Activities for Rainy Days in Amsterdam

Despite Amsterdam's reputation as an outdoor walking destination, this vibrant city is also packed with exciting indoor options. Rainy days should not be seen as a deterrent, but rather as an opportunity to discover some of the best things to see and do in Amsterdam.

From its iconic museums to cosy indoor markets, the city offers unforgettable experiences to enjoy when the skies are covered in clouds. If you're looking for things to do during these days, here are 14 activities ranging from beer experiences to escape rooms and renowned art galleries. Here we go!

The Anne Frank House-Museum is one of the most poignant spaces in the canal city, and visiting on a rainy day adds a layer of solemnity to the experience. The interior of the house is a tranquil space, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital. During your approximately 2-hour visit, you can tour the rooms where the family lived, read excerpts from Anne's diary and get a closer look at the story of this young Jewish girl.

This museum is located in the house where Anne and her family hid during the Second World War and the visit invites you to reflect on the importance of tolerance and freedom, which is why it is one of the must-see and do things to do in Amsterdam's Jewish quarter. And while it's a tour of high emotional impact, it's a way to shelter from the weather as you immerse yourself in one of the most important stories of the 20th century.

The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's works, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon indoors. In addition to iconic paintings such as 'Sunflowers' and 'Starry Night', the museum offers a 2-3 hour immersive experience with letters and sketches that give you an in-depth insight into the artist's life. Furthermore, when you buy your ticket to the Van Gogh Museum you also receive access to temporary exhibitions as well as painting workshops.

Want to take the experience up a notch? You can book a 2 for 1 savings package that includes a cruise and tickets to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It's an experience that combines the beauty of Amsterdam from the water with the artistic richness of the impressionist master. Are you travelling with your children? Then I recommend booking a private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam for children, for whom there are other special activities such as a treasure hunt.

On a rainy day, one of the best experiences in Amsterdam is to visit the Heineken Experience. This interactive tour allows you to learn about the origin and evolution of the famous Heineken beer, inside its historic brewery.

During the tour, you will learn about the brewing process and participate in interactive activities. By the end of the tour, you will have participated in several activities while sipping on a couple of freshly poured beers. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, perfect for sheltering you from the weather while you immerse yourself in the city's beer culture. Don't forget to buy your tickets for the Heineken Experience in advance to guarantee your place on the tour.

The Canals Museum is the perfect place to shelter from the rain while learning about one of **Amsterdam'**s greatest symbols: its iconic canals. Housed in an elegant 17th century mansion, this museum offers an immersive and interactive experience about the history and construction of the canals that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you buy your Canals Museum tickets with audio guide you will learn how this complex system of canals that transformed the city into a commercial powerhouse was designed and built. Also, through models, projections and interactive exhibits, you will see how the canals influenced Amsterdam's daily life and urban development.

It is a museum suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice if you are travelling with children or just want to spend a couple of hours in a cultural and educational environment, especially if you have booked your visit among the things to see and do in Amsterdam in August, when the Amsterdam Grachtenfestival or Amsterdam Canals Festival takes place.

When the weather doesn't invite you to stroll along the canals, one of the best options is to book a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, home to some of the most important masterpieces of European art. Home to a vast collection ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, this museum guarantees 2 hours of culture and learning.

Iconic works such as Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" or Vermeer's paintings are just some of the reasons to spend an entire day at the Rijksmuseum While the museum itself is impressive, its café and shop are also great places to shelter from the rain. Also, if you feel like taking things up a notch, you can book a private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam or book a canal cruise with tickets to the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, as the boats are partly covered.

Amsterdam's Royal Palace, located on the famous Dam Square, is an architectural jewel of the Dutch Golden Age. Although it is currently used for state events, on days when it is open to the public, you can tour its lavish rooms and learn about its history as a city hall and palace.

You can tour its lavish halls and art collections when you buy your tickets to the Royal Palace Amsterdam, where you will be transported back to an era of splendour while being sheltered from the rain for at least 2 hours.

For a multi-sensory experience you can buy your tickets for This is Holland, a 5D cinema that will take you on a virtual flight across the country. With moving seats and effects such as wind, water and scents, you'll feel like you're flying over the most iconic landscapes of the Netherlands, from windmills to tulip fields. The screening lasts approximately 60 minutes, with multiple showings per day, so it's easy to find a time that suits your schedule.

Also, This is Holland is located near the A'DAM Lookout, allowing you to combine both experiences on a single rainy day. I recommend booking your ticket in advance to guarantee your access and not worry about availability on those days when bad weather drives more visitors to seek out indoor activities.

If you're looking for a different option to shelter from the rain, I suggest you visit Body Worlds in Amsterdam. This exhibition offers a fascinating look at the human body, showcasing more than 200 real preserved bodies that reveal how emotions affect our health.

During the visit, which usually lasts between an hour and a half and 2 hours, you will walk through several floors where you will see different systems of the body and how they interact with each other. It is an educational experience that allows you to learn in a visual and practical way. To avoid queues, I recommend buying your tickets for the Body Worlds exhibition in advance. You'll make the most of your time and get out of the rain quickly while you discover the secrets of the human anatomy.

If the rain catches you by surprise in Amsterdam, entering the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam is an excellent idea. Being completely sheltered, you can enjoy a unique experience without worrying about bad weather. Upon entry, you will be provided with special clothing to withstand the -10ºC inside and the entrance fee includes three drinks, either cocktails or beers served in ice glasses.

This activity lasts approximately 60 minutes, just enough time to get out of the rain and live an out of the ordinary experience. I recommend buying your ticket for the ice bar in advance, as it is one of Amsterdam's most popular activities, especially on rainy days.

There are plenty of indoor options. But if you fancy treating your taste buds to seasonal flavours, I invite you to visit the indoor food market Foodhallen, where you'll find everything from street food to haute cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options. This indoor venue is perfect for trying new flavours and enjoying the lively atmosphere while the weather is bad outside.

Do you prefer to go with a guide? You can sign up for one of the self-guided food tours in De Pijp or the food experience in De Jordaan, both of which are included with your Amsterdam All Inclusive Pass These activities usually offer you about 7 tastings, while you discover local culinary secrets and meet people from all over the world for about 2 hours, all without worrying about the rain.

Looking for a relaxing note on a rainy day in Amsterdam? Buy your ticket to the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum. This museum explores the history, cultivation and uses of marijuana and hemp over time. From its role in medicine to its use in the textile industry, the museum offers an in-depth look at the plant and its impact on world culture.

During your 60-minute visit to the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum, one of Amsterdam's finest museums, you will see 9,000 objects collected by Ben Dronkers from 1987 to the present day. They trace the timeline of the plant and its impact on lifestyle, plus there are seasonal exhibits.

The NEMO Museum is ideal for a rainy day in Amsterdam, whether you're travelling with children or simply passionate about science and technology. This interactive museum offers an educational and entertaining experience, with experiments and hands-on activities that will keep everyone busy for 3-4 hours.

From physics and chemistry to astronomy, you can explore the scientific world in a fun way. It's a great place for the little ones to learn through play, and adults will also enjoy the demonstrations and exhibits. Don't forget to buy your ticket for the NEMO Science Museum in advance to ensure you have access to this unique experience. Also, if you're in town for several days and you've got one of the Amsterdam Sightseeing Passes, you can combine this visit with other attractions in the city by taking advantage of your pass savings pack, as the NEMO Museum is included.

If you're looking for an exciting activity for a rainy day, Amsterdam' s best Escape Rooms offer an immersive and interactive experience that will test your wits. Choose from a range of themes, from historical mysteries to futuristic or horror scenarios. These adventures typically last between 60 and 90 minutes, enough time for you to forget about the rain as you work with your team to solve puzzles and escape before the clock runs out.

Among the city's favourites are Sherlocked, which has 3 types of escape rooms, and Escape World: with 7 escape rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people. Both are notable for their detailed scenarios and intriguing plots, making them perfect options for groups. In addition, Escape World is just two blocks from the Rembrandt Museum, while Sherlocked is three blocks from Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, and you can reach both with the City Sightseeing bus.

If you're looking for original things to do in Amsterdam on rainy days, a visit to the Lambiek Comic Book House should definitely be on your list of options. This place is not a traditional museum, but a comic book shop that has gained fame for its impressive collection and cosy atmosphere.

Founded in 1968, Lambiek is Amsterdam' s oldest comic shop and has become a haven for local and international comic fans alike. Here you can browse everything from classic comics to more contemporary works, which will keep you entertained for hours while you escape the weather.