- Are you in Amsterdam when it rains? No problem. Not even the worst weather can ruin a trip to such a diverse city.
- We show you the 8 best indoor activities in Amsterdam in the rain – well-known and lesser-known.
- If it rains in Amsterdam but you still want to do some classic sightseeing, we recommend taking a covered canal cruise.
Take a Covered Canal Cruise
What do you need to know? Canal cruises are an absolute must-do in Amsterdam. Experiencing the historic center from the water is really fun and super interesting. And with a covered boat, you can do it even when it rains in Amsterdam.
Is it worth it? A canal cruise in Amsterdam is also worthwhile in the rain. Provided the boat has a roof. Then you can sit in the dry and still enjoy your outdoor sightseeing.
Our tip: If it’s not only raining but also cold, you can take a coffee to go or another warm drink with you on the boat. Makes the trip really cozy.
Book a covered canal cruise online
Visit Amsterdam's Museums
What do you need to know? Amsterdam offers a huge selection of super different museums – art, city history or even unusual things like hemp in Amsterdam. You can also visit most of the museums spontaneously. The perfect destination in bad weather.
Is it worth it? Museums are great indoor activities in Amsterdam and have the advantage that you can combine sightseeing with a little history lesson. Really! You can really learn a lot in the museums in Amsterdam. You’ll quickly forget about the rain outside.
Our tip: Our favorites for spontaneous museum visits are the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandthuis and the Moco for modern art. Are you traveling with kids in Amsterdam? Then we recommend the Nemo Science Museum.
Important: Unfortunately, you can’t visit the Anne Frank House spontaneously. You should book your tickets online at least 4 weeks in advance.
Take the Hop-on/Hop-off Bus
What do you need to know? The hop-on hop-off bus takes you on a predetermined route to the most important sights outside the historic center of Amsterdam. You can hop on and off at 12 stops whenever and as often as you like.
Is it worth it? The Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus runs outside the city center. It is therefore not normally worthwhile. But it’s a different story when it rains in Amsterdam! Although the route remains the same, you can visit part of Amsterdam despite the rainy weather and won’t feel like you’ve missed anything at the end of your city trip.
And if the sun suddenly appears, you can simply get off and continue on foot. The next time it rains, you can get back on.
Buy a Amsterdam hop-on hop-off bus ticket
Feasting in the Foodhallen
What do you need to know? The Foodhallen are located in Amsterdam West and are easy to reach by public transport. The whole area is a cool hidden gem in Amsterdam.
Is it worth it? In the food halls, you can really fill your belly with street food under cover. And we think it’s a great way to pass the time when the weather is bad. You can taste your way through culinary Amsterdam or try dishes from all over the world.
Going to the Royal Theater Carré
What do you need to know? The Theater Carré is located near the famous Prinsengracht on the Amstel. Various events take place here on a regular basis, such as theater, comedies and concerts.
Is it worth it? The Theater Carré is super opulent, with chandeliers, red velvet and service in the square. Here you can feel like a real royal for a moment. Really great for an extraordinary evening. And the box office often offers opportunities for a spontaneous visit.
Check the Theater Carré program online
Slipping into the 9 Straatjes
What do you need to know? The 9 Straatjes are streets in Amsterdam’s city center that together form a small shopping district. There are many boutiques and small cafés here. A popular attraction in Amsterdam that you can also visit when it’s raining.
Is it worth it? Taking refuge in a cute boutique or café during a sudden downpour? There are definitely worse things to do. And in the 9 Straatjes, the choice of places to take shelter is huge. You can also make the most of your time in the café and try some delicious Dutch pastries. Well, or sit down in an Amsterdam coffee shop.
Our tip: Fancy a hot meal? Then we recommend Fou Fow Udon in the 9 Straatjes on the Prinsengracht. The udon noodle soups here are incredibly tasty.
Explore Heineken Brewery
What do you need to know? Heineken is the most famous beer in Amsterdam. And that’s why the Heineken Experience is a super popular guided tour in the city. You can visit the building of the original brewery, learn all about the brewery and taste beer.
Is it worth it? The tour of the old Heineken brewery is interesting for anyone who likes beer or simply wants to take a look behind the scenes of a brewery. What’s great is that there are over 20 time slots for the tour every day. So you can always buy a ticket spontaneously.
Buy a Heineken Experience ticket
Play 4D Mini Golf in Black Light
What do you need to know? At the Amsterdam harbor you will find the 4D mini golf in black light. A 12-hole mini golf course in the dark with a pirate theme. You can play golf here for 45 minutes and then have a drink in the adjacent bar.
Is it worth it? Black light mini golf is a really cool way to pass the time in bad weather. The maritime theme with pirate ships and octopuses is particularly popular with children. And we think 10 euros per person is really okay.
Take Cool Photos at the Wondr Experience
What do you need to know? The Wondr Experience is a museum, photo backdrop and playground all in one. You can take fun photos in many different rooms and have a really cool souvenir of your time in Amsterdam.
Is it worth it? We had a lot of fun! The price is quite high, but you end up with great photos and didn’t get soaking wet outside in the rain. And with all the colors, you quickly forget the gray outside.
Our tip: We’ve written about our entire experience in our Wondr Experience article. You can also find all the information about tickets and even more photos there.
Attractions in the Noord District
What do you need to know? There are 3 cool attractions next to each other in the Noord district of Amsterdam. The A’dam Lookout observation tower, the 5D flight simulation This is Holland and the Eye Film Museum. If it’s really raining, you can spend a whole day here.
Is it worth it? All 3 attractions are super family-friendly and therefore suitable for young and old. The offers and exhibitions are extremely varied and you also have the opportunity to eat something in the A’dam Lookout, for example. The perfect shelter when it rains in Amsterdam – especially with children!
Our tip: you can also buy combined tickets for the A’dam Lookout and This is Holland online. This will save you a bit of money.
FAQ about Amsterdam in the Rain
How often does it rain in Amsterdam?
On average, it rains in Amsterdam about 150 days a year. Most often from October to December and least in February, April and May.
Read more about the weather in Amsterdam:
When does it rain the most in Amsterdam?
It rains most frequently in Amsterdam from November to February. Then you can expect 10 to 12 rainy days per month.
What to do in Amsterdam when it rains?
Amsterdam is super diverse and offers great activities even when it rains. For example, you can take a covered canal cruise, visit the museums in Amsterdam or eat something delicious in the food hall.
What indoor activity to do in Amsterdam with kids?
If you are looking for a good indoor activity with children in Amsterdam, we recommend the Nemo Science Museum for all ages and the 4D mini golf with black light at the Amsterdam harbor.
Where are dogs allowed in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is known for being tolerant of dog owners and dogs. In most cases, you can simply take your dog into the cafes, restaurants and shops.
The Rembrandt Huis also allows you and your dog to enter together. Really cool!
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the covered canal boat, the hop-on/hop-off bus, the Carré Theater, many other museums and the Heineken Experience. An exception are registered service dogs with suitable harnesses.
These were our tips for Amsterdam in the rain
Do you also have a great tip for a rainy day in Amsterdam? Then write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!