A city synonymous with the Red Light District. Amsterdam may be known for its cannabis coffee shops but this beautiful capital has a romantic side to it. Below are top romantic things to do in Amsterdam. A couple’s guide to Amsterdam, think romantic getaway with plenty of fun things to do at night Amsterdam, plenty of Amsterdam sightseeing exploring the the city’s attractions with cool and fun date ideas in Amsterdam where you can wine and dine your partner. Take in the city’s atmosphere with romantic walks around the canal ring of the city.
The beautiful and elaborate canal systems and narrow houses are oozing with charm making the city perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway for couples. The city has everything you need for a perfect stay. Lovers of food can indulge in the very best Amsterdam’s gastronomy has to offer, all the while taking in art and culture at many of museums and galleries with the likes of Rembrandt and Van Gogh on display.
For those looking for a romantic destination needn’t look further than ‘Venice if the North’. Below are a few of my recommendations on romantic things to do in Amsterdam.
Also See
- Romantic High Wine Dining At The Dylan
- A Weekend In Amsterdam
- Valentines Day Gift Guides For Couples Who Love To Travel
- Romantic Things To Do On London
CONTENTS
- 1 Most Romantic Things To Do In Amsterdam For Couples
- 1.1 Learn Something New Together while enjoying the atmospheric city museums
- 1.2 A Romantic Dinner With A Difference – High Wine At The Dylan
- 1.3 Amsterdam Couples Spa
- 1.4 Romantic Walks Through Beautifully Lit Canals
- 1.5 Walks In Vondel Park Before A Picnic
- 1.6 Tour The City While Sampling Food Around the City
- 1.7 Wild Things To Do In Amsterdam
- 1.8 Other Places To Visit In Amsterdam | Day Trips & Other Romantic Ideas For Amsterdam
- 1.9 Romantic Photoshoot In Amsterdam
- 1.10 Bond Over A cup of Coffee
- 2 Where To Stay In Amsterdam
Most Romantic Things To Do In Amsterdam For Couples
Whether you are looking for Valentine’s day idea or looking for a little couples getaway any other time of year, there are plenty of romantic things to do in amsterdam. A tip if you are visiting Amsterdam between November and January is that Amsterdam has the Amsterdam Light Festival for those looking for unique things to do in Amsterdam city. Also, if you are visiting Amsterdam in June and love music then check out the Amsterdam Open Air Dance Festival.
Below I will take you through things to do in Amsterdam at night and during the day, explore the Amsterdam points of interest and many of the city’s most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam as you enjoy the food and take in amazing culture and charm of the city.
Learn Something New Together while enjoying the atmospheric city museums
Whether your interests lie in sciences, history about Amsterdam, film, music, art there is a museum to spark interest for both parties. Nothing inspires romance than strolling through galleries with paintings of lovers locked in passionate embrace. Even sexier is hearing your partner talk passionately about their interests in different forms of art.
If you are all about art perhaps an afternoon at a museum of your choice where you can showcase your knowledge and interpretation of painting and just how famous works’ unique brush strokes evoke emotion with subjects secure in each other’s love. Most museums if not all have events and activities that allow you to delve deeper into the arts.
With museums like Van Gogh Museum opening late into the evenings you and yours can take an evening tour and learn about famous paintings before grabbing a cocktail in the open bar to end the tour is style. If paintings or art are not your thing then check out FOAM museum which has rotating exhibitions on world famous photography, video and multi-media artists.
For more risqué forms of art there is also a Sex, Erotic and torture museum, if your version of romance includes 50 shades of grey. With Stedelijk Museum holding the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the whole of Netherlands, you are bound to have something that will appeal to each person’s interests.
A Romantic Dinner With A Difference – High Wine At The Dylan
Looking for romantic restaurants in Amsterdam with a unique date night dining experience? Then this is it! You have heard of afternoon tea, well High Wine is a take on afternoon tea. Think of it as the adult version of afternoon tea. The Dylan Hotel, housed in fashionable shopping district befitting of a place to offer a culinary delight with a slice of romance. How does snuggling up in front of a crackling fire while sipping wine perfectly matched to each course sound? Blazing fireplace, mahogany floors and silk floor to ceiling drapes with a love seat on either side of the fireplace creating an ambiance of pure sophistication with romance at the forefront.
The food is made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and the indulgently paired specially selected wines that complement each course. The waiters are so knowledgeable in what is being served that it only adds in assisting you to take note of even the most subtle taste and aromas in the wine to complement the depth of the flavours in each of the dishes.
A romantic stay in the city is not complete without a wining and dining experiences at The Dylan. The food is served from The Dylan’s Michelin-starred restaurant Vinkeles. This little gem can be found with Nine Streets district of Amsterdam. You can read more about our experience of High Wine at the Dylan on the blog.
Amsterdam Couples Spa
What better way to unwind after a day’s sightseeing than relaxing in a health and wellness spa? There are plenty of Spa hotels focusing on maximum relaxation for their guests, with luxury features like hot tubs, thermal pools and professional massage services.
Check-in for a pampering couples weekend combined with city exploring. Many of the spa hotels use mineral-rich water pumped straight out of the ground, helping to you chase away the world’s worries if with light or deep tissue massage to maintain and restore good health. For a list of Amsterdam Spa Hotels click here to read reviews and check prices.
Romantic Walks Through Beautifully Lit Canals
Apparently, you haven’t experienced the city until you have explored it on a bicycle. Well, once the sun goes down and the canals are lit up, it makes for a picture-perfect city for having a romantic stroll through the city than to cycle through it. For a little break from the walk, you will find that Amsterdam has a variety of spots with live music.
Places like Chicago Social Club has a half lounge and half club feel or Bimhus serving up jazz notes that will have lovers swept away by the music, dance. Nothing invites intimate sessions better than good music. To read reviews of Amsterdam’s top 5 live jazz and music restaurants read reviews on TripAdvisor.
Walks In Vondel Park Before A Picnic
One cannot visit Amsterdam and not sample their lifestyle. There is just something so laid back about the city and its people. Perhaps it’s a lifestyle that includes cycling in their daily routines. It seems kids in Amsterdam are introduced very early to this.
You will see a lot of small families cycling through the city with most taking to the parks for R&R sessions with family and friends. While locals are cycling through the city’s green spaces you can join them for a romantic stroll through Vondel Park.
With more than 120 acres you can happily get lost in conversation. When the moment calls for it, you can lounge in the few cafes that are dotted around the grounds of the park. If you are visiting Amsterdam between June and August you can settle on the grass for a picnic and let musicians serenade you will performances of classical music, pop, world music, dance and cabaret all for free!
Tour The City While Sampling Food Around the City
They say the best way to man’s heart is through his stomach but I think that saying goes for women too. Nothing beats sampling good food and even better when there is variety. Amsterdam is a beautiful city, event better toured while sampling great food around the city.
One of the things I enjoyed was taking my boyfriend on a food tour around Amsterdam. The tour was a combination of walking and a canal cruise. Perfect for couples. For something different but still along the same lines you can also check out the many cool brewery and beer tours in Amsterdam.
Our boat cruise on the canal seemed mostly filled with couples and honeymooners. I guess you that should tell you something. A tour you need to add to your list of romantic things to do in Amsterdam is The Jordaan Food and Canals Tour.
We visited a café serving up one of Amsterdam’s best apple pies, we sampled Surinamese food, visited a chip and fish shop serving city’s popular pickled herring, an old and history sweet shop selling salty liquorice; a Dutch favourite and a few other stops. On this tour you also pass by Anne Frank’s house before you get on a boat to explore the canals.
It is such a great way to see the city and eat through it at the same time, all the while learning more about Amsterdam and Netherlands in general. For additional tips on how to best make use of your time in Amsterdam, check out this 3 days Amsterdam itinerary.
Wild Things To Do In Amsterdam
Above I have shared some ideas for nightlife in Amsterdam for couples, the only thing left is to explore the wild side of Amsterdam, if you dare! Explore as a couple the many wild things to do in Amsterdam. There are plenty of adult-only tours to check out below some of which include entry tickets to
- Cultural Ganja Walking Tour of Selected Coffee Shops – Take an in-depth look into the world of cannabis in Amsterdam. Learn about its legalization and history, and discover the coffee shops that sell the highest quality, cheapest ganja, with cultural and historical discoveries.
- Private Guided Walking Tour – Amsterdam Red Light District – Explore the epicenters of ‘vice’ in Amsterdam with this informative and entertaining 2.5-hour guided walking tour of the city’s red-light district and its famous coffee-shop culture. Learn about the history of prostitution in Amsterdam and the current policies about it.
- Amsterdam’s Red Light District Tour with Drink – walking tour of the Red Light District, view its highlights from a local perspective. See both faces of the notorious Amsterdam Red Light district. Learn about its history whilst discovering this famous part of Amsterdam.
- VIP Red Light District Tour – Exclusive behind the scenes – gain intimate insight into the working industry on a self-led tour. Discover the history of the Holland’s prostitution laws and learn about the everyday experiences of the red light workers with a behind-the-scenes walking tour led by a local guide, and see the area’s window brothels, strip clubs, and landmarks from a unique perspective
Other Places To Visit In Amsterdam | Day Trips & Other Romantic Ideas For Amsterdam
You have explored Amsterdam attractions above, tasted great food and relaxed in Amsterdam Spa, if you still have more time in the city then why not consider day trips from Amsterdam.
Do a Giethoorn Day Trip from Amsterdam to discover the car-free village of Giethoorn while cruising the village canal taking in sights to admire Giethoorn’s farmhouses, canals, and bridges. Or explore Zaanse Schans Windmills, Marken and Volendam with a half-day trip from Amsterdam.
Visit a cheese factory to sample local dairy products, admire a classic line-up of authentic windmills, and watch a shoemaker fashion wooden clogs using traditional methods.
Romantic Photoshoot In Amsterdam
You have explored the city and taken in the sights how about a couple’s photoshoot for a memorable touch to your experience of the city.
You can arrange for a couples photoshoot where a photographer will walk with you through the beautiful places along the canals and capture images of you and your partner. You will have the opportunity to ask about the local life, lifestyle and the history and all the other questions you might have. The images are usually sent within 24 hours of having the shoot.
Bond Over A cup of Coffee
After exploring the city from top to bottom, what better way to end a romantic trip than bonding over coffee and recap on the journey and experiences around Amsterdam. You have indulged in art, music food and all manner of R & R, the only thing left in sampling the best coffee the city has to offer.
There are many cafes in Amsterdam and many that have are small and cosy feel to them, perfect for one to one conversation over tea and cake and you reminisce about your experiences of the city.
Where To Stay In Amsterdam
I will shortly be publishing a detailed blog post on where to stay in Amsterdam covering the best areas in the city to stay in Amsterdam. This will also cover detailed recommendations of hotels in each area from budget to luxury. I will link it here once published. In the meantime you can find hotels in Amsterdam and read reviews on my favourite hotel site; Booking.com.
There you have it, my tips on what to do in Amsterdam for couples. Anything else you would have added? Comment below.
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The museums and coffee shops in Amsterdam look amazing. Would be nice to visit as a couple but our boys want to see Amsterdam too so I don’t ever see us getting there without them!
Amsterdam is a very romantic city. I think strolling on the bridges and parks would be the best thing to do. Would try out these dining places next time. Yep, lots of places and things to do in Amsterdam as couples for the next time I visit.
Yep, strolling is one of my favourite things to do as well as the dining experiences.
Loved the post. What a perfect timing for the post. Loved the ideas of a photoshoot. I love that you have also included romantic things to do in Amsterdam in winter. Furthermore, your photographs are amazing.
Thank you. I thought a photoshoot was a great idea too as I love photography so why not have a couples photoshoot in Amsterdam. It adds to the memories.
I remember taking the Amsterdam Canal Cruise. We could see the city’s most fascinating points of interest, including the Westerkerk Church, the Anne Frank House Museum, the Skinny Bridge, the Amstel river, the Hermitage Museum, and many other attractions. It was with kids so maybe not Romantic but it sure was fun 🙂 I will add some of these top 10 romantic things to do in Amsterdam to my list when I visit with my partner.
Yes, so many things to do in Amsterdam for couples and those visiting as a family. The city caters for all. Hence why its love by so many.
Really cool article. It’s finally showing Amsterdam in a different light. These are some of the best romantic things to do in Amsterdam I have come across in a while. People always think of Amsterdam as a party city but there is so much to do and see!
Yes, I guess it caters to all. Even though its a party city there is also a romantic side to Amsterdam.
I hope to visit Amsterdam soon, even if it won’t be on Valentine’s Day. But whenever it will be, I will go with my fiance, so your list of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam city is going to be really handy. Although mostly anything one ends up doing with a significant other during a holiday kind of ends up being romantic when you remember it after returning home.
I am sure you will enjoy the city with you fiance. All the best.
Such a thorough guide catering to a couple traveling to Amsterdam! Love how you cover everything from things to do to where to stay as a couple and things to do in Amsterdam for young couples. Pretty awesome guide.
Thank you. I am glad to hear you like the guide.
Your photos are nice. I have no idea most romantic things to do in Amsterdam as so easily accessible. Amsterdam is on my travel bucket and hope to see it soon.
I have been to Amsterdam a few times and have thought it would be a nice place to visit as a couple. After reading this now I am sure 👍 So many cool things to do in Amsterdam for young couples.
Yes, it sure is.
Wow, what a timely post as Valentine’s day is around the corner and I am coming across such romantic things to do post. I am always fascinated by Amsterdam’s canals, so going for an evening walk around the Amsterdam’s lit canals would be my choice. So many ideas for romantic places in Amsterdam and the best place to stay in Amsterdam for couples.
What a nice idea to write a guide for the couples. I know Amsterdam quite well, but having visited it on numerous occasions on business trips I never looked at it as a romantic destination. I may have only been able to name six romantic things to do in Amsterdam but with this post, I have been opened up to more ideas with this post. It certainly is a picturesque and relaxed city, so romantic weekend would be really good idea 😊 I love that you have also included cheap romantic things to do in Amsterdam ie the strolls and park picnic but also the luxury stays, spa and high wine.
Yes, looking at a city from the perspective of a business means that your mind closes off from viewing it as a romantic city but hope that this post has given you some ideas.
I visited Amsterdam in several occasions but I always traveled solo so I didn’t realize how romantic of a city it actually was until I read this post. Thank you for sharing this different perspective of Amsterdam 🙂 I need to check out some of the Amsterdam romantic restaurants mentioned too.
My son lives near Rotterdam, so we visit Holland alot. We love Amsterdam but I always visit with a child, although I have been in some of the wild shops and she just thought the green leaves were pretty flowers. Hahaha. I definitely recommend it for couples. The canal tours are a must do. I could talk about Amsterdam for hours.
Haha @ pretty flowers. Will definitely add more of that on my next visit 😛