In the Netherlands, you’ve just experienced the end of summer and the beginning of fall. You’re as sad as we are to say goodbye to the warm rays of the lowland sun, whether you’re cycling or drinking beer in the sun.
But, when the cold sets in and winter approaches, you may have noticed that one element is typical of the Netherlands at this time of year – rain.
It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring in the Netherlands; you can still have fun. Even when it’s raining outside, there are plenty of fun things to do. So Student-Helpr has put up a list of the top rainy-day activities.
1 Go to a museum.
The Netherlands has numerous art galleries and museums. And what better opportunity to immerse yourself in culture than when the weather is dreadful outside? Conduct some research to see which museums are the most popular in your student city.
You may also take advantage of the possibility to travel by rail. If you enjoy art and want to visit the capital, go to Amsterdam and visit the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, or the Rembrandthuis. If you’re up for a museum marathon, you may go to Leiden, which is well-known for having fourteen museums, including the famed Naturalis scientific museum.
2 Read a book in a cafe.
Take in the mood of a wet, dark day in the Netherlands by visiting a cafe or coffee shop (no, not that sort!).
You could do some academic study or take some time off and read a book. What better way to spend a rainy day than with your nose in a book while drinking coffee and eating cake?
3 Go shopping
Okay, so you might get a little wet as you dive in and out of one shop after another. However, taking advantage of rainy days to use your student discount could be a fantastic way to stay occupied.
Prepare for the holiday season by purchasing warm winter clothing and accessories to last you the next few months, or get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
Wander around Utrecht’s retail district and indoor shopping center, or visit a designer outlet like the ones in Roermond or Batavia Stad to try to locate a luxury bargain.
Remember that businesses in the Netherlands open later on Sunday and Monday, and that certain shops may not open until the end of the week. However, if it’s a Thursday, you might be in luck because many cities offer late-night shopping.
4 Go to the movies.
Visiting a Dutch cinema is an unforgettable experience in and of itself. If you were too busy enjoying the weather to go to the movies during summer, now is the time to go see the latest releases.
Unlike in other countries, such as Germany, English-language films remain in their original language in the Netherlands and are not dubbed. Instead, they feature Dutch subtitles. That means you can watch a wonderful movie while also brushing up on your Dutch reading skills.
Then there’s the reality that many theaters will have a commercial break in the middle of the film. At the bar, moviegoers can purchase appetizers and even order a beverage. When you’re snuggled up in front of a Dutch film, you’ll wish it was raining every day.
5 Visit a spa.
The Dutch, like their Belgian neighbors, are known for their love of a peaceful spa. If it’s raining outside, you may play the weather’s game by going for a swim and a sauna.
Check out Culture Trip’s list of wellness retreats. Alternatively, conduct some research to identify the best spas in your area.
Remember that swimming trunks and costumes are not permitted in many Dutch spas except on specified dress days. Check the calendar to see which days are coming up – or simply embrace the free-spiritedness of Dutch nudity and discard your clothes and underpants.
6 Dine your way through a food court
On a cold day, many Dutch cities feature indoor food markets that are best visited. Eat your way around a gourmet haven like Rotterdam’s Markthal or Amsterdam’s Foodhallen.
These indoor markets provide cuisine from all over the world and can provide you with a taste of not only traditional Dutch fried snacks but also delectable Dutch food such as Surinamese roti. You could even spend the day eating fresh seafood at a wine and oyster bar if you’re feeling fancy.
7 Indoor skiing
Prepare for winter and snow by practicing your skiing abilities on an indoor slope. Indoor skiing is not only less expensive than a trip to the Alps, but it’s also a terrific method to tone your body and enhance your aerobic capacity while having a lot of fun.
Indoor skiing slopes can be found in locations such as Zoetermeer, Limburg, and The Hague in the Netherlands. A short Google search will provide the closest locations to you.
8 Host a dinner party.
A dinner party is the one thing that Dutch people enjoy more than Bitterballen and bicycles. Invite all of your new university buddies over for a dinner party so that you can all avoid the rain together.
This could also be an excellent time to try out traditional Dutch foods like Stamppot and pea soup, especially if you have a Dutch friend to assist you.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may ask everyone to bring a dish from their home nation instead. This also means you’ll have a great smorgasbord of food from all over the world. The more diverse your social group, the better the dinner party!
If you’re still looking for things to do on a rainy day, join the Student-Helpr community and keep an eye on our social media for fun events, trips, and activities.
