Can I explore Amsterdam during a 6 hour layover?
 

I have a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam. Will that give me time to explore the city? What should I do? How should I get into Amsterdam from the airport?<BR>Thanks!

Molly, if you haven't been to Amsterdam before, my suggestion is that you take a Canal Boat tour. They are very inexpensive (under $10) and you get a good overview of the city with a nice commentary.<BR><BR>You can get to the city center by train for about $2.70 (I think) in 20 minutes. The train station is right inside the airport and you can buy a round trip ticket at the window. From Central Station, walk out front and there are canal boat tours right in front.

With only a 6 hr layover, a canal boat ride would take up all your time. My recommendation would be to visit Anne Frank's house, then walk to the main square. You will see canal houses, ancient bldgs and might even have time to stop in at a diamond &quot;factory&quot; where you can watch the polishers. It is only a short walk from the main square back to the train station and then to the airport.

...make sure you hit the Red Light District...

Another possibility is to take the 20 (circle) tram from the Central Station - this takes you on a tour past a lot of the main attractions, and if the timing is right you can stop off and walk around en route. <BR><BR>Just strolling is one of the charms of Amsterdam. I'm not sure whether it's worth going into a museum - nothing worse than feeling your time's running out just as you're getting interested in something you've paid good money to see.<BR><BR>And I wouldn't bother with the Red Light District at the best of times, and certainly not on a short stopover.

Last I heard (this week) the circle 20 tram was not running anymore.<BR>Molly, I've topped some other threads on your subject. If they get separated, search under 'Amsterdam airport'.

What kind of layover is this? Do you need to check back in with your luggage? I'm just asking because I truly needed to be at the airport 3 hours before my flight - security was very tight and lines were long. <BR>If you don't have the above problems, I agree with the posters who suggest a canal tour. This will give you a good feel for the city, and as stated above, the boats leave from right in front of the train station.

A canal cruise takes only around one hour and it gives you a wonderful perspective of Amsterdam. I would take that then I would walk through the Redlight District, pop into a coffeeshop if you are into that, then head to Leidseplein to sit and take it all in.....