Top Ten Romantic Things to Do in Amsterdam

Whether you're spending February with your Valentine, enjoying the warm temperatures and late sunsets in August or, visiting any time of the year, there's no dispute that Amsterdam is a romantic city.

No matter what your taste is, there are plenty of options for couples who want to plan a romantic getaway, whether indoors or in the open-air, over-the-top expensive or absolutely free. 

The magical quality of Amsterdam by night will put you in the romantic mood all by itself. Bridge lights glow in the canals and couples walk hand-in-hand along cobbled streets as they peek through the windows of stately canal houses. Evenings spent in the city, especially in the grachtengordel, or "canal belt," offers lovers (or friends who hope to be) a shimmery scene to explore together.

To really enjoy the city nightscape, you can book a nighttime canal cruise, which are generally offered in the early evenings. From a basic nighttime to tour to elegant candlelit dinners, there is a cruise for every budget and guaranteed to impress your sweetie.

While it will set you back more than a few euros, hiring a private boat and guide to cruise Amsterdam's canals is much more romantic than sitting next to strangers on a massive group boat.

Aboard one of the quaint "salon boats," you and your significant other can enjoy a private dinner or just sip champagne as you float along Amsterdam's waters. Rent a Boat Amsterdam is a highly reputable local company that represents several different restored salon boats ​and comes highly recommended by their guests. 

The Ciel Bleu (French for "blue heaven") restaurant is located on the 23rd floor of Amsterdam's Hotel Okura. Offering patrons not only a world-class Michelin starred dining experience, but also the best bird's-eye views of Amsterdam.

If dinner is just too pricey for your budget, you can still impress a date with a drink or two at the adjacent champagne and cocktail bar, "Twenty-Third," which offers the same stunning panoramic views.

If you really want to show your special someone that s/he deserves the best, stay in one of Top Five-Star Hotels in Amsterdam. There's just something about the fine linens, elegant décor, and impeccable service that melts any stresses away.

For a fun challenge, you can even stage your own "bed-in" in the same room where John Lennon and Yoko Ono did their peaceful protest in 1969 at the Hilton Amsterdam.

The bloemenmarkt ("flower market") in Amsterdam is bursting with colorful bunches of seasonal flowers all year long. There are so many different flowers to choose from, and the prices are very fair, so why not make your stay in Amsterdam a little more romantic by displaying beautiful blooms in your hotel room?

That is not a typo for "fresh-cut flowers." as Amsterdam is one of the diamond-polishing capitals of the world. and is home to the famous Coster Diamonds, the firm responsible for recutting the controversial, 5,000-year-old Kohinoor diamond, which sits in a British Royal Crown in the Tower of London today.

While you may not be able to afford a 105-carat stone fit for royalty, Coster and other diamond factories like Gassan offer free guided tours of their polishing and cutting rooms and feature showrooms filled with the sparkling fruits of their labor. So, if you are in the market for diamond earrings, or perhaps an engagement ring, look no further. However, due to the exchange rate, you may end up paying more than what you might in the United States, so keep that in mind while shopping. 

When you've had your fill of traversing the town, sign up for a relaxing horse and carriage ride to rest your tired feet. This is a great activity, rain or shine because you will snuggle with your sweetie under a protected canopy that shields both the sun or rain showers. 

While not a cheap activity, it's a great way to get yet another view of the canals, and also a great way to escape the crowds and have some alone time. 

While infamous, the Red Light District doesn't usually come to mind for romance. However, by taking a tour through this little sin city (whether alone or with a guide) you will see some Amsterdam's most beautiful canals and happening hotspots. With attractions such as the Sex Museum, the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution, or one of the legendary coffee shops, a visit to this area will undoubtedly add some spark to your lover's vacation.

Pathé Tuskinski is regarded as one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. Combing both Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, this theater makes moviegoing an affair to remember. 

Showing a wide range of Hollywood hits as well as more indie arthouse films, you can relax and enjoy the show, and discuss it over dinner at a nearby restaurant, or bundle up and grab a cocktail at the Xtracold ice bar just a few blocks away.