You’ve booked your Amsterdam getaway (WOOP WOOP), but what are you going to pack? These are 10 travel essentials that you must take on your trip to Amsterdam. 

• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Travel adapter
• Backpack 
• Mosquito repellent
• ID 
• Earplugs 
• OV-chipkaart
• I Amsterdam City Card

Waterproof jacket 

The weather in Amsterdam is unpredictable and there are a severe lack of mountains to block any incoming depressions from the sea. On average, Amsterdam receives 700 millimetres of rainfall a year, most of which falls in November. Even if you aren’t visiting in November, it is wise to take a waterproof jacket with you just in case. A waterproof jacket will protect your clothing from becoming damp in a downpour, ensuring that you are comfortable and dry whilst you are travelling around the city. 

Comfortable clothing 

Amsterdam is the denim capital and is known for its fashionable, yet comfortable, clothing. As a city break, with an abundance of must-see attractions, you will find yourself doing a lot of walking whilst you are visiting Amsterdam, so comfort is key. Take your favourite pair of jeans and a handful of tops, shirts, and jumpers (depending on the season), with you to wear. These outfits can be dressed down during the day and dressed up if you are going out in the evening. 

Comfortable shoes 

Amsterdam is not just the denim capital, but the biking capital as well. If you aren’t wandering the beautiful cobbled streets of Amsterdam on foot then you must be experiencing it by bike. Regardless of if you are biking or walking, you will need to wear comfortable shoes, such as trainers. You don’t want to be enjoying the sights of Amsterdam only to get sore feet from inappropriate shoes halfway through your day. Instead, take a pair of comfortable shoes that you know you can spend all day in.

Travel adapter 

The Netherlands uses the Type F electrical plug, which has 2 round pins spaced 2cm apart. This is the plug commonly used in Continental Europe. When packing for your trip to Amsterdam make sure that you include a travel adaptor so that you have full use of the plugs in Amsterdam whilst you are away. You can buy a travel adaptor online or at most convenience stores. 

Backpack 

Depending on how long you are in Amsterdam, and how lightly you can pack, you may want to avoid taking a suitcase and use a backpack instead. Amsterdam is notorious for its narrow cobblestone streets which, although incredibly pretty, can be difficult to navigate with a suitcase. Rather than struggle wheeling a suitcase, take a backpack instead. It is a much easier alternative and a great way to prevent you from overpacking. 

Mosquitto repellent

If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam during the months of July and August then go armed with plenty of mosquito repellent. The humidity of the summer months, coupled with the water from the canals, creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, and your blood is the perfect snack. Douse yourself in mosquito repellent every night and before you leave for the day, and you should be safe from the bloodsuckers. If not, you risk being covered in itchy red blotches for the duration of your holiday. 

ID

In the Netherlands, everyone is required to carry some form of official identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, with them at all times. If you do not have an official form of identification and you get caught by the police you will face a fine. Carry your ID with you at all times to be safe. You never know when you might need it.

Earplugs 

Amsterdam is home to over 1 million people so the streets can get noisy. If your room overlooks a main street, particularly one with lots of bars and coffee shops on it, you could experience a lot of noise pollution at night. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to invest in a pair of earplugs to help you sleep more soundly. Simply pop them in, and drift off, ready to face a new day in the city tomorrow. 

OV-chipkaart

When you get to Amsterdam buy yourself an OV-chipkaart from the nearest railway station. An OV-chipkaart is similar to a London Oyster card. You simply put money onto your card and use it on the buses, trams, and metros around Amsterdam. This is a much faster and easier alternative to buying single-use tickets and can be used if you visit Amsterdam in the future. 

I Amsterdam City Card 

There are so many amazing things to see and do in Amsterdam and an I Amsterdam City Card can help you see and do them all. An I Amsterdam City Card can be purchased for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours, and gives you unlimited use of public transport, free entry to over 60 museums and attractions, free canal cruises, and discounts in certain shops, restaurants, and theatres. With prices starting at just €59, an I Amsterdam City Card is the perfect travel essential for those looking to see a lot of Amsterdam in a short amount of time. 

Whilst you’re packing your Amsterdam travel essentials, we’ll be laundering the rest of your clothing. Book your Laundryheap order today by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app.