Amsterdam Packing List (32 Items You Should Bring)

👉 Jump to: Travel Essentials for Amsterdam | Spring and Summer Clothing | Fall and Winter Clothing | Packing Tips | Podcast | Get Printable Version

With its fickle weather and plethora of things to do, packing for Amsterdam can be daunting. But do not worry, I have lived in the city and experienced its seasons over the last seven years. I am here to give you a detailed list of which items you should not forget, and what you should definitely leave at home.

Besides what essentials to bring for the weather, and what to specifically pack for the warmer and colder seasons, this guide is packed with tips that help you combine practicality with style, something us Dutchies are known for. I have even made a point of picking the most sustainable and ethical brands, so you can shop with a happy conscience. 

Travel Essentials for Amsterdam

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

Windproof Umbrella

Did you know it rains for an average of 192 days a year in the Netherlands? Add strong winter gales to it, and you’ve got yourself some tough weather to get through, which is why a windproof umbrella is essential to have on hand when visiting Amsterdam. [Source]

The Repel Umbrella is not only lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel, but is also able to withstand 85mph winds. 

Raincoat

Single use plastic raincoats are not only wasteful, but will also not withstand the Dutch rain for long. Especially when you are cycling and unable to use an umbrella, a sturdy raincoat is a must. 

Our fellow rainy country Denmark creates the best rain jackets out there. RAINS’ Cargo Long Jacket not only looks great, but is durable, breathable, and lightweight, meaning it will last long and take up little space in your suitcase.

Rain Trousers

Have I mentioned it rains a lot in the Netherlands? If you plan on cycling a lot, a pair of rain trousers to wear with your raincoat will ensure your carefully selected outfit will stay dry all day long. 

RAINS Waterproof Pants are one of the best options out there. Its water and windproof fabric is made to last long and comes in multiple colors so you can match it with your RAINS Cargo Long Jacket.

Rain Boots

Nothing is worse than soggy shoes and cold feet when it rains, which is why rain boots are the perfect complement to your outfit on the dreariest of days. Trust me, once your feet are wet, it is near-impossible to get warm again.

Hunter offers a broad collection of wellies for men and women that are both durable and fashionable. Try their Chelsea Rain Boot for women, or the extra warm Sherpa Insulated Boot for men.

Comfortable Shoes

When visiting Amsterdam, you will undeniably do a lot of walking, which is why bringing a comfortable pair of shoes will help keep you on your feet all day long. As most streets are paved with cobblestones, sneakers are the way to go. 

Sustainable brand Veja makes stylish sneakers for both men and women in several styles, like the Veja Men’s Campo Sneakers or Veja Women’s Venturi Sneakers. 

Carry-On Bag

Losing your luggage before your trip has properly started is every traveler’s worst nightmare. 

After hearing many horror stories about people losing their stuff after arriving or departing from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, I try to travel with carry-on luggage whenever I can.

The Deuter Utilion 5 is one of the brand’s many clever carry-on backpack designs. It comes in different colors and its myriad compartments will definitely up your travel organization game, allowing you to fit in everything you need. 

Packing Cubes

Traveling with carry-on only? Then compression packing cubes are the ultimate travel hack. They not only help you keep your belongings organized and neat, but also pack efficiently, so you can bring more stuff, or leave enough room for souvenirs.

Aerotrunk’s Compression Packing Cubes come in a pack of six and are made of super strong materials, so they will not tear when or if you accidentally overpack.

Toiletry Bag

While traveling with a carry-on only, a compact yet spacious toiletry bag is key. Known for its smart design and durable materials, Pelican’s ModPak Toiletry Bag is a great pick. Its myriad compartments allow you to organize your toiletries well. I especially love it for its hanging feature, which is super convenient when there is no space on the counter to place your things. It comes in several colors. 

Power Bank

Whether you are using Google Maps to navigate, or need to scan a QR code for a restaurant’s menu, travel has become unimaginable without a phone. Bringing a portable power bank is therefore a must to keep your phone charged throughout the day. 

The Anker Power Bank is one of the best ones out there. It is compact, has a long battery-life, charges quickly, and offers both USB-A and USB-C outputs.

Travel Adapter

Like most of Europe, the Netherlands has type C and F power sockets, making a travel adapter a necessary investment for your trip. 

With the Lencent European Travel Adapter, there is no need to fight with your travel partner over who gets to use the adapter: with four outlets and four USB ports, you will manage to charge all your devices in one go.

Medicine Kit

Whether you are traveling to Amsterdam during flu or hay fever season, bringing a medicine kit will save you a trip to the doctor’s office. Most medicine is only available through a prescription in the Netherlands, so bringing some of your own will help you to recover quickly.

The Travel Medicine Kit has 70+ pills that will alleviate allergy symptoms, headaches, and more, while taking up little space in your suitcase.

Water Bottle

Did you know we even flush the toilet with drinking water in the Netherlands? That is how much clean water is available. Even restaurants are legally obliged to give you tap water if you ask for it. Besides being wasteful, the purchase of bottled water in Amsterdam is thus completely unnecessary. 

Carrying a reusable water bottle, like female-owned S’well’s Stainless Steel Water Bottle, will help you stay hydrated throughout the day and save you some euros on single-use plastics. 

Facial Sunscreen

Despite the heavy rain that pesters my small country, the sun, when it does peek through the clouds, can be quite strong. Wearing some sunscreen on your face is good practice.

Kinfield’s Daily Dew not only comes in a travel-size, but it is also vegan and paraben, cruelty, phthalate, and sulfate free. Thus, it is good for the environment and good for any type of skin.

Small Bag

Personally, I find carrying a backpack around while exploring a city to be exhausting, which is why I always opt for a small bag that has enough space to hold the essentials. 

RAINS’ Bum Bag is not only waterproof, but its fanny pack design allows you to wear it in front of your body, meaning easy access for you and not-so-easy access for potential pickpockets.

If you prefer a larger day-pack, RAINS’ waterproof Messenger Bag or Rolltop Rucksack might be more your style.

Hair Ties

Are hair ties really a necessity? Yes, especially if you are planning on cycling and wearing wide pants or a long skirt. Wrapping a hair tie around both your legs will make sure both you and your clothes stay safe from getting stuck in the wheels. 

If you want them to function as a normal hair tie too, I suggest packing the Fishers Finery Silk Scrunchies, which have a soft textile that will protect your hair from breaking. If not, opt for the cheaper Spiral Ponytail Holders instead.

Camera

As a travel blogger and writer, photographing my trips helps me to stay in the moment and notice the little things. Besides having something to look back upon once you return home, photography can be a great activity to help you travel mindfully.

I always travel with my Sony Alpha a6300, which is my favorite camera to date. Combining the camera with the versatile Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens will allow you to shoot both landscapes and portraits, without having to carry tons of extra gear.

Travel Insurance

While travel insurance is not something to put in your suitcase, it is one of the most important things to take care of before going on a trip. You never know what might happen on the road, and the expectation of a huge bill can cast a shadow over your holiday.

Fellow Travel Lemming writers use Visitors Coverage, which is super quick to set up and can cover anything from medical emergencies and cancellations to delays and lost luggage. 

Checklist of Other Amsterdam Essentials to Pack

• Passport
• Wallet 
• Ear plugs
• Sleeping eyemask 
• Phone charger
• Toothbrush + paste
• Makeup
• Accessories and jewelry 
• Hair styling tools
• Sunglasses
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Prescribed medication 
• A foldable tote for shopping
• Other photography essentials
• Book or Kindle

Spring and Summer Clothing & Essentials for Amsterdam

Most of your suitcase will be filled with clothing, which is why it is so important to pack only the things you need. Something that can be challenging in a country known for its fickle weather in both spring and summer. 

A good rule of thumb is to pack lots of layers. The average temperature in spring is around 15ºC (~60℉) and in summer around 20ºC (~70℉). But in both seasons, temperatures have been known to plummet and rise. Always take a light jacket, a long pair of pants, and close-toed shoes with you, so you are well-prepared for the chillier days.

Here are some specific recommendations for spring and summer clothing you might need in Amsterdam:

White T-Shirt

A white t-shirt is the perfect basic for every season and you will see variations of it throughout Amsterdam. Pair it with some cool jewelry or printed bottoms to switch it up. 

Unbound Merino makes merino wool clothing that is perfect for traveling. The fabric is breathable, does not smell, does not wrinkle, and is lightweight, meaning it will not take up too much space in your suitcase. Try their Crew Neck t-shirt for women, or their variant for men, which both come in several colors.

Skort or Shorts

For the past few years, Amsterdam has been subjected to a heat wave in summer and peak temperatures in the early days of spring. In this type of weather, I always love to wear a skort, as it keeps my legs from rubbing together while still looking cute. 

Unbound Merino’s Lightweight Skort is the perfect addition to your outfit, and just as breathable as their merino t-shirts. For men, they make equally comfortable Travel Shorts that are practical as well as stylish.

Summer Dress

A summer dress is a must-pack, as it is such a versatile piece of clothing. You can wear it casually with a pair of sneakers when out exploring, or match it with a purse and cute shoes for a brunch or dinner date. 

This Taj Hemp Midi Dress by Toad&Co has a loose fit and long hem that will help air circulate around your legs, keeping you cool on the hotter days in the city, and warm when it is chilly.

Merino or Linen Trousers

It might be anywhere from 30 ºC (~85℉) to 17 ºC (~60℉) in summer. Either way, packing a long pair of breathable pants is a good idea. I prefer to wear linen or merino wool, as they help regulate my body’s temperature and keep me smelling fresh. 

Unbound Merino’s Travel Pants, for both men and women, are made of the same breathable and lightweight fabric as their t-shirts, meaning they take up little space in your luggage.

Flats

While sneakers are often the most comfortable option when exploring a city, they can also be too hot. Flats, like ballet flats or espadrilles, will keep your feet a little cooler and are a great option for a fancy event or dinner party.

Flats like ALOHAS’ Women’s Sway Flats or Manebi’s Men’s Suede Square Toe Espadrilles immediately elevate any outfit, while still being comfortable.

Bathing Suit

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam in summer is to go swimming, either in the Amstel or on a day trip to the sea. Bringing a bikini or pair of swimming trunks will allow you to partake in one of the country’s most loved activities when temperatures skyrocket. 

This Rip Curl Women’s Bralette Bikini Top with its corresponding bikini bottom, or Men’s Standard Dawn Patrol Boardshorts are made for watersports, meaning they will stay put when swimming, or doing something fun like paddle boarding on the canals.

Lightweight Beach Towel

When the weather is good, you will want to go for a picnic or a swim around Amsterdam. You will need to bring a beach towel or plaid (picnic blanket). However, they do tend to take up a lot of space in your suitcase, especially when traveling with carry-on only.

This is why Dock & Bay’s Beach Towel is the perfect one to pack. It is lightweight, takes up little space, and comes in different colors and sizes. 

Mosquito Repellent

With so much water around, mosquitoes are a common occurrence in the Netherlands during summer. Packing a mosquito repellent like Kinfield’s aptly named Golden Hour Spray is therefore a no-brainer. This repellent is great for any skin since it is vegan as well as paraben, sulfate, phthalate, and cruelty-free. 

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Amsterdam

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Amsterdam? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Amsterdam: 

• 2-3 pairs of shorts or skirts
• 2-3 sundresses
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 pair of jeans or linen trousers
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 3-5 t-shirts 
• 2-3 tank tops or other (going out) tops
• 1-2 dressier shirts
• 7 pairs of socks
• 1 beach coverup
• 1 blazer 
• 1 rain jacket
• Accessories and jewelry

Fall and Winter Clothing & Essentials to Pack for Amsterdam

As the leaves start to drop in Amsterdam, so does the temperature. Varying between 5 and 15ºC (~40-60℉) in fall, and the occasional frost in winter, the key is to pack tons of layers and to keep an eye on the latest weather forecast. 

However, besides layers and some warm clothes listed below, the most important thing that will keep you warm is waterproof gear. Getting soaked in milder temperatures often feels colder than when it is freezing, as frost often means clearer skies and lots of sunshine. So, make sure to take a look at the waterproof clothes I have listed at the start of this article to be fully prepared for your fall or winter trip.

Here are some recommendations for additional fall and winter clothing you might need in Amsterdam:

Winter Coat

There is no worse feeling than wanting to see all the sights, but being too cold to go outside. Bringing a winter coat is a must when visiting Amsterdam in fall and winter.

The Dutch sustainable brand G-STAR has some incredibly cozy options available, like their Women’s Meefic Hooded Padded Jacket. While they also offer coats for men, Mammut’s Fall Line HS Thermo Hooded Jacket is a great investment for both city exploration and outdoor activities.  

Gloves

Gloves are an essential item when you are planning to spend most of your days outside. I cannot tell you the number of times I wished for my gloves when cycling through the freezing rain. 

These Carhartt waterproof gloves for men and women are bound to keep your hands warm and dry in the roughest weather. They even stay toasty when the temperature drops below zero.

Scarf

One thing that cannot be missed from your fall and winter wardrobe in Amsterdam is a scarf, which will protect your neck from the cold and strong winds that blow through the streets. A stiff neck is not fun, especially when you are planning on hitting the dance floor at night. 

Fair Indigo’s Unisex Baby Alpaca Scarf is made from the warmest alpaca yarn, which is ethically sourced in Peru and helps support the traditional livelihoods of the people producing it.

Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple and you will see plenty of locals wearing them, both in casual and more fancy settings. Pair it with a cozy sweater and you are quite ready to brave the cold. 

Dutch brand G-STAR is mostly known for its long-lasting denim products, which is why their Women’s Tedie Ultra High Straight Fit Jeans are a great investment. For men they have similar styles, like the G-STAR Men’s 3301 Straight Tapered Fit Jeans.

Dressy Shirt

Friday and Saturday nights in fall and winter call for a cozy cocktail bar or intimate dinner setting. Instead of changing your outfit completely, swap your daytime sweater for a dressy shirt. This will be enough to fit into Amsterdam’s dress code.

Free People’s Women’s Evergreen Sweater is perfect for dressing up while wanting to stay warm, but the brand’s bodysuit paired with a blazer would also do the trick. 

For men, a shirt like this one from Tommy Hilfiger would immediately elevate your jeans and t-shirt outfit.

Sweater

When exploring Amsterdam in fall and winter, sweaters will be your best friend. On warmer days, they can replace your usual jacket, while they add an extra layer of warmth on the coldest of days. 

Opt for a wide sweater, like prAna’s Women’s Carin Pullover or prAna Men’s Altitude Tracker Crew II, so you can throw it over any outfit when you get cold.

Comfortable Boots

When it gets very cold, sneakers might not be enough to keep your feet warm. Wider boots like ALOHAS Women’s All Rounder Boots even leave enough room for a thick pair of socks, so your toes stay extra toasty. 

For men, Timberland’s Men’s Britton Road Waterproof Boot, which comes in five different colors, is bound to keep your feet dry and warm.

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for Amsterdam

So what seasonal items should you pack for Amsterdam? Here is a quick checklist for Amsterdam: 

• 2-3 long dresses or skirts
• 1 beanie
• 3-4 pairs of trousers
• 1-2 pairs of jeans 
• 1-2 jumpsuits
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 7 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of tights
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 2-3 long-sleeved shirts 
• 2-3 tops for going out or dinner 
• 2-3 blouses 
• 1 puffer jacket or lightweight winter coat
• 1 rain jacket
• 1 pair of wellies
• 1 pair of boots or sneakers
• 1-2 cardigans or sweaters

👉 You Might Also Like: 5-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Amsterdam Packing Tips

Weather Apps Are Your Best Friend

The Netherlands’ climate is wet and often unpredictable. Your go-to weather app might say it will be dry today, but the view from your window might say otherwise. Lucky for you, The Netherlands is one of the leading countries when it comes to predicting the weather. 

The website Weeronline is usually the most accurate when it comes to predicting the weather overall (you can even use it outside of the Netherlands), while the app Buienalarm gives you a graph of how heavy the rain in the coming two hours will be. 

Dutchies always use the Buienalarm app to determine the exact weather window in which they should commute. And if it says it will keep raining for two hours straight? Then we use all of our waterproof gear and hope for the best.

Don’t Bring Cash, Bring Your Debit Card

The Netherlands is quickly turning into a card-only country. Very few restaurants and stores accept cash anymore, so converting your dollars before your trip or at the airport will not be necessary. 

Due to the Dutch debt-averse culture, rules, and regulations, however, credit cards are not commonly used either, with online shopping and booking hotels being the exception. Packing your debit card is therefore a must. 

Download 9292 for Public Transport Options

Another handy app is 9292, which gathers all current public transport timetables in the Netherlands and helps you find the best route. You can even book e-tickets for your route through the app. In most modes of public transport you will be able to check in using your debit card. Do not forget to check out with the same card when leaving the tram or bus, though!

Do Your Laundry

Doing your laundry during your trip is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself from overpacking. Most hotels offer laundry services, and if not, there are plenty of laundromats to be found in the city. 

No to Heels, Yes to Flats

Considering the great amount of cobblestone streets in Amsterdam, wearing heels is not a great idea, especially when you are on your feet all day. If you do want to wear them, go for a block heel, or make sure you only have to walk a short distance. 

Put in Effort to Look Effortless

If you want to blend into Amsterdam’s fashion style, then not putting in too much effort is the way to do it. While athleisure is actually meant for athletic purposes here, fancy dress is usually reserved for Michelin-star restaurants and the opera. Your best bet is to aim somewhere in the middle.

For example, during the day, but also during dinner or a night out with friends, most Dutchies will be wearing a casual yet very well-styled outfit. Think jeans, a cute top and some statement jewelry. Do not overthink it, but do curate it. 

Try to Buy Used Products Where You Can

When going on a trip, your first instinct will be to buy new things, like that new version of your favorite noise-canceling headphones for the plane or a new backpack like the Deuter Utilion 5 listed above. 

Before you buy new, however, check out Amazon’s Resale page. Here, you can both save previously owned products from the landfill and save some money on discounted products.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

Want More? Listen to My Amsterdam Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Amsterdam episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Amsterdam”).

The host, Betty, and I chat about the best things to do in Amsterdam (2:26), Amsterdam safety tips (26:24), where to stay in Amsterdam (19:51), Dutch food to try (32:47), etiquette tips for Amsterdam (39:12), and all the other common questions about Amsterdam. 

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you visit Amsterdam.

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Thanks for reading! Next, see my guide to the best areas & hotels in Amsterdam to keep planning your trip.