Discover Indoor Amsterdam Activities
Amsterdam is famous for its charming canals, historic sites, and vibrant culture. While the city is renowned for its outdoor beauty, sometimes the weather doesn’t play along, or perhaps you simply fancy a day indoors. Fear not, for there’s no shortage of indoor Amsterdam activities. From art exhibits to getting lost in a museum (on purpose), Amsterdam has something for everyone. Let’s dive into some delightful indoor experiences you can enjoy, rain or shine—and possibly avoid a cyclist collision or two.
Museum Marvels: More Than Just Art
No guide to indoor Amsterdam activities is complete without mentioning its museums. The Rijksmuseum, a temple of history and art, is one of the attractions in Amsterdam that you simply can’t overlook. While admiring the masterpieces of Rembrandt and Vermeer, you’ll also get an insight into the country’s soul. If you’re not up for elbowing through crowds of art aficionados, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House are equally enriching options.
If you’re an aficionado of offbeat museums, the Electric Ladyland Museum—that shares its name with a Jimi Hendrix album—offers a fluorescent experience. You can find everything from neon art to glowing minerals, giving new meaning to lighting up your day.
Eateries and Cafés: Not Your Average Coffee Shops
As diverse as it is delectable, Amsterdam’s food scene offers warmth and comfort when the weather outside is unsavory. Good news: there are unique restaurants and bars that go beyond traditional fare. De Kas, for example, offers farm-to-table fare in a greenhouse setting, making it possible to dine with a view while staying cozy inside. Or head to the lesser-known Restaurant De Zotte, where Belgian beers are paired perfectly with pub classics. It’s much better than just waiting for the clouds to clear!
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth that’s never quite satisfied, the Pancake Bakery near the Prinsengracht is your best bet. Their Dutch pancakes are the frisbees of culinary delight—thick, satisfying, and perfect for throwing… into your mouth.
Interactive Fun: Put Your Skills to the Test
Why not engage in some brain gymnastics at the Amsterdam Dungeons? Imagine a theme park, historical storytelling, and a great way to spend an hour all rolled into one—just without the rollercoasters. It’s a fantastically theatrical introduction to Amsterdam’s dark past, complete with live performer scares that’ll leave you clapping and wincing at the same time.
For those looking to test their skills beyond surviving a scare, House of Bols offers a cocktail experience. It’ll have you sniffing and sipping your way through their fantastic collection of spirits—all in the spiritual home of liquor. Just make sure to measure your indulgence; this isn’t Vegas after all.
Retail Therapy: Shopping Shelters
If the idea of a shopping spree lifts your spirits; you’ll be happy to know there’s no better place for retail relief than De Bijenkorf. This iconic department store features everything from fashion to lifestyle products, ensuring you pick up a unique memento amidst your new threads. And The Nine Streets area provides a sheltered shopping experience complete with quirky boutiques and trendsetting stores.
For the bookworms and nostalgia aficionados, The American Book Center and Waterstones are bookstores that offer refuge and a world of stories. Lounge amidst the labyrinth of shelves and let the scent of new books waft those rainy blues away.
Relaxation Havens: The Zen Side of Amsterdam
If you prefer to relax and unwind, Amsterdam is not short of spas perfect for rejuvenating body and soul. Indulge in a thermal bath or heated pool, melt away stress with a massage, or attempt a balancing act during a sauna session at the Wellness 1926 Spa or Zuiver Spa. With facilities designed to calm even the most frazzled of nerves, it’s the perfect way to recharge during your stay.
Feeling refreshed, venture outside when the sun graces you with its presence once more. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the indoor activities in Amsterdam are sure to entertain, educate, and energize you, all while adding a touch of humorous charm to your day.