What to do when it rains in Amsterdam?
The odd rain cloud bringing drizzle, showers or a full blown storm may occasionally drift over Amsterdam’s skies…
…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!?
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.
