10 Best Things to do in Amsterdam in the Rain: Rainy Amsterdam Guide

This is the ultimate rainy Amsterdam guide where you can find all the best things to do in Amsterdam in the rain!

Amsterdam is a stunning city with plenty to do and see. However, the one downside of this magical place is the weather. You will likely experience some rainy and cloudy days while visiting Amsterdam and if you don’t you are one of the lucky ones. Thankfully, there are still plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in the rain so your visit is not wasted in the slightest!

Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam in the rain for the perfect rainy day in Amsterdam.

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10 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam in the Rain

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Go to a Museum

If you are looking for the number one thing to do in Amsterdam in the rain, then going to a museum is the best option. There are seriously a TON of museums scattered throughout the city all with their own special charm and exhibits.

From art to history to photography and beyond. There really is a museum for every taste and interest which makes for the perfect day.

Try to pick a museum based on how long it is supposed to rain. A museum-like Rijksmuseum will keep you occupied for hours while other smaller ones like The Anne Frank House don’t take quite so long. Check out this complete Amsterdam Museum Guide to see all the amazing options you have to pick from.

*IMPORTANT: The Anne Frank House has now limited its amount of guests to 1 million a year. As a result tickets ONLY go on sale ONLINE on the first Tuesday of the Month*

Take a Canal Cruise

Taking a canal cruise through the beautiful canals of Amsterdam is a must-do no matter the weather, but is an especially great thing to do in the rain. Many canal cruise boats have roofs that protect you from the rain and allow you to sail around and soak in the beauty of the city without getting wet.

This is also one of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam and a great Amsterdam date idea.

Spend a few hours in a Cafe

Amsterdam is a cafe lovers’ paradise. There are hundreds of amazing cafes and restaurants in the city that are perfect for spending a few hours eating and drinking as much as you’d like. Check out this list of the best cafes in Amsterdam and find your favourite. If you find it is raining all day you can plan a cafe-hopping day which is also very fun!

Boutique Hopping

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam in the rain is boutique hopping. There are a ton of great local boutiques all around Amsterdam that are perfect for a casual day of shopping to avoid the rain and maybe even find some unique local goodies.

There are great boutiques all around the city but the best are on the 9 Streets! Head here to discover a new boutique every few meters.

Go to a Theater

Spending a few hours indoors at a theatre is a great way to escape the rain in Amsterdam. There are many theatres in Amsterdam where you can find movies and shows to watch throughout the day. Some of the best options are Pathé Tuschinski and Film Hallen.

Enjoy a Walk in the Rain

Even in the rain, Amsterdam is beautiful. This is why going for a walk in the rain is one of the best things to do on a rainy day in the city. With an umbrella and raincoat, you can stay completely dry while enjoying all the same beauty with an added moody vibe. It is also great because there are fewer people out and about so you can enjoy busy areas with fewer people around.

Go on a Day Trip

Going on a day trip from Amsterdam is always a good idea, especially if you can escape Amsterdam in the rain for another city in the Netherlands full of sun. There are plenty of other amazing cities in the Netherlands that are only a short distance from Amsterdam and ideal for a visit.

Sample Dutch Cheese

Dutch people love their cheese and you will see this love all around Amsterdam with its various cheese shops! Finding a specialty cheese shop and heading inside to sample and purchase some local cheese is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in the rain.

Enjoy a Beer or Two

Head to a brewery and enjoy a beer or two while viewing Amsterdam as it rains. There are plenty of small bars and breweries all around the city that serve tasty local beers and also plenty of international options.

Drink with a View

There are plenty of bars in Amsterdam with lovely views of the city. From rooftop bars to canal-side gems you can easily find the perfect place to sit for a few hours and admire the city. Some of the best rooftop bars in Amsterdam are SkyLounge, Blue Amsterdam and many more.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Booking.com

Spending a day in Amsterdam as it rains is not nearly as bad as it may seem. There is still plenty to do and see in the rain and you can still have an amazing visit no matter what weather you get.

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