Hi everyone,<BR><BR>I'll have a bit less than 4 hours to kill in Amsterdam between flights and I was thinking of going to the city center. Any advice on what to see/do there? I'll be there on Sep 12th. I understand that the train from the airport to the center takes about 30min so approx I'd have 2 hours there.<BR><BR>Does anyone have any experience on changing planes at the Amsterdam airport? Can I check-in before I wander off to the city? The airline I'm flying is KLM.<BR><BR>-Emily

That's really cutting it close with your check-in time. How much can you really see in that short a time? <BR><BR>I had asked this forum a few months back what I would be able to see if I traveled by train from Paris to Amsterdam for a daytrip. Many people responded that with my short time (and I had a few more hours than you have) all I'd see is the train station.<BR><BR>I wouldn't take the chance of missing my plane if I were you.

Emily: you will not have "2 hours there". You will have to go through immigration - 30 minutes, wait for train - 10 minutes, train ride - 30 mins, train back to airport - 30 mins, security/passport control/advance checkin - 2 hrs.<BR><BR>Total 3 hrs 40 mins.<BR><BR>Stay at the airport.

Thanks for the advice, I'll consider it. Since I'm a EU citizen I'd should take me less time to get throught all that passport stuff thanks to Schengen. But I know it's cutting it close but I have a friend in Amsterdam I'd like to see...Ah well, we'll see....<BR><BR>Happy trails,<BR>-Emily

It can be done in 4 hours. Check your bags through to your final destination. Passport control for EU citizens never takes more than 5 minutes (use the EU line), go to Schiphol Plaza to train station, if you have euro coins buy return train ticket from machine (quicker than ticket counters), train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes 18 to 20 minutes only. <BR>You will indeed have about 2 hours in Amsterdam, many people like the canal boat trips which leave opposite from Centraal Station and take about an hour.

Thanks Sjoerd - Amsterdam, here I come!! =)<BR><BR>-Emily

I'm with you. It's doable though you'll have to watch your time carefully. Try not to stop at a "coffee shop" or whatever it is they call the places that sell marijuana and have to rely on the kindness of strangers to get you back to Schipol. I'd say to head out of the train station, and catch a tram or walk quickly to Rembrandtsplein. It's lined with bars and cafes and would be a perfect place to meet your friend for a drink/snack and some catching up before hopping back on the tram to the station and back to the airport. In that time, you can certainly catch a glimpse of the place and get a small feel for it. I'm lucky, my next flight requires an overnight stay there, enough time for all kinds of sightseeing and experiences.

<BR>Emily,<BR><BR>From the basement of the airport take a train to Centraal Station and catch tram # 1, 2, 5, or 11 out front to very touristic but also very local Leidesplein. Stroll around, have a beverage and a bite at one of the cafes, and then catch a tram back to the station, then the trein back to Schiphol. <BR><BR>Be careful of anyone approaching you in the train station because it is a den of pickpockets and baggage thieves. <BR><BR>Skip the canal boat ride unless you know the history of Amsterdam. <BR><BR>If you want some beautiful art posters make for the Rijksmuseum. Instead of paying admission tell the guard that you want to visit the shop on the first floor (that is our "2nd floor"). He should let you in without payment if you tell him you'll only be 20 minutes to buy some reproductions. There is plenty of great stuff in there.<BR><BR>If the weather is inclement stay in Schiphol. That airport has probably the best "duty free" shopping in Europe. Schiphol also has a casino if you like cards or roulette.<BR><BR>John Bermont<BR>www.enjoy-europe.com

If the timing works out a Canal Boat is indeed a great way to see the most of Amsterdam (with a little recorded overview) in one hour. Schipol is one of the fastest airports to get in and out of, in my opinion. And the train to Centraal Station is very easy and quick (20 min. I think). By the way, I'd skip the coffee shop if you don't want to risk missing your flight!

Why not have your friend come and meet you at the airport?? If he/she LIVES in Amsterdam wouldn't they better know the logistics and timing to pull this off? Plus you could visit on the train or in the taxi or whatever.

I have 1.5 days to be in Amsterdam on the way to Italy...what should I be sure NOT to miss?<BR><BR>Friday afternoon of arrival, ALL day Saturday and departure on Sunday AM<BR>

I would go to Utrecht on the edge of Amsterdam rather than the city centre and meet your friend there - less hastle and more time. Go and try some of the excellent dope on offer - when in Rome do as the Romans do.

Anne Frank House<BR>Van Gogh museum<BR><BR><BR>And nice pancakes somewhere <BR><BR>-brownie.

Topping for Molly

You have just enought time to go to a Coffee shop for a cheeky one. Don't get any really stron wacky baccy though or you might get lost goping back to the airport!