Bridge clubs

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.

Cooking classes

  • Moederskeuken (mother's kitchen) offers workshops and classes that will help you to master Dutch and international cuisines.  

  • The Kushi Institute offers a variety of educational programs and workshops related to macrobiotic cooking.  

  • Try your hand at bread making with expat-oriented workshops held at Baking Lab. Relieve some stress at the kneading table, and even bring your children. 

Drawing and painting workshops

  • Kunstinzicht has traditional drawing and painting classes as well as some experimental art classes.

  • MK24 offers a range of courses and workshops in the field of visual arts and multimedia. The teachers can give the courses simultaneously in Dutch and English.

Film screenings

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.

  • JoySing is a social singing group aimed at helping people to develop their language skills by singing along to Dutch songs.   

  • Check the CREA website for regular courses of singing and music lessons and courses Cultural centre CREA offers.
  • The WesterHarmonie orchestra is looking for amateur players with at least 2 years playing experience to join their Friday evening practices and performances on a membership basis. 

Photography

  • The FotoFactory offers both digital and film photography courses, and they range from a few days to a full three-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 Amsterdam, photography activity. Centred around a common theme, photographers can head out from the museum and meet back after to share and discuss.

  • Amsterdam Photo Club is a photography society for internationals and locals. They organise regular meetings, courses, workshops, exhibitions and photo excursions.

Speech, performance 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?

  • Amsterdam’s Frascati theatre offers an adventurous programme which includes English-language shows. Check out their agenda to see what’s coming up.

  • In Players is Amsterdam's oldest English-language theatre company and welcomes anyone with an interest in theatre. The group distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to a broad repertoire. Email: in.players.amsterdam@gmail.com.

  • The Orange Tea Theatre Company is a group of local theatre enthusiasts performing in English. As well as the possibility of joining in with their performances, they are continuously on the look out for new writing talent.

  • Rotary Club Amsterdam International is the English-speaking Rotary Club for the Amsterdam Region. Weekly dinner meetings take place every Monday at 18:30 at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel. All Rotarians are welcome to attend. Website: www.rcai.nl. 

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.

Language courses

  • UvA Talen, the language centre at the University of Amsterdam, offers language courses in French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, Swedish and Arabic.

  • Spanish Lessons Amsterdam offer 'fun and feel-good' group lessons for all levels and abilities.

  • Molinos de Viento teaches beginner level Spanish in English, with higher levels available for Dutch speakers.

  • L’école de Français is run by native French speakers that teach the language in English. 

  • Casa di Dante is all about informal Italian lessons that focus on social conversations, shopping, ordering food and other holiday tips

  • Elisabeth Schlager offers her expertise in teaching German to English speakers, especially for business purposes.

  • Korean School of Amsterdam teaches Korean language and culture-related workshops to adults and children. The classes are held on Saturdays and are generally taught in English, although some teachers also speak Dutch. 

 Woodwork, metalwork, glasswork and DIY

  • The Amsterdam-East Public Works Center offers a number of English-language courses, including woodworking, metalworking, stained glass and DIY workshops. You can also hire work benches and spaces for your own projects. 

  • Espenaer is an Amsterdam-based woodworking atelier that offers artisanal woodworking courses for all levels that focus on traditional skills, techniques, and hand tools.