- English, Spanish, Dutch
On this Romantic Night canal cruise, we sail through Amsterdam on a silent electric boat where you see the canals lit with thousands of lights.
Romantic Weekend in Amsterdam I am your guide.
Hey, I’m Rocco – nice to meet you!
If you’re seeking an Amsterdam experience that lies above the standard tourist script, Romantic Tour Amsterdam is for you. Are you open to discovering different ways of seeing the city? Meeting a true local? Finding beauty in unexpected places? Then let’s start exploring these magical streets together.
I was born in The Netherlands and have danced and choreographed my way around the world. Upon returning to Amsterdam, I fell in love with it all over again. Now I draw on my experience as an artist and dancer to make creative, intimate tours that transform the city into a stage and reveal all the fascinating stories.
Visit the city with Romantic Tour Amsterdam and you will see it like you’ll have never seen it before. Do you want to read more about me go to the about me page.
We hope to see you soon!
In this e-guide book you will find a personal selection of:
I hope it will be a useful Amsterdam guide for you and your partner to find out what our beautiful city Amsterdam has to offer. ♥
Romantic Restaurants
Let us tell you where you can find the most romantic Amsterdam restaurants. For the best experience as a couple. During your Romantic Weekend Break Amsterdam, there are a few things you should try.
First of all, the typical Dutch meal called: Stamppot. Both restaurants, ‘Moeders’ and ‘Sonneveld’ are my favourite when it comes to Dutch cuisine. Also, The Netherlands is the second-best country to eat Indonesian food. It used to be a colony for about 200 years and many Indonesians moved and settled here and brought their wonderful tasty cuisine along. A romantic thing to do in Amsterdam is to try a traditional “rice table” with your loved one. Nonetheless, there is a great variety of food from all over the world, from exclusive to low budget.
In this list, I intended to find a place for everyone’s wallet. Amsterdam is famous for its diversity with about 165 different nationalities living in the city. Thus, you will not have a problem finding any type of food here during your romantic trip to Amsterdam. The following restaurants are my personal most romantic and favourite restaurants. This means, that I and/or another member of the Romantic Tour Amsterdam team have visited these restaurants.
Moeders
Fun fact: The owner Jurriaan, asked all his guests to bring plates, glasses and cutlery to the opening night. Nowadays, you can enjoy traditional Dutch food that is served on these old-school crockeries and tablewares. At the same time, Moeders started to collect pictures of mothers. This means the entire restaurant is filled with Mothers. One of the best Dutch restaurants in town. They also serve extraordinary desserts.
Price range: €18 to €22 for the main course
Rozengracht 251
Open on Mon-Thu from 17:00–00:00 and Weekends from 12:00–00:00
kitchen closes at 22:30 hours
Reservations required: www.moeders.com
Mayur
Candlelight, dim lights and warm colours create a poetic interior, with a classic romantic touch of Bollywood music in the background. Mayur is just outside the hustle and bustle of Leidseplein, which allows you to escape and to just be with your love. Indian cuisine is focused on sharing dinner with your loved one.
Price range: €22,- to €30,- for the main course
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 203
Open every day from 17:00 until 23:00
Reservations on: www.mayur.nl
In de Waag
In the middle of the Nieuwmarkt square stands an impressive medieval building from 1488. This characteristic monument used to be a city gate and later a weigh house (waag) for traders. These days it hosts the Restaurant-Café “In de Waag”. The interior is still partly medieval and has a great atmosphere. The restaurant is lit with 300 candles and serves a classical kitchen with a hint of Dutch cuisine.
Price range: €20,- to €26,- for the main course
Nieuwmarkt 4
Open every day from 09:00–22:30
Reservations on: www.indewaag.nl
Long Pura
If you have never been to Indonesia but would want to, paying a visit to Longpura will give you a short glimpse of how it would actually be there. The warm welcome of their friendly staff completely dressed up in style and the very delicious taste of the many exquisite plates will make you fall in love with the culture. What better way to make your experience more enjoyable than having a cosy time with your partner surrounded by the atmospheric typical Indonesian interior?
Price range: €25,- to €50,- per person for a rice table
Rozengracht 46-48
Open Mon-Sat. from 18:00–23:00 and Sunday’s from 17:00–23:00.
Reservations on: www.restaurant-longpura.com
Do you want to feel the Magic and Romance of Amsterdam?
our Romantic Boat Tour is a fantastic way to create a truly romantic experience.
De Waaghals
This wonderful restaurant is surrounded by two lovely Amsterdam neighbourhoods; the Museum Quarter and De Pijp. After having explored many of the hidden corners of these two, paying a visit to De Waaghals will be a deserving reward for both you and your love. Do keep in mind that it is an all-organic vegetarian restaurant, but trying new things while travelling is what makes it more interesting. You won’t be let down because the meals are very tasty and filling.
Price range: €15,- to €30,- for the main course
Frans Halsstraat 29
The kitchen is open daily from 17:00 – 21:30
More information on: www.waaghals.nl
Peruvian Cuisine NL
This small but very cosy restaurant will make you fall in love with the exquisite and mouth-watering Peruvian dishes. Not only will you find the famous ceviche, lomo saltado, arroz chaufa, causa, pisco sour (cocktail) and more, you’ll also enjoy typical melodic Peruvian music. The tables have a romantic touch, decorated with real different kinds of flowers.
Price range: €10,- to €17,- for the main course.
Bilderdijkstraat 181-H
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 14:00– 21:30,
Reservations on: www.peruviancuisine.nl
Cafe Sonneveld
This is another Dutch restaurant in the romantic neighbourhood of De Jordaan. Named after a famous Dutch Comedian/Singer/Artist who used to live above the restaurant. Don’t be shy and walk inside to enjoy one of the typical Dutch meals that are called: Stamppot, a simple but very tasty dish. And ask the elderly lady about living in the beautiful Beguinage. If you mention my name (Rocco) they will give you a sweet dutch surprise at the end of your dinner.
Price range: €12 to €16,- for the main course
Egelantiersgracht 72-74
Opens every day from 11:00 until 22:30
More information on: www.cafesonneveld.nl
De Kas
This fascinating restaurant is located in a set of greenhouses, where their ingredients are cultivated and later on used to create magnificent fresh dishes. Enjoy the gardens on a beautiful sunny day.
Price range: €57,- for a menu of 5 courses
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3
Open from: Monday until Saturday from 18:30 – 22:00
Reservations on: www.restaurantdekas.nl
Ciel Bleu
If fine dining truly is your preference, then do not think twice to go to Ciel Bleu. The 2 Michelin stars restaurant is located in the Hotel Okura Amsterdam on the 23rd floor. It is a perfect place to dine during your Amsterdam honeymoon or for a marriage proposal in Amsterdam. You will not only be flabbergasted by the gorgeous romantic panoramic view of the city but also because of the meals.
Price range: €160,- per menu
Ferdinand Bolstraat 333
Open from Monday until Saturday from 18:30 – 22:30
Reservations on: www.okura.nl
China Sichuan
If you are ever in the mood for traditional Chinese food, go to one or both of Sichuan’s locations on Zeedijk 103H or Warmoesstraat 17. The best Chinese in town offering a quick service and excellent food. If you have not been to China before, going to Sichuan will definitely make you feel as if you really did. Fun fact did you know that Chinatown is next to the Red Light District? Don’t be scared, it is a very safe and open area. You might just see a half-naked woman in the window when you make a wrong turn.
Price range: €10 to €16 for the main course
Zeedijk 103H or Warmoesstraat 17
Open 7 days a week
More information on: www.sichuanrestaurant.nl
Ethiopian Lalibela
The oldest Ethiopian restaurant in Amsterdam. Try their special Ethiopian pancakes and other different traditional meals that will make your mouth water. Don’t worry about using cutlery, as eating with your hands is totally okay to do so. Also, sharing the food with your partner in this way will create an intimate bond between each other. Their tea is definitely a must to drink, try it out.
Price range: €10,- to €15,- for the main course
Eerste Helmersstraat 249
Open every day from 17:00 – 23:00
More information on: www.lalibela.nl
For more restaurant tips see my Romantic Amsterdam Restaurants blog too.
About our Romantic Boat tour:
“What a tour!
If you want to experience something totally different, go with Rocco!”
Jessapo, Germany
Romantic Activities
A Romantic weekend break in Amsterdam is not complete without visiting a Romantic spot. I will share a few ingredients that make your romantic weekend break in Amsterdam unforgettable. Your loved one will love you even more. One of them might be even a good occasion for a marriage proposal in Amsterdam during your Romantic Amsterdam Trip.
Cinema Pathé Tuschinski
This cinema, built in 1921, has a spectacular mix of styles from Art deco to Art nouveau. It is one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. Here you can treat yourself to a double Love Seat on the Balcony (31 euros per couple) or a Private Box (40 euros per couple). The prices include the entrance ticket, a snack and a drink. In the private boxes, you can even order champagne. Seats must be booked in advance. It’s one of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam which I suggest to couples who really need to destress and relax.
Tickets: Online or at the ticket office for film showings after 17:00 Address: Reguliersbreestraat 26-34.
Website: www.pathe.nl/bioscoop/tuschinski
De Magere Brug (the Skinny Bridge)
It is the most famous bridge in Amsterdam, just next to Theater Carré, bridging the river Amstel. A must-do in Amsterdam for actually everyone who is visiting. It is said that those who sail under the bridge and kiss each other, will stay together forever. I cannot guarantee that of course, but I do guarantee that the bridge is breathtakingly romantic at night!
Would you like to see the Skinny bridge lit with thousands of lights. When it is dark i offer a romantic private night canal cruise.
Vondelpark
This park is without a doubt the most popular and romantic park of Amsterdam for locals, with a selection of cafes serving food and refreshments all year round. Enjoy. During your Amsterdam sightseeing, this is a great place to unwind by enjoying a nice coffee or local beer on the terrace of the Blauwe Theehuis. Or just by having a romantic stroll and sit on a bench watching all the ‘Amsterdammers’, tourists and expats go by.
Fun fact: very recently two Artists (Tijdmakers) created a perfume where they captured the smell of the sun shining on wet wood of trees. They developed the smell in the Vondelpark.
I created a walking route in the Vondelpark:
Even when it rains Amsterdam has plenty of wonderful and romantic things to do. (We must have, as it rains here as much as the sun shines…) See my blog about my favourite 8 things to do during the showery hours
“Surprising, even for someone living in Amsterdam for 35 years”
Ewald, Amsterdam
Museums for couples
Exploring art while strolling together through museums. Can it get more romantic? There are lots of Amsterdam points of interests, I will show you my favourites:
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam’s iconic museum dazzles with its impressive collection that spans 800 years of Dutch history. In the Gallery of Honour, you can find masterpieces by painters like Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer. Go have a look at the ‘Nightwatch’ and notice the girl in the light. Experts believe she might be the wife of the painter. I shall explain the full story on the Romantic private Boat Tour. Also, make sure to check out the library. Few people know, but this is an absolute must-see. Ask inside the museum where to find it.
Tickets: €20,- online 19,-
Museumplein 1
Open 7 days a week from 9:00 to 17:00
www.rijksmuseum.nl/en
Van Gogh Museum
A World-famous museum housing the planet’s largest collection (Over 200) of Vincent van Gogh paintings and artefacts. The colours and light in these paintings move me inside. If you stay a bit longer in the Netherlands it is also worth checking out Kröller Muller Museum. They have the second-largest exhibition of van Gogh in the World. It’s outside of Amsterdam but in wonderful surroundings. You cycle through a park to get to the museum.
Tickets: €19,-
Museumplein 6
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00 depending on the month. Check the website for exact opening hours. (Fridays until 21:00 with DJ’s)
www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en
Anne Frank house
Discover the house that was a hiding place during World War 2 and get a sense of what it must have felt like for a Jewish family. In the attic, the young Anne and Peter sometimes met where they would dream about a better future. And shared a friendship, or was it more than a friendship…? We will tell you the full story on one of our tours.
Book tickets online €14,-
Prinsengracht 263 entrance at Westermarkt 20
Open 7 days a week from 9:30 to 16:30. (Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 to 19:00
www.annefrank.org/en/
Stedelijk Museum
It holds the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands. Every few months there is a new exhibition.
Tickets: €20,-
Museumplein 10.
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 18:00. (Fridays until 22:00)
www.stedelijk.nl/en
Amsterdam Museum
It will give you an exciting overview of the 800-year history of Amsterdam. Amsterdam became the first city of love for everyone in April 2001. They have some details from this special happening in this museum. One of the couples didn’t put on a ring that day, they actually took one off! On our Romantic boat tour you hear the full story.
Tickets: €15,-
Kalverstraat 92.
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 17:00
www.amsterdammuseum.nl/en
Do you want to hear the story of how Amsterdam became the city of Love for everyone in 2001? On the Romantic boat Tour I will show you where it happened and tell you how it happened.
Royal Palace (Old City Hall)
Discover the rich history and interior of this magnificent building in the heart of Amsterdam. They have a beautiful world map in the floor. Pretty Amazing. Irregular opening hours check before your go because it is still used by our Royal Family!
Tickets: €10,-
Dam
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 17:00.
www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/
Hermitage Amsterdam
Is a dependency of the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg, housed in a historic building on the river Amstel. Hosts one temporary exhibition at a time and changes exhibitions every six months. After visiting the museums’ stroll by the Amstel River with your loved one and see the sun setting over the River. Insiders tip. Behind the museum, there is a wonderful place for food in a Garden.
Tickets: 17.50
Amstel 51
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 17:00
hermitage.nl/en/
Museum het Rembrandthuis
The house where Rembrandt van Rijn and Saskia van Uylenburgh lived between 1639 and 1658, holds a collection of etchings, drawings, and copper plates by the master himself. A sad but Romantic love story.
Tickets: €15,-
Jodenbreestraat 4
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
www.rembrandthuis.nl/?lang=en
FOAM Photo Museum
Hosts regularly rotating exhibitions by both world-famous and up and coming photographers, video- and multimedia artists.
Tickets: €12,50
Keizersgracht 609
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 18:00 (Thursdays and Fridays) until 21:00
www.foam.org/nl/home
About our Romantic Tours:
“Rocco is a wonderful guide, who does his job with lots of passion. Wonderful!!!!”
Timo, Germany
Panoramic views
Breathtaking views to visit during your weekend break in Amsterdam. Watching the sunset is always a moving experience and Amsterdam has some great panoramic views which can’t be missed during your romantic trip to Amsterdam.
A’dam Lookout tower
It is already a small adventure to take the ferry behind Central Station to the tower. At the top you’ll find an observation deck with an unrivalled panoramic view of Amsterdam. It is the highest view over Amsterdam. And as a cherry on the pie, at the edge of the deck you can also find Europe’s highest swing, called ‘Over the Edge’. A perfect place for taking photos with your loved one.
Tickets: €12,50
Overhoeksplein 5
Open 7 days a week from 11:00 to 19:00
www.adamlookout.com
Skylounge Amsterdam
At the top of the Hilton Double Tree Hotel there is a unique spot to discover the city from great height. This rooftop lounge bar is overlooking Europe’s most energetic capital, 365 days a year. Drinks and food are double priced, but it is well worth it to treat your special one.
Oosterdoksstraat 4
Open from 11:00 to 1:00, Wednesday & Thursday till 2:00 Friday & Saturday till 3:00
www.skyloungeamsterdam.com/en
Blue Amsterdam
A café and restaurant with an amazing 360-degree view of the city. Located in a futuristic glass tower in the middle of the city centre.
Kalvertoren Singel 457
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 18:30. Monday from 11:00 and|
Sunday from 12:00, Thursday open until 21:00
www.blue-amsterdam.nl
Amsterdam Public Library
Wander first through the well-designed library or simply take the elevator to the top floor. There you can enjoy a free, yet stunning view over Amsterdam. Order one of the freshly made juices and feel like you’re on top of the world.
Oosterdokskade 143
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 22:00
www.oba.nl
Nemo Science Museum Terrace
The striking green building is shaped like a ship’s hull and it is possible to go up onto its sloping stepped roof for free. It is 22m high and can be reached by climbing up the steps on the eastern edge of the building. Especially nice in summer when the sun is out. Bring a picnic and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a moment.
Oosterdok 2
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30
www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en/
Canvas on the 7th
This outdoor panorama terrace at Canvas offers fine sweeping views of Amsterdam. It has a bar and restaurant that are reasonably priced. Friends of mine regularly have a comic show here too. Check out the program and prepare for some good belly laughs.
Wibautstraat 150
Open 7 days a week from 7:00 to 22:00
Club Canvas open on Fridays and Saturdays from 22:00 to 4:00.
www.volkshotel.nl/en/canvas
About our Romantic Tours:
“Love is attention and devotion, and Rocco breathes and exhibits both in this most romantic of tours.”
David, Eindhoven
My favourite markets
When in Amsterdam during your weekend break visiting a street market is a must-do in my opinion. Here is an overview of my favourite markets. During your romantic trip to Amsterdam, don’t forget to include one of the local Amsterdam markets. It will make your romantic stay full of authentic Amsterdam experiences. Amsterdam sightseeing isn’t complete without visiting one of these vibrant spots in the city.
Flower Market
Go to this floating market for all your gifts and souvenirs. They have reasonable priced typical Dutch gifts like Delfts Blue ceramics, clogs (wooden shoes), and of course, flowers! Especially in April and May, during the flower season, you’ll find our tulips, the flower of love for everyone. Outside of the season, you can buy lots and lots of seeds and bulbs that you can actually bring back on the plane home.
Singel 458
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:30
Sunday from 11:30 to 17:30
Albert Cuypmarkt
This Food market began trading in 1904 and now it is, with over 300 stalls, the biggest in Europe. This one is especially great for sharing some typical Dutch street food like herring or other fish and freshly made Stroopwafels/Dutch syrup waffles.
Albert Cuypstraat
Open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00 It can close earlier in winter and due to bad weather.
www.albertcuypmarkt.amsterdam/?lang=en
Noordermarkt
My personal favourite! This food market includes a part with organic food, where you can taste all kinds of delicious foods, including Dutch cheese. Located in the Jordan district, one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods of Amsterdam. Stroll by the canals especially romantic by night.
Noordermarkt
Open Saturdays from 9:00 to 17:00
www.noordermarktamsterdam.nl/en/home-en
Waterloopleinmarkt
The oldest flea market of the Netherlands. Do you want to buy some special handmade jewellery? Look out for Kate Danpae. Kate will help you make your natural beauty shine.
Waterlooplein
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00
www.waterloopleinmarkt.nl
Nieuwmarkt
Organic food market with great freshly made Stroopwafels (The best in Amsterdam) and Dutch handmade Fries with mayonnaise. It is a really nice small market in the city centre that you can easily pass by along your way. You find this market in front of the Waag, an old city gate.
Nieuwmarkt
Open Saturdays from 9:00 to 17:00
www.amsterdamnieuwmarkt.nl
When you are here during Christmas a must-read is my blog about my favourite Amsterdam Christmas markets.
I, as your Amsterdam guide, am looking forward to making your romantic weekend break to Amsterdam even more special. On Romantic Waters Boat Tour I let you feel the magic and romance of Amsterdam. Perfect for couples to include in their Amsterdam sightseeing. Picture this: You and your partner snuggled together. The sound of water lapping softly against the sides of the boat as we drift beneath Amsterdam’s iconic bridges and past its magnificent 17th-century canal houses. For bookings go to our Romantic private boat tour.
Watch here what people say about Romantic tours Amsterdam:
I wish you a great stay in Amsterdam and I hope this guide helps you find the most romantic spots in Amsterdam.
We received over 1500 5 star reviews over the last 4 years. Thiw is what people write about Romantic Tour Amsterdam on Tripadvisor:
Perfect evening!
Romantic private boat tour was the perfect ending to our 4 day trip to Amsterdam. Was easy to find location. We were made to feel really welcome and our hosts did their best to make us feel comfortable and warm on a chilly evening with blankets and heated seats, with snacks and drinks too! Was really informative with lots of romantic stories and music along the way. A truly romantic experience! Would definitely recommend to everyone. Thanks Rocco for a wonderful experience!
Jet, Kent. U.K.
Absolutely fantastic
I cannot recommend this enough. It’s perfect for couples. We did the night tour and it was fantastic. Even in autumn/winter, this is still a great experience: you’ll be covered in blankets and have seat warmers. Rocco really knows his stuff, and the amount of detail that goes into the preparation of the tour is astounding
Yogi, United States
An intimate tour of night-time Amsterdam
A lovely cruise with a charming host. The food and drinks were very good. The cruise was at night time, so we could see a bit less than would have been ideal, but the lights over the canals made up for it. LGBTQ-friendly.
Sam United States
A visitor said: “Rocco’s tour is full of insightful trivia and history. Hidden courtyards, beautiful parks, the best chocolate and a very special bridge. A smaller intimate tour looking at a different side of this romantic city.”
Jodie, Australia