This is my third year living in Amsterdam and it’s hard to explain to friends/family who are visiting Amsterdam on what to bring to Amsterdam to be prepared for the unpredictable and rainy weather that defines all but ~3 weeks in summer.
Packing for Amsterdam isn’t easy as it involves planning for the worst, so why not be prepared with a packing list for Amsterdam with what to pack for Amsterdam and what not to pack by one resident?
This includes what to wear in Amsterdam in winter (as well as what to wear in Amsterdam for spring/summer/fall). At the bottom, you’ll find a FREE printable/downloadable packing list for Amsterdam.
Contents
- 1 What to bring to Amsterdam Year-Round
- 2 Clothing: What should you bring to Amsterdam and why?
- 3 Non-Winter weather in Amsterdam
- 4 Electronics/Other Things
- 5 What to bring to Amsterdam for Winter (including December!)
- 6 What not to wear to Amsterdam & What NOT to bring to Amsterdam
- 7 Special Occasions to Keep In Mind
- 8 In case you forget something…
- 9 Is there anything that you wish that you left behind (or brought) when you visited in Amsterdam?
What to bring to Amsterdam Year-Round
Amsterdam Fashion Overview: Dutchies are very fashionable, however they tend to prefer a more casual style compared to some other Europeans. This includes wearing jeans to work, wearing sneakers/booties (often) year-round, and not dressing up too much for a night out.
The dress code for Amsterdam (for women) in fall/spring for a casual day out typically involves a light/stylish (often leather) jacket, booties, and a blouse/t-shirt. In summer, you’ll see the dress code in Amsterdam switches more to dresses although many women will wear dresses year-round (but with lots of layers).
The dress code for Amsterdam for men tends to be much more polished with more tightly fitted clothes (compared to the US) although fairly standard for European fashion. You’ll see a lot of men wearing white shirts and jeans with polished shoes to work, however you’ll see a more casual (yet polished) look on weekends.
Amsterdam street fashion tends to range a lot from functional to eclectic with many ladies embracing quirky dresses from Belgian/Dutch brands to vintage clothes to fashionistas embracing the newest minimalistic trends.
For advice on what to do in Amsterdam, click for my three day guide to Amsterdam, guide to secret Amsterdam, and my guide to where to stay in Amsterdam.
Clothing: What should you bring to Amsterdam and why?
Your rain gear. Most of us come unprepared for Amsterdam’s weather year round, which happens to be often overcast and rainy.
Depending on which month you’ll be visiting the Netherlands, you might want to consider packing some heavy-duty rain gear if you’re trying to figure out what to wear in Amsterdam in March or April. You might as well look cute in the rain in Amsterdam.
At minimum: a good sturdy umbrella that will not break in the wind. It’s windy in Amsterdam as we’re close to the sea and I LOVE clear umbrellas since you can see out of them with covering yourself 100%.
If you’ll be spending a lot of time traveling in the UK OR the Netherlands, it’s a good idea to invest in a cute raincoat for those dreary cloudy days. However, a basic rain poncho that you can tuck away into your backpack is a good idea for those sudden downpours.
Comfortable waterproof shoes or sneakers. Ladies here LOVE comfy shoes and thick heels year-round, so you’ll fit quite in with a cute pair of booties or chic white sneakers.
Contrary to what you may think, it’s actually easier to ride a bike in thick heels than it is in sneakers, even in the rain. However, prioritize comfort for walking around and sneakers are fine, especially if you can style them with the rest of your outfit.
Cute ankle booties are perfect for mixing up your dresses/jeans/or simply dressing up your t-shirt and jeans with. There’s nothing like European casual chic like adding some simple and stylish boots. They’re also perfect for going out without overdoing it. Pro tip: Waterproof your shoes to make them last before you leave.
Non-Winter weather in Amsterdam
(You don’t need an extra jacket if you bring your raincoat)
Light jacket (specifically a real OR fake leather jacket). Every Amsterdammer (myself included) has a real OR fake leather jacket in their closet. It is almost always appropriate: business meetings, parties, going out, summer, fall, or just walking around the city.
It’s not that cold in Amsterdam in spring/fall/summer, but it’s nice to have a second layer in case the weather turns cold on you.
1-2 pairs of jeans. Dutch people love jeans and I never wear dress pants to work as they’re just too formal, even for my office. They’re perfect year-round, including in summer, when it’s too cold to wear your shorts!
I have started living in jeans year-round besides the occasional sundress in summer. (Bring one pair if you’re okay with re-wearing the same pair multiple times.)
Ladies: 1 casual dress that can go from lazy to smoking in 5 minutes: Nobody goes crazy here when going out. Unless you’re going to a select number of swanky bars that require formal attire, most bars in Amsterdam have no formal dress code as long as you’re decent.
Be comfy, warm, and have fun. Throw on a little mascara, lipstick your leather jacket, and your booties. (In summer, you might want to stick to stylish sandals/flats as Amsterdam can be brutally humid at night without air conditioning.)
I recommend selecting a comfy/cute basic dress that can be layered up together with a cardigan/tights for a cute look. For those trying to minimize packing, ONE cute dress that can be dressed up or down is the key to minimizing your packing.
2-3 blouses/t-shirts with minimal text are a great idea. T-shirts ARE worn here.
3 days worth of underwears/bras/socks. (Don’t chance it)
Pajamas.
A cute hat that won’t blow off your head.
A scarf to add style and/or warmth to your outfit.
Electronics/Other Things
Your ATM card and Visa Credit Card with Chip. A lot of places outside of the tourist centre do not accept many types of credit cards, so always plan on having some cash on you just in case. Visa (with chip) and Mastercard (with chip) are often accepted at places that take credit cards (More about this issue here!)A Lonely Planet Amsterdam guidebook or Netherlands guidebook.A book about Amsterdam. I recommend The Dinner, the Miniaturist , or Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City.
EU-friendly plugs AND converters. People often only buy the adapter (the actual plug), but if you intend on using your hair straightener, shaver, blow dryer, laptop…you’ll need a converter if you’re coming from the US, the UK, or Asia.I recommend first double-checking if your devices will work in Europe (as some cords [including the global kit for my Mac] include a European plug]) . I personally have a dual voltage hair straightener that is compatible with both EU and US plugs, which makes international travel a lot easier. Look for the term Dual voltage .
Toiletries. It’s pretty easy to replace most basic products here at Etos Kruidvat, or an organic shop here as needed.
Medicines. Although it’s possible to buy basic medications (such as Ibuprofen) at the local Dutch drugstores (Etos or Kruidvat), prescription medications will be a hassle to replace as pharmacists have separate locations and you will need permission from your doctor to refill medications that you can easily get at home.
I swear by wearing a side bag with a zipper wherever I travel. Amsterdam is fairly safe,
Passport. Always important!
Phone Charger. A carry-on bag that will fit everything with 0 extra baggage fees + some souvenirs. Maybe also packing cubes if you’re really bad at packing.
Compact and light camera capable of beautiful photos There is something to be said for having great photos to remember your trip by. I’m a DSLR girl myself, but any camera will do!
Camera Charger.
Optional: Extra SD card. You never know when you’ll want to keep shooting without deleting photos, so it’s always a good idea of have a second SD card with you.
Optional: Battery Bank for your phone. I love staying in touch with family and sending them photos/videos while on vacation, but being constantly on your phone whether it’s for maps, translation apps, or messaging can drain your battery. I used to think it was ridiculous to carry one of these around, but it can really save you in case you need to make an essential call as your phone is dying!
If you’re staying at a hostel, a lock. Far too many hostels do NOT include a lock, just a bin to put your stuff inside. Don’t risk it and lock up your bag securely.
What to bring to Amsterdam for Winter (including December!)
The cold wind coming off the North Sea means that the wind chill brings the temperature down in Amsterdam quite a bit, so you’ll need to bundle up quite a bit for winter. These are my winter necessities.A warm winter coat.
Waterproof boots (with lining) OR riding boots
1-2 comfy sweaters to layer up with.
A solid pair of gloves (For men / For women) that allows you to text without taking them off. I know the struggle–and seriously, it’s worth investing in a good pair. Similarly, if you plan on biking, your hands will FREEZE on the hand bars without gloves.
A warm wool scarf. Preferably one long enough to wrap around your entire face like a ski mask while cycling.
A warm hat with fleece lining. There’s something so cozy and wonderful about the extra warmth from the fleece!
If you want to bring any dresses/skirts, a thick pair of tights.
What not to wear to Amsterdam & What NOT to bring to Amsterdam
Your cute summer dresses without closed toe shoes or tights. You’ll just be cold. A good pair of winter tights is a life-saver and I live in mine during winter/fall/spring (not joking).
Your smoking paraphernalia as that can get you into trouble if you’re coming from MOST other countries.
Your drone. It is possible to bring it with you, but it is ILLEGAL to fly it anywhere in Amsterdam. It is possible to fly a drone some places in the Netherlands with restrictions, but you need to study up on the applicable drone laws as many attractions and the Dutch government is cracking down.
Your corkscrew and/or army knife. You’ll lose both when you’re going through security if you’re going: go carry-on only!
Your safari vest. Most things are fine to wear in Amsterdam, but this is what you should not wear in Amsterdam. This issue is that it makes you stand out like a sore thumb, so scam artists will pick you out easily. I’ve heard they’re convenient and useful, but Amsterdam doesn’t require anything this intense.
ALL your make-up. Besides a basic level of makeup that often includes mascara, some BB cream, a touch of lipstick, you’ll notice that many Dutch girls go pretty natural. I’ve brought my makeup on so many trips, but it’s rare that I end up using it and more often than not, I feel overdressed here when I wear full makeup, even at a fancier party.
Your international products that can be bought anywhere. Save the space in your luggage and get it here as needed if you’re not sure if it’s necessary. (Think L’Oreal, Maybelline, Nivea).
Uggs. I know they’re comfy, but some things are better left at home.
Sunglasses. It’s cloudy 99% of the time (I feel like), so you can bring them, but wearing them on a cloudy day just looks ridiculous.
Photo Credit: Masson/Bigstock.com
Bathing suit. Unless you have plans to swim at your hotel OR in the canals of Amsterdam, you don’t need to bring your bathing suit as it probably won’t be warm enough. Check ahead, but if the weather is good, you can lay out in the park.
Your thin heels as they might get caught in the cobblestones.
Special Occasions to Keep In Mind
When it’s King’s Day, you should wear orange. (It’s a giant party in the streets and most people wear orange!)
In case you forget something…
Where can you buy electronics in Amsterdam?
I recommend Media Markt for most electronics that you might forget at home. If you’re in need of an adapter or phone related accessory, you can try HEMA or one of the tourist stores in Centre.
Where can you get clothing in Amsterdam?
HEMA and C&A are reasonable retailers with a good selection of clothing for both men & women in case you forget something.
Where can you get medications in Amsterdam?
If it’s prescription, you’ll need to go to a pharmacy and contact your doctor at home to send over the prescription. If you need over the counter medicines in Amsterdam, go to Etos or Kruidvat.Things here are NOT 24 hours, so many of these places close around 6pm, so plan accordingly.
Click here to download your FREE 3 day Amsterdam Packing List!
Is there anything that you wish that you left behind (or brought) when you visited in Amsterdam?
Need more tips for Amsterdam? Get insider tips:
The Ultimate Guide to Amsterdam (written by a resident)
Most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam
Best Cheap Places to Eat in Amsterdam
15 Do’s & Don’ts of Amsterdam
Castle Day Trips from Amsterdam
Other Cities to Visit in the Netherlands
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This is so helpful! I’m going to Amsterdam in a couple of months and don’t even own the sort of clothes I need. My only waterproof shoes are hiking boots and my only waterproof jacket is a ski jacket! I’m going from a hot country (Thailand) to an even hotter country (UAE) and then onto the Netherlands for 10 days. I’ve really been wondering what on earth I’ll wear so thanks for giving me the low down on what’s needed.
Some great advice here – thank you so much. I love the Netherlands and haven’t actually been to Amsterdam for a long time now, so this is really useful.
Love this post! Such a massive help for preparing for Amsterdam!
This is incredibly informative! I love having this kind of info when I travel!. I wish you had a guide for ask the places I go! I may be in Amsterdam this fall…gotta get some tights!
You don’t see many packing lists for places like this but it’s actually super useful to know if you’re going to stand out like a sore thumb in your London clothes! I love your writing style. Informative but fun!
The only time i’ve been to Amsterdam was a stopover there on my way back from SEA. Everyone was looking at me like a lunatic in my flip flops in December! Hehe.
Do locals use messenger bags? I’ve seen a lot of backpacks in photos but that’s not really my style. Plus they might be tourists for all I know. Will I stick out if I bring a shoulder bag? Thanks!
Hi Dan, actually messenger bags are quite popular with people commuting to work. I think you’ll blend in more!
Hope that helps,
Karen
I live in the US and my poor, poor, English friend had the most difficult time explaining to me that the little, black, leather dress I wanted to bring would leave me looking like a hired woman. I was so offended that he would think that! I am used to urban areas where tight, somewhat revealing clothes, are the norm. I left the little dress behind, feeling rather annoyed, but when I arrived I saw my friend’s point. Everyone was dressed in layers. Very cute and casual but also very modest. Even with the clothes I did bring, I felt a little exposed in comparison to the other women.
For my next trip to Amsterdam I will be bringing plenty of relaxed, casual outfits and taking it as an opportunity to play with cute and comfortable 🙂
Hoi !
Ik ben Balaji 😀 !
I am student who will be arriving in the Netherlands next month August 2018.
I wished to ask where would be the best place to invest in a good Winter coat ( fit for cycling and stormy weathers ) in Delft or in any Holland city.
Since I would be staying for more than 2 years here, it would be great to know few good shops or centers where such Winter wear can be purchased at good rates.
Thank You !
Hi Balaji,
If you’re open to purchasing one secondhand, I’d recommend looking on Marktplaats.nl for a secondhand one in good condition.
Alternatively, I’d recommend looking coming to the Hague (super close to Delft by tram!) to look at Decathlon in fall, which sells reasonable quality coats good for all purpose/sport. For something that is a bit more fashionable, I’d try C&A or TKMaxx. Superdry is very popular too!
Best,
Karen
Where can I purchase an affordable hair dryer and straightener in Amsterdam?
Kruidvat or Etos or Mediamarkt.
Just booked our first trip to Amsterdam! Suggestions for an end of March, early April trip?
Check under April weather! It’s a bit too far out to know how it will be, but expect rainy, windy weather!
Thank you for such a great article. We are considering a cruise which ends in Amsterdam then staying for a few extra days. I’ll still have some of the “what not to bring” because of the cruise but will try to minimize what I bring.
Thank you for your great advice. In So. Cal. we’re pretty casual, just need to dress a warmer version for September. I’m so looking forward to visiting Amsterdam and exploring the city. I know it sounds touristy but I do want to take a boat through the canals. If you have any advice, that’d be great. Also, what shopping areas do you recommend the most?
Hi Dianne,
You can check for my 9 Straatjes article for shopping and I recommend canal cruises in my other articles. I hope that you find what you’re looking for on my website.
Kind regards,
Karen
What a helpful article! I won a trip to Amsterdam where the itinery is pretty packed full so I was planning to go quite casual and working all my outfits around Adidas gazelles or converse only to read alot of reviews about Club Escape being really strict with dresscode which has got me in some muddle! Like I want to be comfortable but nicely dressed at the same time…and I dont normally do heels, any advice would be brill
Honestly, Dutch girls wear their Adidas sneakers out with dresses in public. I wear converse a lot myself.
I have never gone to Escape, but maybe consider buying (or bringing) a pair of flats or nice sandals specifically for this club. Otherwise, don’t worry too much about it!
I will be studying abroad in Amsterdam in the fall and winter, and this was SUPER helpful. I also clicked on about all your extra articles you linked to. Thank you so much; I need all the help I can get!
So glad to hear that Madison! I hope that you have a fantastic study abroad!
Karen- your 3 day itinerary is now the backbone of our week in Amsterdam! Thank you! My daughter and I will be there next week and my biggest question now is what to pack! August in the US is hot! The more I read the more I’m wondering if sandals should be left behind? When forecast says 50% chance of rain what does that REALLY mean? Should we be packing sweaters and closed toe shoes? Also are ball caps frowned upon? It’s my go to when my hair won’t cooperate in humidity- ugh!
So looking forward to this week with my daughter!
Hi Lisa, It’s been very warm recently. I’ve been wearing jeans and a t-shirt recently or t-shirt and a skirt with flats. No jacket required! If there’s a 50% percent of rain, bring a small umbrella and don’t worry about it too much otherwise. It’s normal here. Nobody cares about ball caps anymore and they’re popular here as well. Glad to hear that my itinerary was helpful and enjoy!
Kind regards,
Karen
The forecast for the next couple of weeks looks very cool and rainy. Arriving on Saturday and am also considering whether I should leave my sandals (and even shorts or summer dresses) at home. Maybe just wear jeans and/or adidas sweats when sightseeing, with sneakers. Changes my entire packing plan! Just a couple of weeks ago you had record heat! Now we’ll probably need warmer jackets, especially for nighttime, yes? Thanks
Hi Jo, It can change a lot. I think that jeans are a good idea with sneakers. I’d recommend a lighter jacket (not super heavy) to wear if it gets a bit colder. I’ve been mostly wearing this (at night), sometimes with a dress or skirt when it’s a little warmer. Hope that helps.
I loved reading your information. I will definitely take your packing advice. Especially on shoes. Shoes are always my biggest concern.
Thank you Jan A
This has been one of the most useful posts I’ve read about what you need when going to Netherlands. I’m about to permanently move and its AMAZING to know what to expect from the weather and where to go buy things in case I forget anything. Thank you so much! ☆☆☆☆☆
Hi- Great article! I’m heading to Amsterdam at the beginning of April, so this really helps. I have a question about the camera bag you recommend. It really is super-cute, but I was wondering about the comfort carrying it all day, and also, how water-resistant it is, knowing how rainy it can get there. I’m a landscape photographer, so definitely interested in that, since I don’t want the bag ruined if caught in a rain storm, and definitely don’t want my camera to get soaked. Thanks!
I have recently switched to a leather bag that fits my stuff and I sometimes use a smaller purse that fits my camera. It’s not entirely waterproof, but I’m often not walking in the rain for more than 10 minutes as I usually will find somewhere to hideout. I shoot a lot with my camera and it’s not been an issue for the most part, but I’d see if you can find more waterproof bag if possible! It’s been pretty wet recently.
This was so so helpful. My family and I are headed to Amsterdam later this month and staying into April. Do you have any insight about how things are in The Netherlands right now? In the states the media has us thinking the sky is falling in Europe. We don’t feel particularly worried about the sickness going around but we are concerned about things closing or having to be quarantined. Any insight would be so helpful from that side of the world.