Rainy day escapes from Amsterdam

Luxuriate in a spa day at Fort Resort Beemster

Fort Resort Beemster, set inside the grounds of a UNESCO-listed fortress, is the pinnacle of a luxurious rainy escape (like many of the spas in the area). Spend the day moving between its Finnish saunas, thermal baths, steam rooms and relaxation spaces. Located on the historic Beemster Polder – the very first site where the Dutch began their legendary reclaiming of land from the water – the spa offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and waterways. For an extra degree of indulgence, book one of the spa’s signature treatments or unwind in the outdoor hot baths with their mineral-rich waters.

If you’re feeling blissfully restored and up for another adventure, explore the local villages nearby, popping into Middenbeemster or De Rijp for a cosy lunch as rain taps gently against the windows. While visiting the latter, one of the country’s most charming historic villages, you might pop into Museum In 't Houten Huis, which paints a picture of centuries of maritime life and village traditions. If the rain eases for a moment, grab a coffee on its quaint outdoor terrace. Alternatively, have a stroll in the Beemster Arboretum.

Go beer tasting at the region's breweries

When it rains, it pours in these parts, which means it's an appropriate time to head for a drink. Rain isn't feared in these parts, nor is beer, which is why you'll find some of the best Dutch breweries within a stone's throw of Amsterdam. One of the best is Wispe Brouwerij in Weesp, which while technically a district of Amsterdam, has long been its own town, wedged between the capital's southeast corners and Naarden. This brewery can be found in a church, under copper pots, vaulted ceilings and an enviable selection of gorgeous beers.

Elsewhere, head to Haarlem where you'll find great lagers at Jopen and fruit IPAs and non-alcoholic options at Uiltje Brewery in Haarlem (the former in a church, the latter known for its cute own emblem). Or head down to Amstelveen to Naeckte Brouwers, a craft brewery located inside the former St. Anna Church, or up to Zaandam to Hoop Brewery for craft beers and burgers. If it's autumn, be sure to grab a bokbier – a darker, malty beer whose appearance on the menus heralds in the cooler season.

Seek cover under the historic eaves of Haarlem’s buildings

Just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s central station, the centuries-old city of Haarlem is a spot you don’t want to miss. There’s nothing quite like exploring Harlem’s cobbled streets and medieval sights, and when the rain starts to fall, the city has no shortage of world-class museums to keep you entertained and dry. As the Netherlands’ oldest museum, the Teylers Museum brings together a dizzying array of art, natural history and science showcased in a bright neoclassical building dating back to the 18th century, which once belonged to local merchant and banker Pieter Teyler van der Hulst.

Equally worthy of a visit is the Frans Hals Museum, housing works by one of the Netherlands’ greatest masters. Together with Rembrandt van Rijn and Ferdinand Bol, Frans Hals was among the defining painters of the country's art scene, celebrated for his lively and detailed paintings that capture a slice of Dutch life. Getting hungry from all that sightseeing? Turn to the famed Grote Markt – once the largest market in the Netherlands, which is presided over by the UNESCO-protected St. Bavo Church, and tuck into some local cuisine or sip on a warm coffee as you watch the rain drip down from the eaves.

Retreat to the majesty of Assumburg

Swap Amsterdam’s city streets for the centuries-old castle of Assumburg. Rainy days offer the perfect reprieve to explore the beautifully preserved estates that once housed the country’s aristocratic classes. Castle Assumburg is hidden in the village of Heemskerk, making it one of its best-kept secrets. Surrounded by a moat and landscaped French gardens, the 13th-century castle is an impressive sight to behold. Over the centuries it has undergone many changes, turning first from a medieval stronghold into an aristocratic residence, and now serving as a museum with exhibits that offer a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived there. Wander from its impressive Great Hall, past its period rooms furnished with the finest furniture and art of the 17th century, and observe a quiet moment in the castle’s very own chapel.  

Head for a moody seaside escape at Zandvoort

On any given day, there’s nothing quite like the atmospheric, windswept beaches of Noord-Holland. So when the wind bites and the rain falls, take to the famed beach town of Zandvoort to watch the steely North Sea and enjoy the host of restaurants and shops along the town’s main street. Settle into one of Zandvoort’s year-round beach pavilions, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the dramatic views of the sea. At Tijn Akersloot, one of the town’s beloved pavilions, you can sink your teeth into seafood caught fresh from the choppy sea.

Part of the excitement of Zandvoort, of course, comes from its Formula 1 Circuit, the iconic coastal track that’s home to the Dutch Grand Prix. The rain won’t stop you from feeling the thrill of the race at its visitor centre, where displays celebrate the track's rich racing heritage and trace the career of Dutch champion Max Verstappen. Afterwards, explore the nearby Zandvoort Museum, which follows the village’s history as a traditional fishing community and how it transformed to become one of the Netherlands' most popular seaside resorts.

Learn about maritime heritage in Monnickendam

Rain only enhances the charms of Monnickedam, one of the country’s most delightful fishing villages. Reachable in just 30 minutes by car, it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Under grey, drizzly skies, the centuries-old world of this iconic fishing village, which sits directly on the shores of the freshwater lake Markermeer, comes to life. Armed with an umbrella, amble along the harbour, taking in its famed wooden houses and waterways. Monnickendam reflects how the Netherlands have reclaimed land from the sea time and time again, and how the nation has long relied on the sea as its primary means of transport, agriculture, and trade.