Moving to Amsterdam is exciting, but let’s be honest, making friends in a new city can be a little daunting. Whether you’re here to work, study, or just enjoy the Dutch lifestyle, finding “your people” takes a bit of effort, but it’s totally doable.
Here are 7 practical, fun, and friendly tips to help you build your social circle in Amsterdam.
1. Join a Dutch course (yes, this is a friendly hint 😉)
Learning the language is a great first step, but did you know it’s also a great way to meet new people? At Koentact, our Dutch classes are full of internationals who are just as eager to connect. Plus, we organize Field Trips where friendships naturally take root. You’re not just learning Dutch, you’re building a little community.
2. Join the Amsterdam Language Café!
Looking for a fun way to meet people and practice your Dutch (or any other language)? The Amsterdam Language Café is the place to be.
This meetup brings together internationally minded people who want to practice languages like Dutch, English, Spanish, French, and more. They host single-language nights on Wednesdays at Koentact Dutch Language School (yep, that’s us!) and lively All Languages Parties on Fridays at De Hallen – perfect for mixing, mingling, and speaking whatever language you feel like.
Whether you’re new in town or just want to expand your circle, the Amsterdam Language Café is a super low-key and friendly place to start. Check out the upcoming events here.
3. Get active
Sign up for a yoga class, bootcamp in the park, or join the Amsterdam Social Kickball League or cycling group. Sports are a great way to bond with people without the pressure of a sit-down conversation – plus, shared endorphins make friendships blossom faster.
4. Become a regular somewhere
Find a café or bar you love near your home and make it your go-to spot. When you show up often, people start to recognize you, and that opens the door to spontaneous chats and future hangouts. Some of the best Amsterdam friendships start with “Hey, aren’t you usually here on Tuesdays?”
Haven’t found ‘your spot’ just yet? During our Field Trips, you get to discover different neighboorhouds in Amsterdams. You might just find your new second home then!
5. Volunteer your time (and meet people along the way)
Volunteering is a great way to meet people and make a difference. Plus, many local initiatives are filled with a mix of Dutchies and internationals, just like you.
You can start with Buurtbuik, a warm and welcoming organization where volunteers rescue surplus food from restaurants and supermarkets, then cook and share meals with the local community. It’s a great way to connect over food, help others, and practice your Dutch in a relaxed setting. Want to join? You can sign up on their website.
Another great platform is Serve the City, which offers volunteering opportunities in all kinds of categories, from social to green to culinary. Their event calendar is full of upcoming activities you can jump into.
Still not sure what fits you? VrijwilligersCentrale Amsterdam (VCA) has tons of fun volunteering vacancies and even a test to help you find the type of volunteer work that suits you best.
Helping out, making connections, and doing good for the city. What’s not to love?
6. Be curious and ask questions
Sometimes the best way to make a friend is to simply show interest. Ask your colleagues about Dutch traditions. Talk to your classmates about their favorite spots in the city. Curiosity is a powerful conversation-starter and most people love sharing what they know.
Want to ask something in Dutch? You can start with: Mag ik u iets vragen? or, more informal: Mag ik je iets vragen? After asking whether you can ask something, you can follow up with the question. Questions you can ask are:
- Kun jij een gezellige sportclub aanraden? [Can you advise me on a gezellige sports club?]
- Wat is je lievelingsplek in Amsterdam? [What is your favorite spot in Amsterdam?]
- Doe jij vrijwilligerswerk? [Do you volunteer?]
7. Take the first step
Don’t wait for others to make the first move. Invite that classmate for a coffee. Suggest a walk along the canals or a visit to a new exhibition. Most people are just as eager to make friends but don’t always know how to start. Your message might be the one they were hoping for.
- Zullen we…? [Shall we…?]
- Wil je mee naar…? [Do you want to join…?]
- Heb jij al plannen voor dit weekend? [Do you have plans for the weekend already?]
Looking for a friendly place to start?
At Koentact, we believe that learning Dutch should be social, fun, and full of connection. Our courses are the perfect place to meet like-minded people and start practicing your language skills in real life.
👉 Check out our courses here and take the first step toward a more connected life in Amsterdam.
Or better yet; join us at an Open Day. We’d love to meet you!