Sandye

I've ready thru the posts of what to do with several hours on your hands between flights.

I'm just wondering if everything mentioned is open in March? We'll be arriving in Amsterdam March 12th at 06:50 and departing the same day at 14:30. We are returning March 27 arriving at 7:05 and departing 14:20. It is a stop over between Canada and Ghana, so were arriving/departing as int'l passengers and suppose we need at least 1 1/2 hrs to get checked in?

Does anyone have any suggestions of what one or two things we really MUST see. Our kids are 14, 14 and 11 and it's our first trip to the Netherlands. Thanks!

AisleSeat

Let's see, would I rather show my 11 and 14 year old the red light district, the marijuana bars or the Van Gogh and Reichs Museums, the Anne Frank house or take a canal boat tour?

PalQ

Well instead of trying to see any single sight, at least on your first layover, i'd just spend time wandering around the gorgeous canals lining by ancient facades. Hop the train from the airport to Centraal Station and you're right in the heart of things. Cop a city map at the airport VVV, tourist office, before setting out and ask general advice. The VVV also can tell you about special tours for folks just like you with layovers from the airports. I suggest doing the canal boat tours, takes about an hour and shows you Amsterdam's most gorgeous side. Some of them leave from right in front of Centraal Station. Trains take about 25 minutes each way, buy a day return ticket to save a little money but fares are only a few bucks. Best way into town for your plans. Your second layover you'll know a bit of the lay of the land and then maybe head for individual sight like Anne Frank House but if it's in a busy season you may way quite a while in line to get in. It's less than a mile from Centraal Station. Note don't turn right after leaving the station or you'll be smack in the redlight district with women voluptously on display - or you may want to show your kids it for the 'education' value.

PalQ

Message: Well instead of trying to see any single sight, at least on your first layover, i'd just spend time wandering around the gorgeous canals lining by ancient facades. Hop the train from the airport to Centraal Station and you're right in the heart of things. Cop a city map at the airport VVV, tourist office, before setting out and ask general advice. The VVV also can tell you about special tours for folks just like you with layovers from the airports. I suggest doing the canal boat tours, takes about an hour and shows you Amsterdam's most gorgeous side. Some of them leave from right in front of Centraal Station. Trains take about 25 minutes each way, buy a day return ticket to save a little money but fares are only a few bucks. Best way into town for your plans.

PalQ

Your second layover you'll know a bit of the lay of the land and then maybe head for individual sight like Anne Frank House but if it's in a busy season you may way quite a while in line to get in. It's less than a mile from Centraal Station. Note don't turn right after leaving the station or you'll be smack in the redlight district with women voluptously on display - or you may want to show your kids it for the 'education' value.

martytravels

PalO, lay off the "send" button, pal!

tilburg

1- Anne Frank House, go there first, to avoid lines
2- canal boat ride, touristy but gives good overview of city
3- market, not far from boat ride, just walk around
4- if they like art, or even if they don't, quick trip through Van Gogh Museum or Rijkskmuseum (to see Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer highlights)
5- snack, frites on street
6- lunch rijsstaffel, cannot recall how to spell, it's the Indonesian rice table with many dishes (varies in price between casual restaurants and formal ones)

I spent a semester in college in Holland. I gave my brother these ideas on a layover, and they had a great time.