Valentine's Day
Amsterdam is one of the most romantic cities in the world, so being here for Valentine's Day is an opportunity not to be missed. Cosy up for dinner, take a boat cruise, get married for a day or just stroll through the old cobblestoned streets on 14 February. We've put together 14 sweet tips to sweep your lover off their feet this Valentine's Day!
1. Chocolate is a girl's best friend
And the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Take a bonbon or pastry workshop at Unlimited Delicious on 12, 14 and 18 February. A couple of hours amongst melting chocolate in a hot kitchen and you'll be shaking your bonbons by the 14th.
2. The Love boat
Amsterdam is simply gushing with old city charm and what better way to see the city than by a canal ride on one of the Lovers tours. Choose from a range of tours including the romantic dinner cruise or the Red Light Cruise by Candlelight with wine and cheese on the menu.
3. Classical love
Nothing tickles the senses like a dose of classical music and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw provides a grand setting for a date. Catch the New York Philharmonic perform on 14 February with a special appearance by the dazzling Chinese pianist Lang Lang.
4. Romantic comedy
The movies are a no-brainer for the first date or long-time partners feeling the pinch to do something special on the 14th. Why not head to the Pathé City Theater, refurbished in 2010, or get cosy in one of Amsterdam’s many smaller independent cinemas such as Studio K or the Ketelhuis.
5. Horse & Carriage
Make like Cinderella and Prince Charming and take a horse & carriage ride around the old cobblestone roads of Amsterdam to your dining destination.
6. Sensory overload
How well can you trust your lover while blindfolded? At Ctaste you dine in the dark to heighten your sense of smell and taste. Ctaste are fully geared up for Valentine's Day with a 5-course dinner including a romantic shared desert (99 euros per couple) and all ‘better halves’ receive a gift on arrival - available from 9 to 19 February. On Sunday, 12 February, there’s a Valentine’s brunch (available 11:00 - 15:00, 25 euros per person), a Valentine’s chocolate tasting (available 12:00 - 18:00, 27.50 euros per person) and a Valentine’s beer tasting (16:00, 20 euros per person) - surely the most fun you can have (in public) in the dark!
7. Love and skate
Oh, the romance of holding hands and ice skating together at Museumplein or the Jaap Eden Ice Skating Rink. Realistically, you'll probably be falling all over the place and pulling each other down - but rosy cheeks become everyone and nothing is more gezellig than a hot chocolate together afterwards.
8. Burlesque Valentine
Now in its 5th year, Amsterdam’s pioneering burlesque event offers evenings packed with deliciously bawdy merriment! The Valentine Love themed edition of Burlesque Freakout at Club 8 sees guest DJs spinning the tunes and international acts live on stage. The Valentine's edition of Burleque Freakout is on Saturday, 11 February from 22:00 ‘til late and tickets are 9 euros.
9. The chic hotel
One of the swankiest hotels in Amsterdam, head to the Dylan for a dream bite to eat and/or luxury stay that even cupid would be proud of. For an afternoon of culinary pampering, check out the special Valentine’s High Wine package which features six specially-selected wines and six delicious rounds of accompanying light bites for 59.50 euros per person (13 - 19 February, between 15:00 and 19:00). Or for the ultimate Valentine’s break, the full Valentine’s package includes a stay in a double room, breakfast for two as well as Valentine’s High Wine (450 euros). Reservations via email or phone +31 (0)20-530 2010.
10. Super supper
A delicious and decadent dining menu is just a portion of a night at Supperclub with enticing entertainment. Known for being raunchy and risqué, don't expect them to play it tame for Valentine's. Reservation in advance required.
11. Get married for a day
Faster than you can say 'Britney Spears in Las Vegas' you'll be married and divorced again. Wed & Walk is a kiss-off to 'till death do us part' as you part ways after one day. On Valentine's Day itself, they supply the fairy tale dress, vintage jacket, plastic rings and bogus bouquets. It's the ideal way to say those three magic words 'I Lust You' until the nuptials are null and void at dawn. Cost: 65 euros per couple. And on on 12 February, head to the special Valentine's Market at the Posthoornkerk for Valentine’s gifts, music, brunch, prosecco and more! (12:00 - 08:00, free entrance).
12. An intimate gig
The upstairs venue at the Paradiso is the perfectly intimate setting to catch up-and-coming stage talent. And with their dreamy postmodern romantic pop and endearing name to match, The Secret Love Parade clearly fit the bill. The two Amsterdam girls take to the stage at 20:00 on 14 February and tickets cost just 8 euros.
13. Stay at home
Grab a few candles, take a trip to the flower market for a big bouquet, pick up a special bottle of wine from Grape District and fresh fruit, veggies and maybe even some seafood from the neighbourhood market. You know what they say about oysters...
14. Unlock Me I'm Single
Hotel Arena hosts a slinky little number for single lads and ladies aged between 21 and 49 called Unlock Me I'm Single, put on by the matchmakers at Speeddaten.nl. DJs will be on hand with a mix of dance, club and disco classics to get the party started, while there’s also speed dating, surprise acts and naturally plenty of gratuitous flirting. The Unlock Valentine's Party is on Saturday, 11 February. Doors open at 22:00, tickets are 19.50 euros.
And don't forget...
To head along to Amsterdam's famous Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) to steal a kiss with your loved one! Legend has it that couples who embrace on this beautiful little bridge over the River Amstel will be blessed with everlasting love.
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