What to do on a rainy day in Amsterdam? Of course, we’d prefer to spend the entire day on a nice terrace at one of our favorite restaurants, but Dutch weather often doesn’t allow that. If you still want to go out, rain or shine, then discover the most enjoyable activities in Amsterdam for a rainy day.
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To do in Amsterdam on a rainy day
When the weather is bad, the question often arises: what to do in Amsterdam when it rains? We understand the struggle and are happy to help you out. Because, let’s be honest, there are plenty of options and fun activities in Amsterdam for a rainy day, but when it’s raining, it can be difficult to think of them. So, it’s time for an overview: these are the best to do’s in Amsterdam on a rainy day.
Museum visit
If Amsterdam is known for anything, it’s for its excellent museums, which we believe are the perfect answer to the question ‘what to do in Amsterdam when it rains.’ Of course, a visit to the Rijksmuseum is a must, but definitely also explore: Foam Photography Museum, NEMO Science Museum, The Cat Cabinet (a hit for cat lovers), STRAAT (impressive in Amsterdam-Noord), NXT Museum (digital-first museum in Amsterdam-Noord), and Micropia.
Game cafe
Besides visiting one of Amsterdam’s unique museums, we can’t think of a better way to spend your time than at a board game café. The TonTon Club, Mooie Boules (boules with drinks and snacks – what more could you want), and Festina Lente provide plenty of entertainment for a rainy day in Amsterdam. So, wondering what to do on a rainy day in Amsterdam? You’ve got your answers now.
High Tea
At the Amstel Hotel, you can enjoy the now-famous Afternoon High Tea. But you can also go to The Duchess, the Conservatorium Hotel, and The Grand Hotel, where you can indulge in an extensive and super-chic afternoon with tea and special treats. It’s a good idea to book in advance to secure your spot.
Boat tour
Is there anything cozier than viewing Amsterdam from the water when it rains? We don’t think so, and we consider a covered canal cruise the best answer to the question ‘what to do in Amsterdam when it rains?’. You can book a canal cruise through operators like Lovers and Get Your Guide.
Movie theatre
Going to the movies is an obvious option for a rainy day in Amsterdam. Still, you can make it memorable by visiting one of Amsterdam’s unique art-house movie theatres. The Movies, Kriterion, FC Hyena, Lab113, Eye, and Studio/K are just a few from the selection and are worth a visit. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, head to De Foodhallen Amsterdam. There, you can enjoy the unique delicacies from various food stands and settle down for the latest films in their cinema at the Filmhallen.
Spa and wellness
We don’t have to think twice when looking for an answer to the question, ‘what to do on a rainy day in Amsterdam?’. It’s loud and clear: when autumn hits, we want to spend our days at a spa. Amsterdam is known for numerous spas and wellness centers. An old favorite is Spa Zuiver, but the spa at the Conservatorium Hotel is also highly recommended, as is the W Away Spa at the W Hotel. If you’re looking for something more low-key, Massage Number 1 on Singel (in the heart of Amsterdam) is a great choice; for a small price, you can get a back and shoulder or foot massage. Additionally, Sauna Deco is a well-known establishment among Amsterdam locals. The place, designed in art-deco style, offers various saunas and steam baths.
Follow a creative course
A rainy day in Amsterdam gets better when you embark on something creative. At CREA in Amsterdam-Oost, you can take the most enjoyable courses in any field, from theater to dance to music. Located near Westerpark, you’ll find sewing cafe De Steek, where you can take various sewing courses for beginners and advanced learners. If you’d instead rather break a sweat, indulge in sculpting at Klei Atelier Patty Schilder, described as one of Amsterdam’s most fun clay ateliers.
At this point it should be obvious that Amsterdam is always a fun place to visit, despite the weather. So answering ‘what to do in Amsterdam on a rainy day’ isn’t a challenging task, not anymore!
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
