Amsterdam: 3-Hour Mindful Perfume-Making Workshop

Imagine spending an afternoon crafting your own signature scent in a cozy Amsterdam home, guided by an expert who makes the art of perfume accessible and fun. For $142 per person, this 3-hour experience offers a chance to slow down, sharpen your senses, and come away with a personalized fragrance. Hosted in a small, friendly group of no more than six, you’ll explore the science and craft behind perfumery, learning about top, middle, and base notes while experimenting with high-quality ingredients.

What we love most about this workshop is how it combines mindfulness and creativity—the grounding meditation at the start helps you tune in to your scent memories, which makes the whole process feel more meaningful. Plus, the fact that it’s hosted in a real Dutch home adds a welcoming, authentic touch that you won’t get in a big, commercial setting. The opportunity to leave with a bespoke perfume in a beautifully handstamped linen pouch is a lovely takeaway, and upgrading to a travel-sized bottle for an extra fee makes it even more convenient.

A potential consideration is the location: since the host’s apartment is on the third floor of a traditional Dutch house with no lift, it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Also, because it involves working with chemicals, children under 15 and pets are not permitted. This workshop suits travelers who enjoy arts and crafts, want a relaxing, educational activity, and appreciate small-group, personalized experiences.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience in a Dutch home studio
• Personalized perfume creation guided by an experienced facilitator
• Focus on mindfulness and sensory awareness enhances the experience
• Learn the science behind perfumery and scent categorization
• Small group size ensures attention and connection
• Flexible options for taking home your fragrance, including an upgrade

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Perfume-Making Workshop in Amsterdam

When considering a unique activity during your trip to Amsterdam, this perfume workshop offers a perfect blend of education, creativity, and relaxation. Here’s what makes this experience stand out, and what you can expect at each stage.

Location and Atmosphere

Hosted in a charming Dutch home studio on the third floor of an authentic neighborhood house, this workshop delivers more than just perfume-making—it offers a taste of local life. The host, Arielle, creates a warm, welcoming environment, ensuring you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. The small group size (limited to six participants) promotes a relaxed atmosphere where everyone gets personalized attention.

Since the studio is inside a residential building, you should be comfortable with a few flights of stairs—no lift is available. This can be a minor inconvenience for some, but it adds to the feeling of being in a genuine Amsterdam home rather than a commercial classroom. Expect a quiet, cozy space filled with high-quality ingredients and a calm vibe that fosters mindful exploration.

The Itinerary: Step by Step

Part 1 | Welcome & Grounding (30 mins)

Your experience begins with a warm welcome, during which you’ll connect with your fellow participants over scents that evoke personal memories. This part of the workshop is designed to ground you, setting intentions for your creative journey. Arielle often starts with a grounding meditation, which many find helpful in shifting focus inward, away from everyday distractions. You’ll share your favorite smells, which helps build a sense of community right from the start.

Part 2 | Intro & Guided Discovery (1.5 hrs)

Next, you’ll dive into the science of scent. This segment is both educational and practical—expect to learn about top, middle, and base notes and how they come together to form a perfume. Arielle’s guidance makes complex concepts accessible, and her passion for perfumery shines through.

During this part, you’ll explore a library of 20 high-quality ingredients, training your nose to recognize and categorize different scents. The guided discovery involves smelling, comparing, and understanding how each component contributes to the overall fragrance. As one reviewer noted, “I learned a lot about top, middle, and base notes and how our sense of smell reminds us of nostalgia.” This deepens your appreciation for how scent is tied to memory and emotion.

Part 3 | Mindful Experimental Blending (1.5 hrs)

Armed with your newfound knowledge, it’s time to get creative. You’ll experiment with blending your own fragrance, guided closely by Arielle. This is where the workshop shifts from theory to practice—here, you unleash your creativity and craft a scent that’s entirely personal. The emphasis on mindfulness encourages you to enjoy the process rather than rush through it.

You’ll leave with a 3ml spray in a handstamped linen pouch, perfect for carrying your personal perfume. If you prefer a larger, travel-ready bottle, you can upgrade for an additional €35. The blending session is relaxed, fun, and supportive—many participants, like Lily, mention that it’s not just about making perfume but also about understanding the science behind it.

The Experience: What Sets It Apart

The combination of personalized attention, educational content, and creative freedom makes this workshop stand out. Arielle’s approachable manner and wealth of knowledge shine through, making complex topics feel manageable and even fun. Reviewers repeatedly mention how much they learned, with one saying, “We learned so much! Arielle is amazing and so knowledgeable, her passion for fragrance shines through.”

The environment itself fosters a sense of connection—not just with your fellow participants but also with your senses. The grounding meditation and the focus on scent memories promote a relaxed, almost meditative atmosphere that enhances your creative experience.

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Practical Details and Value

At $142 per person, this workshop provides a lot of value. You get:

• A three-hour hands-on experience
• Guidance from an experienced facilitator
• Access to 20 high-quality ingredients
• A personalized perfume to take home
• The option to upgrade to a larger bottle for travel

Given the intimate setting, personalized attention, and the educational component, many consider this a worthwhile investment—especially for those who enjoy arts, crafts, and sensory activities. It’s a break from typical sightseeing, offering instead a chance to create a meaningful memory and learn a new skill.

Who Will Love This Workshop?

This experience suits solo travelers, couples, or small groups who are curious about scents and enjoy creative pursuits. If you appreciate a relaxing, mindful activity that combines learning with hands-on crafting, you’ll find this workshop engaging. It’s especially appealing if you want to understand more about the science of perfume or want a personal souvenir.

Final Thoughts

This perfume-making experience in Amsterdam offers much more than just crafting a scent. It’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with your senses, and gain a deeper understanding of a craft that’s touched lives for centuries. Arielle’s warmth, combined with the focus on mindfulness and education, makes this a truly special activity—one that leaves you not only with a bespoke perfume but also with new insights into how scent influences emotion and memory.

While the physical location might pose a small hurdle for those with reduced mobility, the personal attention, authentic setting, and immersive learning make this a standout option for those seeking a genuinely local, creative experience. It’s an ideal pick for arts lovers, scent enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a calming, meaningful activity during a trip to Amsterdam.

FAQ

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, no prior experience is necessary. The guide provides all the instructions and guidance needed to create your bespoke perfume.

How long is the workshop?
The workshop lasts three hours, including a grounding meditation, perfume education, and blending time.

What’s included in the price?
You will have access to 20 high-quality ingredients, all necessary equipment, and guidance from an experienced facilitator. You’ll leave with a 3ml spray of your perfume in a handstamped linen pouch, with an option to upgrade to a larger bottle.

Can I upgrade to a larger bottle?
Yes, for an additional €35, you can upgrade to a 10ml travel-sized bottle.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included. You need to meet at the host’s home, and the experience ends back at the same location.

Are children allowed?
Children under 15 are not permitted due to working with chemicals and the workshop’s nature.

Is this accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the access involves several flights of stairs with no lift, so it’s not suitable for those with reduced mobility.

This perfume workshop is a rare chance to combine learning, creativity, and mindfulness in a cozy Amsterdam setting. Whether you’re a scent novice or a perfume aficionado, it promises a memorable, enriching experience that taps into your senses—and leaves you with a personal, wearable piece of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: