On the list of romantic things to do with your significant other, I’m not sure that anything can top a European vacation. When you’re wandering around those quaint little streets, everything just feels perfect. You’ve got your pick of beautiful destinations, and I’m here to tell you why Amsterdam is definitely my top choice.
Maybe you’ve already booked your trip, or maybe you’re just daydreaming about things to do with your still imaginary other half. But without further ado, here are 21 fun and romantic things to do in Amsterdam for couples:
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1. Shop at a floating flower market
There’s nowhere in the world like Bloemenmarkt. No, seriously… it’s the world’s only floating flower market. Take a walk around here and you’ll see some amazing varieties of Holland’s famous flower: the tulip.
I don’t trust my gardening abilities, so I stick with the cut flowers. But if you and your honey have more of a green thumb, feel free to pick up some bulbs and let your love bloom (literally).
2. Get a stroopwafel at Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp is another Amsterdam market that can’t be missed. This sprawling display of vendors takes over the heart of the city six days a week. With over 200 different stalls, you’re bound to find something for you and your sweetheart.
My personal favorite would have to be the hot stroopwafels. These delicious Dutch cookies feature an ooey gooey caramel center that’s unbelievable. Get one of these babies hot off the press and you’ll never forget it.
3. Check out the Rijksmuseum
Ferris Bueller knew that museums were the perfect place to bring friends and lovers alike. I know that the Rijksmuseum is hard to spell, but easy to choose as a perfect date spot in Amsterdam.
This museum is one of the city’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. It has thousands of stunning works on display, including masterpieces from Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.
4. Don’t miss the Cuypers Library
This place is technically inside the Rijksmuseum, but it deserves its own spot on this list. When you visit the museum, you have to check out the Cuypers Library. Book lovers might actually faint when they see how beautiful this place is.
You’ll immediately feel transported to a storybook when you and your significant other walk around here. You can simply take in its beauty, or spend some time learning more about the museum’s collection together.
5. Become a beer expert
Interior of Heineken Experience, a historic brewery and corporate visitor center for the internationally distributed Dutch pilsner, Heineken beer.
Having a drink together is always a good go-to romantic date, but how about kicking things up a notch and learning about how your drink was actually made? That’s exactly what you can do when you tour the Heineken Museum.
You can tour the former brewery, learn about the brewing process, and, of course, drink some crisp Heineken. They also have some pretty cute photo opportunities, so I recommend looking nice so you can snap a great pic to remember your day.
6. Mini-golf in the dark
This next activity isn’t unique to Amsterdam, but it’s still a great time. I was in Amsterdam on a rainy afternoon, and I happened to find a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf place with a full bar. My boyfriend and I were instantly sold.
This place has everything you need for a fun date. You can have a few drinks, then head downstairs and enjoy the wacky travel-themed golf course. You’ll marvel at the glowing sculptures with the provided 3D glasses and take your best shot at a hole-in-one.
7. Visit Electric Ladyland
Once you’ve finished your round of golf, there are even more glow-in-the-dark sights to discover. Electric Ladyland is a museum dedicated to showcasing fluorescent art.
Unlike most museums, this place actually encourages you to touch the art. You and your other half can become participants and make your mark on this unique little spot.
8. Picnic in Vondelpark
A picnic in the park. Real original, right? Hear me out on this one. Vondelpark is not your average city park. It’s one of the most romantic spots in Amsterdam. There are tree-covered winding paths, serene ponds filled with friendly ducks, and even a Picasso statue.
Take your time and find the perfect spot for your romantic picnic. You can grab a snack from one of the park’s food stalls, or come prepared with your own Amsterdam-inspired spread. The possibilities are endless.
9. Visit the Red Light District
After dark is when Amsterdam really comes alive. The nightlife here is unmatched, and there’s always something new and exciting to uncover. The Red Light District is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam at night for couples.
I can’t give you any specific directions on how to enjoy yourself here, but I’m sure you’ll find what works for you. You can start by walking around and taking in all the, uh, sights. If you’re feeling daring, check out a show or local bar.
10. Go to the Van Gogh Museum
Museums may not be every couple’s cup of tea, but the Van Gogh Museum is one that can’t be missed. It’s one of many Amsterdam couple activities that’s guaranteed to be an amazing time.
The Van Gogh florals are some of my favorite pieces you can see here, but there are also his self-portraits and landscapes that are always wonderful to look at.
11. Wander around the Nine Streets
When the weather’s nice, walking around Negen Straatjes, or “nine little streets”, is one of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam. This chic district is home to dozens of cute boutiques and cafes.
If you and your honey have a sweet tooth, then you can’t miss Pompadour. This cute little chocolate shop has cases and cases of delicious desserts that you can enjoy in their quaint upstairs seating area.
12. Cruise through the canals
I love wandering the streets of Amsterdam, but I think this city is even better when viewed from the water. Cruising through the canals is a great way to get a different perspective and learn about the history of this fascinating city.
Picture this: you and your significant other are lounging in a stunning wooden boat, sipping wine, eating local cheese, and taking in all the beautiful architecture. What could be more romantic than that?
13. Check out the houseboats
If you love the canals in Amsterdam, then just imagine living on them in your very own houseboat. There are plenty of houseboats available online that you can rent to experience an unforgettable night.
If you can’t find one that suits your fancy, then simply walking around and looking at all the different houseboats is also a fun activity. I love chatting about each one with my loved one and imagining what it’d be like if we lived there together.
14. Stuff your face at Foodhallen
After you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to grab a bite to eat. There are lots of different things to do in Amsterdam for couples who love food, but Foodhallen is definitely a must.
This giant food hall has a stunning array of delicious bites. You can find everything from hot dogs to dim sum to tacos to Dutch meatballs and beyond, all under one roof.
15. Experience Vuurtoreneiland
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, this is it. On a tiny island on the outskirts of the city, you’ll find Vuurtoreneiland. This exclusive restaurant is absolutely one of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam.
Using seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, the chefs work with only old-fashioned artisan techniques and an open fire to prepare the meal. You arrive and depart from the island on a private boat with personal charcuterie boards. Sounds like my perfect night.
16. Walk among the windmills
This little excursion takes place right outside of Amsterdam, but it’s definitely worth the trip. When you picture the Netherlands, images of giant cheese wheels, clogs, and windmills probably come to mind. This trip features all three.
You and your other half will take a magical journey to the village of Zaanse Schans, where you’ll tour a clog museum, taste fresh cheese from a cheese farm, and check out the local windmills. It’s a quintessentially Dutch adventure that you’ll remember for years.
17. See what OT301 is all about
For couples that like to do things that are a little more off the beaten path, might I suggest a day and night at OT301. This alternative community is made up of filmmakers, artists, writers, and other creatives who want to share their art.
They often have film festivals, book clubs, and drawing classes during the day. At night, there’s a rowdy club playing amazing music. It’s a fun place where you never know what you might find.
18. Set a high score at TonTon Club
When I think of fun things to do in Amsterdam for couples, I think of TonTon. This place is perfect for those who love a healthy dose of competition. It features dozens of different arcade games where you can battle each other and see who comes out on top.
In addition to its amazing games, it also has some pretty delicious food and drink options. TonTon is a great date night spot for any couples who love gaming.
19. See Amsterdam by bike
If there’s one piece of advice I can give about Amsterdam, it’s to stay out of the bike lanes. These people take their bikes very seriously, and you don’t want to get in the way of anyone on their morning commute.
To experience the local bike culture for yourselves, I would definitely recommend touring Amsterdam on a bike. It can be very fun and romantic to cruise around town and see everything Amsterdam has to offer.
20. Find a keepsake on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat
Another one of my favorite Amsterdam couple activities is antique shopping. It’s so fun to go into these shops together and laugh about all the crazy gadgets you find. The best place, in my opinion, would have to be Nieuwe Spiegelstraat.
This street is filled with cozy shops filled with amazing and unique antiques. You can spend hours here analyzing all the random instruments and finding the perfect keepsake from Amsterdam to remember your romantic vacation.
21. Find a hidden jungle
Here’s my vote for one of the most romantic spots in Amsterdam: Hortus Botanicus. This place is literally a tropical paradise in the middle of the city. It’s a botanical garden with some of the most beautiful plants I’ve ever seen.
Even if you’re not usually into botanical gardens, this place will blow your mind. When you walk into the butterfly house and are surrounded by beautifully colorful butterflies, you’ll feel like you’re in a romantic comedy.
Conclusion
If you’re headed on a trip to Amsterdam with your significant other, you’re bound to have an amazing time. This list has a bunch of fun and romantic things to do, but there are always more things to discover.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.
