Expat Centre has partnered up with the Tourist Information Center and is just minutes away from Leiden Central Station.

The employees of the Expat Centre in Leiden will help you with the most essential aspects of moving to a new town.

Moreover, the ECL provides useful information about essentials of living in the Netherlands: get a bank account, finding a school, applying for a BSN number (think of it as a Dutch social security number), signing up with a doctor, and dealing with taxes.

But also think of how to find good spots to eat in Leiden and how to have a great time in the city (such as walking in the footsteps of a young Rembrandt, who was born in Leiden)

The Expat Centre will happily help you with answers to all your questions about life in Leiden. And if you want to gain some general knowledge about Leiden and life in the Netherlands, the Expat Centre in Leiden also offers an excellent digital booklet for your convenience.

The good people of the Expat Centre Leiden are there for you every Monday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Tourist Information Centre (also known as the VVV). The centre is conveniently by the Leiden Central station at Stationsweg 26.

3. Want to work while living in Leiden? Where to look for a job in Leiden

Leiden University

When it comes to finding a job in Leiden, there are multiple sectors that are considerably developed in this charming Dutch town.

Leiden is famous for being a university town, its biggest and most popular one being, of course, Leiden University. This famous university was attended by historical figures such as Rembrandt and Einstein, as well as multiple members of the Dutch royal family.

Currently, the university has a large international staff spread across seven faculties. Due to Leiden University’s ever-growing popularity among students, this institution of higher education is constantly in search of new people to hire.

Leiden Bio Science Park

Another place in Leiden where a unique job opportunity may arise is the Bio Science Park.

It is the largest bioscience facility in the whole of the Netherlands, with a staggering number of 18 000 employees. It is Holland’s best life science research centre, which focuses on both education and business.

Leiden’s Bio Science Park offers a range of interesting jobs and is constantly looking for new great minds to join the team. So if you want to work, while simultaneously conducting crucial research, the Bio Science Park in Leiden may have some great job opportunity for you.

Creative and start-up scene in Leiden

More on the creative side of life? Leiden has more than its fair share of creative companies and promising start-ups.

Want some examples? Think about the exciting start-up venue of PLNT where Leiden fosters dozens of young creative and innovative companies, or the media-imperium of DutchReview, which is also located in Leiden (hey wait, that’s us ).

Getting even more personal, but if you need a web wizard, then we at DutchReview always called Nick from Get Big Webdesign if we were in need of a digital fix!

For some more examples of sectors to work in Leiden, you might want to check out Economie071!

Work at shops and restaurants in Leiden

Aside from a very impressive educational and creative scene, Leiden is also booming with life.

That is why this rather small town has so many different types of shops and restaurants. While finding a job in customer service in Leiden may be hard if you do not speak Dutch, it is still worth the shot.

After all, Leiden is a university town full of students from all over the world. This means that the town is becoming more open to English speaker in customer service, and businesses are looking for student workers.

Let’s also not forget that Leiden is geographically located in a very convenient place. Big cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are within a 30-minute train ride.

So if you’re having a hard time finding a job within Leiden, you can always look in the nearby cities.

4. The one thing that makes living in Leiden totally worth it? Enjoying the pretty sights in Leiden!

Leiden is a very picturesque town! There is a whole lot of Instagram material to prove that! Filled with beautiful canals, charming cafes and restaurants, an exciting street market, and breathtaking views. Leiden is truly like a fairy tale.

READ MORE | Eating out in Leiden in 2021: the top hotspots to check out!

There is also so much to do in your free time. Leiden is home to a variety of museums, such as the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, the National Museum of Ethnology, and the wonderful Museum of Antiquities.

Leiden is also home to the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, the Hortus Botanicus, dating all the way back to 1590. For all the science lovers out there, there is also an observatory in Leiden which is open to the public.

Established by Leiden University in 1633, Leiden’s observatory is the oldest operating university observatory in the world.

Also, while walking through Leiden you can’t help but notice De Burcht. This 11th-century fort is perfect for walks and some pretty amazing photos. People even have their weddings here, and there’s a cute café at the entrance.

 

Dit is en blijft een van de populairste stukken van de stad. Behalve heerlijk rondlopen (wat je zo af en toe ècht moet doen, ook als Leidenaar), kun je hier goed afzakken bij Koetshuis De Burcht! @vincentsdrone #prachtigplaatje #dronephoto #leiden #cities #netherlands

Een bericht gedeeld door Leiden (@stadvanontdekkingen) op 7 Dec 2017 om 12:11 (PST)

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, there is also the Leidse Hout, a marvellous park is located on the border of Leiden and Oegstgeest. It’s so big, that it is pretty much like a forest, so it allows for a perfect escape from the city.

Or, if you want to explore Leiden itself, you can always go on an expedition to find all the poems written on Leiden’s buildings.

Yes, that’s right! Poems!

The “Poems and Walls” project began in 1992, and today there are over 100 poems written in their original language scattered all around Leiden. And if by any chance you want to see the most popular ones, we have just the right event for you!

5. Haven’t decided to make the move to Leiden? At least come and enjoy these great events in Leiden

Another reason to decide to move to Leiden are the multiple exciting and fun events held throughout the year. Here are just a few of them to give you a taste of what life in Leiden has to offer.

Guided Tour of The Wall Poems of Leiden

This!

Leiden will be offering a guided tour of the wall poems of Leiden.

The entire tour takes about two to three hours. During the walk, you will get to see about 25 of the 101 wall poems of Leiden. As an added bonus will also get to marvel at the beauty of Leiden itself, and all the charming bars and restaurants. It’s also a great way for snapping a ton of Instagram material.

 

When a building knows the truth, but humanity doesn’t ? #FUNFACT ! Leiden has 101 poems written on various buildings around town#universaldeclarationofhumanrights #messageoflove #poem #poetry #humanrights #act1 #architecture #throwback #leiden #thenetherlands #holland #amen #preach #exploring #exploringeurope #europe #livingineurope #aroundeurope #rainydays #gloomy #equality #compassion #love #smalltowncharm #loveandpeace #equalityforall

A post shared by Veronika L. (@miss.veronicat) on Jan 30, 2018 at 2:15am PST

Leidens Ontzet

Leidens Ontzet, also known as the Relief of Leiden, takes place every year on October 3 and is a massive city-wide party!

It’s a time when students, working professionals, and native Leideners come together to engage in a night of carnival rides, herring, dancing, and (obviously) tons of drinking.

National Museum of Antiquities

The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) regularly has exciting and interesting exhibitions of the latest archaeological discoveries. There are both permanent and temporary exhibitions, so find one that you like and book a ticket!

So there you have it! Whether you’ve decided you want to move to Leiden or are already living there, these tips will help you during your stay.

Can you think of any other reasons why living in Leiden is a great idea? Let us know in the comments below!

This article was originally written in August 2018 and was fully updated in September 2022 for your reading pleasure.