Ah, the long layover. To some, it’s just hours spent wasting away in an airport. To others, it’s the perfect opportunity to squeeze in an unexpected day trip en route to their final destination. Lucky for you, Amsterdam is one of the most layover-friendly cities in the world.
With its compact size, quick public transportation, and proximity to Schiphol Airport, you can make the most of your layover and explore sights even with just a few hours to work with!
In this guide, I’ll show you how to maximize your Amsterdam layover—from navigating your way into the city to discovering the best things to do in the morning and afternoon, plus first-time visitor tips!
By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to turn your Amsterdam layover into time well spent, no matter how short and sweet your visit is.
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Amsterdam Layover Guide: Overview
- 📍How to spend a layover in Amsterdam
- 🌷 More than one day in Amsterdam?
- ⏰ How long of a layover do I need to leave the airport?
- 🚂 How to get to Amsterdam from the airport
- 🗺️ How to get around Amsterdam
- 💡 Tips for making the most of an Amsterdam layover
How to spend a layover in Amsterdam
This Amsterdam layover itinerary is designed for those with roughly 4 hours to spend. It includes a mix of sightseeing, a fun activity, and a bite to eat, giving you the best chance to experience the city before heading back to the airport.
Depending on your available time, you may not be able to check everything off this list. When planning my own layovers, I decide in advance whether I want to focus on a specific experience (like a museum, tour, or activity) or just wander around on my own. Sometimes, you can’t do both, so it’s important to prioritize what you want from your Amsterdam layover.
Feel free to pick and choose the activities that best fit your interests and schedule!
Morning: Exploring Amsterdam by foot
Wander around the canals (~45 minutes of walking)
Most likely, you’ll arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station, right in the heart of the city. This is the perfect starting point, as you can easily explore any canal and see where it takes you.
In my opinion, one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam’s canals is simply by wandering! Part of what makes Amsterdam so charming is the cute canals and lively energy, and the best way to experience it is to go out and find it!
From Amsterdam Centraal, head to the Damrak Canal/Harbour, which is one of the most picturesque corners of the city. The iconic Dutch buildings lining the canal make for a perfect photo opportunity.
If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore, located right next to the Damrak. It’s a fair-trade chocolate haven where you can even create your own personalized chocolate bar—an absolute must-visit in my opinion!
From there, you can explore the pedestrian streets of Nieuwendijk and Haarlemmerstraat, which are great for shopping.
Next, head towards the Jordaan district, one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods and a personal favourite of mine! It’s filled with picturesque canals, quirky shops, and delicious places to eat.
Then head back towards the main canal and pop over to visit Dam Square where you can admire the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and other popular shops in the city.
Snack on a Stroopwafel (~10 minutes)
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without trying a stroopwafel. Stroowafels are a Dutch snack made up of two thin waffles that are held together by caramel which can be dunked in chocolate with added toppings!
Amsterdam’s iconic place to try stroopwafels is Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. It’s a super popular (and Instagram-famous) shop. Because of its fame, there is usually a line out front but you shouldn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes.
If you have time to take a detour, why not explore some of Amsterdam’s local markets and shops to try a more authentic stroopwafel? The Albert Cuyp Market runs every day except on Sundays, and here you can visit Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels. This little food truck serves freshly baked stroopwafels, made the authentic way. Definitely worth giving them a try!
To keep in mind: Even though the market is open every day except Sunday, the food truck is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays!
Visit the Flower Market and head back (~30 minutes of walking)
Did you know Amsterdam has a floating flower market? The Bloemenmarkt is one of the city’s oldest markets, dating back to 1862, and it’s located right on top of the canal. Here you can shop for flowers, souvenirs, or tulip bulbs, which make for a perfect gift or keepsake.
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PRO TIP: if you want to buy tulip bulbs, check the regulations for your home country. Bringing bulbs into other EU countries is fine, but, bringing them overseas has special requirements.
On your way back to the Amsterdam Centraal train station, you have to pay a visit to Staalmeestersbrug, one of the most iconic bridges and canals in Amsterdam and one of the best photo opportunities. Check out my friend Anissa’s post for more Instagram spots in Amsterdam.
You’ll also be passing Ouderkerksplein on your way, another cute and charming area I found during my last visit. From here, you are also super close to the Red Light District, another side of Amsterdam’s personality. From there, you can make your way back to the train station to either head back to the airport or head to your next activity!
Afternoon: Try an excursion
If you have a little more time during your Amsterdam layover, consider fitting in an excursion or two. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, you’ll want to book your tickets in advance to save time.
✨ Need more inspiration? I have a few other museum ideas here!
Indoor Activity: Visit a museum
During the winter, I visited the Heineken Experience, an immersive, multi-sensory tour that tells the story of this iconic Amsterdam brewery. It was one of the most exciting and immersive experiences I have ever done and it’s definitely worth the visit!
🚊 Location: A 10-minute metro ride from Amsterdam Centraal to the Heineken Experience. You can easily add this to your itinerary after the Flower Market visit.
💰 Cost: €23 for the self-guided tour.
🎧 Languages: The tour is in English, with audio guides available in six languages.
🍻 Fun extras: Two beers are included with the tour.
⏰ Duration: 1.5 hours to explore.
📆 Tip: Make sure to pre-book your tickets online with a time slot to avoid waiting in line.
Outdoor Activity: Canal cruise
Another beautiful way to experience Amsterdam is from the water! I personally went on a canal cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival in the winter and it was absolutely magical!
To keep in mind: even though my personal boat experience was at night and during the winter, there was seating inside for people to stay warm. No need to worry about freezing!
What’s great is that there are so many tour options available, so you can find a tour that works best for you and your schedule! You should pay attention to the meeting point (where the tour starts/ends), and the length of the tour so you can plan your return to the airport accordingly.
There are Wine and Cheese cruises, Night cruises (like the one I went on), and cruises with unlimited drinks. Experiencing cities by water is something I have fallen in love with and have had similar experiences in cities such as Paris and Bruges!
Dinner: Enjoy some poffertjes
Poffertjes are mini Dutch pancakes, typically served with butter and powdered sugar. They’re a delicious specialty, and Amsterdam is the perfect place to enjoy them.
For a unique dining experience, head to De Carrousel Pannenkoeken Amsterdam , a restaurant housed in a converted carousel! They serve an array of breakfast-style dishes, including pancakes, waffles, and of course, Poffertjes—this was definitely a cool dining experience I’d highly recommend!
More than one day in Amsterdam?
If you’re lucky enough to have more than just an Amsterdam layover, make sure to explore Dutch culture and beautiful countryside. Whether that means visiting more of Amsterdam’s museums or adventuring outside of the city, there’s a lot to see and do in the Netherlands.
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Day Trips from Amsterdam
Keukenhof Gardens
A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens is a must if you’re in Amsterdam during tulip season. With 800 different types of tulips spread across the massive grounds, this is the quintessential place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Dutch countryside.
💰 Cost: €16 per person for an entry ticket
⏰ Time Needed: At least half a day to fully explore the gardens and the surrounding tulip fields.
📆 Since tulip season is one of the busiest in the Netherlands, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. You can book entry tickets here!
Zaans Schans
This picturesque and traditional area of the Netherlands is located just north of Amsterdam and is easily accessible from the city.
🚂 How to get there: Take a 17-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal station to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans, with an additional 15-minute walk from the train station. You can find cheap train prices on Omio!
💰 Cost: FREE to wander through Zaanse Schans. However, there are workshops, windmills, museums, and other experiences that may have additional costs.
⏰ Time Needed: We spent around 2 hours wandering through the area and visiting shops, but you could easily spend longer if you have time!
More Amsterdam museums
Anne Frank House
One of Amsterdam’s most visited attractions, the Anne Frank House is truly worth a visit but can be challenging to get tickets for.
💰 Cost: €16 per person
⏰ Time Needed: At least 1 hour in the museum
📆 Tickets can ONLY be booked online with a time slot, and they sell out quickly. I highly recommend booking well in advance. I tried visiting this museum on two separate occasions, but tickets were sold out both times. I finally managed to go on my third visit to Amsterdam after booking my tickets early!
Van Gogh Museum
Showcasing another Dutch iconic artist, the Van Gogh Museum, is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam.
💰 Cost: €24 to visit
⏰ Time Needed: A visit tends to take between 1.5 to 2 hours
📆 Booking: You can book your tickets online here!
Rembrandt Museum
Learn about the life and artistic career of Rembrandt, one of the Netherlands’ most famous painters, at this museum and gallery.
💰 Cost: €19.50 to visit
⏰ Time Needed: A visit typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours
📆 Booking: You can book your tickets online here!
How long of a layover do I need to leave the airport?
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is well-connected to the city, making it an excellent place to take advantage of a long layover. But, what constitutes a long layover!? How long do you actually need to leave the airport?
Here’s a quick breakdown for you:
Connecting Flights:
If you’re just connecting to another flight, aim for a minimum of 1-1.5 hours between flights. This gives you enough time to get from gate to gate (there are no trains or shuttles between gates, so it’s all walking) and board your next flight without stress.
Leaving the airport:
If you want to explore the city, you’ll need at least 6 hours. The more time, the better if you’re looking to really experience Amsterdam! You’ll need to consider:
- 🛂 Customs & immigration: If you’re coming from outside the Schengen Zone, allow 45 minutes to clear customs and immigration. It’s an important step to factor in if you’re coming from outside the EU.
- 🧳 Luggage storage: If you have luggage, you’ll need to arrange storage. You can either use the airport’s storage facilities or opt for services like Radical Storage for an easy and safe option.
- 🚂 Getting to the city: The city center is 15-30 minutes away from the airport each way, depending on the mode of transport you choose. You can opt for the train (which is fast and affordable), a taxi, or a bus.
- ✈️ Returning to the airport: Make sure to allow 15-30 minutes for the trip back to the airport.
- 👮🏼 Security & boarding: Don’t forget to account for 1.5 – 2 hours for airport security and getting back to your gate in time for boarding.
For example, a 6-hour layover gives you roughly 2.5 hours to explore Amsterdam – which is great if you want to do an excursion and grab a bite to eat or walk around on your own for a bit.
How to get to Amsterdam from the airport
One of the most common questions when planning an Amsterdam layover – or any layover for that matter – is how to get from the airport to the city center. Luckily, it’s easier than you might think!
Schiphol Airport offers several transport options to get you into the city—buses, trains, and taxis. But the best way to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol is undoubtedly by train; it’s fast, affordable, and efficient. With limited time on a layover, this option allows you to spend as much time as possible exploring rather than commuting.
The Intercity (NS) train station is just a few minutes’ walk from the arrivals hall, located on the lower level of the airport. Trains run regularly, and it takes just 15 minutes to get to Amsterdam Centraal Station, the heart of the city.
- Tickets cost around 5.60 euros.
- Trains run every 10-15 minutes from 6 am to 1 am.
PRO TIP: Pre-book a taxi with Kiwitaxi if you want to save yourself the time and hassle of sorting out the public transit!
How to get around Amsterdam
When you arrive in Amsterdam city center, the most convenient way to explore is by foot. The city is relatively compact and walkable, so you won’t have trouble reaching the main places you want to see on foot.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the time, so you can make it back to the airport—let’s avoid any Home Alone moments running through the airport!
While walking is the best way to get around Amsterdam, you can also use public transport to get around if you’re aiming to visit places further away or to save time. The tram and metro are both great options for getting from one end of the city to another quickly and easily.
If you plan to use public transport throughout the day, I’d recommend purchasing a day pass, which costs 9.50 euros. This allows unlimited travel on trams, buses, and the metro for the entire day, so you don’t have to worry about buying individual tickets each time.
Tips for making the most of an Amsterdam layover
⏰ You’ll need at least a 6-hour layover to make it worth it. Between going through customs, traveling into the city, and going back through security, the trip is only worth it if you have at least a 5-6 hour layover. This will give you roughly 2-2.5 hours of exploring. When working with limited time, it’s important to have your itinerary planned ahead. Don’t waste valuable minutes Googling what to do once you’re there!
✨ Prebook EVERYTHING! Especially if you’re planning to visit a museum, take a tour, or go out to a restaurant, pre-booking is essential. You might be hesitant to book something in advance during a layover in case there are any travel delays, however, I can assure you that most museums and activities in Amsterdam require a pre-booked time slot. Make sure to give yourself plenty of buffer room for travel logistics when pre-booking anything.
🧳 Store your luggage. As mentioned above, if you’re traveling with suitcases or carry-on luggage, you’ll want to store it somewhere while you’re out exploring. Schiphol Airport has a Baggage Storage area, or you can use Radical Storage or Nannybag, for alternative, cheaper solutions.
💰 Have your travel essentials READY. Don’t waste time exchanging currency at the airport or hunting for a SIM card, have these essentials ready to go the moment you land. I do this by using a Wise travel credit card, (I’ve been using mine for over five years, and it’s a game-changer!) or by prearranging my e-SIM with companies like Airalo so I’m fully connected the moment I get off the plane.
Hope you’ve made the most of your Amsterdam layover
Heading back to the airport is just as straightforward as arriving, just remember to give yourself enough time to avoid having to rush. While your visit may have been short and sweet, I hope this guide has given you everything you need to make the most out of your Amsterdam layover.
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If you’re looking for more ways to maximize your travels or need help planning your next getaway, check out my personalized travel planning services on Thatch. Whether you need a custom itinerary, personalized recommendations, or a quick consultation, I’d love to help make your travels even a little bit more stress-free!
