10 Romantic Things to do in Amsterdam
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Are you travelling to Amsterdam for the weekend and you don’t know what to do with your loved one? I’ve prepared for you a 10 Romantic Things to do in Amsterdam for couples. I’ll be including delicious and intriguing places to eat, wonderful museums, lush parks by the water, romantic canal walks and some special unique places I believe are romantic. I hope my choices are both informative yet share the unmistakable romantic atmosphere of Amsterdam in all its diversity.
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
This classical museum is the most famous in the city. Providing an overview of art in the Netherlands, it focuses especially on the golden age of 1600 to the end of the 1700s when Amsterdam was the richest city in the world. The Rijksmuseum has been through many transformations and renovations and is now counted as one of the most breathtaking museums in the world. Couples will enjoy wandering through the many rooms and witnessing magnificent paintings, prints and antique objects. The collection includes paintings from Rembrandt, Vermeer, van Dyck, Jan Steen and more.
From the tenderness to the art of seduction and even heartache and longing – all stages of love are represented here. The museum even offers a “love tour” for those who want to combine romance and art. Rijksmuseum tickets can be purchased online and on location.
Visit a Local market together
As you leave the Rijksmuseum, why not travel to the Noordermarkt? A particular favourite of mine, the Noordermarkt is only open on a Saturday and I visit there myself almost every week for the gorgeous organic food. Imagine yourselves there hand in hand, tasting out of this world cheese, meat, fish and vegetables from some of the best producers in the country. Why not then take a picnic basket and fill it with some of this delicious food for lunch? Shopping for some lovely fresh bread, traditional Dutch cheese, figs, fruits, artisan drinks and preserves to fill your basket and take a walk to your next destination.A Picnic In the Vondelpark Amsterdam
What is more romantic on a warm day, than to collect a basket, fill it with champagne, lovely Dutch cheese, nuts and berries and lay together in the park, enjoying each other in the sunshine? Amsterdam is a city full of verdant nature, with majestic trees, water and parks around the city, perfect for couples on a romantic getaway.One easy to find and beautiful park is Vondelpark, right in the middle of the city. It is the Central park of Amsterdam, filled with flowers, hidden corners, trees, ducks and the sound of birds, making a soundtrack to your romantic afternoon. I love this park and to help you a little, I’m sharing a map, here with my favourite spots for a picnic in the Vondelpark.
Hang a lock on the Love lock bridge
The most famous love bridge in Amsterdam is the old love lock bridge. Forever memorised by Claude Monet (who visited Amsterdam3 times) in the foreground of the Monet painting ‘De Zuiderkerk’ (the south church) you can see a small bridge. This charming wooden bridge is the official love lock bridge of Amsterdam. However, in the last year or two, the Amsterdam city council has begun to remove the locks and will continue to do so whenever there are more than 13 locks on the bridge. Ever creative, Amsterdammers and visitors have found another bridge….The new love bridge Amsterdam. Secreted away in the heart of the city in the Vondelpark (I’ve enclosed a map for you here) you find the new love lock bridge. On your final steps toward the bridge you are surrounded by trees and as you pass by the quaint circular open-air theatre, you turn and discover the new love bridge Amsterdam. This is the place where lovers find themselves to place their padlocks and declare their undying love. They like to engrave their names and the date on the lock and at the bridge surrender the key dropping it into the water, symbolizing their love that will last forever.
Romantic canal tour
I believe everyone visiting Amsterdam should have seen the city from the Canals. Imagine this, you are snuggling with your beloved in a beautiful little boat, water lapping against the sides producing a gentle soundscape along with the sounds of the birds when you realise the busy streets seem miles away. You open your eyes and the picturesque 17th-century buildings are your landscape for what must be Amsterdam’s ultimate romantic evening. At Romantic Tour Amsterdam, we offer both romantic boat tours and private romantic tours and also our hugely popular marriage proposal tours. I offer these to guide you on a gentle adventure that includes love stories, bubbles and h’or d’oeuvres that add a little magic to your visit in Amsterdam. 
Visiting Unique Amsterdam is visiting a Brewery
If you love beer and locally brewed beer, here in Amsterdam we have so many microbreweries in the city and I’ll highlight two well-known breweries for you to enjoy a fun afternoon together. The first is De Prael located right in the middle of the city. It is a project enabling people with physical and mental disabilities to have a career and of course brew high-quality beer. The second, a little more outside of the city is the Brouwerij Het Ij, where you can delight in the locally made beer with tastings too. You can take a short trip by bike or by tram 14 to arrive there.Hidden History
For lovers of romance and history, Museum Our Lord in the Attic delivers both. Originally built in the 1600s for Catholics who in that time were not allowed to worship. Built to be hidden, secretly in the attic of a german man’s home it has survived for 450 years. Picturesque and exquisitely preserved, it is now a museum. And to perpetuate the mystery, as you pass by the building on the busy city street you would never guess what a hidden gem exists there. Here, Amsterdam reveals her true poetic beauty, a must for lovers.
Bike through Amsterdam Together
Amsterdam is home to 1.2million bicycles and 863,000 people – meaning that every person that lives here owns more than one bike! Immerse yourself with your lover in the local culture by seeing the city by bicycle. With a variety of bicycle paths, it is easy to explore the city by bike but with so much two-wheel traffic it can get a bit dangerous! It is thus recommended to do a bicycle tour of Amsterdam, where you can learn about the city and see the best spots in the city easily. This fun 4 two Amsterdam tip also allows you to see some of the highlights that lie outside the centre – be sure to buy a picnic so you can stop and relax on the way as a couple.Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
The path of love does not always run smoothly. Although this talented artist never found lasting love in his lifetime, Van Gogh’s art speaks of the joys and pains of life. Vincent van Gogh certainly did not lack the desire for affection but ultimately his romantic history was shaped by unrequited love and rejection. These tragic tales are detailed in his paintings. While his famous painting Sunflowers celebrates the allure of nature. The museum features over 200 paintings and drawings divided by periods, starting at the beginning of his life. Walking through the different eras and viewing beautiful and emotive paintings will be a memorable experience for you and your partner.
Van Gogh museum Amsterdam tickets are available online and visitors are given a timeslot. Make sure to book your tickets in advance since this museum is often sold out. On Friday night, the museum hosts a DJ! Take your partner along to enjoy an alternative night of music and dancing amongst some of the most beautiful art in the world.
Visit a Romantic Restaurant
Located in a beautiful glasshouse, dining at De Kas Amsterdam is like visiting a botanical garden. Immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. De Kas’s connection to nature does not stop there. All food is prepared with fresh local ingredients, the menu adapted by season and they even grow their own herbs and vegetables! Visit on a summer’s day to enjoy drinks in the beautiful herb garden. When night falls, stars light up the sky and set the mood for an evening of romance. One of the local favourites for having a romantic dinner in Amsterdam.
Walk by the canals together while the sun is setting
Go for a stroll with your loved one by the canals. The city centre and the canal belt were built in the 16th and 17th century. 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.Well, thank you for taking the time to travel this journey of Amsterdam with 10 Romantic Things to do in Amsterdam for couples. It was my pleasure to share with you some of the highlights of a romantic weekend in Amsterdam with you. I would be delighted to share my knowledge of the city and its culture and history with you so feel free to get in touch.
With love,
My name is Rocco and I believe Amsterdam is an undiscovered City for Lovers. A true City of Romance. I was born in The Netherlands and I danced and choreographed my way around the world while having lived in 3 countries and travelled to over 25 countries! Upon returning to Amsterdam, I fell in love with it all over again.
I write about Amsterdam to help people create a romantic stay in the city. Amsterdam is not only my home, it’s the city I love deeply, and in the 8 years I’ve lived here I’ve studied it in depth. For the past 7 years, I have directed my passion into guiding. 3 years ago I started Romantic Tour Amsterdam to let people feel the Magic and Romance of Amsterdam.
Rocco Vermijs
Romantic Tour Amsterdam