Tips for Valentine's Day in Amsterdam

Take your relationship up a level

Thrill-seeking lovers can get an adrenaline rush at Europe’s highest swing on the top (or rather, over the edge) of the A’DAM Tower. Offering stunning panoramic views, there’s no denying it’s the best seat (for two) in the house. When you come back down to earth, go for a glitzy dinner at MOON on the 19th floor - undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. 

All aboard the love boat

Amsterdam is simply gushing with old city charm and what better way to see the city than by a canal ride! A romantic Valentine's cruise is the perfect way to see the city's illuminated waterways while enjoying dinner and drinks. For more information on canal cruises, check out our guide to canal cruising. No heavy petting or Titanic reenactments at the back of the boat please!

Valentine's classics at the movies

Impress your Valentine’s Day date with an outing that puts the ‘class’ in classical. This annual event is part of a larger series of hugely popular concerts that bring film score favourites to life via the Aachen Symphony Orchestra in a venue generally touted as having some of the best acoustics in the world. In this Valentine Classics at the Movies at Royal Concertgebouw, listen up for snippets from scores you know and love from films like Amelie, Beauty and the Beast and Forrest Gump.

Romantic comedy

Watching a movie together (romantic or otherwise) is a no-brainer for the first date or long-time partners alike. But we’re not just talking about any cinema date here. Amsterdam has a whole range of quirky independent cinemas. Try out Filmhuis Cavia for some retro art-house movie charm. Immerse yourself in art-deco romance at Filmhallen’s ‘Parisien Room’ or the stunning Tuschinski cinema with its double ‘love seats’.

Blustery walk on the beach

Walk along the beach and dip your toes in the salty sea of Zandvoort. Snuggle up together to enjoy the sunset (bring a couple of blankets!) with a glass of bubbly in your hand, followed by a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants in the neighbourhood. 

Table for two

Sit down to a Valentine's Dinner with your sweetheart at any of Amsterdam's most romantic restaurants. For a slightly more unusual dining experience, head up to REM Eiland where you can dine 22 metres above the water in a former pirate radio station.

Can I buy you a drink?

If you'd keep thing casual with drinks, Amsterdam is home to more wine bars, cocktail joints and cosy brown cafes than you can shake a stick at. Dazzle your date with your discerning taste for single malts at a whisky tasting hosted by JD Williams Whisky Bar in the Jordaan. Learn the art of concocting whisky cocktails and tuck into the bar’s signature Asian-fusion nibbles to match. 

Live the fairy tale

Indulge your inner knight or damsel this Valentine’s Day with a romantic trip to a fairy tale castle. Lying just to the East of Amsterdam in Muiden, the enchanting Castle Muiderslot dates back to 1280 and comes complete with drawbridge, turrets, moat and landscaped gardens – the ideal backdrop for any courtly love to blossom.

And if you want to go even further... get married for a day!

Wed & Walk is the perfect way to get married without the commitment, as your vows only last a day!

A bicycle made for two

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam. And what could be sweeter than roaming the city’s historic canals and lanes by tandem this Valentine’s Day? You can hire a bike for two at many of Amsterdam’s bike hire companies. Need some ideas for where to venture? Check out our round-up of cycleseeing routes in and around Amsterdam.

Live the legend...

And head along to Amsterdam's famous Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) to steal a kiss with your loved one! Legend has it that couples who share a kiss on or under this beautiful little bridge over the River Amstel will be blessed with everlasting love.