valentines day amsterdam

Valentine's Day in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley

Love. Perhaps the strongest of human emotions, according to some space-faring films, love can transcend time itself. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's start small, with everyone's favorite corporately-enforced love-iday, Valentine's Day. It's the one day a year when you're allowed to express your love to another, so make the most of it. And where better to do that than Amsterdam?

One of Europe's most picturesque cities, it's ripe for Valentine's Day shenanigans. But if you've never been, or need a little help planning out the big day, we've come in clutch. Here's everything you need to know about Amsterdam to make Valentine's Day a day to remember.

Including:

  • Breakfast and brunch fun
  • Romantic travel
  • Loved up picnics in the park
  • Love imitating art
  • A canal send-off
  • and more!
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Rise and shine

Start things off with a bang - an amazing breakfast, of course! Amsterdam has plenty of brilliant breakfast and brunch spots, so take your pick.

If you're looking for the Dutch spin on a full English, check out Greenwoods. If you've got plenty of activity packed into your Valentine's Day, you'll need a good meal to fuel you up. If the full English doesn't float your boat, they do pancakes, scrambled eggs, avocado toast, and loads more.

Heading out later than breakfast? Grab brunch at G's Really Nice Place. Their chicken and waffles are to die for, especially when paired with a couple of cheeky cocktails. You could even dial the romance up to 11 and take your beloved on a boat brunch cruise through the city. Splendid.

Looking for something lighter? Try Rum Baba. This coffee house/bakery/cafe has plenty of freshly-made treats, including vegan cake slices and other pastry treats; ideal if you want to stop off briefly before your date-day commences!

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Move it

When your food has settled, and you're ready to bounce, don't hail a cab or board a tram. No! Get those limbs working, you jabroni. Amsterdam is such a beautiful city, so get your walking boots on or rent a couple of bikes to get to your next destination!

You can laugh, cry, and enact all the other perfectly normal Valentine's emotions while seeing the beautiful city up close.

Amsterdam is a city built with cycling in mind, so if you choose two wheels over two feet, you're in for a treat. You could even cycle out of the city to a romantic destination of your choosing. The Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, for instance, are only an hour or so away by bike, and offer fields upon fields of beautiful, multicolored wonders for you and your loved one to appreciate. Then, when you've had quite enough of the plants, cycle back and carry on your day. A bit of sweat never hurt anyone, right?

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A Valentine's picnic, anyone?

What says 'I love you, but I don't want to spend much money proving it to you' more than a thoughtful picnic in the park? All that greenery, the sound of various fauna enjoying the sun, and the complete absence of pollution. Does it get any more romantic than that?

If you're nodding your head right now, you'll be pleased to hear that Amsterdam is teeming with public parks.

If you're looking for natural beauty over opportunity, pack a basket and take your picnic to Hortus Botanicus. This stunning park is punctuated with a set of greenhouses, which contain tons of exotic plants from all over the world. Find a plant that matches your partner's hair, and point it out to them - it could be romantic?

Or, if you want a world of entertainment just a stone's throw away, take your picnic plans to Westerpark. Not only do they have tons of space to set out your picnic blanket and food, but they also have a plethora of bars and restaurants on-site that can do all the heavy lifting for you. You could even catch a show there, if you're theatrically inclined.

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Artistic license

If you want to get your creative juices flowing, why not try a little art? Amsterdam has plenty of brilliant art galleries and museums for you to visit. If you've spent all day running around outside, perhaps a little inside contemplation would be just the ticket.

Fans of post-impressionist landscapes, strange self-portraits, and ear-cutting hijinks, then there's a museum that's perfect for you. We're talking, of course, about the Van Gogh Museum. Learn all about the life and times of the master painter, explore his works through the years, and maybe pick your loved one up a gift at the shop if they're into it.

Or, go modern with a trip to the Moco Museum. This thought-provoking collection of street art, featuring spray juggernaut Banksy, will open your mind and have you stroking your chin in thought. Then, when you're done, take proceedings to the nearby Cobra Cafe to grab a coffee or refreshing drink, and discuss what you just saw and how it made you feel. Valentine's Day is all about feelings, and in Amsterdam, it's no different.

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A smooch cruise

Then, with the sun slowly setting, it's time to end your evening. If your partner's hungry, tell them you'll get takeout, but not before you stroll to Centraal Station to see the boats. Then, without warning, surprise your beloved with a luxury dinner cruise! They'll never see it coming, you devious dog.

This two-and-a-half-hour cruise comes with a 5-course dinner, topped up with champagne, and features a plethora of meat, fish, or veggie options. A candlelit dinner has never been more romantic, and will end your Valentine's Day in Amsterdam with a bang!

And that's our plan for Valentine's Day in Amsterdam! If you're visiting the city over the romantic period, you might be wondering what else to do while you're there. Wonder no longer. You thrill-seeking types will love our guide to adventurous japes. Forced to drag the kids along with you? Apologies, but we can help keep them entertained. Or, if your Valentine's Day in Amsterdam broke the bank, there are a bunch of cheap things you can do until payday. You are very welcome.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Line of iconic Amsterdam canal houses
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Amsterdam in March

If you’re looking to visit the Netherlands outside of the peak season, then a trip to Amsterdam in March might be just the ticket. Offering all of the gems of the Dutch capital without quite so many crowds and with slightly better weather conditions than the preceding winter months, March is a fantastic time to see the city at one of its most authentic times. Visiting Amsterdam in March Average Temperature: 36 - 46°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 4 hours/day Seeing in the spring season, March is about as transitional a month as you can get in Amsterdam. While the trends of winter are still largely present – cold weather, high rainfall and short days – signs of the coming change are ever present. Running parallel to the changes in weather is the larger-scale changes in tourism rates, with March very much in the trough of off-season travel. Throughout this period, tourism rates will still very much be experiencing a lull. While Amsterdam is never truly empty, this is among one of the quietest times to visit the city. There’ll still be enough visitors to give the Dutch capital a buzz, but you’ll be able to benefit from smaller queues for top attractions and low-season accommodation rates and airfare. While the city is clearly beginning to warm up, it’s still very much worth wrapping up for Amsterdam in March. At the same time, an umbrella and some waterproofs will likely also go a long way, as you can expect at least one day of rain per week. On the literal bright side, you can also look forward to more sunshine on average, allowing for better photo opportunities and better conditions to explore the city’s iconic streets. Things to Do in March A trip to Amsterdam in March is likely to be a cold and often wet one. As such, you may find yourself drawn more toward exploring the city’s inner world of history and culture, leaving its emblematic streets and canals for a warmer day. For your fill of Dutch history, make your way to the Amsterdam Museum, where you’ll be able to explore a vast collection of art and historical artifacts chronicling the city’s history from medieval times to present. Follow that up with a visit to the Maritime Museum to discover the Netherlands’ impressive history of nautical endeavors and the part it played in the Age of Exploration. Romanticized somewhat by its throughput of renowned artists, Amsterdam is also home to a wealth of art galleries. At the forefront is of course the Rijksmuseum, home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of artworks and historical artifacts. Following close behind is the Van Gogh Museum, where you can explore the biggest public collection of the famous Dutch painter’s works. If there’s anything you’re likely to notice on your trip to the Netherlands, it’s the huge prominence of bicycles. With more bikes than people, one of the best ways to see Amsterdam is on your own pair of wheels. Those interested in a more active approach to their visit will find a plethora of bike rental stores scattered throughout the city, typically offering day rates in the region of €10/day. With weather on a general upcurve from this point onward, you might find March a perfect time to take a canal boat tour to see the city from a brand new perspective. These tours are likely to be quieter now than around peak-season, so if you’re willing to brave the likely chill, you’ll be rewarded with some unique views of the Dutch capital along with expert insights into the surrounding history. Events in March Cinedans Fest Over the course of roughly a week in March, Amsterdam hosts the world’s largest and most diverse dance-related film festival in the world. Cinedans serves as a celebration of the medium of dance, showcasing developments in the dance world and looking toward the future of such artistic expression. The festival is spread across an impressive program of feature-length dance film screenings, short films and documentaries, expert lectures, debates and workshops for those looking to explore the world of dance theatre. Hosted within the EYE Film Museum, the festival also offers various interactive installations throughout the week. Kaboom Animation Festival Held in late March, the Kaboom Animation Festival is the amalgamation of two similar festivals, the KLIK Amsterdam Animation Festival and the Holland Animation Film Festival. For roughly a week, cinemas in Amsterdam and Utrecht become the home of the many unique animated feature films and shorts showcased by the festival. The event serves to bring together fans and industry professionals to share in their passion for the animated arts and showcase the works of established and upcoming animators. Celebrating the Dutch animation industry in particular, the festival encourages animators to submit their work to be judged by experts for the chance to win one of a plethora of prestigious awards covering various genres, mediums and themes. The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) Held in Maastricht, just a couple hours’ train ride from Amsterdam, TEFAF serves as one of Europe’s biggest art fairs and is widely considered to be the premier hub for fine art, antiques and design. The event is a platform from which to gather an international community of collectors, dealers and vendors from all areas of the art world. Featuring over 280 prestigious dealers from around the world, the exhibition focuses largely on the classics and traditional Old Master paintings and antiques. However, the event also maintains a policy of diversity and modernity, showcasing contemporary artworks, photography exhibits and jewelry alongside many of its classic pieces. Taking place over roughly one week, the event also offers a diverse cultural program which serves to provide insights into key aspects of the industry across various disciplines and genres. Visitors are welcome to attend lectures by industry professionals and experts and engage in debates into ongoing issues throughout the art world.
Robert Heaney
amsterdam alone
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Things to do Alone in Amsterdam

They say that 1 is the loneliest number. But what do they know? Sometimes, having the freedom to do and see whatever you want whenever you want is just what you need. So, if you're visiting Amsterdam alone, or you have a day to yourself, what are the best things to do? Well, we're going to tell you. Right now. So sit back, scroll down, and retain all this sweet information, because these are our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam! Including: Museums Boat tours Bike rental Stadium tours Brewery visits   Image courtesy of Gerard Arrey/Shutterstock Artifact watching Why not go check out a museum while you're on your lonesome? You get to stay as long as you want, and no one need drag you around any museum that doesn't interest you! The Moco Museum is for the modern art enjoyer, with an unofficial 'residency' courtesy of street art legend Banksy. Inside, you'll find works from many artists besides the elusive stenciler, each with their own views on modern life, governance, and greed. Truly some eye-opening works lie within, and plenty of photo ops, should you dare ruin the moment with your need for social media attention. Or, on the more classic side of art is the Rijksmuseum. Featuring works from luminaries of the Dutch Golden Age of painting, discover well-known pieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many more. The museum houses over 8,000 works of art, so good luck seeing them all in one day! Or, if science is more your jam, big and little kids will love the NEMO Science Museum. With hundreds of interactive exhibits across multiple floors, exploring everything from electricity to chemical reactions, there's something for everyone inside. Then, when you're done, head to the roof for more exhibits embedded in a luscious garden.   Bayside High Or, leave your seasick friends and family at home and go explore Amsterdam on the open ocean. Well, not the ocean per se, but certainly on the city's many canals and rivers! If you want to see Amsterdam's highlights all rolled into one waterborne trip, then why not hop on a boat tour of the city? There are multiple stops along the way, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs, explore, and snap some sweet pics. You'll head past the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Centraal Station, and the Anne Frank House. Or, if you want to see what else the country has to offer, and take a roundtrip tour of The Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft! You'll tour Rotterdam's illustrious harbor by boat, see the historic Delft town center, and then onto The Hague, the governing center of the whole country. Just make sure you set aside a day for this one, because you'll be exploring for hours on end!   Two wheels, one rider Another fantastic way to explore Amsterdam on your own is by bike. It's no secret that Amsterdam is the most cycle-friendly city on Earth, so why not rent one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about? There's pretty much no place you can't go on a bike; even many of the country's freeways have cycle lanes! It's the easiest way to make your way through Amsterdam's many winding, cobbled streets as you explore the city from top to bottom. Then, swap urban for flora at one of Amsterdam's brilliant parks, which are all cycle-friendly too! A fair warning: the cyclists that call Amsterdam's lanes home take no prisoners. If you're a bit rusty, or are getting used to the hired bike's gears, do yourself a favor and go practice in a park. There's no room for slowpokes in the fast lane, baby, and you're likely to be stared at or tutted if you fumble your way on the lanes.   Image courtesy of Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock Stepover into history For the soccer fans out there, you might not wish to drag your partner out to a stadium tour. Not everyone digs the beautiful game, and there probably aren't many things more boring than a non-fan to walk around a stadium staring that silverware that means nothing to them. So, leave your soccer-hating partner in the dirt, and do yourself a favor. Go take a tour of the Johan Cruijff Stadium, home of European juggernauts Ajax. Comfortably the Netherlands' best team for decades, this 75-minute tour will take you around the team's facilities, including the changing room, down the tunnel, and even pitchside. Then, explore the extensive trophy cabinet, with many domestic and European trophies won by soccer legends like Johan Cruijff, the stadium's namesake. Simply the best, and one of the most perfect things to do alone in Amsterdam if you're the only soccer fan!   Go grab a beer Of course, one of life's many pleasures is sitting out in the sun, sipping a beer, and letting the warm calmness wash over you. Just us? Surely not. Thankfully, if that sounds like paradise to you, Amsterdam's got some treats you shouldn't miss. For craft beer connoisseurs, hop on a free ferry from Centraal Station over to Amsterdam Noord. There, a short walk from the harbor, you'll find the Oedipus Taproom, a delightful brewery cum bar, with plenty of outside seating, friendly staff, and a comprehensive number of different beers on tap. You can even order a burger from the resident eatery 'The Beef Chief'. Don't worry; they do veggie and vegan burgers too, if murder isn't your acquired taste. And, as the staff and patrons are both incredibly welcoming, with conversations struck up left, right, and center, it's one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam! Or, if you want a more touristy experience, why not take a tour of the Netherlands' favorite amber export, Heineken? At the Heineken Experience, you'll tour the very first Heineken brewery, which opened nearly 200 years ago. You'll learn about the brand's heritage, how it's brewed, and what innovations they're planning to bring to the beer game. And don't worry, when all is said and done, you'll get a chance to try a couple of glasses yourself, on the house. And those were our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
Snowed-over bicycle leaning against the railings of an Amsterdam canal
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Amsterdam in January

If you’re looking to satisfy your winter wanderlust in a city known the world over for its cultural and historical value, then a trip to Amsterdam in January could be just the ticket. So long as you can brave the European winter chill, January offers the perfect opportunity to experience the capital of Dutch delights during one of its quietest and therefore most genuine periods. Visiting Amsterdam in January Average Temperature: 33 - 39°F • Average Rainfall: 8 days/month • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day January serves as somewhat of a renewal of Amsterdam’s low-season. With most of the festive celebrations of December now long wrapped up, the beginning of the new year sees tourism rates enter a seasonal lull which will last into the coming months. While the Dutch capital is still alive and kicking in this period, you’ll have the chance to experience it during one of its most quiet periods. While the city never truly sleeps due to its multifaceted appeal, you’re likely to find yourself fighting much less with crowds at popular attractions. If that wasn’t enough, visiting in this period will also likely give you the benefit of off-season accommodation rates and airfare. With winter now in full swing, you can expect January to be a month to wrap up well for. Alongside average temperatures flirting just above freezing, you’re also likely to experience at least one day of rain per week. Warm, waterproof clothing is therefore a must, particularly if you plan on exploring the city’s iconic open squares and winter festivities. Things to do in January Given the average weather of Amsterdam in January, you’d be forgiven for wanting to forego exploring’s famous canals and architecture in place of more indoor activities. If you’re looking to stay toasty, then January could be a fantastic time to fit in more of the city’s renowned cultural and historical hubs. Having been home to many celebrated artists both past and present, Amsterdam is unsurprisingly filled to the brim with some of Europe’s best art galleries. Leading the charge is the Rijksmuseum, home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of artworks and historical artifacts. Among this collection are over 20 pieces by Rembrandt, including the prized ‘Night Watch’, and four by Vermeer, such as ‘The Milkmaid’ and ‘Woman Reading a Letter’. Second only to the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s most complete collection of the late post-Impressionist painter’s works. Just down the road is also the MOCO Museum, standing as a celebration of such popular contemporary artists as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. For your fill of Dutch history, you’ll want to make your way to the likes of the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, each offering key insights into the respective histories of Amsterdam as a whole and the nautical pursuits of the Netherlands. Also popular is the Anne Frank House, where a biographical museum now stands in memory of the Jewish wartime diarist. If you happen to be visiting Amsterdam in early January, you’ll see the tail end of the Ice*Amsterdam festival. Hard to miss due to its huge presence on the busy Museumplein, this winter celebration comprises a central ice-skating rink complemented by market stalls, food stands and winter bars where you can warm up with a hearty cup of hot chocolate milk. Events in January New Year’s Day If you’re visiting Amsterdam over New Year’s Eve and find yourself still buzzing from a night of celebration, then you can join thousands of locals and visitors alike for the New Year Swim. On January 1, many flock to take a simultaneous dip in the North Sea as a symbolic way of washing off the previous year and starting the new one afresh. And fresh is the operative word here because the North Sea will be cold. This isn’t a tradition for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-do if you really want an authentic Dutch New Year experience. After a brief dip in the sea, you can join your fellow revelers on the beach and continue the festivities with high spirits and a hot cup of pea soup to warm your chilled bones. As you might expect, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the Netherlands, meaning many stores and services will be closed for the day. This makes it a perfect time to rest after a night of festivity. Just make sure to grab any provisions and hangover cures ahead of time! Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with impressive light displays by designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city. One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals. National Tulip Day The third Saturday in January marks the official start of tulip season in the Netherlands with National Tulip Day. On this day, Amsterdam's Dam Square makes way for a garden of around 200,000 tulips, grown carefully over the preceding months in controlled, indoor environments. Thousands of visitors flock to this garden each January to pick their own free bunch of tulips, and many florists from this point forward will begin promoting the new tulip season. IMPRO Amsterdam For roughly a week in late January, a handful of Amsterdam’s key theatres become host to the IMPRO festival. Celebrating all facets of improvisational theatre, the festival attracts high caliber players from around the world to come together in a series of shows held throughout the week. The festival’s extensive program of events also includes open workshops for visitors of all backgrounds and capabilities to try their hand at improv.
Robert Heaney

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