Hobbies and activities
All classes and clubs below have lessons/workshops available in English.
Bootcamp
If gyms aren't your thing then maybe hardcore interval training in the Amsterdamse Bos is your idea of fun. Try the Bootcamp Club for a social networking experience that will make you sweat.
Bridge clubs
If you are an avid bridge player then check the bridgeguys website - it lists all the bridge clubs and online games in the Netherlands.
Chess
There are a few clubs throughout the Netherlands - most require initial contact in Dutch, so if you are a serious player then check this site for details. Otherwise if you just want a game, the Chess Cafe Gambit is one of the oldest of its kind anywhere.
Or check out the Chess Museum at Max Euweplein in the city centre.
Cooking classes
The Kitchen is a great place for foodies. Workshops and cooking classes are on a daily basis. Check out their agenda for upcoming events. Everything from patisserie to 3-course dinners and wine tasting.
Okura Hotel. This is Michelin-star level cooking. You may join in Taste of Okura workshops as an individual, as a group or on a professional footing.
The Kushi Institute offers a variety of educational programs and workshops related to macrobiotic cooking.
Alice in Cakeland offers fun cupcake decorating workshops. Everything from Lady Gaga to Hello Kitty decorations and enough sprinkles to keep everyone happy.
The Cooking Coach offers healthy cooking lessons and personal weight loss programmes. Learning to cook easy, quick and tasty meals which form the basis of a healthy lifestyle.
Unlimited Delicious offer delicious chocolate and pastry workshops.
Crafting and sewing
Every second Thursday of the month at De Nieuwe Anita, Katie's Cozy Craft Corner allows the crafty amongst you to knit, stitch, weave, crochet, glue, cut, paste, stick, jewel and create in a fun environment.
Learn to sew at Studio 24 - they run a 10-week course and cover everything from basic machine use to fabric selection.
Dance classes
There are a few studios in Amsterdam, everything from hip hop to ballroom, salsa or street.
Amsterdam Dance Centre has a range of different options.
Extremos puts a bit of passion into their salsa and zouk classes.
Salsa Caliente has been teaching Cuban salsa in Amsterdam since 1991.
Dance school Kluver has a large selection of ballroom and Latin classes on offer.
Drawing workshops
Mezrab offers nude model drawing classes every Monday night. Suitable for the complete amateur and the established artist. Bring your own material (pencil/pen/charcoal + paper + cardboard to draw on) and join in.
Kunstinzicht has traditional drawing and painting classes as well as some experimental art classes.
Inline skating and roller derby
Friday night skate is a great place to meet like-minded skaters. Experience the thrill of skating around the city of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Derby Dames is the roller derby ladies team. Sign up for 'fresh-meat' try outs if interested in taking part in a scrimmage or two.
Music, singing lessons and practice studios
A quick internet search for 'muzieklessen Amsterdam' will yield numerous results. Although the website Muziekles Amsterdam is in Dutch, you should be able to find a teacher for your preferred instrument that can deliver lessons in English.
If you have always wanted to sing, check the CREA website for the next 12-week singing course.
Both muzyQ and Jam Studios offer established studio spaces for those wishing to practice their instruments outside of the house.
Photography
The FotoFactory offers both digital and film photography courses, and they range from a few days to a full 3-year course.
CREA offers a 12-week workshop for those wanting to get started in digital photography.
For those already confident in photography then you may like to take part in a FOAM, photography activity. Centred around a common theme, photographers can head out from the museum and meet back after to share and discuss.
Pilates, Yoga or Tai Chi
There are numerous classes across the city - it's a matter of finding one that suits you best. A simple internet search will show you many options.
Smart Body Studio offers power flow and springboard pilates and has both beginners and experienced classes.
Bikram Yoga Amsterdam has heated rooms to improve circulation and help flexibility.
Studio MOMO offers Yin/Yang Yoga, massage and meditation in their Herengracht studios.
NeiGong delivers both self-defence and Tai Chi Classes.
Speech and drama
Love public speaking, or want to become more proficient? Join Toastmasters Amsterdam; they meet twice a month.
Easylaughs run weekend and weekday evening improvisation comedy classes. Are you the new improv stage sensation?
The English Bookshop offer writing workshops where you can share your scribblings, meet other aspiring authors and get involved in Amsterdam’s writing community.
Stamp and coin collecting
The Amsterdam stamp and coin market is located on the Nieuwzijds Voorburgwaal every Wednesday and Saturday between 10:00 -16:00. Serious coin collectors can also check out the NVMH website (in Dutch) for a list of dealers.
Swimming lessons
If you aren't a great swimmer or want to teach the kids, enter your postcode into this helpful search engine and it will find the pool closest to you offering lessons.
Wine and beverage tasting
Het Wijninstituut hosts regular English-language wine courses on winemaking, varietal wines, food pairing, terroir, wine presentation, storage and tasting.
Screaming Beans offer coffee barista workshops at their stylish 9 streets location.
The Wynand Fockink distillery in the heart of Amsterdam has been producing Dutch spirits for over 300 years. Join a workshop and learn the ins and outs of the profession .
If you know of any other clubs or classes available in English, please email editor@iamsterdam.com with the details.
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You can also reach us by phone:
+31 (0)20 254 79 99