Layovers can be really tiring and boring but not when you are in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Schiphol is a major international airport hub, especially between USA, Canada and several European cities. If you ever happen to have a layover in Amsterdam for 5 or more hours get to the city and explore!
Here is a perfect itinerary for experiencing Amsterdam in an 8 hours layover.
Your first hour after arriving: After your arrival at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and clearing the passport control, store your luggage (if you have any ), use the bathroom, charge your phone and download all the required maps for your excursions. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.
For the Second hour take a train to Amsterdam central: Amsterdam metro station run directly underneath the airport which makes it easier to save time and get out and explore the city. From airport metro it takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam central station which is hub for all the activities. Buy a day return ticket which costs €9.60 and make sure you get on the correct train by checking the overhead platform boards destination “Amsterdam central”.
Hire a bike : Once you arrive at Amsterdam central you can explore the city’s famous spots. Cycling is by far the best way to get around Amsterdam, especially when you have only 6 to 7 hours to explore the city. There are bike rental shops throughout the city but before you rent yourself a bike don’t forget to checkout the rules and road map, and remember to lock your bike up securely, because something like 50,000 bikes go missing in Amsterdam each year!
Cruise the famous Amsterdam canals: A canal cruise is another way of getting around and exploring this beautiful city. From the central station you can find a lot of cruise tour which last around one and half hour. There are cruises being offered every half hour or so, but depending on time you have, you can choose between hop on hop off cruise, night cruises, and dinner cruises.
Take a tour of the famous (or infamous?) red light district: You probably heard a lot about this popular Amsterdam area but seeing this district in action for yourself can still be a shock. Sex shops, peep shows, brothels, and prostitutes in red-lit windows. strolling on this street was one of a kind experience and I visited in day light so it wasn’t crowded but I can only imagine this place coming to life in night and filled with tourists and those people seeking something more risqué.
Visit the local café: Any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without a visit to one of the city’s trendy coffee shops just to take in the scene. While I was there I visited visit the famous polaberry caffe where they serve fun sweets. I tried their famous unicorn cakesicles (popcake on a stick), and it survived lots of walking and flight back to the Canada and still tasted delicious. I also got a box of strawberries covered in Belgium chocolate as souvenirs and they were really delicious. If you in Amsterdam I highly recommend to visit this café.
Checkout a museum: If you are someone who’s into art and museums and you still have time then don’t forget to check at least one museum in your short layover as Amsterdam is home to a plethora of world-famous museums. Rijksmuseum, van gohosh ans annie frank house are some of the famous museum you can explore depending on your time and preference.
last hour ready for the Departure: After all that walking and touring the city of canals its time to get back to airport and dont forget to give yourself enough time to get back to airport.
Here are some pictures from Beautiful Amsterdam:
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🙂 P.S Travel Safe Stay Blessed 🙂
