Things to do in Amsterdam When It’s Raining
Yes – it does rain in Amsterdam! But, in our opinion, Amsterdam is one of the best cities to be in when a bit of the wet stuff falls. So here are some of our favourite things to do in Amsterdam when it’s raining.
Tour a Brewery
You are in Holland after all – so is there any better cultural experience than a tour of one of the country’s world famous beer houses?! The most well known of these, of course, is The Heineken Experience. Very slick, very organised and right in the centre of Amsterdam, a trip here is a great way while away a few happy hours with friends. And you’ll almost certainly leave a little merrier than when you arrived – and any remnants of the rainy day won’t bother you in the least!
But if, like us, you prefer a more mellow experience and particularly if you are a lover of speciality beers, then head to one of Amsterdam’s numerous micro breweries.
A great one in the Noord district (not far from ClinkNOORD) is Oedipus Brewing.
Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages to see everything happening at the brewery, from live music and DJs to simply great vibes. Oedip
Also check out Two Chefs Brewing who also have a base in the Noord district where they brew their tasty beers in small batches. They run all sorts of beer related events throughout the city and also hold pop-up dinners. As their name implies, they can cook too!
Another one to watch and taste is Brouwerij Troost who combine that happy mix of beer and food. They have a brewery with fab tasting room and a great cafe with tasty food to match the tasty beer all in an atmospheric base in a former convent in the De Pijp. They also have a big set up in Westerpark and one in Oost. No better way to spend a rainy day than chomping on one of their scrumptious burgers (veggie ones too) and trying a few beers!
Cruise the Canals
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean a canal trip isn’t worth doing. Taking a covered canal cruise on a snug boat is a great way to explore Amsterdam while staying warm and dry. You can cruise at almost any time of day or night, enjoying drinks, snacks, or simply relaxing and watching the sights. Operators like Blue Boat Company and Lovers Canal Cruises offer these services, but we’re big fans of Stromma’s ‘Pizza Cruise‘ — a perfect rainy day combo where you can cruise along the canals while enjoying a delicious pizza
Shop Shop Shop
When the rain sets in the shoppers go shopping! And there’s something for everyone in the Amsterdam shopping experience.
Indoor Markets
If you hit Amsterdam at the right weekend each month then you’ll find Europe’s Biggest Flea Market at IJ-Hallen at NDSM Wharf. It happens every couple of weeks so if you want to be sure it’s on when you come then check the IJ-Hallen website for dates. If you’re a fan of all things antique and vintage, a visit to Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is a must. As the largest indoor antiques market in the Netherlands, it boasts an impressive range of collectibles, jewellery, furniture, and other unique finds. With its relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to browse at leisure and discover what rare finds Amsterdam has to offer.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Foodhallen at De Hallen. This lively indoor market offers a fantastic selection of street food and cuisines from around the world. Open daily with extended hours on weekends, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and sample some local flavours after a busy day of sightseeing. It’ll keep you happy, warm, and dry on any rainy day. It’s about half an hour on public transport from ClinkNOORD.
Quirky boutique shops – De 9 Straatjes (the 9 Streets)
Who was ever put off a day’s shopping by a little bit of drizzle? All the more reason to linger inside the myriad of charming and quirky boutique shops in Amsterdam’s famous 9 Streets right in the centre of the City. Just pop on a little rain gear, grab an umbrella and go wandering. Stop for a coffee and a cake and then wander on. If you love shops with character and without a chain store to be seen, then don’t miss out on this gem of an area just to stay dry. A backpackers budget probably won’t get you far in these shops, but it’s fun to wander around anyway!
Department stores and Malls
If you haven’t already filled your case there are plenty of other indoor shopping venues catering to all tastes. A great department store for a rainy day wander is De Bijenkorf and for an indoor shopping mall head for Magna Plaza behind Dam Square. Dutch style is in abundance in both so you can take home a little bit of Holland when you go.
But don’t stay too long in the shops as there are things to do in Amsterdam that will leave a lasting impression of Dutch life even on the rainiest of days!
Find a Cosy Café/Bar
There is just no place like Amsterdam to relax, relax, relax – so make your way to a cosy Amsterdam Pub (called Café’s in Amsterdam) on any rainy day.
If you’re caught out in the rain and feel like settling down for the day, just Google “cosy café in Amsterdam’ and you’ll for sure find one close by. But here are a few that’ll warm the cockles of your heart on a rainy day. You’ll find it hard to leave and where there’s food around you may not leave at all till you’re winding your way back to Clink! Here are just a few of our favourites.
Café Chris – An old Dutch ‘brown’ Café
This place feels very Dutch! It’s about a ten minute cycle or a half hour walk from Clink (including ferry crossing!). Just settle in and get chatting to the friendly staff and the locals and fellow travellers. If you like slick and modern, this is not the place for you! Bar snacks available and a pool table if you’re up to challenging the locals. (Bloemstraat 42)
Café Smalle – Small and beautiful
This is a delightful little bar – as beautiful inside on a rainy day as it is charming on a sunny day sitting outside by the canal. A good one to go to if you’re looking for a snack – great toasties and a heartening meatball soup are winners. (Egelantiersgracht (near Anne Frank’s House)
Café Hans en Grietje – Cosy with a fire
Another little brown cafe where you can cosy in with a beer and some Dutch food whilst watching the flames on the real fire as the rain drips down. You don’t get more Amsterdam brown café than this one. Chat with the locals for the inside story. (Spiegelgracht 27)
Pllek – Big and bold but cosy too
For somewhere bigger, modern but still cosy with a huge central fireplace that warms the heart of the place on those chilly wet days, head to Pllek – 10 minutes from Clink (in the Noord district) by bike or half hour walk – a walk or a ride in the rain is good for the soul and you’ll work up an appetite for a beer and a bite in this cool place!! The bar is made from used shipping containers, the food is great with plenty of options for meat eaters and veggies alike.
Bar Oldenhof – all grown up and intimate
This isn’t one for your average night out – but if you feel like dressing up a little and heading out with that special person, then make a beeline for Bar Oldenhof on a damp cold night before or after eating in a nearby cosy restaurant. Even if you just have one beer or one of their amazing cocktails you’ll be warm from the inside out. It’s a bit of a secret speakeasy – you have to ring an unmarked doorbell to get in. It’s small, intimate and stunning and you’ll get in if they have room and if you look like a fit for the stunning wood panelled, low lit bar and the soft velvet seats.
What about the Museums?
Indeed, nearly every blog you see will tell you to head to Amsterdam’s famous museums on rainy days. And that’s exactly why we say ‘don’t’! Head to one of Amsterdam’s famous museums on a rainy day and you’ll be viewing Van Gogh’s Sunflowers through a throng of wet umbrellas and you’ll be wishing you were in a cosy café or pub.
To see famous Dutch and international masterpieces our advice is to ALWAYS book ahead online, get out early on a dry day, and then free the rest of your day for outdoor Amsterdam. If you just can’t resist a bit of culture on those damp days then go early or get the last slot available when the museums also thin out or head for one of Amsterdam’s lesser known museums. Look for one that suits your own interests like Foam if you’re into photography or see the EYE film museum, which is right next door to ClinkNOORD.
Chat to our friendly reception team for the best rates on museum tickets.
Activities you can take part in, other than attending museums, include:
View Landmarks
Visit The Beurs van Berlage
Beurs van Berlage is a striking early 20th-century building in Amsterdam, once home to the city’s stock exchange and now a cultural venue for events, exhibitions, and markets. Its grand halls and intricate architecture make it an ideal spot to explore when it’s raining, as you can enjoy the impressive interior while staying dry.
A trip to The Royal Palace of Amsterdam
A visit to the Royal Palace on Dam Square provides a blend of art, history, and royal architecture. The palace is open to the public most of the year, although it may occasionally close for royal receptions or state visits, so it’s best to check ahead. Inside, explore grand halls filled with beautiful artwork, antique furniture, and learn about its history as a centre of civic and royal power.
Take Part in Interactive Activities
Visit The Cat Boat (De Poezenboot)
If you love furry animals, don’t miss The Cat Boat (De Poezenboot), a charming cat rescue centre located on a barge in the Singel Canal. It’s an indoor experience where you can meet the rescued cats and learn about the shelter’s work, all while enjoying a peaceful moment away from the rain.
Go to an Escape Room
If you’re looking for a fun challenge on a rainy day, Amsterdam offers some of the best escape rooms in Europe. A popular option is Sherlocked, known for its immersive, thrilling experiences. These rooms are designed to test your problem-solving skills under time pressure, with intricate storylines, detailed settings, and cleverly crafted puzzles. Gather your friends, dive into the adventure, and see if you can escape before time runs out.
Amsterdam Dugeon
For an engaging and interactive experience, head to the Amsterdam Dungeon. This unique attraction brings Amsterdam’s darkest historical periods to life, with themed rooms and live actors depicting chilling moments from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Explore rooms dedicated to witch trials, torture chambers, and more. The stories blend historical facts with a touch of horror, making it an exciting experience for those interested in history with a twist.
Watch Performances
Concertgebouw
For a cultural escape, why not treat yourself to a performance at Concertgebouw? Famous for its exceptional acoustics, this world-renowned venue hosts a range of classical concerts, featuring top orchestras and soloists. Whether you’re a fan of music or just looking for something special to do indoors, it’s a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening
The Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA)
The Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) (formerly Stadsschouwburg), is known for its powerful drama and contemporary performances. The ITA showcases a diverse lineup of Dutch and international productions, often exploring complex themes and modern takes on classic plays. It’s a fantastic option for theatre enthusiasts and anyone looking for a culturally enriching experience indoors.
Window Shop
The Maker Store
If you’re in the mood for a browse or even a some unique shop, visit The Maker Store in De Hallen. It’s filled with handmade items from local artisans, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind jewellery, artwork, or gifts. It’s a great way to enjoy a rainy day while supporting local craftsmanship.
Visit a bookstore
If you enjoy a bit of browsing and are a fan of books, Amsterdam’s large bookstores like ABC and Waterstones offer the perfect retreat. Spend a relaxed afternoon indoors discovering everything from Dutch literature to international bestsellers, all while staying warm and dry.
Hang out at Clink!
We don’t suggest spending your entire stay in your Amsterdam home away from home as there’s so much to see and do. However, at Clink, there are plenty of spaces to relax and unwind with both new and old friends, making it easy to enjoy a fun-filled day. Check out what’s happening on our website and social media to stay updated on any events we’re holding during your stay. You could definitely end up having one of the best days of your trip without even stepping out into the Amsterdam rain!
Planning a trip to the city?
Find out more about our Amsterdam hostels ClinkNOORD, ClinkMama or ClinkCoco or visit our group accommodation page to find out more about our rates and best deals.
