Are you looking for something fun and cute to do with your partner? Whether you’re planning a first date, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want to surprise your partner with something special, there are so many unique activities to discover. From candlelit concerts and foodie experiences to adventurous outdoor activities and cozy winter outings; this list is full of inspiration. On this page I’ve listed 20 romantic date ideas in the Netherlands. These activities, restaurants and hotels are great for couples. Consider it the bucket list of you two for the next months and keep the flame alive!
1 Candlelight Concert, several cities
For instant romance, surprise your partner with a Candlelight Concert. These intimate classical or modern music concerts are held in stunning locations decorated with hundreds of candles. You’ll find them in several cities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Eindhoven. The atmosphere is magical, perfect for a date night you won’t forget. Check the Fever website to see the upcoming events in your preferred city. Click here to see my video of a Candleight Concert.
2 Self guided food tour, Rotterdam
If you love good food (and enjoy exploring at your own pace), a self-guided food tour in Rotterdam is a great option. You walk through the city with a map or app and stop at several restaurants and cafés for tastings. It’s a delicious and relaxed way to experience the city together. Click here for my video of the self-guided food tour in Rotterdam.
3 Light Safari (in winter), Tilburg
During the winter months, Safaripark Beekse Bergen hosts its enchanting Light Safari. The park transforms into a magical world filled with illuminated animals, lights, sound effects, and colorful installations. It’s cozy, fun, and wonderfully atmospheric, ideal for a romantic winter date.
Year-round you can have a super romantic dinner at restaurant Nommos of the Safaripark Beekse Bergen. You enjoy a luxury dinner with a view of some of the beautiful animals of the park. You can also reserve your table if you’re not visiting the safari park.
4 Smaakverkenners, several cities
With Smaakverkenners, you go on a culinary route through a city of your choice. You stop at multiple restaurants for small bites and drinks. It’s perfect for couples who love to try new flavors and discover new restaurants in a playful, relaxed way. They’re active in several cities, like Zutphen, Deventer, Zwolle and Alkmaar. You can check my video here.
5 Cinema Culinair, several cities
A movie night, but elevated! Cinema Culinair lets you enjoy a film in which all food moments on screen are served to you at the exact same time. From Amsterdam to Rotterdam and Eindhoven, this event is an original date idea for foodies and movie lovers.
6 Food la Route, several cities
Food la Route turns a romantic walk into a gourmet experience. You visit multiple restaurants (usually three or four courses) in one afternoon, walking from one spot to the next. Great food, a bit of adventure, and a whole day of quality time.
7 Sunset walk on the beach, several cities
Pick Scheveningen, Zandvoort, Bloemendaal, or Domburg; nothing beats a romantic walk on the beach at sunset, followed by drinks at a beach bar. The Dutch beaches are quite beautiful with white sand and pretty dunes.
8 Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam
Wander through the lush greenhouses of the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It’s peaceful, warm, and beautiful, especially on darker, colder days.
9 Wine tasting at a Dutch Vineyard
Yes, the Netherlands has vineyards! Visit Wijngaard de Amsteltuin near Amstelveen, Apostelhoeve in Maastricht, or vineyards in Groesbeek for a romantic wine tasting.
10 Private Sauna or Spa Day
Relaxing together is romantic and recharging. Book a private sauna like Sauna Intense in Oosterhout (near Breda), or one of the many sauna’s in the Netherlands, like the one in Weesp (near Amsterdam and Utrecht). Don’t like being in the nude with others? Most Dutch sauna’s also have ‘badkledingdag’ (days where you wear your swimming suits). Sanadome in Nijmegen is always clothed.
11 Rent a boat in Giethoorn
Giethoorn is cliché – but in the best way possible. They call it the Venice of the Netherlands for a reason. Rent an electric whisper boat and glide through the canals while surrounded by charming thatched houses.
12 Visit a castle
Explore one of the castles of the Netherlands. One of my favorites is Kasteel de Haar, the most fairytale-like castle in the country. The gardens are ideal for a romantic stroll, and the interiors feel like stepping back in time. At Kasteel Steenenburg you can spend the night, it’s transformed to a beautiful hotel, also great for a romantic date!
13 Book a romantic hotel
There are several really romantic and unique hotels in the Netherlands. Click here for a list of the most romantic hotels in the Netherlands.
14 Dinner in the Dark
Several restaurants, including Ctaste Amsterdam, offer blind-tasting dinners where you eat in complete darkness. It’s intimate, fun, and surprisingly bonding.
15 Japanese Garden, The Hague
The Japanse Tuin (Japanese Garden) at Clingendael Park in the Hague only opens a few weeks each year, in spring and autumn. It’s peaceful, colorful, and perfect for a quiet romantic walk.
16 Take a pottery class, several cities
Try a ceramics workshop in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Eindhoven. You’ll make something beautiful and share a hands-on activity together. Click here for the video of the pottery class I took near Tilburg.
17 Christmas market, several cities
During December, Dutch cities like Valkenburg, Dordrecht, and Maastricht host cozy Christmas markets full of twinkling lights, mulled wine, and festive treats: ideal for a romantic winter outing. You can also visit German cities that are close to the Dutch border for great Christmas markets like Aachen near Maastricht.
18 Puzzelproeverij, several cities
Looking for something a little different? A Puzzelproeverij combines puzzles with food in a really fun way. Together you solve riddles and challenges, and with every correct answer you unlock your next dish. It’s playful, interactive, and perfect if you enjoy doing something active together instead of just sitting at a table. At the moment it’s only available in Dutch, but they’re working on an international version.
19 Blokhutboot, several cities
A Blokhutboot (cabin boat) is basically a cozy floating living room. You can rent one and cruise through the canals or lakes at your own pace, without needing a boating license. Bring your own snacks and drinks, play some music, and enjoy the view from the water. It’s relaxed, a bit unique, and surprisingly romantic. There are four places in the Netherlands where you can rent them.
20 Paind and sip, several cities
This is such a fun thing to do with your partner in the Netherlands! You paint your own painting with glow in the dark paint, and in the meantime you get bottomless wine (alcohol-free options are also available). They also have Clay and Sip workshops, where you sculpt something of your choice from air-dry clay, and then you paint it. Most of the workshops are in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. Check Rembrandt van Wine for all the workshops and locations.
