What to Bring to Amsterdam – Helpful Tips for When You’re Packing

What You’ll Need

Weather changes in Amsterdam are incredibly sudden. Even though we’ve had some record high temperatures this summer, it doesn’t change the fact that the morning can be sunny and tropical, while the evening can bring a massive thunder storm.

But even these dramatic changes in weather aren’t what makes Amsterdam weather so frustrating. Usually, temperatures don’t reach extremes, and tend to hover around 5 degrees Celsius in the winter and 20 degrees Celsius in the summer. Sunny weather can give way to rain clouds within minutes, so when you leave the house (or hotel) in the morning, you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get that afternoon.

Because of this, it’s wise to carry some sort of light, waterproof jacket. A plastic poncho is ideal if you plan on riding your bike, and it can fit easily in your bag until you’re ready to use it. The down side of such a poncho is that you usually have to throw it out after you use it once, but considering they go for about $1, it’s wise to stock up on a few if you’re travelling to the low countries.

It’s also wise to have cash on you for whatever purchases you’re planning on making. Most major chain stores accept credit cards, but if you’re looking to get off the beaten path and explore more local shops, restaurants and attractions, most of them do not accept credit cards. The country’s main grocery chain, the Albert Heijn, does not accept credit cards either.

What You Can Leave at Home

If you’re planning on riding your bike and need to protect yourself from the sun, it’s best you use sunscreen and skip the hat. It can get quite windy in Amsterdam, especially on a bicycle, and hats have a tendency of flying away and landing in canals. For the same reason, umbrellas aren’t particularly useful when it’s raining, especially if you’re on a bike. It takes great skill to cycle with one hand holding the umbrella, unless you’re Mary Poppins.

Just In Case Stuff

A good map of Amsterdam can be handy, but be prepared to rely on directions from strangers instead. No street is parallel or straight, streets change names at arbitrary points, and some are so small they aren’t even mentioned on maps.

And even though Amsterdam is a major city, some of my friends experience severe hay fever here, so it may be wise to stock up on your meds (especially if you plan on visiting the tulip fields). It’s hard to get anything stronger than toothpaste at the local supermarket, and if you need any kind of medicine you have to go to the pharmacy. Pharmacies don’t have the most convenient hours, so it’s also wise to stock up on any common medicines that you may need (think tummy ache, head ache, sore throat). Many of the things that are commonly available over the counter in America just aren’t so easily available here.