Climate
is generally very changeable, a lot of rain, often
accompanied by wind. Frequently ( but not always !!)
overcast, warm & humid in Summer. Winters are generally
cold with snow and ice -and rain.
Click for 7 day
Amsterdam Weather Forecast
Packing for
Amsterdam.
Some things
you should consider taking to Amsterdam in addition to your
normal vacation/holiday stuff.
A
good pair of comfortable waterproof
shoes/boots/trainers,
2 pairs if possible in case one pair gets wet. Similarly, a
change of clothing is recommended, even for a short
stay.
Waterproof
over clothing - forget about umbrellas - these often get
destroyed in the wind or lost. Maybe take a plastic
raincoat/mac, while not the height of fashion, they are
cheap and compact when folded- and they keep you
dry.
A
warm sweater, Amsterdam can get cold even in
Summer.
Mosquitoes
are said to be a problem in Summer due to the canals.
(Personally,
I have never found this. )
Electricity
voltage
in the Netherlands is
220V, 50 cycle AC,
which
is compatible with the UK
however, Travel
Plug adapter required for electric razors etc.
2
(round) pin plug are used for razors etc. -
USA Note:
Sockets are larger
than your plugs, adapter required as well as voltage
adjustment.
You
may also need to adjust voltages and buy a plug adapter if
you live elsewhere in the world.
Most
en-suite hotel bathrooms have hair
dryers.
Maps,
Guides etc. :
You will need a good map of Amsterdam, this can be purchased
at Amsterdam Rail Station`s magazine/bookshop/store , near
the main entrance or any Souvenir shop on Damrak.
The
maps given free by Hotels etc. are useless, having very
little detail beyond the main streets & "Tourist Traps".
Tourist
guides, such as
"Eyewitness"
may be useful, but are not strictly essential ,
and
are available in English & several other languages at
the numerous magazine/bookshops and some souvenir
shops.
Coffeeshop
Tourists may manage with just printing the
map at
Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory. Click on the map at the top
of the page, let the enlarged map page load, then "Print"
from your browser toolbar. You may need to adjust the page
size on your Printer, usually by "Page Set Up" under your
browsers "File" menu. A low-res version of this map is
available in the "Coffeeshop" section of this
site.
Suggest
you keep either map in a plastic bag, to protect against
rain !