10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Amsterdam
What to Do on a Romantic Trip to Amsterdam?
Couples in Amsterdam can enjoy plenty of romantic sights and activities throughout their vacation. The best time to visit the Dutch capital is in the spring, when the fields and parks are vibrant with tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Take a trip down the canals on a pedal boat, or join an evening cruise for views of houses and bridges lit up with fairy lights.
Amsterdam’s rich cultural roots can be found at museums and galleries within the Museum Quarter. Art lovers will enjoy the Dutch masterpieces at Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The cobblestoned streets are lined with centuries-old houses, ornate old churches, and patches of green parkland are all around. Check out our list of Amsterdam’s most romantic places.
1. Canal Boat Trips
City views from a canal boat
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Amsterdam’s Canal Ring is a unique and beautiful landscape made up of over 165 serene canals, which you can explore by boat. A good option for couples is renting a pedal boat from Amsterdam Centraal Station. There’s no more romantic way to experience Amsterdam’s charm than by gently sailing down these waterways, taking in the beautiful architecture all around.
Most of these 17th-century waterways offer views of Amsterdam’s historical buildings and gable homes. Be sure to visit Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal), as it’s where you will find some of the most interesting houseboats in Amsterdam.
Canal Boat Trips
2. Pathe Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski
A lavishly grand movie theater
Good for: History, Luxury, Unusual
The Pathe Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski showcases contemporary and arthouse films in Amsterdam. The opulent and ornately decorated theater dates back to 1921, and features a mix of architectural styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
With large sweeping stage curtains and a ceiling with artistic motifs, the main auditorium serves as both a movie theater and a location for classical performances such as opera, orchestra, and ballet. Pathe Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski is about a 5-minute walk from Rembrandtplein via Reguliersbreestraat. Check online for upcoming movie screenings and live performances.
Location: Reguliersbreestraat 26-34, 1017 BL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Hours vary by event
Phone: +31 (0)88 515 2000
Pathe Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski
3. Amsterdam Bike Rides
A tandem bicycle ride made for two
Good for: Adventure, Budget
Amsterdam is renowned as a bicycle city, with its winding canals and gable houses connected by a large network of well-kept cycle tracks that are easy to navigate. In fact, there are more cyclists than drivers in Amsterdam.
As a couple you could rent a tandem bicycle for a few euros, giving you a fun and romantic way to explore the city together while also keeping fit. A popular cycling route is though Rijksmuseum’s internal bike path, which runs past its main entrance towards Amsterdam’s Museumplein (Museum Quarter).
Amsterdam Bike Rides
4. Bimhuis
Improvised jazz music for a funky night out
Good for: Budget, Couples, Nightlife
Bimhuis is one of Amsterdam’s most trendy and influential music venues, showcasing over 300 live jazz shows and improvised music performances every year. It occupies a riverfront building at Piet Heinkade 3, next to the exciting modern architecture of the Muziekgebouw Complex.
Every Tuesday, the Bimhuis Cafe hosts an improvisation workshop at 8pm, followed by a jamming session at 10 pm. Both sessions are free for all to enjoy, whether you’re a budding musician or simply a fan of jazz. While enjoying the music, grab yourself a tasty evening meal for the best experience. Read more
Location: Piet Heinkade 3, 1019 GM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Hours vary by event
Phone: +31 (0)20 788 2150
Bimhuis
5. Westerkerk
Afternoon bell-tower music concerts
Good for: Budget, History, Unusual
The beautiful Westerkerk church, located in Prinsengracht, towers over Amsterdam’s city center with its 85-meter-tall tower. Step inside this iconic 17th-century church, and you’ll see a grand, historic organ above the entrance, with panels decorated by Flemish painter Gerard de Lairesse. There are also original architectural features all around to marvel at.
The church serves the local Protestant community, with religious services taking place on Sundays from 10.30 am till noon. Westerkerk is typically busy on Tuesdays from 12 pm to 1 pm, when it showcases carillon (bell tower) concerts. Read more
Location: Prinsengracht 279, 1016 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 3 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 624 7766
Westerkerk
6. Vondelpark
Open-air performances in summertime
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Vondelpark covers an enormous 120 acres of green space, consisting of flowery lawns, ponds, playgrounds, and pathways. It is Amsterdam’s equivalent to New York’s Central Park and is an undeniably lovely and romantic environment to enjoy with your special person.
Lounge by one of the large ponds while picnicking, or you could even enjoy a guided bike tour of the park together. Vondelpark is particularly special in summer when a never-ending festival atmosphere takes place at the Openluchttheater, an open-air theater in the middle of the park that offers lots of free performances to watch. Read more
Location: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vondelpark
7. Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh’s earliest masterpieces
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
The Van Gogh Museum displays the world’s largest collection of works by iconic Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. Located at Amsterdam’s Museumplein, the museum’s main exhibition takes place at the Rietveld building, where you get to see iconic paintings such as The Potato Eaters (1885), Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette (1886), and Sunflowers (1889). You can also see his sketches, drafts, and heartfelt letters detailing his art and mental health issues.
The Van Gogh Museum caters to visually-impaired visitors with an interactive program, called “Feeling Van Gogh”. It has a 3D replica of Sunflowers which enables visitors to touch and feel the brush strokes on the painting. Read more
Location: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Saturday–Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 570 5200
Van Gogh Museum
8. Bollenstreek
The flowery glory of Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Unusual
Bollenstreek (which translates as Bulb District) has over 20 square miles of luscious flower fields spanning between Leiden and Haarlem. Springtime (between March and May) is the best time to visit, as the region becomes vibrant with blooming flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
Most visitors opt for a train ride from central Amsterdam to Leiden, where they can then rent a bicycle to embark on an almost 2 hour-long route to Haarlem. If you’re traveling to Amsterdam in mid-April, make sure you also head to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse where you can enjoy over 7 million tulips in full bloom.
Location: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
Bollenstreek
9. Top-End Restaurant Dining
Michelin-starred restaurants for a special evening
Good for: Food, Luxury, Nightlife
There is no better way to end a romantic day out than with a delicious meal in a top-quality restaurant. As Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, it contains hundreds of cozy eateries that are perfect for couples. There are over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, which are definitely worth trying out if you have the budget.
De Kas has its own greenhouse, from which it harvests its own ingredients, and you can enjoy mediterranean cuisine from inside their garden conservatory. For dinner with panoramic views of Amsterdam, check out Moon, a rotating restaurant located on the 19th floor of A’DAM Tower.
10. Concertgebouw
Free concerts on selected afternoons
Good for: Budget, History, Nightlife
The Concertgebouw is Amsterdam’s most grand and opulent concert hall, built in a decorative Neo-Classical style during the 19th century. Renowned for its impressive acoustics, it’s where you can enjoy shows from master pianists, world-class orchestras, and legendary composers all year round. Ever genre, from classical to pop to rock, can be enjoyed here.
Concertgebouw also hosts free concerts during lunchtime, mostly on Wednesdays. These range from public rehearsals by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in the main hall, to chamber music by young, up-and-coming artists in the recital hall. Read more
Location: Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 BB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Hours vary by event
Phone: +31 (0)20 671 8345
Concertgebouw
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