We realise that coming to live in a new city, let alone a new country, can be a huge and daunting task. Finding out what works in day-to-day life can be tedious and stressful. Fortunately (for you!) our members have experienced this first hand and have combined their wisdom to create this list of useful resources to help make the transition to life in the Netherlands easier for you. We hope you find it helpful. If you have any suggestions to add, please contact us.
Books and Guides to living in Holland
- Food Shopper’s Guide to Holland
- Here’s Holland – Dutch Travel
- At Home in Holland – Dutch Life
Hospitals (in Breda) & Emergency Services
- The emergency number for all of emergency services is: 112
- Emergency Room/Department Amphia Ziekenhuis Molengracht 21, 4818 CK Breda
- Other Hospital Services Amphia Ziekenhuis Langendijk 75, 4819 EV Breda
- 24-hour national gas and electricity emergency number: 0800 9009
- Non-emergency Police Line: 0900 8844
Access
These websites are useful for expats. There is more comprehensive information regarding formalities of living in the Netherlands.
- Access (English) – non-profit organization supporting the international community in the Netherlands
- Holland Expat Center (English)
- I Am Expat (English)
- Internet connection (English) – Broadband internet connection for new comers to The Netherlands
Learning the Dutch Language
- Language Institute Lisanne Huijts (English) – Offers a wide range of specialised and personalised language courses that cover all levels in accordance with The Common European Framework of Reference for language (CEFR). The lessons are in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, where their qualified teachers will supply you with the tools to communicate fluently and flawlessly in your chosen language.
- Tilburg University – Dutch as a second language (English) – Offers intensive courses. TU is easily accessible from Breda by train
- Delftse methode – Dutch for Foreigners (English) – Self-study courses and materials
- Voorwaartz – Language Training Courses
- Volksuniversieiten (limited English) – Dutch Peoples University, Language Institute
Breda Resources
- Tourist Guide of Breda (English & Dutch)
- The City Council of Breda (English)
Local and Regional News and Weather
- Dutch news in English (English)
- NL Times (English)
- Buienradar (Dutch) – Check if there’s a raincloud heading your way before going out on your bike!
Entertainment
- Museum Server – (Dutch) Museum listings within the Netherlands as well as several other countries
- Bicycle Routes – biking routes and other useful information for cyclists
- Pathé & Kinepolis (Dutch) – movie schedules and show times
- Chassé Theater (English) – local theatre with a wide variety of cultural events
- Restaurants in Breda (English) – Choose from a wide variety of restaurants in Breda
Transportation
- NS Dutch Train Service (English)
- 9292 (English) – Plan a journey using public transportation
- OV Chipkaart (English) – The OV Chipkaat is public transport card for the whole of the Netherlands. Information about public these cards and their purchase can be found here.
- Google Maps – Find your way whether going by car, public transport, bike or on foot
Kids and Family
- Uitmetkinderen.nl (Dutch) – kid and kid-friendly activities in the Brabant area
- The Little English Library (English) – Library of English children’s books at a local Montessori school
- Monkey Town – Large indoor play area with large seating area, food, coffee, and more
- Joepie – Indoor play area, Terheijdenseweg 514, 4826 AB Breda
- Oncle Jean – Restaurant/Coffee/Bar with outdoor play area and seating
- Bezoekercentrum Wolfslaar – Free Farm, play area, and coffee house
- Kinderboerderij Parkhoeve – Free farm, play area and coffee house
- Speeltuin Ploegstraat – Playground for small and larger children, with opening and closing times changing per season
- Reptile House – Indoor reptile house with cafe
- Haasje Over – Indoor playcenter in Dorst, Belgium
- de Bakkersmolen – bakery and pub with a steam train for kids to ride (seasonal hours for the train)
- Miniworld – located in Rotterdam
- Maduradam – outdoor minature Holland to discover and explore the heritage and highlights of the country
- Nemo – science center for kids in Amsterdam
- Technopolis – science center for kids in Belgium
- t’ Kwekkeltje – kids playground, Sportlaan 14a, 5242 CR Rosmalen
- Cross Jumps (Dutch) – Trampoline Park, Liniestraat 21, 4816 BG Breda (076-5872656)
- Oertijd museum – Dinosaur museum with an outdor dino park in Boxtel
- Mum’s and Tots Website
Local Parks
Click to open in Google Maps:
- Burgemeester Van Sonsbeeckpark
- Park Overbosch, Prinsenbeek
- Het Valkenberg
- Park Wolfslaar
- Wilhelmina Park
- Zaart Park
Specialty Foods and Goods
Many expats find it difficult to find everything at their local grocery stores, butchers, and shops. We have compiled this list of vendors that may help you find specialty items or foods you are missing from home.
- The Village Shop – A wide selection of traditional British products
- British Food Shopping Online
- The American Food Store (in Belgium)
- De Gastronoom Breda – Large selection of gluten free, specialty and organic goods
- Fire & Smoke Meat Vendor
- Beef & Steak Meat Vendor
- Bol – website with a wide variety of toys, books, and much more. Delivery next day to your door or local Albert Heijn
- Die Spens – South African food shop