Thursday, February 23, 2017

What To Pack For A Mini-Break in Amsterdam ♥

Amsterdam is one of my favourite places and I'm happy to say, it's a destination that I've visited quite a few times now (six in total I think). I'm also super happy to say that I'll be celebrating my 27th  birthday in Amsterdam next month and I honestly can't wait to go back.

It's a city that offers so much and is brimming with interesting and beautiful places to visit and explore.

Jacek and I last visited back in 2015 when we had a brilliant two days exploring Amsterdam and I had my first visit to the stunning Royal Palace and I'd love to go back as it truly was stunning in there. We also visited Madam Tussauds for the first time on that visit, but we won't be returning there because it was awful... honestly, don't waste your money.

I'm in the midst of planning what we'll do on this visit to Amsterdam and also what to pack for a 72 hours trip, so I thought I'd share what I think are the essentials to pack for a mini-break in Amsterdam.

Comfy shoes
Amsterdam is a walkable city, in fact, I've never used an public transport in the city, apart from a taxi one time to get to a Deftones concert in the Melkweg - and that was simply because we couldn't find the place! We always walk from Centraal Station to our hotel and from then all around the city. It's the perfect city to discover on foot as you can stumble across lots of cool shops, coffee shops and graffiti art in the backstreets.

Also, comfy shoes are an essential if you plan on hiring a bike and cycling around the city. There are bikes everywhere in Amsterdam.

Camera
I bring my camera everywhere with me, but Amsterdam is an especially lovely place to capture on camera with it's unique architecture, canals, tulips and graffiti art. The city makes for lots of great photo opportunities, so a camera - whether it be a DSLR or on your phone, is an essential.

Backpack
When packing for a mini-break I never want to bring too much luggage - especially when I'm going to a city like Amsterdam, where most of the hotels don't allow check-in until two o' clock and my flight arrives in at eight in the morning... This means that I have to carry my luggage around with me all day and a backpack is a great solution for being able to carry everything with me easily.

Portable power bank and European plug adaptor
My phone battery is always dying - probably because I'm always using it! So a portable power bank is an essential for me for charging my phone whilst on the go. Amsterdam is on the continent so the plugs are different from here at home, meaning a European plug adaptor is an essential for using an electricals in your hotel room, such as your phone charger, hair straightener, etc.

Cash
These days, most people prefer using cards (I'm not one of them by the way, I never use cards) but having cash and loose change really is an essential when you're in Amsterdam.

The easiest way to get from the airport to Amsterdam city centre is via train and loose change is needed for purchasing tickets from the machines at the airport. There's also lots of great outdoor markets in Amsterdam which sell a whole host of things from vintage clothing to flowers, so having some cash for paying the vendors for something you fall in love with and want to take home with you is an essential.

I can't wait to be back in Amsterdam in just weeks time and no doubt I'll have a post all about mine and Jacek's adventures there, this time round, in the coming weeks.

Have you ever been to Amsterdam or is it a place you'd love to visit?


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17 comments

  1. I have been twice to teach craft classes and loved it, managed to wangle an extra day to have a look around each time and cant wait to go back!

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    1. Oh what a lovely reason to travel there - I wish I was crafty!

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  2. Have a wonderful trip! Love the selections here especially the dress x We've never been but its on our wish list x

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    1. Thank you so much. I highly recommend a visit!

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  3. I haven't been to Amsterdam for a long time but remember comfy shoes are a must for lots of walking - have a fantastic time!

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    1. They're definitely an essential! Thank you.

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  4. I LOVE that dress!! So pretty! I love Amsterdam, we haven't been for a while but it's on my list of places to revisit. xx

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    1. I fell in love with the print the minute I saw it. It's a place I keep revisiting, I love it there.

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  5. I haven't been to Amsterdam in years, I really must go back! I love the dress!

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    1. It's definitely a place that makes you want to keep going back. Thank you, I couldn't resist the print.

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  6. That floral dress is gorgeous! I agree if your going to do a lot of walking then comfy shoes are a must!

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    1. Thank you, I love it so much. I have my comfy shoes ready to go!

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  7. I've never been to Amsterdam - it's on my list. Great packing list which would apply to any European city break I reckon!

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  8. I'd so love to visit Amsterdam I hope u have a fab time for your birthday. Great list of items yo pack.

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  9. I have never been to Amersterdam but would love to visit. Hope you have a lovely time

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  10. Those colours are beautiful and I love Amsterdam. You're right about the backpack, no need for anything bigger for sure :)

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  11. We live in germany and often go to Amsterdam for a minibreak. I love it! Your dress is very pretty, perfect for a city trip. xx

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