Top 10 romantic things to do in Amsterdam
If you’re planning to do something romantic in Amsterdam, this list gives you some great ideas. Amsterdam is almost like an open air museum and the view alone is already super romantic. Especially if you walk along the canals at night with all the beautiful lights. It’s magical! It’s a romantic affair and it doesn’t cost you a penny. Sounds good, right?
Even some of the things to do in Amsterdam that should be on your bucket list are romantic. How about a canal boat cruise? Some companies offer the possibility to book a tour with bubbly and nibbles. Another romantic thing to do is stroll through the Vondelpark. This is the most famous park in Amsterdam and it is really beautiful. Old trees and lots of open areas where you can have a picnic. It is beautiful both in winter and in warm weather. Or go to Artis, the historic zoo in Amsterdam.
For most people, love and food go hand in hand, so this list of the top 10 romantic things to do includes some food-proof romantic options. Restaurant De Kas is located in a former greenhouse and grows all its produce in its own garden. This is one of the most romantic restaurants in Amsterdam. Or head to a wine bar like Vyne, where you can order a tasting with a few bites. Round off the evening with cocktails and have a perfect night out.
Wine lovers won’t want to miss Vyne, one of Amsterdam’s only bars dedicated entirely to wine. Owner Bert van der Leden originally founded the business to fill a gap in the market. Amsterdam is internationally known for its great beer, but van der Leden wanted to provide a place where people could also enjoy wine. You will experience wine at its best at Vyne. You can order a flight of three and a half cups. This allows you to take different samples. If you are with a group, you can even organize a tasting. They offer a variety of packages including a basic package, sparkling wine and a new versus old world package. Vyne even offers appetizers to complement your selection, such as steak tartare, crispy shrimp, Italian hams and cheese. Sit back, enjoy your surroundings and sip a large glass of wine.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: It’s always fun to meet up for a wine tasting. At Vyne, you can also order delicious food.
Anne’s expert advice: Book a food and wine tasting!
Read more about Vyne →
Photo courtesy of Koninklijk Theater Carré
Crowning the Amstel River, the spectacular roof of the theater spaces was originally built as a circus theater in 1894 by the French/German circus family of the same name; Stables for animals still remain under the building. Although the circus comes to town every Christmas – and sometimes during the summer – it now stages everything from opera, ballet, theater and musicals (mostly in Dutch). Stars like Lou Reed, Mercedes Sosa and Bette Midler have also performed here. Decades of renovations have seen this impressive and ornate landmark restored to its former glory, and its program is well worth checking out.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The Carre is one of the most beautiful buildings in Amsterdam and is perfect for meetings, from musicals to concerts and circus shows.
Anne’s expert advice: Check the calendar for special music concerts.
Read more about Koninklijk Theater Carré →
For a classy night out, head to Vesper Bar. This intimate venue serves some of the best cocktails in Amsterdam. Ladies, get that little black dress out of the closet and find the cutest pair of high heels. Men, wear a collared shirt and nice clothes. The “Vesper Martini” is a classic. “Island of Desires” is smooth and made with Banks 5 rum, lime juice, Falernum, ginger liqueur and pineapple juice. Maybe you need some medicine after a long day at work. “Penicillin” is made with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, honey ginger syrup, lemon juice and Islay whiskey. If you think the options are overwhelming and just want to be surprised, ask the bartender for a Leap of Faith. Whatever you end up with, each cocktail mix is absolutely refreshing and delicious. If one doesn’t like cocktails, Vesper also serves wine and beer.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Vesper is one of the best and cozy cocktail bars in Amsterdam.
Anne’s expert advice: Ask the cocktail shakers at Vesper to make you something special that’s not on the menu!
Read more about Vesper Bar →
Enjoy the freshest ingredients at Restaurant de Kas in Frankendael Park. Every morning at sunrise, chefs and wait staff help owner and founder Gert Jan Hageman pick herbs, vegetables and edible flowers. Ingredients are harvested in the restaurant’s own backyard greenhouse and garden, as well as from a field about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Amsterdam. If an ingredient cannot be grown in his own field, De Kas buys additional foods such as dairy products, meat, fish and various fruits and vegetables from local farmers and vendors. Dine in the restaurant, relax on the patio or sit at the chef’s table and watch the magic happen in the kitchen. Either way, you’re sure to love the delicious creation.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: De Kas in Amsterdam is one of the most romantic restaurants to go to for dinner with your love.
Anne’s expert advice: Book the chef’s table and ask the staff to write something romantic with chocolate on the desert plate.
Read more about De Kas →
Photo courtesy of Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve
In Amsterdamse Bos, in the heart of the Amsterdam Forest, you will find a goat farm called Geitenboerderij De Ridammerhoeve. Explore the different aspects of organic farming, including animal care. Visit goats, chickens, pigs, cows and horses in a rural setting. Attend a workshop: learn how to milk goats and make your own cheese. Then, twist with a tasting; check the Website for available dates. Stop by the Farmer’s Market on Saturday or, if the weather is nice, relax on the terrace and enjoy a cup of coffee. Do you want to have an unforgettable birthday or organize an educational excursion with your class? At De Ridammerhoeve it is possible; you can provide children with a hands-on and fun learning experience. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you try at least one of the products before you leave.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Feeding baby goats will melt anyone’s flesh. Take one of the bottles and feed it with milk.
Anne’s expert advice: Buy a bottle of milk and feed the baby goats!
Read more about Geitenboerderij De Ridammerhoeve →
Image courtesy of 24oranges.nl
Started in 1934, this sprawling urban park offers a wide variety of wildlife and is an ideal place to get away from the city properly and enjoy its recreational facilities. The rowing course was the park’s first attraction and still serves as a popular pastime. You’ll also find a pond to explore in small, rental boats and a museum detailing the flora and fauna. There are biking, walking and jogging trails, an outdoor theater, playgrounds and a wonderful organic goat farm. During the summer, take the Museum Tram that runs through the park and orient yourself at the Visitor Center next to the main entrance.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Amsterdam Bos is beautiful and lovely for a long romantic weekend getaway.
Anne’s expert advice: Bring food and drink and come along for the ride!
Read more about Amsterdamse Bos →
Experience scenic Amsterdam from the waterways. There is no better way to see the sights than by boat, especially when the sun is shining. Wind your way through Amsterdam’s canals and appreciate the attractions from the water. With numerous options, you can choose the one that suits you best. Buy a hop-on, hop-off ticket so you can visit some museums or attractions along the way. Combine the tour with food and drinks. Prices vary depending on your choice. For example, a one-day ticket with the Canal Company costs 22 euros. Also check other operators such as hotels and venues as they also offer tours.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Taking a canal boat tour is fun not only for tourists but also for locals. Bring a drink and some snacks!
Anne’s expert advice: Boat companies are not the only operators providing canal tours; some hotels and venues also offer tours
Read more about Canal Boat Tours →
Circa 1921, this whimsical and extravagant theater is a wild leap into creativity, an Art Deco exploration of color and form. Named after the Jewish tailor who designed and financed the structure, the cinema is a spectacle of stained glass windows, exotic woods, handmade carpets and painted murals. Completely restored in April 2002, the theater is not only a bit of a return to history, but also a memorial to Abraham Tuschinski, who created the building and was killed in a concentration camp. Films are still shown today, but even if you’re not into one, pop into Tushinsky for pure visual appeal.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Tuschinski is the most beautiful cinema in Amsterdam and shows all the blockbuster movies.
Anne’s expert advice: Book the love seat!
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Founded in 1838 and still boasting a 19th-century atmosphere, visitors to this fascinating zoo are greeted by a grand entrance detailed with gilded eagles and ornate gates. With more than 6,000 animals representing more than 700 species, the zoo offers a glimpse of wildlife from around the world that will be educational for children and adults alike. Basically, you will also find (at no extra charge) an aquarium, a planetarium, botanical gardens and two museums dedicated to zoology and geology. In the last few years, Artis has been rebuilt and looks amazing again. Most animals now have a brand new home.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Going to the zoo and looking at the animals is always fun. Artis is located close to the city center and is perfect for a meeting.
Anne’s expert advice: Artis is renovating the zoo and it looks great!
Read more about Artis Zoo →
Amsterdam provides many places to escape the busy city life. Whether you need a quiet afternoon to yourself or want to play with the kids, Amsterdam offers plenty of green spaces to get away from. Vondelpark is one of the city’s many parks that will help you do just that. Perfect for a long walk or bike ride. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, lie on the grass or read a book. Stop at the Blauwe Theehuis, hidden in the heart of the park, and have a drink on one of Amsterdam’s largest outdoor terraces. Attend one of the outdoor concerts during the summer months. As you prepare to leave the park, take the side exit and admire the magnificent houses; It is one of the richest areas of Amsterdam. Take a break from all the sights and busy street corners and enjoy a moment to yourself in the Vondelpark.
is recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Vondelpark is the most beautiful park in Amsterdam and super romantic for a stroll or walk with your love.
Anne’s expert advice: Go to Blauwe Theehuis for coffee!
Read more about Vondelpark →