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Unique Date Night Ideas in Amsterdam

Theres something special about wandering the streets in Amsterdam
There's something special about wandering the streets in Amsterdam | © Fokkebok / Getty Images

Looking for inspiration for your next romantic getaway or date in Amsterdam? We’ve put together the following list of exciting, glamorous and adventurous couple orientated activities in the city.

Share Rooftop Drinks at Canvas

Architectural Landmark


As one of the flattest cities in the world, it is particularly difficult to find a decent vantage point in Amsterdam. However, there are several strategically located rooftop bars and restaurants in the city that are perfect for date nights. Canvas overlooks central Amsterdam and offers an enticing menu of cocktails, wine and high-end meals. At the weekends, Canvas also organises club nights which continue until the early hours of the morning.

Geek Out at TonTon Club Centrum

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Gamers in Amsterdam should definitely check out TonTon Club Centrum, as this massive arcade features a large collection of coin-op machines that hark back to the glory years of 1990s gaming. Whilst this might seem a niche choice for a date night, it is worth noting that many of TonTon Club’s machines are two player, including retro classics like Time Crisis, Bishi Bashi Special and Dance Dance Revolution.

Enjoy a Show at Vondelpark’s Open Air Theater

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8mm film rolls
Denise Jans / Unsplash
Vondelpark is undoubtedly the most beautiful urban park in Amsterdam and becomes particularly romantic during the warmer months of the year. Besides its winding paths, picturesque meadows and charming restaurants, Vondelpark also contains an open-air theater, where local and international players perform their work alfresco.

Watch a Movie at Pathé Tuskinski

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Red Seats in a cinema
Kilyan Sockalingum / Unsplash

Due to its outstanding structural design, Pathé Tuskinski is recognised amongst the most beautiful cinemas in the world. The theater’s interior incorporates elements drawn from Art Deco and Art Nouveau, forming a wonderful, pastiche of artistic motifs. Besides hard-hitting blockbuster films, the cinema also screens arthouse movies and often hosts international film festivals.

Explore Amsterdam on a Tandem Bicycle

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Father and Daughter, young kid cycling together. bicycle ride with towable bike trailer.
Olesia Bilkei / Shutterstock
Cycling is the main the mode of transportation in Amsterdam and the city is blessed with a large network of well-kept bike lanes that are exceptionally easy to navigate. Instead of going it alone, couples in Amsterdam can hire tandem bikes from a number of rental stores throughout the city and explore its charming centre whilst riding together.

Party With Vincent Van Gogh

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Portrait of Vincent Van Gogh
reddfrancisco / Unsplash

The Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam organises parties every Friday night, where culture fans are encouraged to enjoy drinks and music whilst marvelling at the institute’s collection. These event usually revolve around a specific theme and the museum regularly invites local artists to perform or display their work over the course of the evening.

Catch a Gig at de Nieuwe Anita

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A neon sign advertising live music is lit up in primary colors in the window of an eating establishment.

The Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam organises parties every Friday night, where culture fans are encouraged to enjoy drinks and music whilst marvelling at the institute’s collection. These event usually revolve around a specific theme and the museum regularly invites local artists to perform or display their work over the course of the evening.

Take A Candlelight Cruise Through Amsterdam’s Canal Belt

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Amsterdam Canals , Amsterdam, Netherlands
Melissa Askew / Unsplash

For obvious reasons, Amsterdam’s canals are famously romantic and experiencing these iconic waterways by boat is a must for any couple visiting the city. For a truly memorable date night, it is possible to enjoy a candlelight dinner on the canals and book a table on one of the many floating restaurants that cruise through the city every evening.

Support Ajax at their Home Grounds

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Johan Cruijff ArenA, Johan Cruijff Boulevard, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Winston Tjia / Unsplash

Due to their outstanding record, Ajax FC has a large pool of international supporters. The team plays their home matches in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, inside a massive stadium that is known as Amsterdam ArenA. This venerated home ground also contains the Ajax museum, where fans can marvel at artefacts related to the team’s history.

Climb A’DAM Toren

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Considering the sheer number of attractions inside Amsterdam’s newest landmark, A’DAM Toren, it would be exceptionally easy to spend an entire date night exploring the tower. Indeed, each of the tower’s 20 floors contains something awesome, including the highest swing in Europe, a revolving sky-high restaurant and Amsterdam’s latest 24-hour night club.

Dine Out in Style at a Michelin Star Restaurant

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There are over 40 michelin star restaurants in Amsterdam, many of which are attached to the city’s most luxurious hotels such as the InterContinental Amstel, Hotel Okura and Hotel d’Europe. It is always advisable to book ahead before heading over to these classy establishments, as their menus, service and ambience put them in high demand.

Sample Some Craft Brews Underneath a Windmill

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Man pulling a glass of beer from a tasting bar in a brewery.
© Mint Images Limited / Alamy Stock Photo

Amsterdam is quickly becoming a craft beer hotspot, partly due to the enduring popularity of Brouwerij ’t IJ. This fantastic brewery is located underneath the largest windmill in Amsterdam and is renowned for its dangerously delicious beverages. In spring and summer, scores of beer aficionados flock to the brewery’s terrace to enjoy the sunshine and guzzle down excellent craft beers in the shadow of Brouwerij ’t IJ’s mechanic mascot.

Pick-up Some New Toys at a Sex Shop

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Whilst certainly not for everyone, Amsterdam is a haven for the kinky minded and has hundreds of dedicated sex shops. Although many of these are certainly geared towards tourists, there are a number of classier establishments that cater to all couples. Moreover, sex shops in Amsterdam tend to stay open later than other retailers, allowing couples to browse through their wares after nightfall.

Pet Baby Goats at Amsterdamse Bos

Architectural Landmark

Close up of a baby goat in spring
moonboyz / Unsplash

Strictly speaking, this is actually a daytime activities, as the goats in question live inside a farm that closes around 5pm. Nonetheless, heading over to Amsterdamse Bos to play with the fluffy, white baby goats at Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve is a staple of Amsterdam dating culture, and possibly the most fun anyone can have ever.

Must see Amsterdam Tours

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Basilica of Saint Nicholas with canal cruise in Amsterdam at night, Netherlands
qizai00 / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam, check out the tours that we highly recommend!

About the author

Tom Coggins writes about culture and travel. He'd really like to own a dog someday.

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