How to Spend Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam
February 11, 2010 | Krista Stryker
Planning on spending Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam this year?
Amsterdam may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of romantic European cities (could the legal prostitution and drugs have anything to do with this?), but upon visiting, you might be surprised by its lovebird-haven potential. The endless canals, cobblestone streets and charming brick buildings make it a perfect place to dole away February 14th.
Here are a few ideas on how to get struck by Cupid’s arrow the Dutch way, even if you’re single.
Take a love boat tour. Get a better sense of Amsterdam’s old city allure on a romantic canal ride. One hour cruises are reasonably priced under €10, but if you want to go all out on this special day you can also choose from tours like the romantic dinner cruise or the Red Light-Candlelight Cruise (in the city’s famous Red Light District). Check out the Lovers Tours website for more details.
Go to a museum. The Rijksmuseum is the perfect place for any art-loving couple. The museum is offering a romantic combination ticket including access for two people, a tour related to love in the 17th century and a romantic surprise at the end. It will cost you €30 per couple and you must book in advance here.
Put on some skates. You can’t get more romantic than ice-skating in the middle of February. And while the canals may have melted since the last freeze, there are plenty of places in the city to skate away (see: Ice Skating Season Begins in the Netherlands). When your toes start to freeze, grab a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine and cuddle up.
Get married for a day. One of the strangest things I’ve ever heard, Wed & Walk allows couples (or strangers) to take part in a Las Vegas-style marriage in Amsterdam and get divorced the same day. They supply the dress, vintage jacket, plastic rings and bouquets for your fairytale wedding. But don’t worry, your nuptials will be void at dawn.
One word: Chocolate. Attached or single, no Valentine’s Day is complete without a good dose of cacao. And you can’t go wrong with Puccini Bomboni.
The Gay Bride. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, this year marks Amsterdam’s first gay and lesbian wedding fair. The event promises plenty of champagne, chocolate, and events over Valentine’s Day weekend. Tickets are only €10 here.
Single and loving it. Amsterdam’s infamous Paradiso nightclub is hosting Zonde! (Sin!), a Valentine’s Day party with the theme: that old devil called love. Entry is €10 per person or free for anyone wearing devil horns.
Unlock Me I’m Single. Solo? If you’ve ever wanted to try speed dating but just haven’t had the nerve, this is your chance. Hotel Arena is hosting the speed dating event Unlock Me I’m Single, where you’ll be able to flirt to your heart’s content with DJs Bo and Roy playing a party mix of disco, house, top 40 and classics in the background. Tickets are €17.50, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
