Amsterdam in the rain: 10 things you can do

Although Amsterdam has almost 200 days of rain a year, that doesn’t mean your city trip will be a washout! Here in the Netherlands, we believe that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, you’ll find THE bad weather guide for Amsterdam here. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, food, markets or all of the above – we’ve put together our favourite activities for you.

Art & Culture

1) Museums

For those interested in art and history, the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum are of course a must. Conveniently, both are located on the so-called Museumsplein (Museum Square) and are therefore only a stone’s throw away from each other. So you can dive into the museum world to your heart’s content without getting wet in between. If you would like to find out some more exciting background information about the artists and their works, you should take a look at our museum tours…

2) Explore street art in the north of Amsterdam

Amsterdam-Noord is a gem of the city that most tourists don’t even have on their radar. We want to change that! There are 3 hotspots here that you shouldn’t miss: the impressive NDSM shipyard, the street art museum “Straat” and our city beach restaurant Pllek.

The NDSM shipyard was one of the most important in the world until 1984. After its closure, however, artists moved to the north of the city and turned it into a real scene spot. It’s now full of cool graffiti that you can see for free (yes, a foreign word in Amsterdam – so head north!). If you want to see the real street art masterpieces, head to the Street Art Museum just around the corner.

Afterwards, you can stop off for a coffee and a tasty snack at the Pllek restaurant/café. This is located in old shipping containers that have been completely upgraded in a shabby chic look: including a cosy open fireplace in the middle of the room!

3) Discover Amsterdam’s unique cinemas

Few cities combine history and alternative modernity as well as Amsterdam. That’s why you’ll find plenty of options for impressive blockbuster or cosy art-house cinemas here. Enjoy a film in the huge auditorium of the historic Tuschinski cinema or discover the cinemas in the former science laboratory LAB111. You can find the real insider tips in our guide to the 6 best cinemas in Amsterdam.

4) Fabrique des Lumières in Westerpark

The Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam’s Westerpark is the perfect place for museum buffs who still want a cool art experience. This is an exciting light exhibition in which well-known works of art are displayed on the wall in impressive light installations. For example, Dalí’s and Gustav Klimt’s world-famous works are currently on display there. A very special experience in Amsterdam – even in the rain.

5) Canal cruise – covered in an authentic saloon boat

A canal cruise is as much a part of Amsterdam as cheese is of the Netherlands – even in bad weather! Conveniently, Amsterdam offers canal cruises in all weathers. You simply swap the open boat for an authentic Dutch saloon boat and can discover the magnificent canals from the cosy comfort of the water. Drinks are usually included, so have a good time and enjoy the city even in the rain. If you also want to learn some interesting facts about Amsterdam, you should take a look at our canal cruise!

6) A historic theatre visit to Amsterdam’s Royal Theatre Carré

The Carré is a true Amsterdam institution and has been entertaining the city’s residents with impressive theatre art since 1887. The royal theatre has weathered many ups and downs (including two world wars) and continues to shine with great events to this day. This summer, for example, Lés Miserables is being performed…

Food, markets & shopping

7) Feast your way through the food halls

The Foodhallen is THE food market in Amsterdam. Housed in the old railway warehouse in the west of the city, there are numerous international food stalls that are guaranteed to satisfy every craving. The food halls are the ideal place for difficult eaters, because here everyone can choose whatever they fancy. So pay a visit to the halls and try everything to your heart’s content!

8) Cosy cafés in the 9 streets

What could be better than sitting in a cosy café on a rainy day and relaxing for a few hours with a delicious coffee and cake? Conveniently, you’ll find plenty of cosy options right in the 9 streets of Amsterdam. The ideal place to flit from café to café and stroll through the lovely little boutiques…

9) Browse sweet bookshops

It remains romantic, because in addition to the cute cafés, Amsterdam has at least as many beautiful bookshops that invite you to browse. You’ll find our 3 favourites right in the centre. Waterstones offers the best of English fiction and non-fiction in a cosy Hogwarts atmosphere. Scheltema, right on Dam Square, is the largest bookshop in Amsterdam, with a beautiful interior and a real variety of books. At Athenaeum, you have to search a little harder for international books, as the shop is full of nooks and crannies and really invites you to look for real treasures.

10) Raid Amsterdam’s best vintage shops

Fortunately, vintage shopping is possible in any weather – especially in Amsterdam. The city is known for its many vintage shops, offering a good alternative to the big-name brands you’ll find in the Kalverstraat. The perfect pastime for anyone who wants to go bargain hunting in Amsterdam even when it’s raining!

All that remains is to wish you lots of fun on your trip to Amsterdam! Our tips are sure to help you make Amsterdam unforgettable, even in the rain 😍