What to Do on a Rainy Day in the Netherlands?

It's the season of Holiday cheer and festive celebrations. In the Netherlands, this usually pairs with some cold and rainy days. During a gloomy, rainy day, it might seem like you're limited in activities, and you might feel isolated or confined indoors. However, there's actually a lot to experience on such a day. In this blog, we provide a few tips to make the most out of a somber day with bad weather. Don't be discouraged by a bit of dampness—grab your raincoat from the closet and discover how to turn a drizzly day into something special.

1 – Indoor Shopping at the Westfield Mall

Is the weather not cooperating? We have the perfect solution for you: 'shop till you drop' at the Westfield Mall is the ideal answer for a rainy day. With over 100 shops under one roof, there's something for everyone. From high-end boutiques to popular chains, the mall offers endless opportunities to expand your wardrobe or simply enjoy a cozy day out. But that's not all. You can also indulge in delicious meals at various restaurants and cafes or catch a movie at the adjoining cinema. If the weather is dreary but you still want to get out, pay a visit to the Westfield Mall for a day filled with shopping fun.

Would you like to stay close to the mall to explore the area? You can do so at Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Leidschendam-Den Haag, located right next to the enormous mall. You can literally roll out of bed and be face to face with the Westfield Mall. After a comfortable night's stay, you can choose to explore a nearby city the next day, such as The Hague.

2 - A Fun Day of Bowling

Bowling is a perfect indoor activity when the weather isn't cooperating. It offers a fun and relaxing way to spend time with friends and family without getting rained on. Whether you're an experienced bowler or just looking for some laughs, it's an accessible activity for everyone. The competitive element adds excitement to the game, while the atmosphere in the bowling alley creates a cozy and social experience. Moreover, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while waiting for your turn. So, when it's a gloomy day outside and the rain is falling, consider heading to the bowling alley for some indoor fun. Fletcher Hotels offer bowling facilities across six hotels where you can enjoy a game of bowling. Take a look at our bowling alleys.

3 – Tranquility during a Spa Day

Warming up in the sauna, swimming laps in a luxurious pool, and indulging in a massage, facial, or beauty treatment—there's no better way to relax in a spa on a cold, rainy day. If this sounds like what you're longing for, you've come to the right place. With over nine luxurious BLUE Wellness Resorts spread across the country, you can enjoy one or more days of wellness and pamper yourself entirely. Don't let drizzly days dampen your mood; treat yourself to a day of wellness and escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Take a look at our BLUE Wellness locations.

4 – Visit a Museum

A visit to a museum is a worthwhile and educational activity to make the most of a rainy day. Within the walls of museums, you'll discover a treasure trove of art, history, and culture to learn from and explore. Admire masterpieces, delve into the history of the world, and be inspired by exhibitions. Whether you're keen on painting, science, technology, or history, there's undoubtedly a museum that perfectly aligns with your interests. Grab an umbrella and pay a visit to a museum on a cold and wet day. Discover eight museums in Amsterdam.

5 – Explore a new city

Perhaps not the very first thing that comes to mind to do in bad weather, but did you know that it's actually the perfect opportunity to explore a new city? Most people prefer to stay indoors in gloomy weather, leaving the streets of vibrant cities quieter and providing you with the ideal chance to get to know a city in every detail that you haven't visited before. How about a visit to the capital city, Amsterdam, or the bustling cities of Rotterdam or The Hague? Of course, it's also an option to explore a smaller city like Haarlem or Delft. Often, it's an advantage that smaller cities are less crowded, harbor many hidden gems, making it an authentic experience overall. Discover more Dutch cities.

If you'd rather not venture out at all, you can opt for a movie marathon, a crafting day, or a board game afternoon with family or friends, making for a day filled with entertainment. A drizzly day can undoubtedly be as adventurous as a sunny one.