Remember when Amsterdam was all the rage for bachelor parties and stag nights because of the “coffee shops” and the Red Light District? Well, things have changed since then and while not everyone will find love by falling into a canal like Rebecca on Ted Lasso, Amsterdam is a great option for a romantic getaway. This weekend in Amsterdam itinerary was designed for couples in mind!
My husband and I decided to take a long weekend in Amsterdam when we found a great flight deal in January. It was the perfect time of year to enjoy this “Venice of the North.” While this waterlogged city is sometimes iced over in the winter, you won’t miss the crowds of tourists or higher hotel rates. (Find out how much a trip to Amsterdam costs.)
A short weekend in Amsterdam is enough to see the highlights, but if you are flying in from the States, you may want to stay a little longer, or add on a visit to another city. Just make sure to leave yourselves time to wander the web of waterways, admire the crooked buildings that are slowing sinking in the soft ground, and sample the best of Amsterdam’s stroopwafels, poffertjes (small fluffy pancakes), bitterballen deep-fried meatballs, frites, and pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes).
Amsterdam Weekend Itinerary
Amsterdam is a city that blends historical charm with modern sensibilities. With its picturesque canals, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway for couples. Use this Amsterdam weekend itinerary to make the most of your time together.
Day 1: Embrace the Charm
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Start your day with a delightful breakfast of Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam, The Pancake Bakery, Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis (Pancake House), or Happy Pig Pancake House. Unlike their American counterparts, Dutch pancakes are thin and larger in diameter. They can be enjoyed with various savory toppings like cheese and ham, or the sweet variety with fruits and syrups. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait if you go in the late morning…Amsterdammers tend to get a late start and many breakfast places don’t even open until 9:00 am.
Next, embark on a romantic canal cruise. This classic Amsterdam experience offers a unique perspective of the city’s charming gabled houses and iconic landmarks. As you glide along the canals, learn about the city’s rich history and hidden gems from your friendly captain. There are many large canal boats that leave from near Amsterdam’s Centraal Station, but those aren’t very cozy, or romantic. For couples, I’d suggest a classic boat cruise with wine and cheese — because, why not? Better yet, book a private cruise, cuddle up under blankets and enjoy the scenery with a perfect view.
After your cruise, explore the charming Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes). This labyrinthine network of streets is a haven for shopping enthusiasts, with a plethora of independent boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores waiting to be discovered. While you are wandering, be sure to grab some fresh fries from Fabel Frites (you will know it from the queue out front) or try the freshly-baked cookies at Banketbakkerij Het Koekemannetje, it is hard to resist the sweet aroma wafting out into the street. Although, it does compete with the stinky (but yummy) cheeses from De Kaaskamer. Runstraat is a street filled with delicious treats!
By then you will be ready for a little downtime at the hotel! We loved our stay at the Andaz Amsterdam Prisengracht, with its central but quiet location, excellent staff, and large guest rooms. The Andaz also has a spa and even if you don’t book a treatment, you can still utilize the sauna to warm up and relax.
For dinner, you may want to try traditional Indonesian cuisine at Kantjil & De Tijger. Did you know that Indonesia was a Dutch colony (aka the Dutch East Indies)? Order the Rijsttafel menu, which translates to “rice table” in Dutch. This a celebratory Indonesian feast features a multitude of small plates served family-style and includes rice, vegetables, meat, seafood, condiments, and desserts.
If you are looking for a little nightlife, there are many pubs and bars in the city center, or you could try a pub crawl through the Red Light District.
Day 2: A Cultural Deep Dive
Start your day with a fabulous brunch at Collins West (or Little Collins in the De Pijp neighborhood.) Then it is time to dive deeper into Amsterdam’s cultural and historic attractions. If this is your first visit to Amsterdam, it is hard to leave without visiting to the Anne Frank House. While not romantic, this important site is a poignant reminder of the Holocaust’s horrors. You can both explore the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II, and gain a deeper understanding of this significant historical period. Just remember that these timed-entry tickets need to be booked weeks in advance.
Of course, it is understandable if that subject matter is a bit too heavy for a romantic getaway. Perhaps a stroll through the stunning Rijksmuseum for a morning immersed in Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, will better suit your romantic leanings. The nearby Van Gogh Museum is another must-visit for Van Gogh and impressionist enthusiasts.
After the museum, take a leisurely stroll through the Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest urban park. You may even want to rent a bike and explore the park’s scenic trails, or simply relax on the lush green grass and soak up the atmosphere. Just be careful if you try biking on the roads! Make sure to stay in the bike lane and follow the rules when it comes to signaling. And when walking around Amsterdam, always keep an eye out for bicycles and make sure you avoid stepping into or standing in the bike lane when you don’t have the walk signal.
In the afternoon, it is time for some more indulgences. I’d recommend the Jordaan District food tour with Eating Europe, which will let you explore one of Amsterdam’s hippest neighborhoods while filling up on local specialties. Of course, beer lovers may prefer checking out the Heineken Experience, while oenophiles enjoy a Dutch cheese tasting with wine.
And, if it isn’t legal where you live, or you just want to check out Amsterdam’s traditional coffee shop scene, there is always the guided Ganja walking tour.
Since you won’t be eager for an early dinner, take some time to shop along Kalverstraat in the city center where you will find many global brands and take a stroll through Rembrandtplein, which is a large square that is surrounded by bars and restaurants, and past the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market, where you can pick up some tulip souvenirs. If you want to bring back some hand-painted Delft pottery, look for one of the Heinen Delfts Blauw stores around town. The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is also a lovely shop (and museum), near the Anne Frank House, for tulip-related products and bulbs.
For dinner, treat yourselves to a fine dining experience at Jansz. This Modern Dutch restaurant offers an exquisite menu featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. For somewhere cozier, I’d also recommend booking a table at Smelt, the fondue restaurant a few streets away. There are many styles to choose from but the Dutch fondue is my favorite by far!
Amsterdam is a lovely choice for a romantic getaway. Looking for more romantic destinations in Europe? Try:
- Piemonte, Italy (for food and wine lovers!)
- Santorini or Naxos in Greece
- Biarritz, France on the Basque Coast
- or a luxury barge cruise in Burgundy or riverboat cruise in Bordeaux
Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.
