Layover Guide to Amsterdam
You found a great deal on a flight to Europe, the only catch is a long layover. Is it possible to fit in some sightseeing?
We faced this dilemma on a recent flight from Cancun to Catania, Italy, with a 9-hour layover in Amsterdam. We decided to embrace the opportunity to explore this vibrant city and see if we could make the most of our layover in Amsterdam. We’ve included our layover in Amsterdam itinerary and some helpful tips below to help you get the most of your layover.
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Ease of Train Travel from Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam is renowned for its efficient and user-friendly public transportation, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. Upon landing at Schiphol Airport, we quickly found ourselves on a train heading to Amsterdam Central Station. The journey took only 15 minutes, giving us more time to explore the city. It costs $30 USD roundtrip for two people.
Our Itinerary for a 9-Hour Layover in Amsterdam
Morning Coffee and a Stroll through Dam Square
Location: Dam Square
Activity: After arriving at Amsterdam Central Station, we headed straight to Dam Square, the city’s heart. We grabbed a coffee at one of the many charming cafes and enjoyed people-watching in this bustling area.
Cost: Coffee at a café: €3-5
Directions: From Amsterdam Central Station, it’s a short 10-minute walk to Dam Square. Head south on Damrak Street, and you’ll be in the city’s heart and the action.
Explore the Anne Frank House
Location: Prinsengracht 263-267
Activity: A visit to the Anne Frank House was a poignant and educational experience. We pre-booked our tickets online to save time and avoid the queues. The museum offers a moving insight into Anne Frank’s life and the history of World War II.
Cost: Adult: €14; Senior (70+): €7
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Directions: From Dam Square, walk west along Damstraat and turn right onto Prinsengracht. The Anne Frank House is about a 15-minute walk from Dam Square.
Canal Cruise
Location: Various departure points near Central Station
Activity: Seeing Amsterdam from the water is a must. We enjoyed a one-hour canal cruise, which provided a unique perspective of the city’s historic architecture and charming houseboats. The commentary was informative, and we loved every minute of this relaxing tour.
Cost: €15-20 per person
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Directions: After visiting the Anne Frank House, walk back towards Central Station (about 15 minutes) where you can find various canal cruise operators. Look for companies like Lovers Canal Cruises or Stromma along the water.
Lunch at a Traditional Dutch Restaurant
Location: The Pantry, Leidsekruisstraat 21
Activity: For lunch, we headed to The Pantry, a cozy restaurant offering traditional Dutch cuisine. We indulged in hearty dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs). The friendly atmosphere and delicious food made for a perfect midday break.
Cost: €15-25 per person
Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Directions: From the canal cruise dock near Central Station, take Tram 2 or Tram 12 to the Leidseplein stop. The Pantry is a short 5-minute walk from there.
Visit the Rijksmuseum
Location: Museumstraat 1
Activity: No trip to Amsterdam is complete without visiting the Rijksmuseum. We spent a couple of hours admiring masterpieces by Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. The museum’s extensive collection and beautiful architecture were genuinely awe-inspiring.
Cost: Adult: €20; Senior (65+): €10
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Directions: From The Pantry, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk to the Rijksmuseum. Walk southeast along Leidsekade, turn left onto Weteringschans, then right onto Museumstraat.
Relax in Vondelpark
Location: Vondelpark
Activity: After the museum, we took a stroll through Vondelpark. This large urban park is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the natural beauty. We found a quiet bench, enjoyed the greenery, and reflected on our day.
Cost: Free
Hours: Open 24 hours
Directions: From the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark is just a short walk away. Head southwest along Van Baerlestraat, and you’ll find the park entrance.
Return to Schiphol Airport
Activity: With plenty of spare time, we returned to Central Station and caught a train to Schiphol Airport. The return journey was smooth, and we arrived with ample time to grab our bags from storage, which cost $13 USD for the day for 4 items, and check in for our flight to Catania.
Cost: Train fare: €5.50
Directions: From Vondelpark, walk back to the Leidseplein tram stop and take Tram 2 or 12 back to Central Station. From Central Station, take the direct train to Schiphol Airport. The train ride takes approximately 15 minutes.
Tips to make the most of your layover in Amsterdam
- Plan Ahead: Pre-book tickets for popular attractions like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum to save time.
- Travel Light: Since we were only exploring for a few hours, we used lockers at Central Station to store our carry-on bags. COST?
- Stay Connected: We purchased an Airlo eSIM card when we landed to access maps and translation apps.
- Comfortable Footwear: Amsterdam is a city best explored on foot, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential.
- Public Transport: Make use of Amsterdam’s excellent public transport. Trains and trams are reliable and easy to navigate.
Our 9-hour layover in Amsterdam was a delightful detour on our journey from Cancun to Sicily. By planning and utilizing the city’s public transport, we were able to enjoy its rich culture and history. We hope our itinerary inspires you to make the most of your layovers and explore new destinations, even for only a few hours. If you ever find yourself with a layover in Amsterdam, we highly recommend exploring the city on your own.
