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What to Pack for the Netherlands And Book
Written or updated by: Gerrit on August 12, 2025
My Favorite Gear & Experiences
Living in the Netherlands, I’ve learned what really makes Dutch travel easier—from rain gear that works to a reliable power bank in my pocket.
This page brings together all my essentials. Some are absolute must-haves (trust me on the rain gear).
Everything here is organized by category: items I personally use, recommend to friends, or wish I’d discovered sooner.
Essential Electronics for Netherlands Travel That I Recommend:
Charging and Adapters (From US to Europe)
“Most travelers don’t need a converter, just adapters. The difference: adapters change the plug shape, converters change power from 220v to 110v used in North America. Check your devices first—if they say “110v-240v” you only need an adapter. If not, get a converter like the Bestek. The Ceptics Adapter is best: compact, durable, and reliable. Unidapt plugs are great for small chargers.“
Know more &
see the real Netherlands.
Plan your trip step by step, with practical tips landing in your inbox at just the right time. Save time, avoid mistakes and travel smarter.
Tablets and E-Readers (perfect for reading)
“These go perfect with the three Amazon services below, all come with a 30-day free trial, perfect to try them out during your trip.”
Amazon Services Perfect for Travel (All Include a 30-Day Free Trial)
Amazon Prime
Free Delivery, Music and Video.
Cancel anytime.
- Fast Free Delivery on everything you order
- Prime Video (stream movies, series, events)
- Amazon Music (100 million songs ad-free)
- Amazon Photos (Unlimited photo storage)
Amazon Audible
Listen To Bestseller Audiobooks.
Cancel anytime.
- Best-sellers & new releases (yours to keep)
- Thousands of included titles
- Originals, audiobooks and podcasts
- Start listening free
Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited Books and Magazines.
Cancel anytime.
- Unlimited reading on your Kindle
- Enjoy listening to thousands of audiobooks
- Magazine subscriptions included
- Immerse yourself in new worlds and genres
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones, and Trackers because who doesn’t loses things. I do.
![Ultra-Thin Air Tag Wallet Tracker Card 0.07in IP68 Waterproof Bluetooth Tracker for Wallets, Passport, Work with Apple Find My, Wireless Charging, Anti-Loss Card Locator [Apple MFi Certified] iOS Only](https://www.hiddenholland.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TkRGUlMySk1hbTlxZGt3dWFuQm58MTc1NTMyOTU0MA=)
“I can’t live without noise-cancelling headphones. I own AirPods and Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear. I love the Bose when I fly—it cuts me off. I prefer AirPods when I want to stay aware of my surroundings—they’re quicker to put in, less visible but still quiet. I also love “Find My Tracker Cards” in addition to AirTags. They fit everywhere. I spend much less time searching for things now.”
Netherlands Weather & Comfort Recommendations:
Waterproof Gear (A Must With Dutch Weather)
“I love this raincoat, water literally just rolls off it, and the umbrella I use all the time, actually now is the first time I can actually use one, because there is always wind, and this umbrella can take it. They even have a lifetime guarantee, but I don’t think I ever need it.“
My Favorite Travel Hacks
“Everything you didn’t know you needed until you have them. Stay safe in your hotel room, secure your luggag and stay super comfortable during your flight. PS. I know these eye mask look like mini bra’s but believe me they’re a lot more comfortable than standard masks.”
Cultural Preparation – Get The Books That Make Your Trip So Much Better
My Favorite Netherlands Books
“Rick Steve’s book has some great walking tours inside. The Jordaan one is the best. You get to see hidden courtyards, literially impossible to find otherwise. The Rijksmuseum in Details is fabulous. It has these fold out posters of the best works where they zoom in on details of the works. This is a great book to get BEFORE or AFTER your trip.“
Do You Love the Dutch Masters Like I Do?
“Then you might want to buy these as a gift to yourself as a keepsake. Nothing is quite like standing in the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh museum in person. But these beautiful books bring you right back.“
Here Are The Experiences I Recommend to Book Up Front
The Two Legit City Passes in Amsterdam
I Amsterdam Card
Over 70 Museums Included & Public Transport
- Museum oriented, some attractions
- Includes free tram and metro travel
- Van Gogh and Anne Frank EXCLUDED
Go City Amsterdam
Save up to 50% on Amsterdam Attractions and Tours
- Attractions and Tours focused
- Includes Heineken and Rijksmuseum
- Also Zaanse Schans Tour
3 Amsterdam Museums That Sell Out, Book Them ASAP. I am Serious.
“For the Anne Frank House it’s worth it to set your alarm. Tickets for the best slots can sell out within hours. For the Rijksmuseum I added a link to entrance plus two drinks. It such a great deal and the Rijksmuseum cafe is lovely for a break!”
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum – 7 Centuries – 82 Rooms – 8,000 Artworks
- Try to get the 9 AM slot, its the golden hour
- 2 drinks at the lovely Rijksmuseum cafe
- Download the app for free audiotour
Van Gogh Museum
The largest Van Gogh collection in the world is right here.
- The 9 AM slot is best here too
- Sells out weeks in advance
- See the Almond Blossom, Sunflowers
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House: Stand in the same room as where she wrote her diary.
- Tickets only on official website
- Released every Tuesday 10 AM Dutch time
- For the following 6 weeks
My Recommended Easy Netherlands Day Tours For First-Timers
Zaanse Schans
Half-Day Windmills Incl. Clog Demonstration
- Easy trip to Zaanse Schans
- Clog demonstration
- Cheese demonstration
Countryside
Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken & Edam
- Classic countryside tour
- Ferry Volendam and Marken
- Full-Day Tour
Giethoorn
Full-Day Boat & Walking Tour Giethoorn
- Where streets are canals
- Great for first-timers
- Full-Day Tour
Maastricht
Maastricht & The Three Country Point
- See something else
- Enjoy Maastricht foreign feel
- See where 3 countries meet
Some Of My Favorite Food Tours in “Amsterdam”
Amsterdam Food Tour
They Do The Classics Really Well. Raving Reviews
- Taste great Dutch Classics
- Raving fans
Pancakes in Dutch Home
Very Local Experience, with a Fantastic Host
- Great social & local experience
- In Dutch canal house
Stroopwafel Workshop
Why Just Buy Them? Make Them Yourself
- Super fun workshop
- Very popular with travelers
Haarlem Food Tour
Just 15-Minutes from Amsterdam
- I love Haarlem
- Stop at my favorite restaurant
Consider a Private Tour With Me
“I love showing people around my country personally. I offer tour to villages not many people visit, but I also show you the famous places. Have a custom tour in mind, lets’s talk. And in season one of my favorite things is to show you the tulips fields you only see in magazines but never on a tour bus.”
⤷ Here you can find all the information you need about my private tours
Conclusion
Packing smart for the Netherlands isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s about being prepared to fully embrace everything this beautiful country has to offer.
I’ve helped hundreds of travelers prepare for their trip to the Netherlands, and there’s nothing quite like seeing someone confidently explore Amsterdam’s harder to find areas or discover those secret spots only locals know about.
If you want to experience the Netherlands beyond the typical tourist trail, I’d love to show you around and share the places that make this country truly special.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Anne Frank House photo © Anne Frank House / Photographer: Cris Toala Olivares. Other photos from product suppliers.
Last update on 2025-08-14 at 09:29 - Products, Prices, and Images from Amazon Product Advertising API