We have seven hours to kill between flights at Schiphol Airport in December. Any suggestions of what we might see or do? I understand there is a museum right at the airport but that it is closed on Monday (which of course is the day we will be there).

With seven hours, you would have plenty of time to put your luggage in a locker--or maybe it will be checked through--and take the train into Centraal Station. From there , you can find some things to do, even if it is Monday. Visit some of the Holland web sites for clues, or check out one of the travel books. You would also have time for a typical Dutch meal. Visiting some of the shops might be interesting during the holiday season. there have been some great infomational posts on this site, so you might have to do a search. Have fun.

Mel, <BR>Let us know how soon you have to be back for the next flight (flying to Paris or Singapore). Also, will your luggage be checked through or do you have to wait for it at the luggage-go-round? <BR>If you have about 4 or 5 hours to kill you could have a great time in the city and catch a good museum or a fine meal or just wander around. <BR> <BR>-Craig <BR>

You can get a tour boat for the canals right in front of the train station. They are enclosed, so you won't freeze in December. (I guess it's possible, though rather unlikely, that the canals would be frozen.) Have a good meal - maybe Indonesian. If there is time, pick either the Van Gough Museum or the Reijksmuseum(sp?) for a quick run-through.

Mel - We had a 7 hour delay in our flight home out of Schiphol last May. We checked out bags, took our carry-ons downstairs and checked them in a locker and took the train (station in the airport) into A'dam. Think it was about a 20-30 min ride for Five bucks R/T. Train ran very frequently. We took the canal cruise and walked to the Ann Frank House. My advice get out of the airport and go into town! Regards Tom

It's very easy and fast to get to central Amsterdam from Schiphol. As suggested above, leave your bags at the airport and take the train into central Amsterdam. (Just look for the signs once you arrive. The airport is very traveller-friendly.) There are ATM's in Schiphol in case you don't have any local currencies on you. Instead of buying the tickets at the machines, go to the train ticket counter against the wall. Get a roundtrip ticket from the ticket counter person and let the ticket counter person know what time you need to be back at the airport. They can tell you departure times for trains leaving central Amsterdam for Schiphol. This way, you can plan your time in Amsterdam appropriately. Do not take the taxis to and from the airport because the traffic could get really bad. Train is the best way to go. Have fun! (PS: I'm pretty sure both the Van Gogh and Rijk museums are open on Mondays.)

I would: <BR>- take a canal cruise <BR>- visit the Van Gogh museum <BR>- walk <BR>- whiz through the Rijksmuseum if there was time <BR>

Its so fast & easy to get into the city centre that I don't think you'll feel nervous about missing your flight, and its worth seeing. <BR>I've only taken a cab fom the airport once(I always use the train)& the driver said that the train is usually faster due to the traffic.His opinion was that this was as it should be.Amsterdam is not car friendly.) <BR> Be very aware that its a really easy place to get lost in-a map is essential, get one at the airport or station.A little guidebook is better - if you only have a few hours you want to make best use of your time, also it'll save you wandering into the redlight unwittingly (its safe but can be a bit shocking for some) <BR>Most places don't open till later on Monday, if they open at all. <BR>

Topping for Molly

You could also stop somewhere for a nice smoke. It will make your few hours seem a lot longer.