9 Best Things to Do When it Rains in Amsterdam

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to a notable Jewish diarist in Amsterdam. Located near Jordaan, this is the former home of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. Her diary, which was published following her tragic death, became an exemplary depiction of Jewish families’ lives in Amsterdam during wartime.

Within the house, you’ll find her original journal, information on the Frank family’s history, and a moving film about their lives. You can also see the revolving bookcase that led to the family’s hiding place. You can browse for books and educational materials at the onsite shop.

The Rijksmuseum is an excellent place to spend some time during a drizzly morning in Amsterdam. The art museum has 80 halls and rooms spread over 12,000 square metres. You can find some of the most notable artworks from famous artists here.

Most of the paintings displayed are part of the Dutch Golden Age painting movement, with Vermeer, Hals, Steen, and Rembrandt among the country’s most renowned artists. A true eye-catcher is The Night Watch, a stunning portrayal of Amsterdam's city guards. The Rijksmuseum also houses a café where you can grab a coffee to warm you up.

The Heineken Experience gives you access to the treasure vaults of Heineken, a Dutch beer brand dating back to 1864. The original brewery in Amsterdam, which shut down in 1988, now functions as a 4-floor museum with interesting exhibits, brewing machinery, and a tasting bar.

A must-visit for fans of the iconic beer, The Heineken Experience offers guided tours through the former brewery, where some of the historical beer barrels, kettles, and other brewing machinery are preserved. Opt for the VIP tour to enjoy an extended tour led by a beer connoisseur, access to a hidden bar, as well as a Heineken gift as a lasting memory of your Amsterdam holiday.

The NEMO Science Museum offers hands-on experiences for those looking to learn about modern technology and science. The museum occupies a futuristic 5-floor building that seems to float above the water of the Oosterdok in Amsterdam.

You can check out displays related to the human body, light and sound, general physics, and the solar system. The museum also displays the timeline of science development, including all of the groundbreaking discoveries that have been made over the millennia. There’s extra attention on the Renaissance era, when numerous discoveries and contributions to science were made. The laboratory is a joy to visit with children as they can perform their own scientific experiments in a safe and fun manner.

The Amsterdam Dungeon offers a thrilling look into Amsterdam’s past through themed tours. Expect a dark and eerie atmosphere as the live actors depict scenes from Amsterdam’s old underworld and include audience participation during certain acts. 

Within dark chambers under the city, you can see dark depictions of the 16^th and 17^th centuries. The Amsterdam Dungeon has several options, including the ominous Torture Chamber tour and the grim Spanish Inquisition excursion. It’s both an amusing and informative endeavour, but can be unsuitable for kids below 10.

The Foodhallen is a great place to sample dishes from all over the world. What used to be an old tram remise is now a vibrant food court in Amsterdam Oud-West. It has over 20 stalls, serving anything from fresh spring rolls and tacos to dim sum and sushi platters.

A must-visit is De Ballenbar, where you can try bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs) with various fillings. You can try this classic Dutch snack stuffed with truffle or spinach and mature cheese. Other popular stalls in the Foodhallen include Viet View and Petit Gâteau.

The Eye Film Museum serves as a cultural centre, film archive, and cinema in Amsterdam. It has a comprehensive collection of 47,000 original film posters spread across its vast halls. You can check out old cinematography tools and informative displays on the history of cinema.

The film rooms are great for enjoying noir movies, many of which have never made it to mainstream cinemas. Visit on Sunday to enjoy a free tour of the Eye Film Museum – it’s available at 11 am and 1 pm for up to 40 people. The museum is along the IJpromenade, directly across the river from Amsterdam Centraal.

Coffeeshops in Amsterdam are the hubs of the city’s laidback cannabis culture, though they still operate under strict conditions. Since 1972, the Netherlands has decriminalised marijuana but it’s illegal to smoke in public. The city’s coffeeshops act as legal dispensaries, and only adults with IDs are allowed to purchase products.

Most coffeeshops have a menu with ready-made joints, but you can find several that provide fresh cannabis and weed-infused desserts (space cakes). Lots of travellers consider visiting a coffeeshop as a quintessential experience in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of places hosting live music until late. Bimhuis at Muziekgebouw is a great place to enjoy jazz performances by Dutch and international acts. Melkweg is a concert hall that dates back to 1970. It has 4 halls, a cinema, an exhibition space, and a restaurant. All music genres are represented here, from acoustic to electronic music.

On a much smaller scale is Waterhole, an Amsterdam pub that hosts daily live music. It’s a laidback place where you can drink, listen to aspiring musicians, and/play pool with friendly locals.