My family (with 2 teenagers)is considering a trip to Paris or Rome the week after Christmas. We're just starting to get info from the various threads posted and appreciate all of the helpful advice.

The Northwest Airlines flight has an 8 hour layover is Amsterdam. Is there a tram or bus that could easily be taken into Amsterdam that would permit us to get a taste of the culture for a few hours? We will have jet lag but want to make the most of our time.

Thanks,
Karen

You can catch a train right at the airport that will whisk you into town. The train station in Amsterdam is right by Dam Square, Anne Frank's home (not to mention the infamous RLD)as well as an easy tram ride to the city's famous museums. Be sure to eat some pomme frites with sauce while there.

Yes, eight hours will be plenty of time to take the train into central Amsterdam. The best thing to do on a day when you have jet lag is to be outdoors walking and most of what you'd want to see in Amsterdam is easily within walking distance of the train station.

Karen,

I would recommend taking a canal boat tour once you get into the city. Tours are plentiful and will easily fit into the time you have available. They're a great way to get an overview of the city.

Jim

Trains run from the Schipol train station to Amsterdam Centraal every few minutes or so, and serve several other major cities (The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht) with less frequent service (about every half hour to an hour).

we had a similar layover once and took the train in for lunch and a canal boat ride. it will work out perfectly for you.

Thanks to all for the helpful information! It's nice to know that we can visit another interesting city without much more effort or cost on this quick trip. We're watching the flights and prices and want to be prepared to book when the prices seem right.

Karen