Valentine's Day in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
valentines day amsterdam

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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Cyclists in the Vondelpark
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Things to do in Amsterdam for Students

Amsterdam is quite the playground for students, with equal opportunities for stimulating gray matter (world-class museums, galleries and libraries) or deadening it (pub and club discounts). Join us as we explore all the best things to do in Amsterdam for students, including popular hangout spots in Vondelpark, free shows at the Concertgebouw, and Dutch Golden Age art in the mighty Rijksmuseum.
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Things to do in Amsterdam With Kids

The children are our future; that much is clear. But what about the present? Until our robot overlords inevitably subdue the human race, the little ones might as well have some fun! And, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, you might be wondering about the things to do with the kids. Well, wonder no more. Read on, and discover our picks for the best things to do in Amsterdam with your kids! Including: 5D Experiences Canal pedaling Chocolate wonderland Interactive science Zoos and more!   5D Fun We know how it is sometimes. You visit a new city in a new country and bring a checklist of all the city's landmarks to see. However, your little one might not be so into that, wanting instead to be dazzled by the sights and sounds on the TV or videogame instead. Thankfully, you can now combine the sightseeing experience with a breakneck, 5D experience at THIS IS HOLLAND! This hour-long thrill ride will have you soaring over iconic sights such as its tulip fields and windmills. You'll feel mist and wind crash against you as you fly through four shows, all based on the country's past, present, and future. Mist and wind will ensure you see and feel the Netherlands like never before. Perfect for kids who spend too much time watching things and not enough time going out and experiencing them!   Ride on water One thing that your little one will likely love in Amsterdam is the abundance of water and boats. You're never more than a few minutes' walk from a canal, bridge crossing, or even the large river that separates the city's 'North' Neighborhood from the rest. But what's better than walking along a canal? Sailing across it! Well, not sailing, but pedaling in a boat. Yes, it's no surprise that the world's most cycle-centric city has a pedal-centric form of sea vessel. The good news is that pedal boats are great for both kids and adults alike, as everyone can feel like they're making the journey happen. It's a more fun and engaging method of sightseeing compared to walking, so it'll keep even the fussiest little ones from growing tired of the constant wandering. And hey, you could even give them the wheel too, if you trust their navigation!   Choco frenzy Most kids love chocolate; there's just no two ways about it. While many of us grow out of the dreaded sweet tooth, for kids, it's the only thing they want on the menu morning, noon, and night. So, why not take them to the Dutch equivalent of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, minus all the troubling treats. At Tony's Chocoloney Superstore, you'll not only learn how they ensure their operation is 100% fairtrade, from field to shop, but you'll also be able to sample many of the famed chocolatier's delicious treats. And hey, you're probably not one to pass up some good moral lessons for your kid, while ensuring their hunger is satisfied in the process!   The White Whale Little people are fascinated by many things. Inquisitive minds are beautiful things but let's be honest, you don't have all the answers. For every other question your child inevitably throws your way about science, life, or any number of subjects, you're likely to draw a blank. Well, draw blanks no more! Head down to NEMO Science Museum and let your little ones get hands-on with some fantastic interactive exhibits. Kids of all ages will find tons of fun here, with plenty of levers, buttons, and other gizmos that let them learn through touch. You can even head to the roof for some delightful gardens, water features, and free exhibits to explore. Delightful, and easily one of the best things to do in Amsterdam with your kids!   Walk with the animals Another curiosity for many children is the animal kingdom. With so many species adorning the land, air, and sea, it's easy for kids to get carried away thinking about them. So, why not let them get up close and personal with some delightfully exotic critters at ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo? Explore the facilities' awe-inspiring aquarium, take them to meet a family of elephants, giraffes, and monkeys, and even learn about the tiny critters they cannot even see without a microscope. Then, when they've seen all the animals they want, there's a fantastic play area on-site that they'll enjoy exploring. You just have to hope you can drag them away when it's time to leave!   Park ya buns Another one of Amsterdam's outstanding features is its green spaces. There is a myriad of large parks dotted about across the city. Each has its own unique activities that are perfect for kids, so let's take a look at our picks. Our first pick is Westerpark, one of the city's largest parks that's a short walk from Central Station. There, you'll find plenty of space to set up a picnic, plenty of restaurants nearby for nibbles or lunches, and even a VR arena at Westerunie, where 6 people can be transported into another world and shoot some zombies! Perfect for bigger little ones who love video games. Alternatively, Amstelpark in South Amsterdam has lots of kid-related activities. You'll find a petting zoo, rides, mini-golf, and even a summer train they can ride around the park's gardens! With a great mix of greenery, activities, and affordability, visiting Amsterdam parks is one of the best things to do with kids.   Pancake plan And finally, let's end our list with some more delicious sweet treats. Pancakes are one of the Netherlands' biggest exports, and surely one that your little one has gobbled up at some point in their life. And, as the saying goes, 'when in Rome, eat pancakes because they're delicious.' Well, it's something along those lines, at least. Take your little ones to Pancakes Amsterdam, where they do things a little differently. While they could just make classic Dutch pancakes the traditional Dutch way, they incorporated pancake styles from all over the world to serve a wide variety of treats. Take them for a free tasting, and let them pick whichever they desire. Then, sit back, and feel smug about how great of a parent you really are. And those are our picks of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids! Looking for a little alone time with your partner while the babysitter's watching the kids? Check out our guide to Amsterdam's best couples activities!
Dom Bewley
Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal
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Amsterdam in October

At the peak of fall, Amsterdam finds itself in the middle of its late-year shoulder season. Just as the weather begins to make way for the colder climates of winter, so too do tourism rates reach some of their lowest. With that, a trip to Amsterdam in October guarantees you’ll be able to experience the capital’s famous mix of history and hedonism at its most genuine. Visiting Amsterdam in October Average Temperature: 46 - 57°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 hours/day Marking the height of Amsterdam’s fall shoulder season, October sees some of the year’s lowest turnover of tourists, with the summertime masses now long gone and the brief waves of Christmas vacationers still a good way off. While the Dutch capital is never truly quiet, this temporary lull offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the city at its most genuine. Many of Amsterdam’s top attractions and activities are evergreen, meaning you can enjoy them at just about any time of year. However, lower tourism rates mean you’ll get to experience these attractions much more at your leisure, often without having to battle such large crowds. And if that’s not enough to convince you, then perhaps the low-season hotel rates and airfare will be. With fall now in full swing, Amsterdam’s weather takes a fairly noticeable dip in October. With typically mild highs and rather cool lows, you’re likely to find yourself – quite rightfully – leaning more toward indoor attractions and cozy cafés. If you’re looking to spend more of your time exploring the city’s iconic streets and squares, then just be sure to pack some slightly warmer clothes, and don’t forget your umbrella. Things to do in October Few things represent Amsterdam better than its wealth of renowned historical and cultural hubs. Taking pride of place, the Rijksmuseum stretches along the Museumplein, housing its vast selection of some of the Netherlands’ most celebrated artworks and historical artifacts. The Amsterdam Museum takes a much more direct approach to history, chronicling the development of the Dutch capital from the middle ages to present day. However, easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where a museum dedicated to the famous wartime diarist immortalizes the very place she and her family evaded German capture. Should you have an eye for art, you’ll know that some of history’s most notable artists were Dutch through and through. In tribute to these famed painters, Amsterdam is dotted with a variety of art galleries, such as the Van Gogh Museum, along with hotspots like the Rembrandt House, frozen in time, where enthusiasts can walk in the footsteps of one of Europe’s greatest creatives. Alongside art, culture and history, Amsterdam is particularly famous for its hedonistic delights, and nothing reflects that more than its bustling nightlife scene. As a general rule of thumb, Jordaan is a particularly popular area with young people for its selection of trendy bars, and the clubs on Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein serve as a great place to continue the night. For a unique way to explore the city while you still have the weather for it, a canal boat tour can offer a fantastic view of some of Amsterdam’s top attractions from along its iconic waterways. Alternatively, a hop-on, hop-off boat tour offers somewhat the same experience, while also offering a great way to get from A to B. If you’re looking to escape the cold for a few hours, whether it be with a steaming cup of coffee and a hearty slice of homemade cake or a few beers over a friendly game, a number of specialty venues throughout the city can deliver just that. The homely atmosphere and wide library of board games and books at Checkpoint Charlie makes it a great place to spend a few hours, while Mooie Boules has visitors sinking a few drinks while playing or watching a few rounds of French boules. Events in October Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival Over the course of a week in October, filmmakers and film fanatics alike come together to celebrate their shared passion for the medium at the Lift-Off Film Festival. The event invites upcoming talent to submit films of any genre to be vetted and subsequently screened in various iconic locations across the city. Throughout the festival, submissions will be subject to audience choice awards, in which viewers vote on their choice for the best candidate in various categories. Some of the largest categories include Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Director, with other awards specific to genres, techniques and media. The festival serves to provide a platform for rising creators to gain recognition and further opportunities in the film industry and related professional circles. Amsterdam Dance Event The Amsterdam Dance Event is the world’s leading electronic music festival. Taking place over a little under a week, the event features over 300 performances from more than 2,000 DJs throughout more than 80 venues and clubs throughout Amsterdam. With an immense program of events featuring both the biggest international names and fresh talent, the festival briefly transforms Amsterdam into the world’s busiest and most thriving nightlife hub. The event attracts over 350,000 visitors from around the globe each year to revel in performances covering the full spectrum of electronic sub-genres. Camera Japan Festival Camera Japan is another lauded film festival with a Japanese twist. Beginning in Rotterdam often in late September before moving to Amsterdam, the event features a vast program of Japanese film screenings. From short films to top animated pieces, many of these screenings offer English subtitles, attracting thousands of fans of world cinema each year. Alongside the impressive array of movies is also a plethora of cultural events and activities. Visitors with an interest in Japanese art can join a calligraphy class, while foodies can indulge in some of the best Japanese cuisine in the region and watch a traditional dance or Japanese fashion demonstration.
Robert Heaney

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