Forums Interracial Dating by RegionBerlin or Amsterdam for interracial dating? Moving from NYC and trying to get a feel

Berlin or Amsterdam for interracial dating? Moving from NYC and trying to get a feel

BASIC

15 posts

I’m probably moving to Europe later this year for work, and I’m torn between Berlin and Amsterdam. I’m a South Asian guy from Queens, and dating in NYC has been pretty easy in the sense that people are used to mixing it up, but it’s also kind of chaotic and everybody’s always “busy.” I’m curious if either Berlin or Amsterdam has a decent interracial dating scene or if I’m gonna have to start from zero all over again. I’ve heard Berlin can be more open but a little harder to break into socially, while Amsterdam seems friendlier but maybe smaller in terms of dating pool. I’m not expecting magic, just want to know which city is less awkward for someone who dates outside their race and doesn’t want to feel like a novelty. If anyone’s lived in either place, what was your experience like on apps or meeting people in person?

Mar 22

2 replies

Rachel KimBASIC

#1 · Mar 22

I lived in Amsterdam for 3 years and dated while I was there, and honestly it was pretty comfortable once I settled in. I’m a Black woman and I never felt out of place being on dates with people from different backgrounds. Tinder and Bumble were both active, but the key thing was that people were way more straightforward than in the US. If someone was interested, they said it pretty fast. That said, the dating pool can feel smaller than NYC, especially if you want someone with a very specific vibe. I had better luck through expat meetups, language exchanges, and even cycling groups than through pure swiping. Amsterdam is compact, so after a while you start seeing the same faces, which can be good or annoying depending on your mood.

Keisha L.

#2 · Mar 23

Berlin is a little harder socially at first, but I’d still pick it over Amsterdam if you want more variety. I’m an Indian-American guy and I’ve lived in Berlin Kreuzberg for two years. The city is really international, so interracial dating is normal, but people can seem reserved until you’re actually in their circle. Once you get past that, it’s fine. Apps are okay here, but in-person stuff matters more. I met more people at bar trivia nights, coworking events, and a couple art openings than on Hinge. Also, Germans can be a bit more direct about what they want, which I found refreshing. If you’re moving from NYC, Berlin might feel less polished but more open once you find your people.