3 Hours Perfume Making Workshop in Amsterdam

Experience the Unique Charm of Amsterdam with a Perfume-Making Workshop

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and looking for an activity that offers a blend of creativity, relaxation, and a touch of luxury, a 3-hour perfume-making workshop might be just what you need. This experience, hosted in a local’s home studio, promises a hands-on journey into the world of fragrances, guiding you through the art of blending scents to craft your own signature perfume. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy arts and crafts, want a memorable souvenir, or are simply curious about the world of perfumery.

One of the things we particularly love about this workshop is the personalized attention with a small group, ensuring everyone gets tailored support from the knowledgeable guide, Arielle. However, a potential consideration is that the experience requires a bit of patience and a relaxed mindset—it’s as much about discovering your senses as it is about creating a perfume. This activity suits curious travelers, couples, or groups celebrating special occasions like birthdays or bachelor parties, offering a meaningful alternative to conventional sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience inside a host’s home studio
• Create a personalized scent—a memorable keepsake
• Small-group setting ensures individual guidance
• Suitable for arts lovers, couples, and special celebration groups
• Learn about fragrances and train your sense of smell
• Includes all materials for blending, plus tea and water for refreshment

What Makes This Perfume Workshop Stand Out?

This experience isn’t your typical tourist activity. Instead, it offers a genuine chance to get creative in a cozy, welcoming environment. You’ll spend approximately three hours in Arielle’s beautiful home studio, where you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of blending your own perfume. The workshop is designed to be accessible to everyone, whether you’re a complete novice or someone with a budding interest in fragrances.

The session begins with a warm welcome, where participants connect through shared scents and memories. Arielle, the host, then leads a grounding meditation—perfect for setting a calm, focused mood before diving into perfume exploration. This grounding aspect is one of the unique features that sets this workshop apart from more commercial options. It’s about more than just scent; it’s about mindfulness and personal discovery.

The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Perfume-Making Process

Part 1: Welcome & Grounding (14:00 – 14:30)

As you arrive, you’ll be introduced to your fellow participants, and Arielle will encourage you to share your favorite smells and the memories they evoke. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of aromatic conversation. The grounding meditation helps to clear your mind, making your olfactory senses more receptive—a subtle but powerful step in perfumery.

Part 2: Intro & Guided Discovery (14:30 – 15:30)

Arielle’s background as a passionate perfumer really shines during this part. She explains the basics of perfumery, like how scents are composed and the science behind what we smell. You’ll get to explore a curated selection of 20 high-quality ingredients, ranging from floral to woody to spicy—these are not your average perfume oils. This guided discovery helps you understand the different notes and how they interact, setting a solid foundation for your creativity.

Many reviewers highlight how well Arielle explains complicated concepts. One mentioned, “Everything was explained simply and very well,” which makes the entire process approachable, even for newcomers. You’re encouraged to smell, compare, and take notes, which sharpens your olfactory skills and enriches your understanding.

Part 3: Mindful Experimental Blending (15:30 – 17:00)

This is the fun part: blending your own fragrances. With all the ingredients at your disposal, you can try up to two different blends. Arielle provides support, offering advice on balancing notes and creating harmonious scents. The atmosphere remains relaxed, with plenty of tasting and adjusting—think of it as a creative lab with a lot of aromatic possibilities.

The workshop concludes with you taking home your custom blend in a 3ml spray. For an extra fee, you can upgrade to a 10ml travel bottle, turning your creation into an easy-to-carry perfume perfect for daily use or gifting. Reviewers often mention how proud they feel of their personal scent—one even said, “I now wear a scent that feels entirely my own, and the compliments haven’t stopped.”

What’s Included?

• All necessary materials: ingredients, glass tester pots, glass spray in a linen pouch, pipettes, gloves, and a workbook
• Refreshments like tea, water, and coffee to keep you refreshed and focused
• Guidance from a passionate instructor who fosters an inclusive, relaxed environment

Additional Considerations

While the workshop is designed to be accessible and welcoming, it’s not recommended for children under 15 or those with reduced mobility. It’s also a good idea to avoid participating if you’re feeling under the weather, as your senses need to be sharp for the best experience.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Multiple participants describe the workshop as both educational and soothing. One review mentioned, “It was not only fun but also extremely educating and relaxing,” emphasizing how Arielle creates an atmosphere where learning feels natural. Others appreciated how much they learned about scents and their properties, with one saying, “I left with a trained nose and a deeper understanding of perfumes.”

The personal stories reveal that many attendees find the experience to be a meaningful gift—whether for themselves or others—and that the skills learned can even improve their ability to articulate what they smell. One reviewer shared, “Even a month later, we feel we can differentiate smells better and articulate what we smell,” which underscores the lasting value of this workshop.

Value for Money: Is it Worth It?

At $142.42 per person, this experience offers more than just a perfume class—it’s an opportunity for personal growth, relaxation, and a keepsake. The small group size (max six travelers) ensures individualized attention from Arielle, making sure everyone leaves with a scent that’s truly their own. Considering all the materials, expert guidance, and the memorable experience, many find the price justified.

The upgradable option to a 10ml bottle for an additional $35 is a good value for those wanting a more substantial fragrance to take home or gift. Plus, the fact that you’re leaving with a custom perfume crafted by your own hand makes this a unique souvenir that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Location: Starts at Zuiderlicht College, Rustenburgerstraat 438, centrally located and near public transportation.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours—ample time to relax, learn, and create.
• Group Size: Max of 6 travelers, ensuring plenty of personal attention.
• Booking: On average, booked 31 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• Availability: Confirmations are received immediately after booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
• Accessibility: Not recommended for children under 15 or those with mobility issues, and not suitable if you’re feeling unwell.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This workshop appeals most to those who love arts and crafts or are interested in learning something new about scents. It’s perfect for couples or small groups celebrating a special occasion, as well as solo travelers who want a memorable, relaxing activity. If you’re someone who enjoys mindfulness, aromatherapy, or simply wants a creative way to remember Amsterdam, this experience hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Is This the Perfume Workshop for You?

If you’re after a personalized, hands-on activity that combines creativity with a touch of mindfulness, this workshop checks those boxes. The chance to learn from a passionate, well-reviewed guide in a cozy setting makes it stand out from mass-market perfume experiences. You’ll walk away with not only a perfume that’s uniquely yours but also new knowledge about scents and a few pleasant memories.

While the price might seem a tad steep for some, the value is clear when you consider the personalized guidance, all materials included, and the special keepsake you’ll bring home. It’s particularly ideal for art lovers, gift-seekers, and those celebrating a special day in Amsterdam.

This perfume-making workshop offers a distinctive, authentic experience that combines education, relaxation, and creativity—an enriching addition to any Amsterdam itinerary.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Not recommended for children under 15, as the workshop involves handling ingredients and requires a relaxed, focused atmosphere.

How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing plenty of time to learn, experiment, and create without feeling rushed.

Where does the workshop take place?
The starting point is Zuiderlicht College, Rustenburgerstraat 438, in a location accessible by public transportation.

What is included in the price?
All necessary materials for perfume blending, such as ingredients, tester pots, spray bottles, pipettes, gloves, and a workbook, plus tea and water.

Can I upgrade my perfume to a larger size?
Yes, for an additional €35, you can upgrade to a 10ml travel-friendly bottle to carry your creation conveniently.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of six travelers ensures personalized support from Arielle, making the experience intimate and engaging.

What should I wear or bring?
Dress comfortably, and be prepared to engage your senses fully. All materials are provided, so no need to bring anything.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

This perfume workshop in Amsterdam offers a blend of education, creativity, and mindfulness that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re seeking a unique souvenir, a new skill, or simply a relaxing activity, it’s worth considering for your next visit.