Amsterdam 8 hr stopover-suggestions please
 

we are wondering what we can do during our stopover, does it take long to get around the city? should we get some Euros at the airport or use US or local currency? We were hoping to get a good lunch and maybe see the Anne Frank Museum. Will there be enough time to get there and go back to the airport, go thru security? Also, is there a place to rent a locker to drop our carry on bags in the airport-no sense in lugging them around all day. Thanks!

www.schiphol.com
Yes there are lockers at the airport and yes there is a train into the city that takes 15-20 mins.
The Netherlands is on the euro, that IS the local currency, and yes you will want to have some. Use an ATM machines or exchange a small amount of your USD.

Ok. 8 hours should be plenty of time. A lot depends on which direction you are travelling, and what time you are due to arrive of course. Day of the week and date can make a difference too.

If you are on a same ticket transfer you checked bags will be checked through and you won't see them at Schiphol.
There are luggage lockers available. If you go to www.Schiphol.nl you can find were they are and what they cost.

To see the Anne Frankhuis I would recommend buying tickets online ahead of time so you do not waste any time in a queue.

You need Euros so you can buy a train ticket and some lunch or whatever.

Alternatively there are tours you can book from Schiphol into Amsterdam or you could try the www.floatingdutchman.nl for something different.

Security at Schiphol is done at the gate for non Schengen zone destinations and the gate close well before the flight is due to leave so allow plenty of time. If you are flying to a Schengen country security is central and queues can be longish, so again allow for them!

There are lockers in the secure area and after you exit the area. I would suggest using the lockers after you exit if you have carryon bags. They are a level down and are a good size. I think we paid 6€ for a locker a couple of years ago.

This is a frequently asked question on Fodors. Use the Search the Forums box above and type in <i>hours in Amsterdam</i> for an afternoon of reading.

Thanks for all replies! We are arriving in Amsterdam at 5:30 AM -then 8 hrs later departing for Toronto Canada-how long is the line at the gate for check in and how much time in advance of my departure flight should I get back to the airport? 3 hours? 2 hrs? 1 hr? I would like to have enough time so I can leave the airport and see a couple of things?

8 hours is plenty of time. I would be back at the airpot however early your airline instructs you to be (since it is an international flight they may request 3 hrs). Still even 4-5 hours is enough to get in and get a peak at the city.

I would disagree with kybourbon. The lockers in the secure area are much more convenient than those in the sub-basement of Schiphol.

The Cafe Luxembourg at the Spui has a good lunch. Their web site posts the menu. This is the season for erwtensoep, Dutch pea soup. Yum.

I have experienced one hour waits in the gate security line for USA bound flights. You can be first in line and then wait in the holding pen or last in line. If you see a long line you can have another beer or buy some duty free cigars.