Indoor Activities in Amsterdam: The Best Things to Do in Any Weather

Amsterdam is a fantastic city to explore, but the Dutch weather does not always cooperate. Fortunately, you do not have to let a rainy day ruin your plans. From making your own stroopwafels to shaking cocktails and cruising comfortably through the canals, there are plenty of fun indoor activities in Amsterdam that allow you to stay dry while experiencing the city in an original way.

Looking for things to do in Amsterdam when it rains? Here are four unique activities by Flagship Amsterdam.

1. Make Your Own Stroopwafels at the Flagship Waffle Experience

What could be more Dutch than a freshly made stroopwafel? During the Flagship Waffle Experience, you get hands-on and discover how to make this iconic Dutch treat yourself.

The workshop takes place indoors on the Bloemgracht, right in the heart of the Jordaan. In approximately 45 minutes, you will make two fresh stroopwafels. You prepare the dough, bake your own waffles using traditional waffle irons, and can decorate one of your creations with a variety of toppings, such as chocolate or pistachio.

The best part? Of course, you can take your homemade stroopwafels with you afterwards.

The Waffle Experience is suitable for beginners, and children can join too, making it a fun indoor activity in Amsterdam for families, couples and groups of friends. The location is also within walking distance of the Anne Frank House, so you can easily combine the workshop with a day exploring the Jordaan.

Why choose the Flagship Waffle Experience?

• Fully indoors
• Duration: approximately 45 minutes
• Two homemade stroopwafels included
• Located on the Bloemgracht in the Jordaan
• Suitable for families, friends and groups

👉 Discover the Flagship Waffle Experience and reserve your spot.

2. Shake Your Own Cocktails at the Flagship Cocktail Workshop

Prefer something with a little more kick? The Flagship Cocktail Workshop is one of the most enjoyable indoor activities in Amsterdam for friends, colleagues or a date.

At Rembrandtplein, you step behind the bar and explore the world of mixology under the guidance of experienced bartenders. You will work with professional bar tools and fresh ingredients, with plenty of opportunities to get hands-on. No experience is required: the workshop is suitable both for beginners and for those who want to improve their cocktail-making skills.

You can choose between a one-hour Standard Workshop and a 90-minute Premium Workshop. The workshops are available to guests aged 18 and over and can accommodate up to 25 participants per session.

This makes the cocktail workshop not only a great activity for a rainy afternoon or evening, but also an original idea for a company outing, birthday, group of friends or bachelor or bachelorette party in Amsterdam.

Why choose the Flagship Cocktail Workshop?

• Fully indoors
• Located in the heart of Rembrandtplein
• Guidance from experienced bartenders
• Professional tools and fresh ingredients included
• Suitable for friends, colleagues and groups
• Ages 18+

👉 Discover the Flagship Cocktail Workshop and become a bartender for the day.

3. Cruise & Fries: Canal Cruising with Fabel Friet

Rain in Amsterdam does not mean you have to skip the canals. With Cruise & Fries, you can combine two Amsterdam favourites: a canal cruise and the famous loaded fries from Fabel Friet.

During this 60-minute cruise, you travel through Amsterdam’s canals on an electric boat while enjoying a fresh portion of loaded parmesan fries from Fabel Friet. A local guide shares stories about the city along the way and points out interesting sights on the route.

And there is one major advantage on a typical rainy Dutch day: the experience can take place on a covered boat. This means you can enjoy Amsterdam from the water without letting a rain shower spoil your day.

You also do not need to queue for your fries first and then rush to catch a canal cruise. Instead, you can combine sightseeing and food in one experience.

Why choose Cruise & Fries?

• Approximately 60-minute canal cruise
• Fabel Friet included
• Live local guide
• Cruise through Amsterdam’s canals
• Covered cruising available
• Food and sightseeing in one experience

👉 Book Cruise & Fries and discover Amsterdam from the water with Fabel Friet in hand.

4. Dinner Cruise: Dine on Amsterdam’s Canals

Looking for a special indoor activity in Amsterdam for the evening? Turn dinner itself into the experience with the Flagship Amsterdam Dinner Cruise.

You step aboard a classic saloon boat for a cruise lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. During the journey, you have your own table by the window and enjoy a three-course à la carte dinner featuring dishes from restaurants in Amsterdam. The evening begins with a glass of prosecco, with a non-alcoholic option also available, before you sit back and enjoy dinner while Amsterdam passes by outside.

Along the way, short stops are made to collect the different courses fresh and warm from the restaurants. In this way, the Dinner Cruise combines an evening of dining with an extended canal cruise through Amsterdam.

Because you are seated inside a classic covered saloon boat, this is also an excellent activity for a cold or rainy evening. While the rain falls against the windows outside, you can sit comfortably indoors and enjoy views of Amsterdam’s illuminated canals.

Why choose the Dinner Cruise?

• Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of cruising
• Covered classic saloon boat
• Your own table by the window
• Three-course à la carte dinner
• Welcome glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative
• Ideal for a date or special evening in Amsterdam

👉 Reserve the Dinner Cruise and combine dining with an evening on Amsterdam’s canals.

What to Do in Amsterdam When It Rains?

A rainy weather forecast is no reason to spend the entire day in your hotel. In fact, some Amsterdam experiences are even more enjoyable when it is cold or rainy outside.

Want to do something active? Make your own stroopwafels during the Flagship Waffle Experience or learn how to create cocktails during the Flagship Cocktail Workshop.

Would you rather continue exploring Amsterdam despite the bad weather? Choose Cruise & Fries and discover the canals while enjoying Fabel Friet. For a more extensive evening experience, the Dinner Cruise is a unique way to combine sightseeing, dining and cruising.

Indoor Activities in Amsterdam for Different Occasions

One of the advantages of these activities is that there is a suitable option for almost every type of group.

With children: the Flagship Waffle Experience is an accessible and interactive activity where children can make something themselves and enjoy eating it afterwards.

With friends: shake cocktails together during the Cocktail Workshop or combine sightseeing with Fabel Friet on Cruise & Fries.

With colleagues: both the Waffle Experience and the Cocktail Workshop are original alternatives to a standard team drink or company activity. Private group options are also available for the workshops.

With your partner: make stroopwafels together for a relaxed date or choose the Dinner Cruise if you are looking for a romantic evening on the water.

Discover Amsterdam Whatever the Weather

Amsterdam has plenty to offer when the sun is shining, but there is no need to get bored when it rains either. With the right indoor activities in Amsterdam, you can continue exploring the city without constantly checking the weather forecast.

Make a traditional Dutch stroopwafel, learn how to mix your favourite cocktail, enjoy Fabel Friet while cruising through the canals or finish your day with a three-course dinner aboard a classic saloon boat.

Rain or shine, Amsterdam is always worth exploring.

Discover the experiences offered by Flagship Amsterdam, choose your favourite indoor activity and turn a rainy day into one of the highlights of your visit.