Best Things to do in Amsterdam on Rainy Day

Looking for fun things to do indoors in Amsterdam? When it starts raining on your trip to the Netherlands, it can be a bit of a bummer. But don’t let some bad weather ruin your plans. Instead, make the best of what the Dutch capital has to offer away from the puddled city streets. We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Amsterdam when it’s raining so that you guys are equipped to make a sudden change of plans if the heavens open. From enjoying cosy Dutch restaurants, the city’s best museums, hitting the coolest coffee shops and checking out the sustainable shopping scene, look no further than our ultimate guide on how to spend a rainy day in Amsterdam…

Escape the wet weather and find sanctuary in one of Amsterdam’s cosy Dutch restaurants. Serving up traditional food, nothing can beat getting an authentic experience of Amsterdam’s local cuisine in one of its best affordable restaurants. From traditional beef stews, chicken schnitzel, sharing cheese platters, fresh bitterballen and hearty Dutch steak, warm yourself up with a hot meal and spend hours chatting away with friends while tucking into good food.

These are the best affordable Dutch restaurants in Amsterdam

If the rain is coming down hard, why not just stay in the hostel bar and make some new friends? The Flying Pig hostel bar is a home away from home for backpackers where you can enjoy good music, great beer and smoke in the indoor smoking room. Happy hour takes place from 6pm - 7pm at the Flying Pig Uptown and 7pm - 8pm at the Flying Pig Downtown. Whichever of our hostels you’re staying in, both bars are always buzzing with a fun, party atmosphere.

Escape Rooms are super trendy in Amsterdam right now so if you’re up for a challenge, hit up one of the best escape rooms in the city. Escape Rooms are not only great fun, but they’re also the perfect way to avoid the rain because you spend a couple of hours (or more) in the room. Try and crack some codes and break out of the game within the time limit and test your teamwork with your friends. The highest rated escape rooms in the city include Escape World, Questomatica, Escape From Amsterdam and Game Over Amsterdam.

If you get caught up in a downpour, retreat to one of Amsterdam’s coolest coffeeshops. The city’s coffeeshops are usually cosy, warm and super chilled out (as I’m sure you can imagine) - the perfect escape from the dreary rain. If you’re new to Amsterdam’s smoking scene, check out our beginners guide to Amsterdams’ coffeeshops. Our favourites at the Flying Pig include Boeren Jongers, Kashmir Lounge, Dampkring and Grey Area.

Want more? Check out the 7 coolest coffeeshops to smoke in

Amsterdam’s museum district is in the heart of the city housing some of the most famous museums in the world. The Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum, the MoCo Museum and the Stedelijk Museum are the most popular ones on Museumplein that culture vultures will appreciate. If you love contemporary art then the MoCo Museum and the Stedelijk museum will be right up your street. There’s also the NEMO Science Museum in the Oosterdokseiland neighbourhood which is also fascinating. You will end up spending hours enjoying the city’s museums.

If you check the weekly weather forecast when you arrive in Amsterdam, schedule in the Anne Frank House for a day it’s set to rain. It will add so much value to a miserable, wet day since it’s our favourite attraction in the city. The Anne Frank House is a MUST for anyone who hasn’t visited Amsterdam before. We’ve written a whole guide to the Anne Frank House so you know what to expect before you go. From ticket prices, Anne Frank’s backstory and what’s inside the actual house, we have it all covered. Just remember to pack some tissues because tears are likely…

If you love beer and want to try it in true Dutch style, then you have to pay a visit to the Heineken Experience, one of the most popular attractions in the city. This old beer factory in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighbourhood will give you access to the former brewery where you’ll get a self guided interactive tour, with a tasting room at the end where you can sample two complimentary drinks. See the gigantic copper tanks where beer is made and even draft your own beer. You can buy tickets for the Heineken Museum

If it’s pouring down in Amsterdam, find shelter in Foodhallen. This is the city’s coolest food hall serving up street food from all over the world. From Mexican tacos, Japanese dumplings, fried chicken burgers, bao buns, bitterballen and more, Foodhallen is a real foodie paradise open every day of the week. This trendy spot boasts plenty of space and loads of tables with different food vendors lining the sides. Spend hours in here soaking up the buzzing atmosphere, live music and delicious food. You can also enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic or a glass of wine while staying out of the rain.

Fancy some cocktails in a sky bar? Just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean you still can’t benefit from amazing 360 panoramic views of Amsterdam. The A’dam Lookout Bar in Amsterdam Noord is an awesome observation deck and bar where you can hang out and relax with a drink. Whether you visit in the day or evening, this place serves up tasty bar snacks and tasty dining options too.

Consider yourself a bit of a bookworm? The Amsterdam library is the biggest library in the Netherlands and it’s a cosy spot to spend a rainy day. Browse the massive selection of books on offer and get comfy on one of the sofas and get lost in a novel. With over 1.5 million books, 490 internet computers and loads DVDs and CDs set over 7 floors, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on a rainy day in the city. Plus, the library has its own terrace restaurant on the 7th floor so your lunch is sorted too. Located on Oosterdokseiland, the Amsterdam library is open every day from 8am - 10pm on weekdays and 10am - 10pm on weekends.

Amsterdam’s live music venues are a cut above average so definitely try and check out some concert venues when you’re in the city. Catch a gig at some of the best live music venues in the city such as Paradiso, Sugar Factory and Melkweg. If it rains, you can book last minute tickets to see an indoor gig - just check what’s on! Here are the best clubs for live music in Amsterdam…

Need some comfort food on a wet day? Amsterdam’s pancake houses are the perfect place to sample Dutch poffertjes. One of our favourite pancake houses in Amsterdam central is De Vier Pilaren. Poffertjes are light, fluffy mini pancakes topped with butter and icing sugar. It’s a staple dish to try in Amsterdam and so delicious.

If you’re looking for some cool things to do on a rainy day, be sure to explore Amsterdam’s thrift shops. If you love fashion and you’re always looking for a bargain or unique wardrobe addition, the second hand and vintage stores in Amsterdam are awesome. We’ve rounded up the best thrift shops in Amsterdam so you know where to shop!

These are the[ best thrift shops and vintage stores in Amsterdam].

Article by Shereen Sagoo