Museums, covered canal boats and an indoor light experience in Amsterdam
What to do in Amsterdam when it rains: indoor ideas
When it rains in Amsterdam, head indoors or under a roof. Pick a museum such as the Rijksmuseum, Moco or the Scheepvaart Museum, step into the light rooms of Amaze, or see the canals from a covered boat. This guide is for visitors who want an indoor or covered plan they can book ahead.
- Instant confirmation
- Mobile ticket
How to choose
A museum with a timed entry
At the Rijksmuseum a reserved entry time is mandatory for everyone, and children aged 0 to 18 enter free.
A covered boat
See the canals under a roof: a heated VR boat, a covered saloon boat with a live guide, or a 100% electric covered boat.
Indoor lights and lasers
Amaze fills rooms in a former nightclub with lights, lasers, smoke and visual effects; access only with a pre-booked time slot.
Our top picks
Live prices, instant confirmation.
Premium ChoiceEntrance Ticket Rijksmuseum
Discover Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and more. Choose your visiting time.
Why here: Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer; reserved entry time for everyone, children 0 to 18 free.
Moco Museum Entrance Ticket
Modern, contemporary and digital art in a charming townhouse at Museumplein.
Why here: Banksy, Warhol, Haring, Basquiat and Kusama in a townhouse at Museumplein; about 60 minutes at your own pace.
Scheepvaart Museum Entrance Ticket
Explore the Netherlands' maritime past through ship models, nautical instruments, and interactive displays at this 17th-century museum. The main attraction: board a full-size replica of the 18th-century VOC ship Amsterdam and walk through its historic decks.
Why here: Walk through a full-size VOC ship replica and a glass-roofed courtyard; children up to 4 free.
Premium ChoiceAmaze Amsterdam Entrance Ticket
Walk through interactive rooms filled with lasers, lights, and visual effects at this immersive experience in a former nightclub. Each door opens onto a new space designed to engage your senses and spark imagination.
Why here: Indoor rooms of lights, lasers and smoke in a former nightclub; 75 minutes, recommended from age 10.
Premium Choice17th Century Amsterdam History VR Canal Cruise
Sail through Amsterdam's canals and slip into the 17th century with VR glasses at key spots—watch the same waterways transform from bustling historic quaysides back to today's city. A 75-minute cruise blending real scenery with seven animated time-travel moments.
Why here: Heated, roofed boat with 7 VR animations and a toilet on board; 75 minutes, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
75 minutes Canal Cruise Highlights of Amsterdam
The best way to enjoy Amsterdam is from the water.
Why here: 100% electric, covered boat from the A'DAM Tower pier; 75 minutes, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Signature Boats Amsterdam Saloon cruise
Sail Amsterdam's narrower canals on a 1.5-hour luxury saloon cruise for up to 12 guests, where a live guide shares stories from the city's history. This intimate boat tour reaches corners larger vessels can't, taking you through the Jordan district, past the Westerkerk, and along the Amstel.
Why here: Covered saloon boat with a live English guide, up to 12 guests; 90 minutes from Leidsebosje 2.
Premium ChoiceAmsterdam Canal Cruise
The classic canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways. Pick your departure time and location: Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
Why here: 60 minutes with audio guide; choose your departure time on the day, subject to availability.
Plan your visit
Departure points
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam · Moco Museum · Stromma Rijksmuseum · Amsterdam Noord A'dam Tower pier · Departure point: Leidsebosje 2, one minute's walk from Leidseplein. · Centraal Station, Damrak, Rijksmuseum
Good to know
- Check the terms on each card: the museum tickets and Amaze are non-refundable, while the canal cruises here can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before the start.
- With children? Under-18s enter the Rijksmuseum free, and the VR headsets on the VR canal cruise fit children from age 6 onwards.
- The Rijksmuseum ticket does not include an audio guide, so decide beforehand which works you want to see.
- Prefer a person to a recording? The Signature saloon cruise has a live English-speaking guide on board.
- Keep your phone charged: every ticket on this page comes with instant mobile confirmation.
A wet day in Amsterdam can still be a full one. Choose a museum, step aboard a covered boat or let Amaze surprise you with lights and lasers. Every product on this page comes with instant mobile ticket confirmation. We are a Dutch partner with local knowledge, and we show you the full information per product: duration, location, age advice and cancellation terms. The current price is on each product page. Not sure yet? Start with the choice cards above and pick the plan that fits your day.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do in Amsterdam when it rains?
Go indoors or under a roof. Visit the Rijksmuseum, Moco or the Scheepvaart Museum, explore the light and laser rooms at Amaze, or take a canal cruise on a covered boat.
Do I need an entry time for the Rijksmuseum?
Yes. A reserved entry time is mandatory for everyone. The Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, including public holidays.
Which canal cruises have a roof?
The VR canal cruise has heating and a roof, the Signature Boats saloon cruise uses a covered saloon boat, and the 75 minutes Highlights cruise sails on a 100% electric, covered boat.
Can I cancel my ticket?
That depends on the product. The tickets for the Rijksmuseum, Moco, the Scheepvaart Museum and Amaze are non-refundable. The canal cruises on this page have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Is Amaze suitable for children?
A minimum age of 10 years is recommended, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
How long does a museum visit take?
Plan 2 to 3 hours for the Rijksmuseum, about 60 minutes for Moco and about 3 hours for the Scheepvaart Museum.