Amsterdam is one of those rare cities that feels instantly rewarding, whether you’re only there for a few hours on a layover or visiting a few days. It’s famous canals, rich art history, progressive culture, and laid-back charm make it easy to experience at any pace.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products that we personally use and trust. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Why Amsterdam Is Perfect for a Layover
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is only 20–30 minutes by train from the city center, making it one of the most efficient airport-to-downtown connections in all of Europe. You might wonder, why does this matter? I can step off my flight and be walking along canals in under 30 minutes.
It’s honestly hard to believe that so many of Amsterdam’s main highlights are all within walking, biking or a short tram distance from one another.
Many of our European adventures start in Amsterdam – for us it is a direct flight from Seattle (and so many other cities), and we find it easy to jump from here to other cities. Amsterdam is an easy and efficient entry point for any trip. If we have a short layover, we like to make the most of it by storing our bags in one of the convenient lockers available at Schiphol Airport. That way, we’re free to wander the canals, grab a coffee, or stroll through a museum without being weighed down. It’s a seamless way to get a quick taste of the city before heading on to our final destination.
Make the Most of a Short Stop in the City of Canals
With so many options, we pick a few sights within the main canal square we want to see or do. Here’s how we spent our last layover in Amsterdam:
Our flight landed around 1pm, we dropped our bags at the hotel airport, hopped on a quick tram ride and were eating small bites at the Foodhallen by 2:30pm. This place has something for everyone; it’s an indoor market that features some of Amsterdam’s best street foods. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, freshly shucked oysters, dim sum or traditional Bitterballen, it’s perfect for a small group to share bites from the various food stands.
After filling up, we made our way over to the Anne Frank House for our 4pm tour. As one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam, this powerful and humbling experience takes about an hour, but books up fast so be sure to book tickets in advance. The audio guide for this was done extremely well, it gives the perfect amount of detail without feeling overwhelming.
Following the tour, we made our way over to Hans Egstorf for one of their famous stroopwafels. They’re made right in front of you, grab them fresh and warm. Not in the mood for a sweet treat, take some with you as they make for a nice souvenir. Your friends & family will thank you. I promise you do not want to miss this!
Before heading to dinner, we had a bit of time to stroll through the Jordaan neighborhood. Amsterdam is known for its Indonesian influence, what better way to experience that then through a meal? Sampurna serves traditional Rijsttafel & Sambal-based dishes, so if you love flavor, tradition and a fun atmosphere – make sure to add this to your next Amsterdam itinerary. You can order individual dishes or choose from one of their pre-selected rice tables, where you can try a variety of perfectly paired smaller bites. I cannot recommend this place enough!
We finished the night with a walk through the De Wallen neighborhood, also commonly referred to as the Red Light District, which as you can imagine was packed with people and lots to see. Remember to be respectful, meaning no photos or videos, no drinking or smoking, and avoid lingering in front of the windows. If interested, there are a few museums to learn about the area’s history.
Pro tip: Stay at the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel. It’s conveniently located in the Schiphol Airport which also happens to be attached to the tram station. With an early flight the next morning, it was surprisingly quiet and comfortable, and the location is ideal with only a 10-minute walk to the main airport security terminal.
