Valentine's Day in Netherlands 2024: The Ultimate Guide

Valentine’s Day in Netherlands 2024: The Ultimate Guide

The Netherlands makes for an incredibly romantic Valentine’s Day destination. Its world-famous tulip fields burst into bloom early each year, painting the landscape in dazzling colors. Historic windmills dot lush green countryside, next to quaint villages with lovely brick houses. The charming capital city of Amsterdam boasts iconic scenes like canal-side townhouses and bridges that are perfect for couples. With a Netherlands Tourist Visa, you can spend Valentine’s Day in Netherlands 2024 with your special one.

How to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Netherlands 2024

1). Visit the Iconic Keukenhof Tulip Gardens

No Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands is complete without a visit to the breathtaking 79-acre Keukenhof Gardens. Situated close to Amsterdam, it’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens and most iconic Dutch attractions.

Every spring, over seven million flower bulbs blossom here creating dazzling displays. The tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more bloom in a spectacular range of vibrant hues. Meander hand-in-hand with your loved one down these flowering mosaic art paths, sparkling water features and green trees. 

Don’t leave without seeing the willow tree forest and windmill within the gardens either. And be sure to snap lots of colorful couple selfies together. 

Good to know: Due to its popularity, advance online ticket booking is highly recommended. Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends. Bring good walking shoes!

Also see, 11 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam – Guide for UK travellers

2). Explore Picturesque Dutch Towns

Beyond Amsterdam, escapading to some of the most charming Dutch towns makes for fantastic romantic Valentine’s Day trips. Quaint houses, canals, museums, cafés and flowers abound these scenic locations. Take romantic walks in Netherlands this Valentine’s Day with your special one.

  • Haarlem: Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem oozes historic charm. Wander Canal Street hand-in-hand, enjoy lunch at a waterside café or check out top museums. Don’t miss the iconic St Bavo Church here either.
  • Leiden: Soak up gorgeous canal-side scenery in this vibrant university city. Catch your beloved’s smile lighting up at the sight of antique gabled houses, blossoms, courtyards and quirky boutiques.
  • Delft: With lovely canals, special Delft Blue Pottery shops plus the renowned Old Church and town hall, Delft sets hearts aflutter. You can stroll the narrow cobblestone streets or stop for Belgian fries at Markt Square.
  • Edam & Volendam: For an authentic Dutch village escape, head north to the charming Edam. It is famed for Edam Balls cheese and cute tree-lined streets. Nearby Volendam is another darling fishing town, with sweet cafés ideal for lovers.

Wherever your Dutch wanderlust takes you both, beautiful scenery is sure to ignite romance. 

Top tip: Hire bicycles together to best explore any Dutch town or village while soaking up the fresh air and sights. The countryside lanes are mostly flat and perfect for casual rides amidst those vibrant flower fields too!

3). Go on Romantic Valentine’s Day cruises in Netherlands 2024

Romantic Valentine’s Day cruises in Netherlands 2024

A classic canal cruise in the Dutch capital Amsterdam makes for an iconic romantic Valentine’s Day activity. Cruise under lovely bridges as 17th century gabled canal houses pass you by.

Many cruises have dining options too. Sip champagne together as you glide past the city’s iconic sights like the Anne Frank House, bustling Dam Square, Royal Palace and Magere Brug (“Skinny Bridge”).

As evening falls, the canal views become even more enchanting when bridges and housefronts are illuminated. Snuggle up with your sweetheart on your private canal love boat adventure.

Good to know: Booking advance tickets online for canal cruises is wise. Check cruise timings and options like small private boats, dinner/lunch cruises or hop-on-hop-off all day cruises. Many departure points available.

Also see, 7-Days Travel Itinerary for the Netherlands- Fun Holiday in Europe

4). Indulge in traditional Dutch Valentine’s Day customs

Exchanging cute Valentine’s cards, roses, chocolates or other gifts with your loved one is a beguiling Dutch tradition. Here are some gift ideas to spark joy this Valentine’s Day in Netherlands 2024:

  • Handwritten romantic cards
  • Beautiful red roses or tulips bouquet
  • Sweet teddy bear hugging a heart
  • Champagne, chocolates and cake
  • Couples massage voucher
  • Personalized photo book of your memories
  • Matching bracelets, keychains or t-shirts
  • Tickets to a concert, play or event
  • Romantic weekend getaway package

Have your special gift delivered to your hotel room to surprise your partner. Or visit an intimate Dutch boutique florist, card or gift shop together to exchange presents.

Wherever you celebrate Valentine’s Day in Netherlands, exchanging tokens of love makes the occasion even more special.

Top tip: Check out Etsy online for adorable Dutch-themed Valentine’s cards, locally designed personalized Valentine’s gifts in Netherlands to bring home wonderful romantic memories from the Netherlands. Ensure to apply Netherlands Visa from UK to avoid end-time hassle during your travel. 

5). Indulge in Delectable Chocolates

The Netherlands’ confectionary like chocolate truffles, bars and bonbons make winning Valentine’s Day gifts or self-treats too.

The country is famed for its incredible chocolate boutique stores, workshops and factories. Treat your sweet-toothed darling to decadent Dutch chocolate boxes, artisanal pralines from cute cafes, or go on a divine chocolate-themed couples’ tour.

Some of Amsterdam’s best spots for sublime artisanal chocolate tasting experiences include Chocolate Brandstore, Puccini Bomboni and Metropolitan Deli. Or visit the quaint seaside town of Zandvoort aan Zee where a lovely chocolate factory called Delica is situated. 

Whether you’re looking for ethically sourced cocoa delights, alcohol-infused pralines or cute personalized heart-shaped chocolates, the Netherlands won’t disappoint. So, why wait? Apply for Netherlands Visa UK today!

Insider tip: Check individual shop websites for bespoke Valentine’s chocolate gift boxes and experiences to indulge in together. Advance booking may be required.

6). Book a Stay at a Charming Dutch Country House

Book a Stay at a Charming Dutch Country House

For the ultimate romantic Valentine’s break, book an idyllic country cottage or village house stay amidst the blooming Dutch countryside. It is certainly is one of the top unique Valentine’s Day experiences in Netherlands.

Wake up to chirping birds, step out into colorful flower meadows or orchards. You can enjoy breakfast picnics for two and countryside cycling trips or walks. Many country houses also have crackling fireplaces and cute courtyard gardens perfect for snuggling with your sweetheart over a bottle of fine local wine.

Bollenstreek region has clusters of dreamy countryside cottages and farmhouses surrounded by those world-famous flower fields and attractions like Keukenhof.

Noordwijk aan Zee on the coast also combines charming houses with relaxing beach walks. You can escape close to Amsterdam at sweet little Zaanse Schans village with windmills, cottages and chocolate shops.

Wherever you stay, a quintessential Dutch country house stay promises Valentine’s magic. 

Insider tip: Search sites like VRBO Vacation Home Rentals and Airbnb for country houses and farmsteads to find your ideal romantic lodging.

7). Have an Intimate Valentine’s Day Dinner

Wining and dining with your darling at a romantic restaurant is a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Netherlands 2024.

Amsterdam is full of intimate bistros and candlelit restaurants serving everything from gourmet Dutch fare to European fine dining. Book your table in advance. Waterfront and old town locations set the mood beautifully. Signature cocktails, oysters and chocolate desserts make it perfect for loving couples.

For fabulous seafood dinners, head to charming harbor towns like Volendam where the catch is fresh daily. Cozy area restaurants serve dishes like local mussels, sea bass and lobster by candlelight.

Country villages in tulip region such as Bollenstreek or coastal spots like Katwijk have delightful farm-to-table restaurants. Dine on seasonal fare in a rustic barn or greenhouse restaurant gazing out at pastoral views.

Wherever you choose, tantalize your taste buds as well as your heart strings this Valentine’s Day with amazing Dutch cuisine and hospitality.

Top dining tip: Make reservations in advance for popular Valentine’s Day spots. Set the romantic tone by dressing up nicely and exchanging small thoughtful gifts over dinner.

8). Attend Valentine’s Day Cultural Events Netherlands 2024

Valentine’s Day 2024 offers some fabulous Dutch events beyond romantic sightseeing for couples visiting the Netherlands.

Amsterdam has vibrant club nights, singles mingle, cheeky burlesque shows, anti-Valentine’s comedy acts and more for a fun night out.

City daytime festivals happen around Valentine’s weekend, like the stunning Bloemencorso flower parades in early spring. Bring your beloved to applause thousands of tulips and daffodils that artistically float by.

Check out local Dutch tourism event listings for more unique happenings. From wine/cheese/chocolate pairing workshops to costume balls, discover cultural delights with your sweetheart.

Insider tip: For Bloemencorso parade dates and routes in different cities, see Tourism Netherlands’ event listings online. Reserve your seats or standing area early along the parade pathways for best views.

9). Practical Dutch Travel Planning Tips for Valentine Day

To culminate our guide, here are some handy Netherlands Valentine’s Day trip planning tips:

  • Make accommodation bookings months in advance – by at least early January – for best rates, availability and locations.
  • Transport/data – Book rental cars and local Netherlands SIM cards for your phones in advance online too.
  • Purchase Keukenhof and major attraction entry tickets online early via official websites.
  • Pack warm clothes – Netherlands weather differs by region but February tends to be cold.
  • Handy apps to download include XBorder app (public transport tips), Museumkaart (free entry to Dutch museums) and Google maps.

We hope this guide has given you fantastic ideas and tips to plan your romantic Valentine’s Day 2024 in the Netherlands. With iconic tulips, villages quaint cafés, canal cruises and more, these Dutch delights will have you falling deeper in love.

Book your Netherlands Visa Appointment in advance to embrace wanderlust and adventure together this Valentine’s season. Have a wonderful trip!

FAQs

What type of clothing should I pack for my trip to the Netherlands in February?

Pack warm clothes, as the weather in the Netherlands in February tends to be cold, and temperatures can vary by region.

What are some romantic activities to do in Dutch towns for Valentine’s Day?

For a romantic Valentine’s Day, consider exploring picturesque Dutch towns like Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Edam, and Volendam. Enjoy hand-in-hand walks, visit museums, and dine at waterside cafés. Hiring bicycles is a great way to explore these charming locations together.

How can we experience a romantic canal cruise in Amsterdam for Valentine’s Day 2024?

Book a romantic canal cruise in Amsterdam to enjoy iconic views of gabled houses and bridges. Opt for advance ticket booking online to secure your spot on a cruise that offers dining options, such as champagne sipping or dinner cruises, for a memorable Valentine’s Day experience.

What are some traditional Dutch Valentine’s Day gift ideas?

Traditional Dutch Valentine’s Day gifts include handwritten romantic cards, bouquets of red roses or tulips, teddy bears, champagne, chocolates, couples massage vouchers, personalized photo books, matching accessories, and tickets to concerts or events. Visiting a Dutch boutique florist or gift shop together can add a personal touch to your gift exchange.

Where is a unique place to stay for a romantic Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands?

For a unique Valentine’s Day stay, book a charming Dutch country house or cottage in the countryside, such as in the Bollenstreek region or near the coast at Noordwijk aan Zee. These accommodations offer a romantic setting with picturesque views, ideal for a memorable celebration. Use platforms like VRBO or Airbnb to find your perfect romantic lodging.

img
Book appointment now