How to Spend a Romantic Valentines’ Day in Amsterdam

There are plenty of ways to amp up the romance in this Dutch city.

With its numerous canals and bridges and stately lost-in-time architecture, Amsterdam gives Venice a run for its money as a Valentine's Day location. Here are some suggestions for adding to the romance.

Get on the Canals

A stroll around the canals at night, with their twinkling lights, is a atmospheric enough, but if you want to up the romance, a private boat tour is the way to go—particularly if you hire a vintage craft courtesy of Private Boat Tours.

Stylish Meals

In the stylish surroundings of &Samhoud Places, you can enjoy lovely waterfront city views while Michelin-starred chef Moshik Roth serves up his seriously seductive brand of molecular cuisine. Or enjoy a Mediterranean feast in the stunning conservatory setting at Kas, where all the organic, seasonal ingredients are grown onsite.

Art Deco Cinema

Book a 'loge package' at the Tuschinski, a beautifully preserved Art Deco cinema from the golden age of the movies. The package includes a plush loveseat for two, plus a drink and snack.

Sophisticated Cocktails

For a Valentine's Day toast, sip a Victoria's Secret at Vesper Bar, or a Little Miss Trouble at Tales & Spirits—two of Amsterdam's best cocktail bars when it comes to drinks and ambience.

Out-of-the-Box Chocolates

Puccini Bomboni's chocolates, possible the city's best, are handmade in the kitchen of their Staalstraat shop, and come in a variety of exotic flavors like lemongrass and rhubarb. If it's chic presentation you're after, Huize van Wely has the edge—it looks more like a jeweler's than a chocolate shop.

Farm-Fresh Flowers

It's easy to stock up on roses almost anywhere in town—the Flower Market being the obvious place to go. But for something extra special, head for Gerda's Bloemen, a wonderful designer florist in the trendy Nine Streets.

Jane Szita is on the Netherlands beat for Travel + Leisure. She lives in Amsterdam.

There are plenty of ways to amp up the romance in this Dutch city.