The odd rain cloud bringing drizzle, showers or a full blown storm may occasionally drift over Amsterdam’s skies…
Don’t Let the Rain Stop You: A Local’s Guide to Amsterdam in Wet Weather
…Ok, maybe it’s a little more than occasionally. But that does mean that the city is always ready for a little rain. Plus there’s still plenty to do during a downpour! We’ve made sure you know how to make the most of the rainy days just like the locals, who’ll be spotted donning their rain gear and cycling their way around the city whatever the weather.
“What to do when it rains in Amsterdam?”
If you don’t feel like hopping on a bike this time around, we recommend getting a hold of an OV card. This will give you access to Amsterdam’s trams, buses and trains. Armed with an umbrella, raincoat and this guide? You’re good to go!?
Stay warm and dry with a Premium Cheese Tasting in a historic Amsterdam canal house, a relaxed 90-minute indoor experience that is perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Delve into the more unconventional art of the city…
Admire the atmospheric clouds within the frames of the Dutch masters instead of outdoors, and take a trip to the Rijksmuseum. As this is perhaps the most obvious indoor attraction, we recommend getting here early on a rainy day seeing as a few others might have the same idea! If you fancy something a little different away from the crowds, Amsterdam is host to a plethora of brilliant museums and galleries.
The frequently changing photography exhibitions on display at Foam museum on the Keizersgracht is well worth a visit, and won’t be as crowded as the galleries at Museumplein. Immerse yourself in the interactive science exhibitions on display at NEMO museum, or head over to het Scheepvaartmuseum, the National Maritime Museum complete with a VR journey aboard a full sized replica of a Dutch East India Company ship!
Architecture Tour Amsterdam Eye
The mind bending architecture of the EYE film museum is in itself worth checking out, as is its film museum, and cinema. For something even more out there, try the quirky Kat Kabinet, a shrine to all things feline!
Discover the true meaning of gezelligheid when it rains in Amsterdam
After a couple of hours at a museum you might be ready for a bite and a drink at a cosy cafe or bar. Afterall, the Dutchies need plenty of excuses to use one of their favourite words, gezellig, which roughly translates as cosiness, or the feeling of homeliness and familiarity.
To name just a few of the countless gezellig bars, we recommend trying Cafe Papeneiland, a lovely local spot in the Jordaan. Or perhaps pull up comfy old armchair in vintage styled Cafe Brecht, or head to Gollum, which has a vast collection of local beers and traditional snacks.
For something a little stronger, allow the knowledgeable and friendly staff in the low-lit bar of Whisky Cafe L&B’s pick you out one of their 2,100 (and counting) whiskies!
Get to know the local tipple:
If you’d like to hear a little extra information before sipping on your local Dutch brew, a brewery tour is just for you! Aside from the Heineken Experience, we recommend checking out the smaller local breweries of De Prael in the Red Light District, or Brouwerij t Ij, located inside a windmill! You can directly contact us about arranging a private brewery tour for you and your group.
Take shelter in De Hallen:
The Foodhallen in the West of Amsterdam is a great spot for rainy days. It’s an eclectic and vibrant indoor food market with all kinds of delicious foods from across the world. If we really had to choose, the Vietnamese stand and the bitterballen stand would be our top picks. You can also explore De Hallen’s independent shops, library and movie theater.
After a couple of hours at a museum you might be ready for a bite and a drink at a cosy cafe or bar. Afterall, the Dutchies need plenty of excuses to use one of their favourite words, gezellig, which roughly translates as cosiness, or the feeling of homeliness and familiarity
A cosy and covered canal cruise:
Canal cruises in the rain may not immediately sound appealing. But seeing as the odd shower has come to be expected even in the summer months, boat companies are fully prepared to keep you warm and dry, and ensure you have the time of your life whatever the weather. Meandering down the picturesque canals is as romantic and memorable as it sounds, and gives you an entirely new sense of the city often referred to as the Venice of the North. We can help you find the best private cruises.
Share the umbrella of a local guide:
We are thrilled to be out and about with our guests come rain or shine! Our local, friendly and skillful guides are the best source of knowledge when it comes to what to do in Amsterdam when it’s raining.
We prepare totally unique private tours for up to 15 guests. Start the conversation about your tour with us today! Contact us right away, or learn about some of our other private tour offers.
A rainy afternoon in Amsterdam is the perfect excuse for a private museum experience. Our private Rijksmuseum tour and private Van Gogh Museum tour both turn a wet day into something genuinely memorable — with a guide who takes you straight to the highlights and brings every work to life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam in Wet Weather
What can you do in Amsterdam when it rains?
Amsterdam has excellent options for rainy days. Top indoor choices include the Rijksmuseum (Dutch Masters and Rembrandt), the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the NEMO Science Museum, and the Royal Palace on Dam Square. The city’s many traditional brown cafés (bruine kroegen) are also perfect for sheltering over a coffee or Dutch beer.
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in rainy weather?
Absolutely. Amsterdam is an excellent destination whatever the weather. The museums are world-class, the canal-side cafés are warm and welcoming, and the Dutch themselves cycle through rain without a second thought. The canals can look particularly atmospheric in wet weather, and a covered canal cruise is a wonderful rainy-day experience.
What is the best museum to visit in Amsterdam on a rainy day?
The Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s finest museum and the ideal rainy day destination, with masterworks by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters. The Van Gogh Museum is another outstanding option, housing the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Both can easily fill three to four hours.
How do locals get around Amsterdam in the rain?
Most Amsterdammers cycle in all weather, equipped with good rain gear. If you prefer to stay dry, the city’s tram, bus, and metro network — accessible with an OV card — connects all major neighbourhoods efficiently. Most central attractions are also within comfortable walking distance of each other.
Can you do a canal cruise in the rain in Amsterdam?
Yes — Amsterdam Experiences’ covered canal boats mean rain is no barrier to a cruise. A private cruise in wet weather can be surprisingly atmospheric, with rain on the water and the city’s canal houses reflected in the still surface. Blankets and warm drinks can be arranged on request.
Are there covered markets in Amsterdam for rainy days?
Yes. The Magna Plaza shopping centre is housed in a stunning neo-Gothic former post office near Dam Square — perfect for rainy day browsing. The Hallen in Amsterdam West is a large covered market in a converted tram depot with food stalls, a cinema, and boutiques, and is a favourite local hangout whatever the weather.
