8 Hours in Amsterdam?

[SA_Town_Horn]

I have an eight hour layover in Amsterdam in February. I have never been there, so I am debating about leaving the airport and doing something for 2-3 hours or so.

If I leave, should I be okay about re-entering the airport?

Is security bad there?

If I do leave, where should I go?

 

[TexasHooch]

The transit system is great, there's a train station in the airport that will take you downtown. From there you can take the bus to specific spots or just walk around. I don't remember security being a big deal.

Almost everyone in Amsterdam speaks English, and they're very friendly. Just ask.

 

[utexas_61]

In reply to:

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[bigup2dahorns]

yep, that is one place i would consider leaving the airport for awhile, easy trip into town on the train. walk around downtown and soak up the atmosphere, it's a pretty cool place. if you are into museums they have a few famous ones.

 

[Napoleon]

You can do it ALL in about 3-4 hours. Museum or two, mushroom or two, girl or two, and then you're back on the train.

I am only recommening the MUSEUMS... for posting guidelines, but I've heard of others who have either sampled things besides the museums or have had friends who have sampled.

And if you need a different way to blow money, they even have a casino. But really, the town is so small that you can cruise around, check some things out, and then get back on the train and it is NOTHING. Easy as pie.

 

[HornInDub]

Agree, you can easily do it. I think the trains run to/from the city centre every 30 minutes, and it is a very walkable city. Security should not be a problem. When I was there a few months ago, all security stations were moved to the gate itself, so there is not a huge bottleneck. You show your boarding pass and passport to access the gate area, then go through security at the gate itself.

 

[scottsins]

i am going to start scheduling all of my trips to U.S.s destinations t have layovers in amsterdam.

 

[DoobieWah]

Forget the train, take a cab.
Eight hours is plenty but you don't want to waste a second.

I love the museums, especially the Rijksmuseum and the VanGogh, but you wouldn't really have time to do anything else. They are near each other and both quite extensive.

Instead, ask the cabby to take you to the Oudkerk. It's in the middle of the Red Light District. Just walk around until you see something that strikes your fancy. Hit a brown bar for a lager. Our fave is CornerBar behind the Neuiwkerk at Dam Square.

Be sure to have a schwarma. To go!

If you miss your flight, don't worry. There'll be another one along soon.

 

[evil horn]

banana bar

 

[SA_Town_Horn]

Damn,this sounds like the best layover ever. I cannat wait!

 

[hookem2102]

Coffee shop...not starbucks...do it.

 

[Spankytoes]

Poe beer...

 

[HornInDub]

A taxi is a good idea but just make sure you aren't going during rush hour. Traffic can be a nightmare if you get caught at the wrong time. I know, I've been stuck in it en route to A-dam from the airport before...

 

[Tex Pete]

Train or cab is fine. Walking around Amsterdam is easy. Depending on time, you can also take a canal tour. There is a lot to see, and things are so compact that you can see almost anything you want to, as long as you don't spend too much time at any one place.