Almere City Guide

Restaurants offer international and Dutch food. Dutch snacks like stroopwafels and bitterballen are common. Vegetarian and vegan options exist. Late-night food options are limited but some fast food and delivery available.

Modest nightlife with bars and a few clubs near city center. Not very lively compared to Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

Growing coffee scene with chains and independent cafes. Some third-wave shops emerging.

Tipping is not required. Rounding up or 5-10% is optional for good service.

SIM cards are available at shops like KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile or at electronics stores like MediaMarkt. Prepaid cards usually don't require ID registration. eSIM depends on provider and device.

Very clean city with efficient waste management and good sanitation.

Limited 24/7 services. Some supermarkets have extended hours; late-night pharmacies rotate. After-hours food mostly fast food/delivery.

Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, and Aldi offer international products. Most open 8–10 AM to 8–10 PM, with some open Sundays for shorter hours. No bargaining expected.

Card payments are widely accepted; cash is rarely needed in shops and restaurants.

ATMs are common at banks and supermarkets. International cards may have fees, so check with your bank before using.

Primary and secondary schools available. International School Almere offers English teaching. Contact schools for admission details.

Small digital nomad community with some meetups and nomad-friendly cafés. Networking usually through expat groups.

Extensive parks and nature reserves provide shaded areas for walking and running.

Safe, scenic routes around lakes and parks. Running groups exist and events are held annually.

Several gyms offer standard fitness facilities.

Many clubs with various courts, rental options, and coaching available.

Padel courts available with easy booking and coaching.

Several yoga studios offer varied classes with drop-in and memberships. English instructors common.

Dojo and gym options for judo, karate, taekwondo, boxing, BJJ, and Muay Thai. English-speaking instructors available.

No ski resorts; limited skiing in the Netherlands.

Good kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing with rentals and tours in warmer seasons.

Lake surfing on IJmeer possible, mostly for beginners. Wind/kite surfing available in warmer months with rentals.

Limited freshwater diving in nearby lakes. Equipment rental available. Best in warmer months.

Good quality healthcare. Flevoziekenhuis hospital has English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Etos and Kruidvat stock common meds and some after-hours service.

Tap water is safe to drink directly.

Playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, nature parks with petting zoos, and water activities. Baby supplies in stores like Prenatal.

Very accepting and safe LGBTQ+ environment. No specific districts but inclusive venues and strong protections.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, vet services, and growing pet-friendly venues. EU import rules apply.