Where the concierge points people first
- Shambhala Meditatie Centrum — Part of the international Shambhala network, with open sitting sessions alongside courses. A gentle place to begin if you have never sat before. (52.3575, 4.8872)
- Zen.nl Amsterdam — A Dutch Zen school running courses and sittings in the city. Posture and silence are taken seriously; arrive on time. (52.3575, 4.9323)
- Nyingma Centrum Nederland — A center in the Tibetan Nyingma tradition, with meditation, study and events. Some sessions are in Dutch, so ask before you go. (52.3640, 4.8961)
- Sahaja Yoga Nederland — Holds meditation classes that are free of charge, which is part of the movement's own practice rather than an offer. (52.3441, 4.9218)
The rest of the meditation centers in Amsterdam — every one we hold
- Anke Wijnja (52.3935, 4.9105)
- Beyond Mindfulness Amsterdam (52.3522, 4.8486)
- Dao Yin Yangsheng Gong (52.3498, 4.8935)
- Het Oog van de Orkaan (52.3496, 4.8748)
- Pranic Studio (52.3514, 4.8637)
- Rudolfo’s Life Coach Amsterdam (52.3404, 4.8703)
- Tantra practice Wilde Ziel (52.3898, 4.8514)
- Temple of Happiness (52.3903, 4.8509)
- The Meditation Cafe (52.3846, 4.8695)
- Vipassana Meditatiecentrum Dhammadipa (52.3473, 4.9080)
- Y&D Group for Awareness & Health (52.3649, 4.9281)
- Zen Center Amsterdam (52.3729, 4.9056)
- Zen Dojo Amsterdam Gyo Kai (52.3892, 4.8901)
- Zenatelier de Zamenhof (52.3869, 4.9310)
Look for the introduction evening, and pay by donation where asked
Most Amsterdam meditation groups run two tiers: regular sittings for people who already know the form, and introduction evenings or short beginners' courses for everyone else. Turning up cold to an advanced sitting is the one way to have an awkward evening. Plenty of teaching is in Dutch, but many centers run English sessions or will switch if asked. Buddhist centers often work on a donation basis (dana), so bring a little cash for the bowl. Wear something loose, take your shoes off at the door and switch your phone fully off.
Questions people ask
How many meditation centers are there in Amsterdam?
Num's directory maps 18 meditation centers in Amsterdam, across Zen, Tibetan, mindfulness and other traditions.
Is there free meditation in Amsterdam?
Yes. Sahaja Yoga classes are free, and several Buddhist centers run sittings on a donation basis.
Are meditation classes in Amsterdam in English?
Some are. Many centers teach in Dutch with English sessions on certain days, so check the schedule or ask.
Ask Num for a drop-in meditation session in English in Amsterdam
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