How to make friends in Amsterdam as an expat

Bestie · 29 September 2026 · 5 min read

Moving to Amsterdam is exciting. The canals, the bikes, the terraces in summer. But once the first weeks are over, many expats notice the same thing: you have colleagues, but no one to call on a Saturday. The good news is that you are far from alone, and there is a lot you can do about it.

Don't wait for the Dutch to invite you

Dutch social life often runs on agendas and long-standing friend groups. That isn't unfriendly, it's just how things work. Take the first step yourself and suggest something concrete: a coffee on Saturday morning or a walk in Vondelpark.

Pick something you do every week

Friendship grows through repetition. A weekly sports class, a running group, a choir or a language exchange means you see the same faces again and again. After a few weeks, a drink afterwards feels completely natural.

Start in your own neighbourhood

Friends who live close by are the ones you actually see. Whether you live in De Pijp, Oost, Noord or the Jordaan, find a local café, gym or market and become a regular.

Learn a little Dutch, but don't let it stop you

Most people in Amsterdam are happy to speak English. A few words of Dutch still go a long way, and a language exchange is also a great way to meet people.

Use an app built for this

With Bestie you swipe through women near you who are also looking for new friends. The app is available in English and Dutch, and Amsterdam is the first city where Bestie starts, with a beta in 2027.