Romantic Things to do in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague

Some of the most romantic cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. There’s plenty of things for couples to do for any date and romantic places to visit for Valentine's Day. From unique restaurants to canal tours to unusual museums, you can find your perfect date spot in these three cities. 

While the most popular date spots in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague tend to be in the urban centre, we're not going to ignore all the fun places to visit on their borders. Keep reading to find the best romantic places in the Netherlands!

You can also find all of these and more on our map.

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Top 10 things to do for couples in Amsterdam

When you think of a date in Amsterdam, you probably imagine a romantic canal boat tour across the city. We love that too, but Amsterdam has even more things to do for couples than you’d expect. Cycle the beautiful Vondelpark, explore the local zoo, and discover some of the best views this city has to offer. 

1. Watch a movie at De Hallen

Want to hang out in Amsterdam? De Hallen is one of your best choices. Awesome for lowkey dates, De Hallen has 20+ food stall options, a cinema, indie shops, a local weekend market, and much more. Drop by on a weekend night with your Valentine and you’ll have a great time. Watching a movie is a go-to date idea for a reason, but De Hallen adds something unique. This is one of the oldest theatres in Amsterdam. While you’re here, enjoy the art deco surroundings. 

2. Have dinner at De Plantage Restaurant 

Enter De Plantage Restaurant and you might think you’ve walked into a greenhouse. No, you’ve just entered the world of Mediterranean dining. While the inside of the restaurant is pretty, it’s the terrace we think has the most romantic vibes. The outdoor terrace is enclosed and complete with twinkling lights. Planning a date on a rainy day? No worries, the terrace is heated. And the food is pretty good too! Located inside the popular ARTIS park, you can easily plan a longer day out by heading over to the nearby botanical gardens of Hortus Botanicus. 

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3. Stand up and paddle the canals! 

Everyone loves the canals of Amsterdam. But did you know that there’s a different way to explore these romantic waters? Ever heard of SUP? Stand-up paddleboarding is the perfect sunny day date. Even if you’ve never done it before, SUP doesn’t have a big learning curve. Still if you do fall in the water it’ll be romantic when your date jumps in to help. There’s different options available, from 1-4 hours, so you could spend the whole date along the canals or just make it part of the day. If you want to book a tour that includes a board, check out this tour here (photos of the experience included!).

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4. Cycle through Vondelpark

Welcome to the biggest park in Amsterdam! With wide open paths, Vondelpark is a popular cycling destination in Amsterdam. There’s romantic bridges to cross, beautiful sights to see, and plenty of room for a picnic. Vondelpark is the most romantic park in the city when the sun’s out! Here for some summer lovin’? Have a blast at the open air music festival Vondelpark Openlucht. 

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5. See beautiful art art at the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most buzzing museums in the whole world. For artsy couples, jump into the museum to get a glimpse into the mind of the famous artist. Museums make pretty good second date spots, when the art can fill in any gaps in conversation. The Van Gogh Museum is a great choice, since everybody knows and loves Van Gogh. Plus, the exhibits are always interesting and give you something to talk about. Museums might not seem romantic at first glance, but when you’re walking around in the intimate quiet and seeing beautiful art together, you’ll think differently. 

Tickets to this museum is most-likely to be sold out in person, so reserve yours here in advance for guaranteed access to the Van Gogh Museum.

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6. Take your date to the zoo 

The zoo is one of the top things to do for couples and Amsterdam Zoo (ARTIS) is no exception. ARTIS has so many things to do - you can spend the whole day here making memories on your date. One of the romantic spots here is the Planetarium where you can see the galaxy. But we love the wholesome and cute vibes of the rest of the park too. See penguins waddling about, fluffy red pandas, and stroll between the waters of the aquarium. At an entry fee of 25€, ARTIS can seem a little steep for some at first glance but, you can spend the whole day here so we think it’s worth it. Book you tickets in advance here to Artis.

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7. Sip a beer on a brewery tour 

At 90 minutes long, the Heineken Brewery Tour Experience is one of the top picks for beer loving couples in Amsterdam. The tour is self-guided but interactive, so you love birds can have some alone time as you wander the brewery.. For beer lovers, Heineken is an absolute must-visit as it was the very first brewery built in Amsterdam’s historic city centre. On the brewery experience, you get to have a private beer tasting and see the inside workings of the Heineken brewery. You can reserve your spot here.

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8. Hang out at A’DAM Lookout 

Hello, daredevil couples! The A’DAM Tower lies beside the river - you can’t miss it! But it’s the observation deck you’ll be going to on your date. From here, you’ll have beautiful views of the whole city. There’s a cute rooftop bar here too. Those two things alone would make A’DAM Lookout worth considering for a date, but here you’ll find something even more exciting. As long as you’re not scared of heights! 

Swing together on Europe’s highest swing at 100m above the ground. Known as “Over the Edge”, this swing is a 2-seater (perfect for couples!) Fasten your seatbelt and put those hands up in the air. Or hold hands and scream. Either way, A’DAM Lookout is sure to be one of your most memorable date moments. 

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9. Visit Magere Brug at night 

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is one of the most romantic places to visit in Amsterdam when the sun goes down thanks to its beautiful lights. Magere Brug actually has over 1000 lights illuminating its bridge at night! But this place is more than a pretty sight to see. Couples gather here all the time due to its legend. The story goes that couples who kiss each other on the Skinny Bridge will stay together forever. Hey, it’s worth a shot! 

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10. Go to the Zandvoort Beach 

Located about a 40 minute drive from the centre of Amsterdam is Zandvoort Beach. Zandvoort has everything you need to kick Valentine’s Day up a notch. Plan the perfect beach date right here. Walk the sandy dunes, go surfing, or get partying at the nearby casino. Zandvoort Beach has a bit of everything for every couple. Curious about more beaches of Amsterdam? We've rounded up 11 awesome beaches in and around Amsterdam for you to explore here.

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Where to stay in and around Amsterdam Centre

Budget - The Flying Pig Uptown: This is your chance to stay in an authentic ship docked right in the city centre of Amsterdam!

Mid-range - Durty Nelly's Inn: Comfort doesn't mean you have to be far away, here you're walking distance of everything.

Luxury - Kimpton De Witt: Every local and insider knows this iconic hotel smack centre of Amsterdam.

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Top 10 things to do for couples in Rotterdam

Romance is in the air at Rotterdam. One of the top 2 cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam offers plenty of things to do with a unique twist. You could go for a cute cycling date or switch things up and play pinball or see the best street art in the city. Couples in Rotterdam have so much to choose from. Let’s get creative! Here are our top 10 fun and creative date ideas in Rotterdam.

1. Play pinball 

Bring your date to the Dutch Pinball Museum for a fun packed evening. Full of vintage vibes, the pinball museum has machines that are probably older than you are. Almost all of the vintage pinball machines are playable. It’s called a museum, but really it’s more of an arcade. Keep in mind that this place is super popular, especially on the weekends. Still, if you’re a couple looking for something fun to do then the Dutch Pinball Museum is a good pick. 

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2. Stroll the Historic Garden Schoonoord

One of the prettiest green spaces in Rotterdam! Escape from the urban centre into the green oasis of Schoonoord. Schoonoord might not be the biggest garden in Rotterdam, but that’s not all that matters. The historic gardens live up to its name - some parts of the garden date back to the 1800s. Stroll the gardens on a chill and romantic date. 

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3. Jazz it up at Cafe Labru

Visit Cafe Labru on a Wednesday night to enjoy the sounds of live jazz music. The cafe/bar is nice and cozy with a cool vintage interior. Great atmosphere for couples! Most come here for the jazz music and cocktails - if you’re after a formal sit-down dinner, this isn’t for you. But we love the jazzy romantic feel of Cafe Labru. Surely your date will too! 

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4. Eat all the pancakes you can 

Why go do a boat tour of the canals, then lunch when you can do it all in one? Also, there’s pancakes galore! The Pannenkoekenboot takes you on a journey lasting 75 minutes, where you get beautiful views of Rotterdam from the water. We do recommend booking in advance as Pannenkoekenboot is pretty popular with families. To avoid the kiddos, we recommend booking this for a weeknight date.. There’s plenty of toppings to choose from like apples and maple syrup, plus bacon, cheese, and yummy chocolate. Mm, we’re drooling! 

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5. Shop in Witte de Withstraat

Home to some of the best shops, restaurants, and cafes in Rotterdam, Witte de Withstraat is one of the best places for a date night. Begin with a shopping trip into its many boutiques or explore the art galleries. Then, as the sun goes down grab a drink at the bar. There’s a couple of bars and cafes here, but Café De Witte Aap is our recommendation for a date. Open til the early hours of the morning, Café De Witte Aap is one of the best bars in Rotterdam. Keep your eyes peeled on their events - they even host silent discos. 

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6. Relax in the Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum

What’s more romantic than a botanical garden? Smell the roses in the flower gardens or take shelter with the succulents in the greenhouses. Mother Nature is your best wingwoman. Located only a short distance from Rotterdam’s city centre, Trompenburg is a great pick for couples. At nearly 8 hectares, you can easily spend an hour or two on a romantic stroll through the gardens. After that, head over to the tea room for a charming lunch break. Trompenburg is best outside of winter and really comes to life at the beginning of summer! 

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7. Have dinner at Fenix Food Factory

Who doesn’t love a good dinner date? Going out for a meal is a classic pick, but the trouble is choosing where to go. At Fenix Food Factory, you have all the options right in front of you to pick and choose your own course from craft beer, tacos, pastries, and much more. It’s the perfect spot for the foodie couple. Fenix Food Factory isn’t just a convenient foodie pick, though. It’s located on the waterfront of Katendrecht, so you can take a seat by the water and go for a romantic stroll after. 

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8. Tour Rotterdam’s street art 

When you think of date spots, art galleries probably make the list. But why go to a regular gallery when you can explore the city at the same time? See Rotterdam in a whole new way by exploring it as an open air gallery. Rotterdam has tons of cool street art splashed across the sides of its buildings. The street art tours are self-guided, but you’ve got 10 pre-mapped routes set out for you to choose from ranging from 5 to 10 km long. 

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9. Visit Kinderdijk on a day trip

Only a 30 minute drive from Rotterdam, Kinderdijk is one of the most romantic places in the area. Bring a picnic blanket and basket, then take a seat on the grass to enjoy the beautiful Dutch view of the windmills. Go for a calm and relaxing hike around to see all the windmills! 

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10. Kayaking at Kralingse Park

What better place for a date than the biggest park in Rotterdam? Best on a sunny day, Kralingse is the best pick for outdoorsy couples. Take a walk in the woods, then rent a kayak and paddle your way across the lake. You don’t even have to go far for dinner afterwards since Kralingse has some nice bars with a good view of the lake. We recommend Brasserie Woodz!

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Where to stay in Rotterdam

Budget - Stayokay Hostel Rotterdam
Stay your nights in Rotterdam in a very unique way: in one of the Cube Houses!

Mid-range - The James Rotterdam
This hotel has comfortable rooms, for fitness fanatics includes a gym, and is only a quick 10-minute walk from Rotterdam Central Station. 
Luxury - nhow Rotterdam
At nhow Rotterdam you can book a room with a view of the sparkling skyline of Rotterdam and see the sun come up beautifully from your expansive window. 

Top 10 date ideas in The Hague

The Hague is our third and final destination in the Netherlands for all our lovey-dovey couples out there. The Hague is known for its courts, so why not get to courting your crush? Cheesy, we know. This city might not be known as a romantic getaway, so it’s our top recommendation for couples who love to find hidden gems. Discover lesser-known romantic places on the edge of the Netherlands! Here are our top 10 date ideas in The Hague. 

1. Fun beach date at The Sand Engine

Guide your partner as they shoot the targets at the archery range. Wade out to sea and kite surf those waves as you play in the water. Team up and annihilate the other team at beach volleyball. One of those things is not like the other? We don’t know what you mean. The Sand Engine is the best pick for a beach date in The Hague. Once you’re done playing in the sand, chill out at the beach bar Blow. If you really want to get your hearts racing though, race the Sand Motor Run across the beach. Whoever loses pays for dinner - now that’s going Dutch. 

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2. Explore the art gallery of Museum Voorlinden 

We usually imagine art galleries in the urban centre. But The Hague has a surprise for you. Museum Voorlinden is nestled into the woodlands. Complete with its own private sculpture garden, the museum and gallery has some interesting sights to see for couples. Dive into the swimming pool illusion or lie next to each other beneath a hyper-realistic umbrella. When you’ve completed all the illusions and seen all the art, take a break and get to know each other even better at the museum terrace restaurant. 

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3. Treat ‘em like royalty at Escher in Het Paleis

Lange Voorhout is one of the most romantic streets in The Hague. One place you shouldn’t miss here is the art gallery of Escher in Het Paleis, where the Queen Mother Emma stayed in the winter until 1934. It doesn’t get more royal than this. Escort your King or Queen to the doors to enter inside a whimsical world of print art by M.C. Escher. 

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4. Van Kleef Museum and Distillery

This place is the last jenever producer in The Hague, but it’s a must-visit for its local legend. The story goes that when the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh needed a hint of inspiration, he’d go to Van Kleef. Who knows? You could be walking in the footsteps of the famous artist. The shop itself sells plenty of local Dutch drinks, but for a date idea you’ll need a bit more than that to impress. Reserve a museum visit in advance and a tasting to give your date a taste of jenever. 

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5. Clingendael Park

By far one of the most romantic places to go in The Hague! Clingendael Park has a beautiful and delicate Japanese Garden. As you walk through the garden, you feel like you’ve been transported to the land of the rising sun! That's because the original designer, Lady Daisy, would take trips to Japan just to bring back authentic plants for her garden. That’s commitment if we’ve ever seen it! The Japanese Garden is only open during the spring making this a perfect place to visit for Valentine’s Day. 

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6. The Celestial Vault

Open your eyes and heart to the views right above you. The Celestial Vault (“Het Hemels Gewelf )” is a unique hidden gem tucked into The Hague by designer James Turrell. The Vault is actually an optical illusion that makes the sky look like a curved dome. The best way to see it is to bring your date and lie beneath the illusion, looking up. 

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7. Shop at the Antique and Book Market 

Held every Thursday and Sunday at the city centre on Lange Voorhout, the antique and book market has everything wonderful and weird. Paintings, books, jewellery, home decor, and much more all have a place here. Some of the book stalls get real creative about how they show off the novels! What makes the Antique and Book Market so romantic though is its location. It’s held along a street lined with gorgeous trees. Through the summer and autumn, the surrounding nature adds an extra romantic layer to this iconic market. 

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8. Go skiing at Uithof 

Winter is a romantic time! Don’t believe us? Dress up warm and jump onto the ski slopes. Beginners and experts alike have plenty to do on the slopes. Not good at skiing? Uithof has plenty of other things to do for couples too. 15 activities, actually. Ice skating is pretty romantic too, but some days it can be a bit more crowded. For a bit of friendly competition (and flirting) try out the go-karting track. 

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9. Theme park date at Drievliet

Feel that cotton candy cuteness at the theme park. Drievliet has all kinds of rides - everything from a giant spinning octopus wheel to a mining-theme ride. Drievliet only has a couple of rides that are more for thrill seekers - this park is more family oriented and is a good pick for an easy going date. If you want an even more romantic atmosphere, travel to the fairy-tale themed theme park of Efteling about an hour and a half away from The Hague. 

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10. See the Netherlands at Madurodam

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could travel across the Netherlands as a couple? Well, you can’t do that in one date. Or can you? At Madurodam, you and your partner can see the most famous sights of the Netherlands rebuilt at 1:25 scale. There are a couple of interactive parts to the park too to keep the date interesting, like helping to operate a storm barrier to stop a flood. Madurodam is one of the most-well known romantic places in the whole country, but some date spots are popular for a reason - so definitely reserve your tickets in advance here before spots are sold out.

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Where to stay in The Hague

Budget - Stayokay Hostel Den Haag 

Stayokay is a trendy hostel that is also great if you want to get to know new people, as there is a common area with a pool table. 

Mid-range - Moxy The Hague
This hotel has a cool interior and is situated in a great location.

Luxury - Hotel Indigo The Hague - Palace Noordeinde, an IHG Hotel 

For the price you pay for this hotel you wouldn’t expect it to be this luxurious! 

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Curious about more romantic Dutch spots like the beaches?

Check out our The best Amsterdam beaches: 11 incredible summer spots to escape to blog post for more inspiration and must-visit places here.

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