The best thing to do on a rainy day in Amsterdam is to go and watch a film at the cinema. Just because the weather is bad that doesn’t mean you won’t have a great day in Amsterdam!

 

 

There are plenty of cinemas dotted around the city, from mainstream multiplexes to independent cinemas. So whether you want to catch up with the latest blockbusters or see something different, you won’t be disappointed.

The city has some of the quirkiest independent film houses in Europe, showing both mainstream and art-house flicks in a variety of languages.

Personally, I’m a big fan of visiting independent cinemas in different cities, so I have rounded up some of my favourite cinemas in Amsterdam that I highly recommend you check out on your visit.

 

1.  The Movies                                                                                                                               The Movies is the oldest functioning cinema in Amsterdam, with a history dating as far back as 1912. The cinema boasts a magnificent art-deco interior that guarantees a warming ambience. It focuses on alternative films and art house cinema.

 

 

The Movies

    Haarlemmerdijk 161

2. Pathé Tuschinski

Situated right in the city centre is Amsterdams most stunning movie theatre. The  Tushinski interior and exterior blend several designs, with a heavy emphasis on Art Deco. Just like the décor, the movies are also a mix of styles; Hollywood blockbusters to arthouse and old classics. The main hall is the most impressive, be sure to arrive early enough to check out the decor and don’t forget to look at the ceiling.

 

 

Pathé Tuschinski

  Reguliersbreestraat 26-34

 

3.  FC Hyena 

Away from the city centre, is a small cinema named  FC Hyena. It is situated in Amsterdam Noord, the trendy part of the city. Here you will find lots of locals and students hanging out as well as movie-goers. It shows a  mix of art house and popular films, the cinema has two screens, each with their own home-made comfy seating. Outside the films, you can enjoy some food and a chilled out space to meet new people or catch up with friends.

 

 

FC Hyena

  Aambeeldstraat 24

 

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in the winter, the one thing you won’t want to miss is the Amsterdam Light Festival. It takes place every year for 55 nights from late November to early January. This year’s theme was ‘The Medium is the Message’.

 

I was very lucky to have been in Amsterdam at the start of January to see the lights before the festival ended. I had a great time just wandering around the city to explore and see the 40 large-scale light installations that dot Amsterdam’s scenic canals.  In January the winter days are short so it will get dark as early as 4pm. This means you don’t have to wait until the late hours to see the lights at their best. Along the Keizersgracht canal, the light art installations of the festival illuminate every day from 5 pm until 11 pm. So don’t forget your camera while you’re out because there is plenty of great Instagram worthy spots for photos.

 

 

During my trip, I walked along “The Illuminade,” which is a free walking tour across the canals. I would recommend planning your walking route beforehand, so you don’t miss anything!

You can take a look at all the routes here – https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/map

 

There is also many paid boat cruise to choose from that take you alongside and even under some of the installations. If you are wanting a cruise that is not packed with tourists, I would recommend the Blue Boat Company.  They have many tours and different types of boats to choose from. I would recommend the open boat cruise if you are with a group of friends. It allows you to take great photos and is perfect on a nice night.