Making friends in Amsterdam 🤗

Making friends in Amsterdam, tips from Sara and Pawel. Who’ve been through it. 🤗

Listen back to this edition of our Dam Daily show on the Mixcloud player above. Scroll for show notes and the  🎵 Spotify playlist. Music included Chappel Roan, The White Stripes and more. 

“So today, we’re talking about something that makes life in this city so much better — good company. We’re diving into how to make friends in Amsterdam — whether you’re new here or just looking to connect with more awesome people. Because let’s face it, life’s better when you’ve got great company.”

Show notes

• In 2022, people in the EU indicated a high level of satisfaction with their personal relationships. On a scale from 0 (not at all satisfied) to 10 (completely satisfied), they rated their satisfaction with personal relationships on average at 7.8, indicating a very slight decrease from the 7.9 in 2018. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20240730-1
• the Netherlands had an average satisfaction level of 8.0 in both 2018 and 2022 for personal relationships.
• One of the easiest ways to start building your circle is to tap into the network you already have. Here’s a simple tip: ask your friends if they know anyone in Amsterdam. It could be their friends, a cousin, or even just a work colleague. Get them to connect you — social media is your best friend here. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, whatever works. And once you’ve got that connection, don’t overthink it. Suggest grabbing a coffee or going for a walk. It’s casual, low pressure, and a great way to learn a bit about the city while getting to know someone new. Honestly, this works because a friend of a friend usually feels more approachable. It’s like a soft introduction to your new city, and who knows? That coffee chat might just lead to your first real friendship in Amsterdam. Give it a shot! You’ve already got the connection — now it’s just about making the most of it.
• MEETUP, The people platform—Where interests become friendshipsWhatever your interest, from hiking and reading to networking and skill sharing, there are thousands of people who share it on Meetup. Events are happening every day—sign up to join the fun. Eg, CRAFTING and COFFEE – with craft moms! https://www.meetup.com/crafty-moms/events/304522744/?eventOrigin=group_similar_events First one this week – join for a small group setting in a cafe, Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM to Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 12:00 PM CET, CT Coffee and Coconuts, Ceintuurbaan 282 · Amsterdamtop tip – cant find a club you like – create your own!
• Offline club activities coming up: https://lu.ma/user/theofflineclub?locale=en-GBOverview of events available: https://lu.ma/theofflineclubamsterdamThe Offline Getaway | Digital Detox Weekend | One spot remaining | https://lu.ma/gcsitcfeTickets for offline hangout 29 Nov – https://lu.ma/xijp9xbj
• Timeleft is an innovative platform that organizes weekly dinners, connecting individuals with five strangers matched through a personality algorithm. These gatherings occur every Wednesday in over 285 cities worldwide, including Amsterdam.

Team sports

• Netball – next free taster 1 Dec, Try it out | ANC
• Hockey in Amstelveen (in English) in Amstelveen: https://mhc-amstelveen.nl/site/default.asp?Option=51&NewsID=535
• Peak Cycling, https://peakcycling.cc/fietsclub-amsterdam
• Swimming Clubs
• Gay Swim Amsterdam (GSA): A swimming club open to all, offering training and participation in competitions.
• see also the links on IAmExpat

Bookclubs

Amsterdam offers a vibrant literary scene with numerous book clubs catering to diverse interests. Here are some notable options:

1. Readers and Drinkers (Amsterdam Book Club): This group combines a love for reading with social gatherings, meeting monthly in various cafés or pubs around the city. It’s a mix of expats and locals, providing a relaxed environment to discuss books and make new friends.

Meetup

2. The Amsterdam Book Club: Aimed at bringing together like-minded book lovers, this club meets in members’ homes to discuss selected books in a relaxed setting. During each session, attendees choose the book for future meetings, encouraging diverse reading selections.

I Amsterdam

3. Silent Book Club (Amsterdam Chapter): For those who enjoy reading in company without the pressure of discussion, the Silent Book Club offers gatherings where members read together in silence. It’s a great way to dedicate time to reading while being part of a community.

Silent Book Club

4. The Feminist Club Amsterdam – Book Club: This group focuses on intersectional feminist texts, aiming to explore and discuss literature that critically engages with societal issues. It’s ideal for those interested in deep, reflective conversations about feminism and related topics.

The Feminist Club

5. Meetup Book Clubs: Platforms like Meetup host various book clubs in Amsterdam, catering to different genres and interests. From fiction to non-fiction, these groups offer regular meetings and discussions. Meetup

 

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