Activities for Rainy Days in Amsterdam

Despite Amsterdam's reputation as a destination for outdoor sightseeing, 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 cozy 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 moving 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 quiet space, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital. During your visit of approximately 2 hours, you can tour the rooms where the family lived, read excerpts from Anne's diary and learn about the history of this young Jewish girl.

This museum is located in the house where Anne and her family hid during World War II and the visit invites reflection on the importance of tolerance and freedom, which places it among the must-see and do things to do in Amsterdam's Jewish quarter. In addition, while it is a tour of high emotional impact, it is a way to shelter from bad weather while you immerse yourself in one of the most relevant stories of the twentieth 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 "The Sunflowers" and "Starry Night", the museum offers an immersive experience of about 2-3 hours with letters and sketches that allow you to learn about the artist's life in depth. On the other hand, when you purchase 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 traveling with your kids? 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. At the end, you will have participated in several activities while drinking a couple of freshly poured beers. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, perfect for sheltering you from bad 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 in the activity.

The Canals Museum is a perfect option 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 part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you purchase your tickets for the Canals Museum 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 the daily life and urban development of Amsterdam.

It is a museum suitable for all audiences, which makes it an excellent choice if you are traveling with children or just want to spend a couple of hours in a cultural and educational environment, especially if you have noted your visit among the things to see and do in Amsterdam in August, when the Grachtenfestival or Amsterdam Canals Festival is celebrated.

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. This museum, which houses a vast collection ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, guarantees you 2 hours full 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 store 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 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 splendor 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 daily, so it's easy to find a time that fits your plan.

Plus, 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 tour 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. This way you'll make the most of your time and get out of the rain quickly while you discover the secrets of human anatomy.

If you get caught in the rain 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 entering, 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 protect you from 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 the most popular activities in Amsterdam, especially on rainy days.

Indoor options are plentiful. But if you feel like delighting your palate with seasonal flavors, 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 place is indoor and perfect to try new flavors and enjoy a lively atmosphere while outside the weather is bad.

Do you prefer to go with a guide? You can sign up for one of the self-guided food tours in the De Pijp neighborhood or the food experience in the De Jordaan neighborhood, both of which are included when you purchase 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.

In the mood for a relaxing note on a rainy day in Amsterdam? I invite you to 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'll see 9,000 objects collected by Ben Dronkers from 1987 to the present day. They follow the timeline of this plant as well as its impact on lifestyle, plus there are also seasonal exhibits.

The NEMO Museum is ideal for a rainy day in Amsterdam, whether you're traveling 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 about 3 - 4 hours.

From physics and chemistry to astronomy, you can explore the scientific world in a fun way. It's a perfect 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 access to this unique experience. Also, if you are in town for several days and you have taken one of the Amsterdam tourist passes, you can combine this visit with other attractions in the city enjoying the savings pack of your pass, 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 variety of themes, from historical mysteries to futuristic or horror scenarios. These adventures usually last between 60 and 90 minutes, enough time for you to forget about the rain as you collaborate with your team to solve puzzles and escape before the clock runs out.

Among the city's favorites are Sherlocked, which has 3 types of escape rooms, and Escape World: with 7 escape rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people. Both stand out for their detailed scenarios and intriguing plots, being perfect options to enjoy in a group. 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 are looking for original things to do in Amsterdam during rainy days, a visit to the Lambiek Comic Book House should definitely appear on your list of options. This place is not a traditional museum, but a comic book store that has gained fame for its impressive collection and cozy atmosphere.

Founded in 1968, Lambiek is the oldest comic book store in Amsterdam and has become a haven for both local and international comic fans. Here you can explore everything from classic comics to more contemporary works, which will keep you entertained for hours while sheltering you from the weather.