My wife and I are returning from Italy to Seattle in October of this year. We have the opportunity to select a Delta flight that connects in Amsterdam with a 19 hour layover, landing at 6:40 p.m., and departing the next day in the early afternoon. We are very tempted to take this flight, since neither of us has been there in 40 years. So, my questions:

1. Is it easy/quick to get into the city of Amsterdam from the airport? How quick?
2. What would you do in Amsterdam with this brief amount of time?

A two-day layover might make more sense, but is absolutely not an option on this trip.

Information, suggestions, travel veterans?

It takes less than 20 minutes on the train to get to Amsterdam. The station is part of the airport terminal. Since you will have been to Italy you will have Euro coins so can buy your tickets from the machines. www.NS.nl shows you how to use the machines.

You will need to be back at Schiphol in lots of time the following day - security is done at the gate and takes some time, so the gate closes about an hour before departure. you should aim to be there 2 hours before, assuming you are not rechecking bags.

Whilst you may not have time for museums (well a quick morning trip might be possible) you can certainly enjoy an evening and the following morning in the city.

19 hours? i would rent bikes, and enjoy some of the best international food for lunch! i've never been to a city that had so much choice! thai, italian, lebanese, steakhouses, indonesian, cafes, etc...etc...check out the canals, and get a little taste of amsterdam!

With this brief amount of time I would hustle to the Spui area and check in at the Hotel Ambassade on Herengracht. Then have dinner at the Luden on Spuistraat and a borel at the Hoppe to meet the locals. Get up early the next morning to watch Amsterdam come alive. If you can squeeze it in have lunch at the Cafe Luxembourg at the Spui before scooting for the airport. Have the taxi waiting. hetismij's time frame is the minimum.

I agree with spaarne on every detail. Don't even think of going to a museum, just walk and look, with an occasional break for a wheat beer.

Okay! Great ideas, everybody. Your replies clearly indicate that nineteen hours in Amsterdam offers, while not exactly The Grand Tour, at least a glimpse at one of the most interesting cities in Europe. Thanks! spaarne, are you offering yourself as booking agent and tour guide? Very good and specific ideas. Thank you.

Don't take a taxi back, take the train. Cheaper and generally quicker. It doesn't take much for the roads to Schiphol to get jammed.

You could add a boat trip to see the city from a different view. Touristy yes, but good fun too.