In Amsterdam, there are many things you can do when it rains. From museums to hidden courtyards and cozy cafés, there is much to explore without getting wet. Whether you’re with friends, your partner, or children, there are surprisingly many indoor activities. Want to know where to go during rainy days in Amsterdam? Keep reading this blog for inspiring tips.
The blog in short:
- Discover museums, cafés and indoor attractions on rainy days in Amsterdam
- Enjoy covered viewpoints like SkyLounge and A’DAM Lookout for city views
- Visit NEMO, Madame Tussauds or take a covered canal cruise with the kids
What are fun things to do when it rains in Amsterdam?
Rain in Amsterdam doesn’t have to ruin your plans. In fact, it can add an unexpected twist to your day. You can enjoy a cultural experience in Amsterdam by visiting touristy and at the same time beautiful places. Read the following options for a great day in Amsterdam:
- Visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum for top-level art and culture
- Explore the city’s darker side in the Amsterdam Dungeon or learn about the human body at Body Worlds
- Duck into a cozy brown café for hot chocolate or a local beer
- Browse the covered shopping area De 9 Straatjes, filled with unique boutiques and vintage shops
These spots not only provide shelter but also turn a wet day into a memorable experience.
Where can you take shelter with a viw of the city?
In Amsterdam, there are multiple options to enjoy a view of the city, even when it is still raining. Think of rooftop bars, restaurants with glass roofs, or covered viewpoints. Especially in the city center, you will find hidden gems with a great view. Take a look at the following locations with a great view:
- Visit A’DAM Lookout and enjoy the view over the IJ River from the café
- Go to the SkyLounge atop the DoubleTree Hotel for panoramic vistas
- Explore the Amsterdam Public Library with its top-floor reading room
- Try a covered boat restaurant with windows all around
These locations combine comfort with a unique perspective on the city.
What can you do with kids when it rains in Amsterdam?
Rainy days in Amsterdam with kids might seem challenging, but there are plenty of fun and educational options. Indoor activities provide entertainment and variety. Many locations are designed to keep children engaged playfully. Visit the following experiences to have a great and sometimes educational day:
- Visit the NEMO Science Museum with hands-on exhibits
- Explore the Maritime Museum and board a real VOC ship
- Check out an indoor play area like TunFun
- Watch a children’s movie at a cozy cinema like The Movies, Pathé, or Vue
This way, the whole family can enjoy the day, even if the weather isn’t ideal.
How do you travel around while staying dry?
Wondering where to go when it starts raining begins with knowing how to get there. Luckily, Amsterdam offers smart ways to travel dry. The city is well-connected, and many top spots are easy to reach without stepping into the rain.
| Vervoersoptie | Omschrijving |
|---|---|
| Tram of metro | Neem het openbaar vervoer en stap uit dichtbij je bestemming. |
| Overdekte wandelroutes | Gebruik de overdekte paden vanaf Centraal Station als beginpunt. |
| Taxi of gedeelde rit | Kies voor een taxi of gedeelde rit als je een langere afstand moet afleggen. |
| Routeplanning | Plan je route langs winkelpassages en overdekte steegjes. |
This way, you make the most of your day.
What to do during the spring when it rains?
What can you do in Amsterdam in the spring when it rains? Even during this blooming season, showers are common. Luckily, spring lends itself well to indoor activities with a seasonal touch. Many locations offer temporary exhibitions or spring-themed specials. During the spring, you can do the following activities:
Go and see Keukenhoff
Keukenhof is the most beautiful location in the Netherlands during springtime. You can get there by bus from Amsterdam. When you are in the Netherlands, it’s a must-visit, even when it is raining. You will see beautiful flowers and receive information from a luxury coach.
Take a canal cruise
If you are in the Netherlands and still want to see the highlights of Amsterdam, you can also take a canal cruise with a roof. This way, you will see the best highlights of Amsterdam from a different perspective and enjoy the city’s charm and energy from the water through the canals.
Take a picture with your idols
When in Amsterdam, you should go to Madame Tussauds. During your time at this museum, you will see your idols, leaders, and the royal family. Relive famous scenes from well-known movies alongside the biggest Hollywood stars. Take pictures with them and see how centuries-old techniques of creating wax figures blend with modern technologies.
What if you are short on time?
Looking for fun things to do in Amsterdam when it rains but only have a few hours? Choose a hop-on hop-off bus tour with a glass roof. It’s a great way to see the city’s highlights while staying warm and dry. These tours stop at major attractions, letting you hop off when the rain stops.
Go shopping indoors!
In Amsterdam, you have a department store called The Bijenkorf. In this store, you will find the most luxurious brands with amazing clothes, makeup, shoes, and food. It is huge, so if you have a day left, this is a great way to spend it.
Looking for some indoor interactive activities?
Looking for some adventure? In Amsterdam, there are also many interactive indoor activities. For example, go to Amaze Amsterdam or The Upside Down. At Amaze, you will interact with light, music, and different rooms. At The Upside Down, you will see your world from a different perspective—upside down. You can take cool pictures and explore many different rooms.
Go on a great date!
The city also has many great diners and food options. Pick a great restaurant and enjoy some delicious food together. Below, we list some great restaurants you should visit during your time in Amsterdam:
- Enjoy delicious Italian food at De Pizzabakkers Willemsparkweg
- For an international experience, visit Humphrey’s Amsterdam
- Want to go to a Dutch bar? Visit Café Sonneveld
- Enjoy a great steak at De Nachtwacht
- Go to the Chinese Restaurant on the water
Plan now your day in Amsterdam
Whether you’re soaking up culture, enjoying great food, relaxing with a view, or going on an adventure with kids—this city has something for every kind of rainy day.
At HopOnHopOff, you can book a trip to Keukenhof, purchase tickets for a canal cruise, and buy tickets for Madame Tussauds. Choose your favourite activity or combine different activities for a full day.
Rain or no rain, Amsterdam remains a must-see. Got questions or need help planning your day? Contact us. Our team is happy to help you.
