If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Amsterdam with your partner (or soon to be fiancé!) here’s my list of hidden gems Amsterdam has to offer. The Dam has a wild reputation, what with The Red Light District and Coffeeshops, but this list is personally cultivated for the more moderate traveller.

Canvas Rooftop Bar

Canvas is a trendy Dutch restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and drinks. You’ll get a gorgeous view of the city-without an insane price tag. The best time to go is right before sunset so you get to see the city under three different types of light. Make sure you sit outside and bring your camera!

Melly’s Stroopwafels

You could go to any cafe in Amsterdam, but my absolute favorite is Melly’s Stroopwafels. You just can’t beat the aesthetic, the view, or the specialty stroopwafels (the large ones located in the second entrance, do not buy the €9 box of normal stroops in the cafe).

You’ll have no choice but to cuddle up in this tiny cafe located in Amsterdam Centraal. There’s room for maybe two couples at a time in the cafe, there’s hardly ever a line, and yet they have the best stroopwafels in the city. I recommend the biscotti-dipped stroopwafel.

Day Trip to a Castle

Escape the city for a bit and play Princess and Hero/Heroine at one of the Dutch castles. There’s Kasteel de Haar near Utrecht and Muiderslot near Muiden. I personally recommend Kasteel de Haar, as the extensive grounds are beautiful and worth the visit on their own. If you’re lucky, you may even see reindeer.

Pick Out Lingerie Together

Who said your souvenirs have to be tulip or bicycle themed? Stop by one of the many in-person lingerie boutiques in Amsterdam and spend some time deciding which pieces will be coming home with you. If your husband is a reluctant shopper, even he may be interested in this activity!

A Boudoir Photoshoot with Amsterdam Boudoir

If you want to participate in the more *adventurous* side of Amsterdam, but from the comfort of a luxurious photography studio, you can book your very own boudoir photoshoot with Amsterdam Boudoir. You’ll be guided by professional photographers into gorgeous poses, and you’ll leave with your own piece of Amsterdam.

If you’re interested in a regular photoshoot, you can reach out via my inquiry page!

Visit a Bookstore

It’s like a normal bookstore date, but even better. Amsterdam has a huge book culture, bookstores are common, and it’s not unusual to see a free library on the street. You can pick out books for each other to read and take them to Vondelpark, along with a picnic basket. (Pro-tip, grab a blanket and stop by the nearest Albert Heijn on the way to the park for an easy picnic!)

Spend an evening at Zuiver Spa

This luxurious spa has a special date night package for €69 p.p. It includes entrance to the spa after 5 p.m., a two-course meal, a cocktail, and a reusable spa bag.

Take a Walk!

The best part of Amsterdam is getting lost down one winding street or another, with nowhere to be, and probably only a small idea where you actually are. Take a minute to sit along the canals and enjoy the moment. There’s nothing more romantic than having a world-famous city around you and taking a minute to check in with your partner. The stress of a long flight, a hectic schedule, and all the inconveniences of traveling can really melt away with an intentional check-in.