I will have a layover in Amsterdam on my way to Tel Aviv, Israel on May 2nd. I am a college student looking to check out the downtown area- museums, heineken factory, anne frank museum, red light district and coffeeshops.

Any other good ideas during my time there? I will be by myself but I am up for any adventure if it is worth it.

Thanks.
Adam

Be aware that security is VERY strict and long in Amsterdam on flights to Israel. The least you need is 3 hours , maybe even more!!!
Train to central station from the airport takes abt. 20 minutes one way. Walking to Ann Frank is 15 minutes, you might find a long line to enter it. Inside you need abt. 1 hour, so think it over because your 8 hrs., can be real short.

Schipol, Amsterdam airport is a great airport, in my opinio the best in Europe, with much to do and walk around. If you can't do it to drive to the center of town , just wonder around and do some shopping. They also have great shopping. Just a sugestion

I think I still want to venture into in the downtown area, but will make sure to allot myself at least 3 hours to check in before my next flight. Thanks for the help guys. Any recommendations while in town?

From what I hear, there are plenty of coffeeshops in walking distance from Central Station. For a trip to Amsterdam next month. I printed the map on: http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/

The Heineken tour looks cool if you have the time.

"Amsterdam Layover for 8.5 hours. Ideas?"

Read what it says on http://www.schiphol.nl/ under "airport information", "transfer"

There are LOTS of coffeeshops within walking distance of the train station, along Warmoestraat and throughout the Red Light District, as well as in the pedestrainized zone between the Damrak and Niewezijds Voorburgwal. Pick up either a Time Out Amsterdam guide, Lonely Planet Amsterdam or Rough Guide to Amsterdam - all three have sections just on coffeeshops, listing them by area and describing the atmosphere in them
P.S. - I don't know if I'd want to go back to the airport with my clothes smelling like A'dam skunk, tho. You might want to bring a change of clothes.

The Bulldog has a location close to the train station, and it's a friendly coffeeshop for a first-timer. But Dampkring is the famous one, and it really is worth the visit. It's further away down near the Leidseplein.

I would take a canal tour -- and believe me, I hate tours, but this one is beautiful and you will see a great deal of Amsterdman in an hour. You can get a canal tour boat right outside the central station in Amsterdam.