Go back to Amsterdam Valentine's Day guide
Take your relationship up a level
Thrill-seeking lovers can get an adrenalin rush Europe’s highest swing on the top (or rather, over the edge) of the A’DAM Tower. Offering stunning panoramic views of the city, 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 post-swing dinner at MOON on the 19th floor.
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.
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 North Netherlands 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 Babe and Moulin Rouge between the Bernstein and Offenbach classics. Why not make a whole night of it with the VIP package, which includes a pre-dinner and luxe intermission snacks.
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. Snuggle up under the stars at Pllek’s special Valentine's screening of Silver Linings Playbook with a three-course dinner. Alternatively try Amsterdam’s oldest cinema The Movies on Harlemmerdijk for old-fashioned charm, intimate screening rooms with extra comfy red velvet seats and a cosy bar and restaurant. Or immerse yourself in art-deco romance at Filmhallen’s ‘Parisien Room’, or the stunning Tuschinski cinema with its double ‘love seats’ just made for a Valentine’s Day movie date.
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 dining experience with a difference, see how well can you trust your lover while blindfolded: at Ctaste you dine in the dark to heighten your sense of smell and taste. If you'd keep thing casual with drinks, Amsterdam is home to more bars and pubs than you can shake a stick at. Keep it old school with a visit to a traditional Dutch brown café or go trendy at one of the city's cocktail bars.
Love and skate
Oh, the romance of holding hands and ice skating together! 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. Or if it's snow that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside, SnowPlanet in nearby Velsen-Zuidusually offer a Valentine's package with 4 hours on piste and a romantic dinner.
Ballet for my Valentine
Treat your loved one to a romantic night out at the ballet or opera this Valentine’s in Amsterdam. Valentine’s week sees the Dutch National Ballet host Ode to a Master, a performance sure to bring spice and passion to your evening. Or Requiem, David Dawson's monumental take on the humanity and spirituality.
Can I buy you a drink?
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 Amsterdam 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.
Snuggle with a fur baby
Cat ladies of the world unite. You don’t need a plus one to play with the purring fluff balls at Kopjes Cat Cafe over a delicious ‘catuccino’. However, cats are an excellent judge of character, should you need to put a potential date through their paces.
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, including Macbike (€15 for 3 hours).
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.
