Fun Classes for Expats Living in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, a vibrant and culturally rich city, is not only a haven for expats and digital nomads but also a place brimming with opportunities to learn new skills and hobbies. Whether you're looking to dive into the local culture, enhance your professional toolkit, or simply find a creative outlet, Amsterdam offers a variety of classes that cater to diverse interests. Engaging in these classes can be an excellent way to integrate into the community, meet like-minded individuals, and make the most of your expat experience in the Netherlands. From mastering the art of Dutch cuisine to unlocking your artistic potential, here's a curated list of classes that are perfect for English-speaking residents still getting to grips with the local language.

Taste of Okura

Type of Class(es): Cooking Workshops
Location: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH Amsterdam

At Taste of Okura, expats and digital nomads can immerse themselves in the culinary arts with a range of cooking workshops. These classes are designed to suit all levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks, and focus on various cuisines, including French and Japanese. The workshops are interactive, allowing participants to learn new techniques and recipes that they can recreate at home.

Koentact Dutch Language School

Type of Class(es): Dutch Language Courses
Location: Elandsgracht 70, 1016 TX Amsterdam
Website: www.koentact.nl

Koentact offers a friendly and practical approach to learning Dutch, with courses designed for expats and international residents. Their classes range from beginner to advanced levels, and they emphasize real-life situations to help students use the language confidently in their daily lives. Koentact also organizes language exchange events, which are perfect for practicing Dutch while meeting new people.

Vincent van Gogh Art Classes

Type of Class(es): Painting Workshops
Location: Various locations in Amsterdam

Named after the famous Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh Art Classes provide a creative outlet for those looking to explore their artistic side. The workshops cater to all skill levels and focus on different painting techniques. Participants can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while learning about color theory, composition, and brushwork, all inspired by Van Gogh's masterpieces.

Amsterdam Cheese Tasting Classes

Type of Class(es): Cheese Tasting and Appreciation
Location: Various cheese shops and locations in Amsterdam

For cheese enthusiasts, Amsterdam offers cheese tasting classes that explore the rich and diverse world of Dutch cheeses. These classes provide an opportunity to learn about the cheese-making process, different cheese types, and the art of pairing cheese with wine and other accompaniments. It's a delicious way to connect with Dutch culture and cuisine.

Amsterdam Writing Workshops

Type of Class(es): Creative Writing
Location: Various locations in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Writing Workshops are perfect for aspiring writers or those looking to hone their writing skills. The workshops cover various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. They offer a supportive environment where participants can receive constructive feedback, engage in writing exercises, and discuss their work with fellow writers.

Amsterdam Photography Academy

Type of Class(es): Photography Courses
Location: Keizersgracht 82, 1015 CT Amsterdam
Website: www.amsterdamphotoacademy.com

The Amsterdam Photography Academy offers courses for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to understand the basics or an advanced photographer seeking to refine your skills, the academy provides hands-on instruction in various aspects of photography, including composition, lighting, and post-processing.

Amsterdam Language Cafe

Type of Class(es): Language Exchange and Practice
Location: Various cafes and locations in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Language Cafe is a social gathering for language enthusiasts who wish to practice speaking different languages, including Dutch. It's an informal way to improve language skills while making new friends in the expat and digital nomad community. The cafe hosts regular meetups, making it easy to join in and start conversing.

Cucina Casalinga

Type of Class(es): Italian Cooking Classes
Location: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8, 1017 DE Amsterdam
Website: www.cucinacasalinga.nl

Cucina Casalinga brings a taste of Italy to Amsterdam with its authentic Italian cooking classes. Led by passionate chefs, these classes teach the secrets of Italian cuisine, from homemade pasta to classic regional dishes. The classes are interactive and conclude with a communal meal, offering a warm and convivial experience.