Take Amsterdam by Storm: How to Spend a Rainy Day in Holland’s Capital

Where the Danish have hygge, the Dutch have gezellig. It’s basically that warm feeling you get when your sat, sipping away at a hot chocolate, or snuggling up by a roaring fire with friends.

That’s what makes Amsterdam the perfect rainy-day city. As the capital of Holland, it’s the capital of gezellig, too. With all these indoor happenings, you can’t but agree.

The diet starts tomorrow at Foodhallen

Amsterdam’s multiculturalism and ethnic diversity mean that, though you’re firmly planted in western Europe, you can find authentic international flavours everywhere.

And there’s no better place to check out on a rainy day than Foodhallen. This indoor food market is a former tram depot, giving it that air of gentrified, post-industrial cool.

You could spend a whole day in here just trying all the different culinary options, ranging from street food from The Butcher and Shirkhan, to Michelin star, like De Ballenbar (ran by Michelin star chef, peter Gast).  A belly full of good food is a sure-fire way to get a taste of gezellig.

A timeless cinema date

Amsterdam’s extraordinary theatres bring a whole new meaning to a trip to the movies.

The city boasts several novel cinemas, including Theater Tuschinski and The Movies on Haarlemmerdijk. Both have roots in the early 20^th century and have lost none of their charm over the last 100 years.

Cosy up with your other half or closest friends in either of these atmospheric establishments and choose between the latest blockbusters, as well as independent screenings.

Cruise the canals

Amsterdam is renowned for its 17^th century canals. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, don’t let a little bit of rain put you off exploring the waterways and the beautiful merchant houses that line them.

A boat tour is the perfect way to see the canals. The comfortable cruisers are covered, so you’ll stay warm and dry as you take in some of the city’s best architecture.

Chalk it up to Heineken Experience

Heineken is one of Holland’s most popular exports and you can visit the original Heineken brewery, complete with tour and tasters during your stay in the Dutch capital. The unmissable edifice is the ideal place to spend a rainy day.

The enormous, copper brewing tanks give off a lovely, warm glow, even when it’s frosty outside, and if they don’t warm you up, the tasters will put a fire in your belly. You can settle in to the cosy VIP bar, too, trying all the brewery has to offer.

Learn something new

Amsterdam’s surplus of museums and galleries give you endless indoor activities.

The 19^th century architectural wonder, Rijksmuseum, boasts no less 2000 paintings and artefacts dating back to 13^th century. There’s also the Anne Frank Museum and the Van Gogh Museum.

For an alternative museum experience, however, you can take a look around Electric Ladyland, a fluorescent art museum, or Kattenkabinet which looks at cats throughout history.