Making friends
Join Meetup Groups (popular for expats)
1- Meetup
📍 The Netherlands
Making new friends in the Netherlands can feel effortless with platforms like Meetup, which helps people connect through shared interests and local events.
Whether you’ve just arrived or want to expand your social circle, Meetup offers endless possibilities to find and build real communities. From language exchanges and sports groups to creative workshops and weekend adventures, it’s a great way to meet new people, learn new things, gain support, and step outside your comfort zone. By joining these activities, you can pursue your passions together and build meaningful friendships across the Netherlands.
🔗 Website
https://www.meetup.com/
Download on the AppStore
Download on the Google Play
Join Sports Clubs & Fitness Communities
2- Midnight Runners
📍 The Netherlands
Making new friends in the Netherlands becomes easy and fun when you join the Midnight Runners, a volunteer-led running community that transforms weekly workouts into social, urban adventures.
Designed for all fitness levels, Midnight Runners blend exercise with community by hosting high-energy group runs powered by music, speakers, and a party-like atmosphere that moves through the city streets. It’s the perfect way to stay active, meet friendly people, and connect with others who enjoy combining fitness with socializing.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a total beginner, everyone is welcome — and it’s one of the most exciting ways to build real friendships in the Netherlands.
🔗 Website
Join Hobby Workshops, Classes, Clubs
3- Rembrandt van Wine
📍 Amsterdam
Photo credits: Have you tried, Rembrandt van Wine
2 Hours of painting, creativity & fun in the dark
Both meeting new people and doing something completely unexpected can be nerve wracking. With the right guidance from our host and art instructor we make sure to take away any nerves and create a super positive experience! For everyone.
-Workshop is guided by a professional artist
-All painting levels are welcome, no skills required
-Either repaint the painting of the day (see above) or get creative yourself
-All painting equipment is included, we also give you an apron
-Drinks are on them, have as many glasses of wine or soft drink as you want while painting
-Solo friendly: You are more than welcome to come alone
-You get to take home your canvas afterwards
🔗 Website
https://www.rembrandtvanwine.nl/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
📍Location 1
Amsterdam Zuid: Parnassusweg 126, 1076AT
📍Location 2
Amsterdam Amstel: Spaklerweg 4, 1096BA
4- D&D Workshops Amsterdam
📍 Amsterdam
Home Decor Jesmonite Workshops 🕯️
Create your own candle holder & tray in a fun and guided 2.5-hour session.
All materials are included and no experience needed.
Also a great activity gift for a friend!
The instructors are creators of beautiful Soul Of Us which is handmade home décor and candle brand born in Amsterdam.
A true experience worth trying!
🔗 Follow on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ddamsterdam_workshops/
https://www.instagram.com/soulofusofficial/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
📍 Location varies per workshop
5- Club Foos
📍 Amsterdam, Haarlem, Amersfoort
Join the foosball community
Welcome to Club Foos, a dedicated foosball club for everyone who loves the fast-paced game of table football. The community brings together passionate players who enjoy competing, improving their skills, and sharing their enthusiasm for foosball. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, Club Foos offers a friendly place to learn, play, and experience the excitement of foosball. Join them and be part of a growing foosball community.
One of the best activities to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.
🔗 Website
https://clubfoos.com/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
Volunteering
6- Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam
📍 Amsterdam - Multiple locations
'We believe volunteer work is essential to keeping Amsterdam strong and vibrant.'
Their mission is to support volunteering in Amsterdam by helping people find meaningful opportunities, connecting volunteers with local organizations that need support, and sharing practical resources for getting involved. By highlighting the impact of volunteer work, they aim to strengthen the city’s community and encourage more people to contribute to Amsterdam’s society in a positive way.
No volunteering experience is required.
Tip: If you are also looking for an opportunity to improve your Dutch and integrate more in the community, this is the one for you.
🔗 Website
https://www.vca.nu/english/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
Professional networking
7- Meet up - Career & Business
📍 The Netherlands
Professional networking in the Netherlands becomes much easier with Meetup’s Career & Business events, which connect you with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. Through workshops, talks, and networking sessions, you can expand your business network, gain fresh insights, and discover new career opportunities. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, collaborate on projects, or simply meet ambitious professionals, Meetup offers a wide range of events that help you grow both personally and professionally. It’s one of the most effective and accessible ways to build a strong professional network in the Netherlands.
🔗 Website
https://www.meetup.com/find/?source=EVENTS&categoryId=405
Download on the AppStore
Download on the Google Play
8- IAMEXPAT FAIR
📍 The Netherlands
THE LEADING EXPAT FAIR IN THE NETHERLANDS
The IamExpat Fair, launched in Amsterdam in 2015, has quickly evolved into the leading fair for internationals in the Netherlands.
Since its launch, the IamExpat Fair has connected more than 600 companies with more than 35.300 visitors from 160 countries around the world, and run more than 330 workshops and information sessions, making it the leading fair for internationals in the Netherlands.
The IamExpat Fair takes place three times a year at iconic and central locations – Amsterdam’s Beurs van Berlage, the Grote Kerk in The Hague and the Klokgebouw in Eindhoven.
🔗 Website
https://www.iamexpatfair.nl/