Moving to a new city is hard, especially with loneliness on the rise. Joining an expat club could significantly enhance your feeling of belonging in Amsterdam.
No matter your interests, there will be something for you; whether that’s sports, arts and crafts, theatre or cooking.
We’ve researched varied and interesting groups that expats can join in Amsterdam and compiled a list of some of the best.
Join a social running club 🏃♀️
‘Dam Runners is a friendly running community that meets regularly. Speed is not a pre-requisite; you just need to be competent and not fussed about running a few kilometres (why else would you go?).
If a running club is not for you, why not give Parkrun a go? Anyone can join and it still gets you out of the house and exercising with other people.
Rollerskate your expat worries away
Live out your Whip It fantasy and meet with fellow rollerskaters for a fun evening activity.
Every Friday night, an enthusiastic group skate around a different route in Amsterdam. Check out their schedule for all the upcoming outings!
Play netball (what’s that?!)
This netball club in Amsterdam was founded 10 years ago and is still going strong.
Newcomers and seasoned players alike are welcome, so no matter your skill level, you’re sure to have a ball! 😉
Join a life drawing class 🎨
Fascinated by the human body? Enjoy sketching? Life Drawing Amsterdam allows drop-ins, or you can become a member. It’s a great way to wind down after a day’s work.
Row until your troubles go!
Gliding along the canals is a perfect way to see Amsterdam from a new perspective and experience a different side of city life.
TopRow offers classes for everyone, but there are plenty of recreational rowing clubs in Amsterdam.
Get deep and philosophical 💭
Want to broaden your mind? Enjoy challenging questions? The Socrates Meet Up Group meets on Sundays to discuss ideas that stimulate critical thinking.
Being open to different points of view is a great way to integrate in a new place — it might even open up your mind to new perspectives and thoughts about the Netherlands.
Become a Padel pro
The Expat Padel Club in Amsterdam prides itself on regularly bringing together a friendly expat community.
Together, they enjoy developing their skills in this exciting sport and building connections as a club.
Check out what they’ve been up to in this video — looks like fun!
Make pottery and ceramics
Studio Pansa is a pottery studio in northeast Amsterdam that offers varying levels of classes and workshops.
Work with clay and ceramics in a comfortable, friendly learning environment! Here’s a snap of them at work. 📸
Take some time out at the movies 🎬
Do you love to watch and talk about movies but are looking for English language options at the cinema?
READ MORE | Amsterdam voted one of Europe’s best cities for cinema lovers
Expat Cinema Amsterdam’s Facebook page shares the perfect upcoming events and networking drinks for you. Grab the popcorn! 🍿
Get reading with a book club
There are plenty of options to fulfil your reading needs: Amsterdam Book Club is a community of like-minded literature enthusiasts who meet in members’ houses, and Readers and Drinkers like to grab a beer with their books!
Stroll while the sun sets
Starting up again through spring and summer, this walking group prioritise getting outside, leaving the workday behind, exercising and enjoying nature as well as each other’s company. 🌆
READ MORE | Hiking in Amsterdam: top 7 places for wandelen near the city
Dine green for free ♻
BuurtBuik is an initiative bringing food-loving, waste-hating internationals together for free.
Hosting delicious three-course meals that are all prepared by volunteers from food waste, it’s a great cause and gets you involved in your new community!
Learn Italian cooking…with Italians 🍝
Are you keen to perfect your pasta? La Cucina del Sole is an Italian cooking school that teaches all the essentials so you can cook like real Italians do.
There is a huge variety of courses, from vegan cuisine to a dedicated gnocchi workshop.
Check out the Amsterdam Photography Club 📸
The Amsterdam Photography Club has over 5000 members and hosts multiple events a year, from mixed-level Photography Courses to photo walks and lectures.
If photography is your thing, this is a great opportunity to start snapping your city!
Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, and part of that is finding people to spend time with and make friends with.
Social clubs are a great way to get to know the locals and enjoy your time living in a new place!
Are you already part of an expat club here in Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments below!
Can you guys create the same list for expats in The Hague as well? We are bores here. Need help.