I am traveling from the United States to Italy later this month. I have a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam. I suppose that if I allow myself the necessary time for deplaning and checking in, my actual layover time is probably more like 3 hours...is it worth it to try and see a part of Amsterdam? How would you suggest I get in to the city...what would you suggest I see? Or should I just bring a nice big book with me and sit tight in the airport?
Thanks for your help.
6 hours in Amsterdam
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Many will tell you to stick at the airport but I'd say take the train to Centraal Station and take a quick canal boat tour. It will give you a very nice overview of Amsterdam and you'll be anxious to return.
Trains depart from the airport every 10 minutes or so to Amsterdam Central Station and the trip takes only 18 minutes. Buy a return ticket for EUR 5.40.
Get a map of Amsterdam from any tourist information kiosk (or if you are flying KLM there is a map of Amsterdam in the in-flight magazine)
Take a canal boat tour (one hour, departs opposite central station), walk in the Jordaan district (ahead and right when you leave CS) or visit the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum (tram 2 or 5 from CS).
You could catch the train and simply walk around the central area near the train station, the Dam, red light district, etc. Seems like 3 hours would be plenty for this (just don't get lost, when you get out into the various canal districts it can get a bit tricky if you don't know the area!).
Before 9-11, KLM suggested visiting Amsterdam if you have at least 4 hours. This is still probably true. Just make sure you have your boarding pass for the connection. There are lockers to put your carry-on luggage so that you won't have to carry things to town.
If you want to stay at the airport, visit the Aviodome Museum. Just walk out of the airport for about 1000 feet until you see the dome.
If you go to Amsterday, choose one thing. For example, the Anne Frank House (lines can be long so run there), Rembrandt House, etc.
We opted to take a 8 hour layover in Amsterdam on our way to Paris on KLM. As suggested above, we took the train from Schipol Airport to Centraal Statiom, walked a block, and took the canal boat ride. It was easy, and definitely worthwhile.