Romance in Amsterdam...where to go/what to do
May 29th, 2002, 03:24 AM
#1
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Romance in Amsterdam...where to go/what to do
Hi,<BR>We will be in Amsterdam for 2 weeks in July. What do other love-birds do in Amsterdam? We've done the canal tour, and we've sat outside cafes...but now we need suggestions to add to our grand plan. On our list are museum visits, Vondelpark, but what would YOU do if you only had this short time alone with the love of your life?<BR>Thanks a bunch!
May 29th, 2002, 04:50 AM
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HI Jane,<BR><BR>If you are in the area for a while, I highly recommend a brief stay at a small B&B in Haarlem (a quick train ride from Ams) called the Spaarne 8. Two rooms only, try to get the one with the bath. A wonderful secluded little place to stay and is the height of romance and pampering. www.spaarne8.com The webiste describes the place in very good detail. <BR><BR>Other than that, romance is just stumbled upon ,whether you are looking for it or not: walking along the canals at night, candlelit brown-cafe`s, frittes in mayonnaise. 
<BR><BR>Enjoy! <BR><BR>Terra<BR><BR><BR>
<BR><BR>Enjoy! <BR><BR>Terra<BR><BR><BR>
May 31st, 2002, 08:26 AM
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<BR>Hello, Jane. Here's a list of the romantic things I'd recommend in Amsterdam:<BR><BR>Sit on the benches by the canals watching the world float by, and listen out for the gorgeous church carillons. At night I find it particularly magical when all the little lights illuminate the bridges.<BR><BR>Ask your hotel staff on your first day if they can lend you a big vase, then go to the Flower Market on the Singel or any flower shop and get a big bouquet for your room.<BR><BR>Lean on bridges for great, dreamy views. Again, night time is most spectacular.<BR><BR>Yes, the Vondelpark is great for some romantic strolling.<BR><BR>Check if the Muziektheater at Waterlooplein has a ballet on. We once saw Sleeping Beauty there and it was marvellous.<BR><BR>Our favourite romantic restaurants: Garlic Queen for unbelievably good food, decor, service and atmosphere, and Banana Rama for Philippino food. Their lighting, like nearly every good bar and resaurant in the city, is gorgeous. How come the Dutch are SO good at lighting? <BR><BR>IF you are interested in coffeeshops, Dutch Flowers on the Singel has a fantastic canalside setting. The window seat has a great view, yet again, especially at night!<BR><BR>I know you've done the canal boat ride, but do it again by night with good Dutch chocolates, like those from Jordino on Haarlemmerdijk or Puccini on Staalstraat or the Singel. We usually do one late ride around 9.30/10.00 in the dark and one around 5.30/6.00 while it's still light per trip! It's one of our all-time favourite romantic experiences!<BR><BR>Enjoy your visit.
Jun 2nd, 2002, 11:32 AM
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<BR>Dear Terra,<BR><BR>I had a good look at the website for Spaarne8 in Haarlem. Thank you very much for the tip. Although it is way too expensive for me right now, I will certainly keep it in mind for the future when I MAY be better off and I MAY have found the partner of my dreams. It is a VERY classy, very special place indeed. I've been to Haarlem before and I really like the town. Thanks again.<BR><BR>And, Danny, I loved your tips on romantic experiences in Amsterdam. Thank you very much too. I'll try some out, again once I've found that special person, of course!
Jun 25th, 2002, 05:24 AM
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<BR>It's so refreshing to read this thread as Paris is usually the European destination being touted as the most romantic, followed by Venice. While I found Venice to be incredibly romantic, I've been to Paris three times, and didn't find it as romantic as the hype makes it out to be. Sure, it's grand and full of fascinating places to visit, but the romance factor wasn't nearly as high for me as Venice...and, indeed, Amsterdam, which I'd personally put on a par with Venice in the romance stakes. <BR><BR>All this has got me to thinking what makes certain places romantic. I think one ingredient has to do with the size of a place, in terms of cities and towns, that is. Both Venice and Amsterdam are fairly small, and that cosy feeling is tangible. Also, I find these two places to be pretty quiet for cities. Is that because of the water traffic outweighing road traffic? Again, that relative tranquility makes for a more romantic vibe, I think.<BR><BR>Then there's scale; I mean, the size of buildings, monuments, houses, and their design. Grandeur seems to me to be more Parisian, and that makes more for awe than romance (again, I must emphasise this is just my opinion). <BR><BR>Do other posters have any thoughts on this subject? I'd be very interested to read about what it is, for you, that makes certain places romantic.<BR><BR>Yours,<BR>Paul
Jun 29th, 2002, 03:56 AM
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I agree with Paul. Paris is spectacular, but for me it's somehow too vast and crazy to be as romantic as its reputation. I also found Venice, and also Prague, far more romantic.<BR><BR>As for Amsterdam, like Nutella, I seem to have left my heart behind there too. It was last seen on the back of a bicycle heading for the Vondelpark... (Take a picnic rug and some wine, and enjoy!)
Jun 29th, 2002, 06:49 AM
#20
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I am with Paul and Janine on this one. Amsterdam has to be my all-time favourite romantic city. I too love Venice and Prague for Romance, and would add Budapest, Rome and Brugges WAY before Paris. Where and from whom did its reputation for ultra-romance originate anyway? Don't get me wrong - I like Paris for its wealth of culture, history and architecture. I just don't find it PARTICULARLY romantic.
