Top 9 Things to Do on Valentine's Day in Amsterdam
1. Cruise through the Canals
For the Dreamy Couple
Choose between evening cruises, harbor cruises, and sightseeing cruises as you float between 17th-century-old houses and sip on champagne on a romantic night out with your partner.
What to See from your Canal Cruise:
- Golden Bend | Find on Maps
- Skinny Bridge | Find on Maps
- City Center | Find on Maps
2. Stroll through the Jordaan
For the Honeymooners
The charming streetlights and the still waterways provide the perfect backdrop for indulging in a romantic conversation with your partner.
What to Expect:
- Jordaan features an amazing collection of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants to satisfy all your cravings.
- Snuggle with your sweetheart as you stroll through the streets and watch the stars come up.
3. Sample the Delicious Cuisine
For the Foodie Couple
When in Amsterdam, gorge on hearty stews, pancakes, herring sandwiches, mash pot, and Dutch cheese. Hit up local brown cafes for an authentic glass of Dutch beer.
Where to Have Brunch and Brews:
- Brunch Bakers & Roasters | Find on Maps
- Winkel 43 | Find on Maps
- JD Williams Whiskey Bar | Find on Maps
- Bar Oldenhof | Find on Maps
4. Watch a Movie
For the Cinephiles
Cozy up with your partner on a ‘love seat’ or a ‘private box’ as you enjoy an artsy screening in the Tuschinski hall. These halls are designed in art nouveau styles. Enjoy sipping on some champagne and grab some snacks, as you watch artsy movies in these world-famous screening halls.
Where to watch:
- Pathe Tuschinski | Find on Maps
- FilmHallen | Find on Maps
- The Movies | Find on Maps
5. Love Yourself a Good Cocktail
For the Adventurous Souls
From historic pubs to unassuming cocktail bars, Amsterdam can whip up several intoxicating concoctions, of which beer and jenever are most widely known.
What to Expect:
- Self-guided tour of the world-famous brewery: Heineken Experience
- Experience drinking at the North Pole: Xtracold Ice Bar
- Bring back the refined Dutch spirit, Jenever at: the House of Bols
6. Go on Museum Dates
For the History Lovers
If holding hands with your partner while strolling down the past is your idea of a perfect date night, there are numerous museums in Amsterdam.
Where to Go:
- Trip down the Yesteryears: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, the National Maritime Museum, and the Anne Frank tours
- Contemporary Art: the MOCO Museum, the Upside Down Museum, and Stedelijk Museum
- Unique Museums: Body Worlds, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Madame Tussauds
- A Slice of Dutch History: Zaanse Schans Windmill tours
7. Go Cycling
For Nature Lovers
Book a tandem bike and enjoy the lush greenery of Amsterdam as you paddle with your partner. You can also book bike tours and do some nearby sightseeing.
Rent Cycles at:
- Vondel Park | Find on Maps
- Damstraat | Find on Maps
9. Visit the Flower Markets
For the Classic Romantics
There is no better time than Valentine’s Day to surprise your partner with a bouquet of flowers. Europe’s favorite flower destination would surely melt your partner’s heart.
Find a bouquet at:
- Bloemenmarket | Find on Maps
- Flower Market Hotel | Find on Maps
- Appollolaan Flower Market | Find on Maps
Valentine’s Day Tips and Hacks in Amsterdam
- Carry Cash: It is best to carry some cash alongside cards, as street food vendors, local marts, and shops may not accept digital payments.
- Rent Cycles: Cycling is the best way to explore the nooks and crannies of this canal city. Stick to the marked portion of the roads and never cycle on the footpaths or the main road. Do not stop and take selfies, for you will be obstructing the passage of officegoers.
- Grab a City Pass: The I Amsterdam Card, Holland Pass, and This is Holland access ticket allow you to avail of free public transport, canal cruises, and free entry to museums like the Van Gogh museum, Rembrandt, and Rijksmuseum.
- Use Able Amsterdam: Able Amsterdam is a valuable service that offers intel on the best wheelchair-accessible restaurants, theaters, and museums in the Dutch capital.
- Use Public Water Outlets: Water is not available for free in most restaurants, so carry a water bottle and use public water outlets to stay hydrated.
- Keep your Passport Handy: Tourists are required to keep their passports on them at all times in Amsterdam.
- Coffeeshop vs Coffee shop: Note that a coffee shop in Amsterdam sells beverages and food, while a Coffeeshop sells marijuana and related products.
- Step Away from the Ring: Step away from the Centrum hotspot and find authentic Dutch cafes and restaurants in the Museum Quarter, De Pijp, Westerpark, and De Barrsjes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam
A. If you love gazing at beautiful paintings alongside your partner, head to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Rembrandt collections of the Dutch Golden Age for a day of artsy fun. Pathe Tischinski, FilmHallen, and the Movies are some of the best art nouveau theaters to enjoy a movie date with your partner. You can also stroll around the Jordaan and enjoy a canal cruise.
A. Amsterdam displays a gorgeous collection of Golden Age-era Dutch paintings in the Van Gogh museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Rembrandt art collection. You can stroll through the streets of Jordaan hand-in-hand with your partner, or enjoy a canal cruise, and see the blend of eclectic designs with a classy, timeless appeal in Amsterdam. You can also watch a movie with your partner at one of its many art nouveau theaters.
A. Rent a tandem bike and enjoy cycling across the lush greenery of Vondel Park. The Zon’s Hofje, Claesz Hofje, and Hofje van Brienen are some small courtyards away from the central tourist hotspots that will delight any nature lover.
A. Amsterdam offers a mix of historical and eclectic museums. While the Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum, and Rembrandt museum showcase old and contemporary Dutch paintings, you can look at modern and contemporary art at the Stedelijk museum and Moco museum. Experience the topsy-turvy world at the Upside Down museum. You can also explore bizarre art collections at Ripley's Believe It or Not.
A. Renting a tandem bike at Vondel park and strolling through the Jordaan are two of the most inexpensive Valentine’s day date ideas. Try canal cruising during the sunset hour to watch the sun’s rays illuminate the water channels.
A. Book a one-day bartending course or enjoy the Dutch spirit, Genever at the House of Bols, or enjoy a self-guided tour through the Heineken Experience and learn about the beer giant’s history. If you do not mind freezing a bit, experience life as it is in the North Pole at Xtracold Ice Bar, where you get three complimentary shots in ice glasses.
A. Amsterdam features several museums like the Van Gogh museum, Rembrandt museum, and the Rijksmuseum, where you can enjoy a stroll through the Golden era Dutch paintings with your partner.
A. A candlelight dinner is classic, however, Amsterdam puts a spin on it by offering dining in the dark. Enjoy a sensual dinner in pitch darkness with your partner at Ctaste.
A. Amsterdam is one of the safest places for couples to spend a romantic holiday on Valentine's Day. The city, with its brunch outlets, canal cruises, and museums offers a variety of experiences for couples to indulge in on the day of love.
A. The weather is quite cold in Amsterdam in February. Right before the tulip season, you will find hotels and attraction prices to be the cheapest. It is the best weather to cycle in Vondel Park, stroll through museums, and indulge in the finest brews.
A. While Amsterdam offers a fair share of lavish dine-outs and nightclubs, you can spend time strolling through the picturesque streets of Jordaan and stopping for an inexpensive canalside coffee. The Vondel Park also allows free entry. You can rent a cycle and explore its lush greenery.
A. If you and your partner have had a drink or two, it is best to steer clear of walking around canals. You can enjoy a canal cruise, however, the sides of the canals are slippery and you may trip and fall.
A. Keukenhof is filled with colorful tulips from April. You will not be seeing blooming tulip fields in February, but you can enjoy a quiet, romantic getaway without swarming tourists since most people prefer to visit during the tulip season.
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