Valentine's Day in Amsterdam: Ideas, Cruises and Reservations

Amsterdam is a good place for a Valentine's Day getaway: lit canals, cosy cafés and bridges where you can stroll in the evening. But 14 February is a very busy date for restaurants and cruises, in the middle of winter. In 2027, Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday: a whole weekend to organise. This guide says what to book, what to do without a reservation, and how to avoid disappointment. For a stay for two outside that date, also read our guide to romantic Amsterdam.

Valentine's Day in Amsterdam at a glance

Date: Sunday 14 February 2027.
Book ahead: restaurant tables and evening cruises, which sell out several days before.
No reservation needed: a walk along the canals, lit-up bridges such as the Magere Brug, a drink in a brown café.
Weather: February is cold and damp in Amsterdam; pack warm clothes and a windbreaker.
Days are short: night falls early, which shows off the lights from late afternoon.

Dinner: booking and choosing

For dinner on 14 February, book at least a few weeks ahead, especially for a Sunday evening: the most sought-after restaurants in the centre, the Jordaan and the Nine Streets fill up early. Some offer a special menu or fixed seating times that evening: read the conditions (menu, deposit, cancellation) before confirming.

If you have no table, do not be discouraged: many cafés and restaurants also take walk-ins early in the evening, or at lunchtime, which is less in demand. For neighbourhood addresses, see our guide to where to eat in Amsterdam.

A canal cruise

The illuminated Magere Brug reflected in the Amstel

The evening cruise remains the most requested experience. The big companies add cruises with cheese and wine tastings, or multi-course dinners on board, on boats that are often glass-covered. Departures are usually from the Damrak or near Central Station. On 14 February, evening slots fill up: book online several days ahead, and arrive about twenty minutes before departure. Options, durations and prices are described in our guide to canal cruises.

Lit-up bridges and the Magere Brug

The Magere Brug, the "Skinny Bridge", spans the Amstel and lights up at nightfall. According to a local legend, kissing there guarantees eternal love. The bridge is open at all times, day and night, and free. Another idea without a reservation: follow the Prinsengracht or the Keizersgracht on foot towards the end of the afternoon, when the windows light up in the merchants' houses.

Visits for two: museums and indoor places

February is an ideal season for museums: queues are shorter than in summer. The Rijksmuseum opens every day of the year, public holidays included, from 9am to 5pm, and is easy to visit as a couple. The Begijnhof, a discreet courtyard in the heart of the city, is another quiet place to visit. For a panorama, the A'DAM Lookout gives a view over the city at sunset, with a free ferry from Central Station. For more ideas in cold weather, see our guide to Amsterdam in winter.

Flowers to give

The Netherlands is the land of cut flowers. The flower market on the Singel, between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein, sells bouquets and bulbs all year. The Keukenhof, by contrast, only opens in spring: do not expect to see the tulips in February.

Traps to avoid

"Valentine's special" menus at inflated prices: compare with the usual menu before booking.
Cruises without details: check the duration, the drinks included and the exact departure point before buying.
Last-minute tickets: online, the evening of 14 February is often full from the start of the week.
Late-afternoon queues: the most photographed bridges and squares fill up at sunset.