What to do in the Romantic city of Amsterdam this February 14, Valentine’s Day? Every year you have an opportunity to truly surprise your lover, but to come up with something original every time can be a challenge so with that I like to help you. Here are my favorite 11 things to do for Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam.
I created a map so you know exactly where to find it all.
1. Visit a Romantic park on the 14th of February
One of the most beautiful parks in Amsterdam is Vondelpark, also known as ‘the Central Park of Amsterdam’. The variety of trees, ponds, and birds is incredible. We even have our own lovebird: a ring-necked parakeet that, according to some stories, escaped from a cage and somehow survives the Amsterdam winters. Explore the park and try to spot the Dutch lovebird! In this park, there is also a lovelock bridge. If you like to know where it is please go to my blog: Where can I find the Love Lock bridge in Amsterdam? and discover the one in Vondelpark and many more Love Lock bridges in the city.
Here is a romantic walking route in this park so you won’t miss out on some of the most romantic spots in this park.
2. Walk by the canals together while the sun is setting
Go for a stroll with your loved one by the canals. The city center and the canal belt were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The houses are absolutely wonderful, and the setting is so scenic that you feel like you are walking in an open-air museum. If you go out for a walk at night, be sure to pay attention to the romantic street lights that keep the city illuminated, they emphasize Amsterdam’s unique atmosphere and give the city a romantic outlook.
3. Visit the Amsterdam Waag, ‘weigh house’ in Dutch
Originally built in 1488, this characteristic building in Nieuwmarkt used to be a city gate and later a weighhouse for traders who brought their products to Amsterdam. These days it houses the restaurant café “In de Waag”. The inside has a beautiful (still party medieval) interior and a great atmosphere. The restaurant is lit entirely by candlelight. This could also be a lovely place to have Valentine’s Dinner. If you are looking for more tips, read my blog with more than 20 Romantic Restaurants.
4. Watch a film in the most romantic cinema
Cinema Pathé Tuschinski was built in 1921, and its exterior and interior are a spectacular mix of styles: Amsterdam School, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. It is the most beautiful cinema in the world according to Times Out. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a double “Love seat” on the balcony or a “Private box”, where you can even order champagne! Visit Tuschinski for more information. When you book make sure you reserve for the old Theatre Cinema you can choose from Room 1, (which is the biggest and most iconic room) and since 2019 they have renovated rooms 2 and 3 and brought them back to their original state. They have it in all the rooms loveseats. My advice would be depending on the movie and your mood to choose which room is best. Rooms 2 and 3 will be more intimate since they smaller rooms. See some pictures here after the renovations of rooms 2 and 3.
5. Cross the Magere Brug (“Skinny Bridge”)
The Skinny Bridge over the river Amstel is the most famous in Amsterdam. Located just next to Theatre Carré. It is said that those who kiss on the bridge will stay together forever. I cannot guarantee that of course, but I do guarantee that the bridge is breathtakingly romantic at night! This could be a great spot for a Romantic Proposal on Valentine’s Day. It is one of the two most popular spots where people ask their loved one to marry them on our Romantic Marriage Proposal Tour. Read more here about some incredible spots to propose.
6. Go on a Romantic canal cruise on Valentine’s Day
Amsterdam is often referred to as “the Venice of the North”, so it’s imperative to take a canal cruise during your stay in the city! A very romantic time of the day to go on a cruise is at sunset when you get low, warm sunlight shining on the 17th-century houses. Another truly magical moment is at night when all the little lights are reflecting on the water. Since it is winter and the weather can be very unpredictable in Amsterdam I recommend going in the evening. That being said any time on the canals of Amsterdam is Romantic especially at this time since it will be very quiet and peaceful on the canals since it is low season.
We are offering Romantic Canal Tours on Valentine’s Day and the days before and after.
7. Have a drink in Café de Sluyswacht
Amsterdam has many funny-looking leaning houses, but one of these stands out from the others, and that is the historical “Sluyswacht” (lock keepers house). Just a few weeks ago, I was enjoying a drink here with some travellers, while indulging in this café’s unique atmosphere. This is especially palpable on the first floor! It is a warm and distinctive place with stunning views over the canals.
8. Have a Photoshoot in the Canal district.
The Canal District. One of those places that are not to be missed! The best pictures of Amsterdam are taken here, near the bridge. You can find it in the heart of the picturesque and charming Canal district. A photoshoot on Valentine’s Day in the canal district I highly recommend. Check out her amazing romantic pictures here. If you like to book a photoshoot with us contact us now.
9. See a special spot from the movie “The Fault in Our Stars”
“The Fault in Our Stars” is a touching movie about two teenagers who fall in love while they’re both fighting cancer. A big part was filmed in Amsterdam. The young couple shares a very special moment on a bench located near the intersection of two beautiful Amsterdam canals, the Herengracht and Leidsegracht. If you’re a fan of the film, sitting on this bench will for sure give you goosebumps! On our Original 90 min. romantic boat tour, we will pass by this bench.
10: Discover Love in Rijksmuseum
In the Rijksmuseum (definitely, a museum you must visit when coming to Amsterdam) are some special artworks around Love and Romance. They have a special online selection of artworks related to love which you can check out here they also have some special stories for Valentine’s.
They offer many different ways how to discover the museum from the comfort of your home. Have for example an online tour through the museum. One of their famous pieces is The Jewish Bride by Rembrandt van Rijn. A touching piece by one of the greatest painters ever lived.
11: Listen to music in Concerthall of Amsterdam
This year the Concerhall is organizing a concert with classical music’s most romantic pieces used in famous films, played by the Olten Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Murat Cem Orhan. An enchanted evening, where you will be taken by the Love (Music) in the air. This concert hall is known for its incredible acoustics and a visit is an experience in itself.
If you’d like to discover more romantic stories, join us on the Romantic Canal Tour during the daytime or during night time when it is extra romantic. On February 14 or any other day and fall in love with Amsterdam! .
Hope these tips will help you create a magical Valentine together in Amsterdam and that the love will flourish between you together.
With love,
Rocco
