Written by Joy Dayrit

In a city that's overflowing with aesthetic inspiration, from stunning architecture to a proud history of art and culture, it is only fitting to make time for your own creativity. Whether you're travelling solo or with a group, here are some activities to let your artistic side shine through.

Rijksmuseum Drawing Tour

Drawing classes, workshops and festivals encourage creativity at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

In these fast-living times, the Rijksmuseum Drawing Tour requires its participants to slow down and take it down a notch. Enjoy a Saturday afternoon through the eyes of an artist, as you take a guided tour through the museum and look at works of art. From the broad strokes to the detail, you will practice drawing techniques used by the Old Masters. The tour is free and recommended for visitors who are 16 years of age and older. 

Rijksmuseum // Museumstraat 1

ArtNight

ArtNight workshops in Amsterdam invite guests to a fun bar or restaurant where they'll paint an artwork under the guidance of a local artist

Unleash your inner artist during ArtNight at one of Amsterdam's unique bars or restaurants. A professional artist will teach you the techniques to apply your own creative interpretation as you paint a copy of an original painting. There are four different types of ArtNights which are categorised by theme and difficulty. Novices are welcome to the 'Classic ArtNight' and experienced painters can challenge themselves during the 'Pro +' evenings. If you're up for a surprise, sign up to one of the popular mystery nights where the painting and location are undisclosed upon sign up. Tools and supplies are included in the ticket cost.  

Artnight.nl // various locations

Beadies

Beadies handmade souvenir shop in Amsterdam has workshops where you can string your own jewellery

If you want to bring home a handmade souvenir, Beadies is the place to create your own beaded jewellery. Beadies, a specialist bead shop, allows shoppers to string their own masterpiece on a worktable at the back of the store. Tools and supplies are provided and the worktable is available every day, except Saturdays. Choose from their vast assortment of beads that hail from all corners of the world. The shop is located in the Jordaan's Nine Streets, a neighbourhood that's a hive of creative activity.

Beadies //  Huidenstraat 6

Koffie Academie

What better way to enjoy a good cup of coffee than by making your own? At the Koffie Academie, you'll meet other coffee aficionados and learn about the origin of coffee, roasting and cupping of coffee. Pull the perfect expresso shots and create your own latte art with their brand of freshly roasted coffee. The workshops will be taught in English if you indicate your language preference in your email registration.

Koffie Academie // Overtoom 95

Secret City Trails

Solve riddles and explore Amsterdam's hidden gems with Secret City Trails Amsterdam

Use your creativity to learn about Amsterdam in one of Secret City Trails’ treasure hunts. It’s a race against the clock as you journey through Amsterdam unlocking mysteries, finding hidden gems and solving clues. As you answer each riddle, you unlock stories about the area you are in as well as recommendations about favourite local spots to explore. This game will challenge you to use your wits to complete your mission, while also guiding you through some of the Amsterdam’s lesser-known cultural sights such as street-art exhibitions, a hidden green space right in the city centre and a free art gallery. This is a great way to explore Amsterdam with family and friends and get off the beaten track.

Secret City Trails Amsterdam // Weesperstraat 

Looking for more creative inspiration? Check out this article about the top 10 arty coffee houses in Amsterdam, spots where you can find museum-worthy exhibitions alongside world-class macchiatos.