Couple embracing in the rain in Amsterdam

Things to do in Amsterdam when it Rains

Boutique shopping, café culture, world-class art/pipe/tulip/canal museums and other things to do during an Amsterdam downpour.
By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

Amsterdam is beautiful inside and out, meaning there’s still plenty of fun to be had when the heavens open and it’s just too damp to cruise the canals or whiz along slippery cobbled lanes on your bike. So don your wellies and mac and dive into our list of all the best things to do in Amsterdam when it rains…

The Best Rainy Day Museums in Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for ways to wait out an Amsterdam cloudburst, the city's glut of fine museums and galleries should be your first port of call. There are around 75 of the things across the city, a fine testament to Amsterdam’s cultural and historical impact, especially when you consider its relatively diminutive size as European capitals go. Here are some you definitely shouldn’t miss…
 

The Rijksmuseum

A Dutch icon and no mistake, the Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, and also its largest, housing an epic collection that focuses strongly on (no surprises here) Dutch art, and particularly the Dutch Golden Age (1588–1672). The quality of the collection is astounding, covering nearly 800 years and starring instantly recognizable pieces including The Milkmaid by Vermeer, Self-Portrait by van Gogh and – the museum’s crowning glory – Rembrandt’s masterpiece The Night Watch. Major European artists like Rubens, El Greco and Tintoretto are also represented, as well as international sculpture, furniture, textiles and pottery.

The Van Gogh Museum

Sunflowers in front of street sign for the Van Gogh Museum

If Post-Impressionism is your thang (and specifically Post-Impression of the sunflowers, self portrait, wheatfields and starry skies variety), then the Van Gogh Museum is for you. Containing some 1,300 of the maestro’s paintings, drawings and letters, this is the largest van Gogh collection anywhere on the planet. Highlights include Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom, and Self-Portrait as a Painter. 

The Anne Frank House

Museums don’t come much more moving than the house where the Frank family hid out during World War II. Visitors can enter the secret annex described in Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl. This unassuming extension of the canalfront warehouse on Prinsengracht now houses an exhibition exploring the Nazi persecution of Jews and the Holocaust, viewed through the lens of Anne’s harrowing diaries. Booking – especially on rainy days – is recommended.

The Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt van Rijn was just a moderately successful jobbing painter and etcher when he lived on Jodenbreestraat in the mid-17th-century. Now, nearly 400 years later you, dear reader, can wander the very rooms in which the man who became the icon of the Dutch Golden Age once ate, worked and slept. Interiors have been painstakingly recreated to period standards, with carefully curated 17th-century furnishings to match. You can also ogle a near-complete collection of Rembrandt etchings here, as well as relics including his funeral medallion and pots he used to mix clay and quartz when preparing canvases. Paintings by Dutch contemporaries including Ferdinand Bol and Pieter Lastman also adorn the walls.

Rainy Day Shopping (and Eating) in Amsterdam

Souvenir painted clogs in Amsterdam

The heavens have opened, the canals have turned an unappealing brown, and the streets are awash with torrents of rainwater. What better way to boost your spirits than with a bit of traditional Dutch therapy? We’re talking shopping, café culture and delectable Dutch pancakes…

Negen Straatjes (or Nine Streets to non-native speakers) is a compact canal-straddling city center neighborhood that’s chock-full of upscale shopping and dining opportunities. Grab your pocket poncho, umbrella and credit cards and immerse yourself in a rainy-day paradise of perfumeries, chic boutiques, old-fashioned chocolatiers and jewelry stores. Choose from more than 400 cheeses (including dozens of Dutch varieties) at Kaaskamer, get your caffeine fix at Screaming Beans, and satisfy even the sweetest tooth at the Wonka-esque Chocolaterie Pompadour. Hay is where it's at for funky home accessories while Rain Couture’s contribution to staying stylish in bad weather can not be understated.

Mmmm... Pancakes!

Pancakes with fresh fruit and syrup

All that (wet) pavement-pounding deserves a substantial lunch and, while there are plenty of super-smart fine-dining joints to choose from in Negen Straatjes, we favor a cozier environment and comfort food as befits the gloomy weather. Try the self-explanatory Pancakes Amsterdam on Berenstraat for a taste of the good stuff, or strike out for the city’s popular bruin cafés (brown cafés), so called for their traditional wood-paneling and frequently smoke-stained ceilings. Some of the best brown cafés date back decades, if not centuries, and provide great spots to shelter with coffee and a slice of appeltaart. Try stalwarts like Café 't Smalle, Café Slijterij Oosterling and Café de Wetering for the win.

More Things to do in Amsterdam when in Rains

A cat in sunglasses drinking a cocktail

There are dozens more Amsterdam attractions to help keep you occupied on rainy days. Beer lovers will be in clover at the world-famous Heineken Brewery, where tours include an introduction to the brewing process and – crucially – a refreshing taste of the amber nectar. Or you could catch a movie at the delightful Tuschinski Theater, a stunning Art Deco and Art Nouveau edifice that’s beloved of locals for both its extraordinary architecture and its ultra-plush cinema seats.

Dodge the downpours in some of Amsterdam’s more quirky museums. The Nxt Museum, a vast industrial space that immerses visitors in thrilling audio-visual projections, has to be experienced to be believed. Then there’s the bafflingly surreal Kattenkabinet, which commemorates a cat named John Pierpont Morgan by way of dozens of kitty-related paintings, prints and other weird ephemera including – you guessed it – bad cat taxidermy. Peruse the private pipe collection of someone who clearly really really likes smoking at the Amsterdam Pipe Museum, get your fix of floral fragrances at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, and experience the wonderful world of Amsterdam’s canal system – but indoors – at the fascinating Museum of the Canals.

Want More Amsterdam Rainy Day Ideas?

Friends drinking beer together

Don’t let a little rain dampen your sightseeing spirits! The Amsterdam pass from Go City includes entry to several of the indoor attractions mentioned in this article (plus a few outdoor activities too!) and could save you up to 50% on standard entry prices. Among the dozens of attractions, tours and activities included on the Amsterdam pass are the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Experience, Madame Tussauds, a canal sightseeing cruise, and the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Find out more and choose your perfect pass by clicking on the buttons below…

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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amsterdam couple
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Things to do in Amsterdam For Couples

Taking that special someone to Amsterdam for a vacation? Good choice! One of Europe's most picturesque cities, there are plenty of things for couples to do there! No need to do your own research because we've done it all for you! Here are our picks for the best things to do in Amsterdam for couples! Including: Leg-stretching strolls Waterbound sights Museums galore Windmill wonders Tony's chocolate factory and more! And those were our picks for things to do in Amsterdam for couples! See them all in one fell swoop with an Amsterdam attraction pass!
Dom Bewley
Amsterdam canal houses and bridge reflected in a still canal
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Things to do in Amsterdam

One of the most renowned cities in Europe, Amsterdam is known the world over for its wealth of unparalleled cultural, historical and social hubs. All manner of visitors flock to the Dutch capital to walk in the footsteps of world-famous artists, explore streets and squares brimming with character and to cash in on some of the best nightlife on the continent. Unlike many other seasonal destinations, Amsterdam manages to deliver some of the most engaging activities and attractions year-round. Whether you're an art aficionado or a beer connoisseur, you'll find that there's never any shortage of great things to do in Amsterdam. Museums & Art Galleries Rijksmuseum One of the most important museums in both the Netherlands and indeed Europe as a whole, the Rijksmuseum stands as the largest museum in Amsterdam. Dominating the popular Museumplein, the museum is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, most notably for its striking Renaissance- and Gothic-inspired architecture. The grand halls of the Rijksmuseum are home to a vast collection of art pieces and historical artifacts, illustrating the art and history of the Netherlands from the Dutch Golden Age to present day. Among its more than 8,000-strong collection are priceless pieces from such renowned Dutch artists as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the former’s famous Night Watch painting. Amsterdam Museum Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history. Van Gogh Museum Having lived and worked in the Netherlands throughout his life, it’s only fitting that Amsterdam’s most significant art gallery be dedicated to the world’s most famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Just a brief walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum stands as the most complete permanent collection of the Dutch painter’s works. Among the gallery’s vast collection of permanent exhibits are over 200 original paintings and 500 drawings from the Post-Impressionist artist, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of his contemporaries. The museum is separated chronologically into five periods, each exploring a different key period in his life and work. Anne Frank House Easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Once the original house in which the famous wartime diarist evaded German capture, the building now serves as a museum documenting her family’s more than two years in hiding, along with sobering insights into Jewish persecution under the Nazi regime throughout the Second World War. Located on the outer banks of Amsterdam’s canal band, visitors can explore the former premises of the Frank family business, most notably the original concealed annex in which they managed to remain in hiding. While the rooms of the property now sit empty of original furniture, they still breathe the chilling atmosphere of the period. Outdoor Spaces ARTIS Royal Zoo One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden. Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection. Vondelpark For a brief escape from the bustling streets of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés. Westerpark Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year. Keukenhof Park If you happen to visit Amsterdam during the spring, then you should definitely consider a trip to the nearby town of Lisse. Only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam, Lisse is home to Keukenhof Park, sometimes known as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find the Netherlands’ best display of tulips and other flowers punctuated by the ever so iconic Dutch windmills. Getting Around Bike Rental Home to more bicycles than people, Amsterdam is a city literally built for cycling. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. What’s more, it doesn’t get much more authentically Dutch than exploring the capital on your own pair of wheels. If you’d like to make your visit a more active one, then you can pick up a bike at one of the many rental shops spread throughout the city. You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €10/day at most shops, while some may also offer weekly or hourly packages. Once you’re up and running, why not choose one of the city’s many stunning routes to follow for the day? Canal Boats While Amsterdam’s labyrinth of canals are certainly pretty to look at and make for a fantastic photo op, they also offer a brilliant alternative means of exploring the city. The capital’s huge boating industry comprises countless companies offering all manner of excursions through the canals. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Amsterdam, then a hop-on, hop-off boat ride could be the ideal transportation for you. But where the city’s boating industry arguably shines brightest is in its specialist canal tours, offering visitors an overview of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, complete with audio commentary to provide unique insights into their cultural and historical significance. Retail Therapy Magna Plaza Housed within the elegant Neo-Gothic halls of a former nineteenth-century post office, the Magna Plaza is a relatively small shopping center oozing with character and class. Among its various outlets are a number of fashion retailers, along with places to buy unique souvenirs and a host of other miscellaneous vendors. Kalverpassage Standing as a commercial through route between Heiligeweg and Kalverstraat, the Kalverpassage offers a wholly modern shopping experience. Natural light flows from the glass ceilings throughout the mini mall, illuminating its many specialty boutiques, food outlets and art installations. The design of the space allows for those interested to shop at their leisure and those simply passing through to do so without obstruction. De Bijenkorf At the beating heart of Amsterdam, De Bijenkorf – ‘The Beehive’ in English – is the Netherland’s most renowned premium department store. Established in 1870, the venue showcases the highest standard of quality throughout the stores in its roster. Luxury is the operative word here, with its five floors of outlets simply brimming with class and style. Nightlife & Entertainment Heineken Experience Historic home to one of the world’s most iconic beer brands, Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience takes visitors on a unique behind-the-scenes journey through the production and history of the popular pilsner. The tour guides beer fans through various aspects of the brewing process, from product innovation to the brand’s light-hearted marketing efforts, before rounding off with a refreshing tasting session. Bars & Clubs Europe’s most famous city for hedonistic pleasures gains its reputation largely from its bustling nightlife scene. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd, particularly around this period. Specialty Venues Few things complement a rainy day better than a steaming cup of coffee, a slice of homemade cake and an expansive collection of family favorite board games. That’s exactly the niche on which Checkpoint Charlie capitalizes. Its cozy aesthetic is bolstered by its sociable table layout, along with a variety of books and board games for customers to enjoy. The venue also hosts intimate gigs from international acts toward the end of the week. A number of venues throughout Amsterdam offer a similarly jovial atmosphere, with somewhat more of a specialty focus. Mooie Boules, for example, gives visitors the chance to sink a few beers and chat while watching or even playing a few games of classic French boules on the impressive sand pitch at its center.
Robert Heaney
Interior of the Rijksmuseum Research Library
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Indoor Activities in Amsterdam

The Netherlands’ famous capital is lauded for its wealth of fantastic social and cultural hubs, its streets simply overflowing with individual character both inside and out. While you’re sure to find yourself wanting to explore each nook and cranny of Amsterdam’s canals and open squares, that’s only half the experience. You’ll find many of the city’s best attractions and activities hidden away indoors, often serving as the perfect escape from the country’s notorious weather. From retracing the steps of Dutch history to indulging in local delicacies, below are some of the best indoor activities in Amsterdam to throw into your itinerary. Museums Rijksmuseum Amsterdam’s famous Rijksmuseum is not only the largest museum in the city, but also one of the most important throughout both the Netherlands and Europe as a whole. Dominating the popular Museumplein area, the museum is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in the Dutch capital, most notably for its striking Renaissance- and Gothic-inspired architecture. The grand halls of the Rijksmuseum are home to a vast collection of art pieces and historical artifacts, illustrating the art and history of the Netherlands from the Dutch Golden Age to the present day. Among its more than 8,000-strong collection are priceless pieces from such renowned Dutch artists as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the former’s famous Night Watch painting. Amsterdam Museum Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history. Anne Frank House Easily the most highly visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Once the original house in which the famous wartime diarist evaded German capture, the building now serves as a museum documenting her family’s more than two years in hiding, along with sobering insights into Jewish persecution under the Nazi regime throughout the Second World War. Located on the outer banks of Amsterdam’s canal band, visitors can explore the former premises of the Frank family business, most notably the original concealed annex in which the family remained in hiding. While the rooms of the property now sit empty of original furniture, they still breathe the chilling atmosphere of the period. Art Galleries Van Gogh Museum Having lived and worked in the Netherlands throughout his life, it’s only fitting that Amsterdam’s most significant art gallery be dedicated to the world’s most famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Just a brief walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum stands as the most complete permanent collection of the Dutch painter’s works. Among the gallery’s vast collection of permanent exhibits are over 200 original paintings and 500 drawings from the Post-Impressionist artist, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of his contemporaries. The museum is separated chronologically into five periods, each exploring a different key period in his life and work. MOCO Museum With Amsterdam’s vast wealth of impressive artworks dating back throughout the centuries, it’s easy to overlook the works of more modern visionaries. That’s exactly what the MOCO Museum aims to remedy. Short for Modern Contemporary Museum, this modern art hub sits just next door to the Van Gogh Museum, showcasing more modern media to parallel Amsterdam’s established masterpieces. The MOCO Museum showcases a wide range of contemporary media and artworks, allowing visitors to explore both modern master works and the talented pieces of upcoming artists. Popular among the museum’s collection are various interactive installations, an ever-changing sculpture garden and a number of iconic pieces from the likes of Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. Entertainment Heineken Experience Historic home to one of the world’s most iconic beer brands, Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience takes visitors on a unique behind-the-scenes journey through the production and history of the popular pilsner. The tour guides beer fans through various aspects of the brewing process, from product innovation to the brand’s light-hearted marketing efforts, before rounding off with a refreshing tasting session. De Hallen This multipurpose cultural and culinary center make for the perfect way to spend a day indoors in Amsterdam. Formerly a major tram depot, with the original rail tracks still intact, De Hallen now offers a vast array of activities, from a charming shopping arcade to a variety of trendy food outlets. The FoodHallen food court offers an impressive selection of dishes, from burgers to Dutch finger foods and a healthy selection of vegetarian alternatives. Most notable of the venue, however, is the FilmHallen cinema. Nine screens show a varied program of films, including Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries and award-winning art house showings. Screen 7 is easily the most striking in terms of aesthetics, housing the gorgeous art-deco interior of the original Cinema Parisien, first established in 1909. Specialty Bars & Cafés Few things complement a rainy day better than a steaming cup of coffee, a slice of homemade cake and an expansive collection of family favorite board games. That’s exactly the niche on which Checkpoint Charlie capitalizes. Its cozy aesthetic is bolstered by its sociable table layout, along with a variety of books and board games for customers to enjoy. The venue also hosts intimate gigs from international acts toward the end of the week. A number of venues throughout Amsterdam offer a similarly jovial atmosphere, with somewhat more of a specialty focus. Mooie Boules, for example, gives visitors the chance to sink a few beers and chat while watching or even playing a few games of classic French boules on the impressive sand pitch at its center. Retail Therapy Magna Plaza Housed within the elegant Neo-Gothic halls of a former nineteenth-century post office, the Magna Plaza is a relatively small shopping center oozing with character and class. Among its various outlets are a number of fashion retailers, along with places to buy unique souvenirs and a host of other miscellaneous vendors. The venue doubles as an exhibition space, with displays spanning its full four floors. Among these installations is a permanent exhibition celebrating all of the works of Rembrandt, remastered and reproduced in their original formats. The exhibition currently stands as the only place in the world where visitors can see copies of the Dutch painter’s works in one collection. Kalverpassage Standing as a commercial through route between Heiligeweg and Kalverstraat, the Kalverpassage offers a wholly modern shopping experience. Natural light flows from the glass ceilings throughout the mini mall, illuminating its many specialty boutiques, food outlets and art installations. The venue’s alluring design centers around its open and bright halls, offering avid shoppers a stimulating yet unimposing retail experience while also ensuring an entirely unobstructive passage between streets. Visitors can enjoy the space entirely at their leisure, without feeling either rushed through or forced to open up their wallets. De Bijenkorf At the beating heart of Amsterdam, De Bijenkorf – ‘The Beehive’ in English – is the Netherland’s most renowned premium department store. Established in 1870, the venue showcases the highest standard of quality throughout the stores in its roster. Luxury is the operative word here, with every outlet simply brimming with class and style. Five floors house an impressive variety of high-end retailers and exclusive designer brands for all manner of clothing. Culinary delights from around the globe offer the ideal complement to your shopping experience, and those looking for the utmost luxury can get pampered in the venue’s beauty treatment room, aided by products from top beauty brands.
Robert Heaney

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