Amsterdam Packing List — What to Actually Bring

I've watched tourists show up in Amsterdam wearing white sneakers and carrying full-size umbrellas. Both were ruined by day two. Don't be them. This city has specific weather, specific terrain, and specific vibes that most packing lists completely ignore.

The Weather Reality

Amsterdam weather does not care about your plans. It rains approximately 200 days a year. Not all-day downpours — more like sudden bursts followed by sunshine followed by wind followed by more rain. Four seasons in one afternoon is a real thing here, especially in spring and fall.

Spring (March-May): 8-16°C. Gorgeous but unpredictable. Sunny mornings turn to rain by lunch. Layers are critical.

Summer (June-August): 18-25°C. The best weather, but never guaranteed. You'll get 30°C days and 15°C days in the same week. Rarely humid.

Fall (September-November): 8-16°C. Rain picks up. Wind picks up. The city gets moody and beautiful. Bring warm layers.

Winter (December-February): 0-7°C. Cold, damp, windy. Not brutal cold like Chicago, but a wet cold that gets into your bones. Read our winter guide for what to actually do in the cold months.

The Non-Negotiables

A lightweight rain jacket. Not a poncho. Not an umbrella. A proper rain jacket with a hood. The wind in Amsterdam kills umbrellas — I see broken ones in trash cans every single day. A packable shell you can stuff in your bag is the move.

Waterproof shoes or boots. Cobblestones + rain = slippery. Puddles form everywhere. Those white sneakers will be gray by noon. Bring shoes that can handle wet cobblestones and that you'd be comfortable walking 15,000+ steps in. Blundstones, waterproof boots, or at minimum dark-colored sneakers with decent grip.

Layers. The temperature swings are real. A light sweater or fleece plus a shell jacket handles 90% of Amsterdam weather. You'll peel layers off and on throughout the day. A heavy winter coat is only necessary December-February.

A crossbody bag or small backpack. Pickpockets are real in tourist areas and on trams. Keep your stuff close and zipped. Leave the fancy purse at home.

What Locals Actually Wear

Look around Amsterdam and you'll see a uniform: dark jeans or trousers, a solid-color top, a jacket, and practical shoes. Nobody dresses up. Nobody wears heels on cobblestones (think about it). The vibe is casual-but-put-together. You'll feel overdressed in a blazer and underdressed in athletic wear.

For going out at night: slightly nicer version of the same thing. Dark jeans, a good top, clean shoes. Most bars and clubs don't have dress codes. The ones that do are usually not worth going to.

The Overlooked Essentials

A reusable water bottle. Tap water in Amsterdam is excellent. Fill up at your hotel and save €3 every time you'd buy a plastic bottle.

Sunglasses. Even in winter. When the sun breaks through, it reflects off the canals and hits you right in the eyes. The light here is actually pretty intense when it shows up.

A small power bank. You're going to use your phone for maps, photos, and looking up restaurants. Keep it charged. Speaking of which — get a Netherlands eSIM before you fly so you have data the moment you land.

A bike-friendly outfit. You will rent a bike at some point. Avoid long scarves (spokes), flowing skirts (wind + bike = no), and anything you can't move freely in. Jeans and a jacket work perfectly.

Earplugs. If you're staying near a bar street or canal. Amsterdam is lively at night — sounds carry over water. Light sleepers, pack these.

What to Leave at Home

The umbrella. Seriously. The wind will destroy it. Rain jacket with a hood. That's it.

Heels. Cobblestones and canal bridges will end your feet and your patience by hour two.

Bulky luggage. Amsterdam hotel rooms are small. Stairs are steep and narrow (Dutch staircase design is genuinely insane). Elevators are rare in smaller hotels. Bring a bag you can carry up narrow stairs.

Too many clothes. Amsterdam has excellent laundromats and most hotels offer laundry service. Pack for 4-5 days even if you're staying longer.

Formal wear. Unless you're attending a specific event, you won't need it. Amsterdam is a casual city.

Season-Specific Additions

King's Day (April 27): Bring something orange. Anything. A shirt, a scarf, a hat. You'll feel weird without it. Read our King's Day guide.

Summer: Sunscreen. People underestimate Dutch summer sun. A swimsuit if you want to try the outdoor pools or lake beaches outside the city.

Winter: Gloves, a warm scarf, and a real winter coat. A wool hat helps. The wind chill along the canals is no joke.

The Final Check

You need way less than you think. This is a walking city with excellent shops if you forget something. Pack light, wear layers, keep your shoes waterproof, and leave the umbrella at home. If you get all that right, you're already better prepared than 90% of the tourists stepping off the train at Centraal.

Places mentioned in this guide

Every spot here is personally vetted — no sponsored placements.

€€€

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The Hoxton Amsterdam

Local Favorite

jordaan·boutique hotel

If you want a hotel that feels like a stylish apartment with a great lobby bar, The Hoxton is it. Book early—especially in summer.

€€

O'Donnell's Irish Pub

Local Favorite

de pijp

My buddy watches every Premier League game here with a Guinness in hand. Proper Irish pub, proper pints, and the pub grub hits different when you are homesick for comfort food.

€€

Gollem's Proeflokaal

Local Favorite

oud west

My neighbor calls this beer heaven and he is not exaggerating. Over 200 beers, staff who actually know what they are talking about, and the coziest little bar you will find.