Amsterdam makes a perfect layover! I am not surprised how many people just stop in Amsterdam on a long layover and get hooked. That is exactly how I got to enjoy Amsterdam for the first time and it has been drawing me back ever since!
In my early 20’s I had a solo layover in Amsterdam on my way to Cairo, Egypt. I didn’t realize then that it would not be the perfect layover, but it was perfect that day! I’m never going to be a person who hangs in the airport all day. I can walk 25,000+ steps in a day and can easily walk a European city to get a free destination. Back then, I really knew nothing about Amsterdam other than it has tulips, great cheese and the hardest ticket in town to get is the Anne Frank House. It is still that today! The Anne Frank ticket is even harder to get, but there is so much more to know for your own perfect layover!
My Perfect Layover to Amsterdam & the Anne Frank House
I was a young teacher at that time in my life and had taught the Diary of Anne Frank with my students for the past few years. I couldn’t wait to see the attic myself. I took that first trip SO long ago that pre-ordered tickets weren’t even a thing yet. The Anne Frank House was so popular there was a ticket machine at the airport and train station. As soon as I landed, I passed through passport control and went directly to that machine to get my ticket for the first time slot of the day. The most important part of my perfect layover scheduled.
I ditched my suitcase and backpack in an airport locker and took the train to Central Station. I will never forget the feeling I had when I walked out of the palatial train station to the main square and saw the most amazing buildings, canals with long, glass topped boats and bicycles everywhere! It was morning, when the city was still quiet and just coming to life. I grabbed a map of the city and started to walk through the Jordaan Neighborhood with the best canals. Stopping in a cafe for breakfast and coffee, then continued on to the Anne Frank House on the most famous canal in Amsterdam, the Prinsengrach, or the Prince’s canal.
I spent hours on my perfect layover seeing the museum, studying the texts and taking in every photo and artifact. I spent way too much money on very heavy books from the bookstore. I got to drag around Egypt for two weeks. Most people only take about 60-90 minutes in the small museum, plus some time in the cafe which is glass and overlooks an amazing row of canal houses.
Anne Frank House Seen… Now What?
After the Anne Frank House, wander around the square to see the Anne Frank Statue. Then over to the Westerkerk. Many visitors hear the church bells going off while visiting the attic, just like Anne did in her Diary.
Having the rest of the afternoon free to explore Amsterdam on the perfect layover. I walked around the canals in the Jordaan, had lunch at a cafe near Dam Square and decided to take the most touristy canal boat ride possible. I wish I had known then, I should’ve jumped on a Flagship canal cruise. They are just outside the Anne Frank House and now Central station too. The Loves Cruise did its job, but I suggest much better options for the perfect layover today. Then I walked through the Red Light District, before grabbing some dinner to take on the plane with me. I headed back to Schipol Airport for my final flight and get my real trip to Egypt started.
Itinerary Focused on First-Time Visitors to Amsterdam
I made some typical touristy mistakes on that first layover trip, but have now been to Amsterdam over a dozen times. I have narrowed down the perfect layover itinerary in the Dutch capital city. In fact, I have curated 5 different perfect layover itineraries to maximize trips based on the visitor’s interests. So if you only have one day in Amsterdam, because of a layover, a cruise ship departure or tight European itinerary, make sure to decide on one of the itineraries including:
- Perfect Layover: Picturesque Amsterdam
- Perfect Layover: Amsterdam Museums
- Perfect Layover: Tour of Coffeeshops
- Perfect Layover: Amsterdam with Kids
- Perfect Layover:Tulip Season
Most flights into Amsterdam from the States are arriving in the morning after a red-eye flight. I implore you to push past the exhaustion, have a coffee (or three) and get out to see Amsterdam. There are storage lockers for your luggage in the airport and train station. Plus numerous other locations that can be found on apps like stasher. No perfect layover is possible if you’re dragging bags through the city. It’s just not worth hauling even a big backpack around on the cobblestone streets. If you are checking into a hotel for a night, drop your bag off at the front desk. Once you stash the bags, start taking in the beauty of Amsterdam and its architecture just from the area in front of Central Station.
Perfect Layover: Picturesque Amsterdam
If you are limited on time, but want to get all the best photos of canals, canal houses, and small boats on the canals… the Jordaan is the place to start! There is no perfect layover without pictures of you eating stroopwafels or pastries on a bench by the canal. This neighborhood is located just west of the main area of Central Station. It is a typical Dutch neighborhood and not as touristy, especially in the Northern part. If you are leaving the train station, head west and walk down Haarlemmerstraat.
If you are looking to eat on the go, head down Haarlemmerstraat until you see the Petit Gateau pastry shop on your right. This is a great place for French pastries and baked goods like croissants, pain au chocolate, baguettes and fruit tarts. You can eat at a table upstairs or take your treats to go. Enjoy them on one of the benches next to the canal, especially in warm weather.
If you travel down the whole street, Haarlemmerstraat turns into Haarlemmerdijk and then empties out into Haarlemmerplein. There is a great spot open all day for brunch called The Breakfast Club. Their sister property is across the street called The Lunch Club. This is close to Westerpark, where many enjoy the warm months napping, reading or snacking on the lawn.
The Canals
After a delicious breakfast, start to check out the canals in the Jordaan area. On Brouwersgracht, walk the short distance of the four main canals from Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. These canals are narrow and full of beautiful flowers and many bridges have themed, colorful bikes covered in flowers. These are particularly popular for photos with canals in the background. Once you’ve gotten your photos, wander down the Prinsengracht, following signs toward the Anne Frank House. This is a popular spot in Amsterdam to visit, with over a million visits a year.
In front of the Anne Frank House you will see some sightseeing boats with Flagship and Those Dam Boat Guys. There are some other great options this side of town down the canals like Pure Boats, Captain Dave and Amsterdam Boat Adventures. These are traditional boats, captained by Dutch natives who tell you all about their city in 60-90 minute tours. You will get to see amazing canal houses, explore the canals and go out to the Amstel River. The river opens up and you can get the best pictures of the scenery from the water. After returning to the Jordaan area, get off the boat and head south another block on Prinsengracht.
Perfect Layover: Shopping Spots
These blocks of streets make up the shopping area known as The 9 Streets shopping area. The 4 canal streets intersect with other cobblestones to create the popular shopping area. There is a huge selection of boutique shops and independently owned restaurants. Great spots for brunch or lunch, cafes with street tables to relax. Then find a sweet treat on the way out like a bakery, ice cream or stroopwafel shops.
When you are done shopping, leave The 9 Streets on Singel and follow the canal to the Floating Flower Market. You will find flower market stalls with souvenirs and flower displays. Stop at Cafe Jarden for a coffee or mint tea and a little rest after all the walking and shopping. Follow the Amstel River and find the Skinny Bridge, called the Magere Brug. If you are there with your love, share a kiss on or under the bridge for luck in love.
Walk up Rokin street to see the American Book Stores and the Begijnhof. The Begijnhof is the best preserved hofjes or courtyard with almshouses for widowed seniors. Rokin turns into Damrak, the main street that travels back to Central Station. Stop at Dam Square for pictures of the square, video of tourist interacting with the pigeons, Koninklijk Paleis (the Royal palace) that can be visited for a few weeks in summer and the New Church. I suggest getting fries at Manneken Pis Nieuwendijk, it is found down the small street on the left of H&M. This spot is much less crowded than the original shop on Damrak, even though it is only a few blocks away. Walk east across the square and take Damstraat into De Wallen, also known as the Red Light District.
Red Light District
De Wallen is a typical Dutch neighborhood during the day.Iits most distinguished building is the Old Church and it even has a nursery school at its busiest intersection. The Red Light District (RLD) transforms in the evening to the epicenter of tourism. Particularly with hords of young, drunk guys often from Britian. The RLD is a strip of streets along the two canals called the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal. They have a lot of sex shops, burlesque theaters, bars, restaurants, coffeeshops and the Red Light Secrets Museum.
The infamous red lights are strips of windows down alleyways throughout the neighborhood. They are lit red (for women) and blue for (pre-transition ladies) who are available for fun and fantasy. The girls are waiting for their next customer in the windows or are ‘entertaining’ a customer if the curtain is drawn. Wander around to have a look, but remember DO NOT take any pictures! There are signs all over not to take photos/video, and they mean it! It is prohibited and will get you in trouble with security, the police and the girls. The girls are probably the scariest because they have no problem yelling and making an embarrassing scene.
The RLD is just one street west of Chinatown and the restaurants in the area reflect this culture. Our favorite Chinese restaurants are Nam Keen, A fusion and Oriental City (in the RLD). Remember to try Thai, sushi, raman, Indian and other Asian cuisines in this area of the city. When you are finished eating and “window shopping” head back out to the main street of Damrak. Do any last minute souvenir shopping before heading back to Central Station.
Perfect Layover: Touristy Cheese Tasting & Souvenirs
The perfect layover can’t include the best cheese shops, since they are just out of the city center. I suggest trying the cheeses at the three different main touristy shops, Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, Amsterdam Cheese Company and Henri Willig. If you miss out, you can pick up all of these and sample them at the airport. You have to work hard to get out of Amsterdam without cheese, no perfect layover is complete without it!
Perfect Layover: Amsterdam Museums
If you are coming to Amsterdam and have a certain Dutch museum or artist that you are dying to see, build your itinerary around that ticket entrance. Get one of the first of the day, typically between 10:00-11:00 am. The three most popular are the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House. However other fantastic museum options are the newly remodeled Rembrandt House, the Resistance Museum (next best thing if you can’t get Anne Frank tickets) or Our Lord in the Attic Museum.
I would suggest getting your ticket to any museum ahead of time. Amsterdam is very popular and the tickets go fast, especially skip the line tickets. The Anne Frank House is the one that you really need to plan to get ahead of time. The tickets go on sale on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 am local time, so if you really want tickets, stay up late the night before and get them. That’s what I did when visiting with my kiddos. It was a non negotiable for my teenagers, so I stayed up until midnight mountain time. It was certainly worth it for the education and experience.
The other museums you can get tickets from their official site or a site like Get Your Guide or Viator. Book a “skip the line” or guided tour that will cost a little more, but is often worth the value.
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rembrandt House
- Resistance Museum
- House Boat Museum
- Anne Frank House– official site only
Museums in the Jordaan Neighborhood
Once you arrive at Central Station, if you’re going to The Anne Frank House, walk west into the Jordaan Neighborhood. I’d suggest getting coffee and a fantastic pastry at Petit Gateau and it is right on your route. The small glass window shows a preview of the beautiful tarts and pastries. Once you open the door and the smell of baked croissants and baguettes take over, there is no going back.
Walking around Brouwersgracht, north to Prinsengracht, these canals are narrow and full of beautiful flowers. Many bridges have themed, colorful bikes covered in flowers, perfect for photo ops. This is also a wonderful spot to hang with friends for a drink, sitting on the side of the canal or on the boat docks. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the canals, wander down the Prinsengracht, following signs toward the Anne Frank House. Arrive 5 minutes prior your slotted time, but you won’t be admitted to the line until your timed entrance. If you get there early, try an ice cream or stroopwafel shop in the neighborhood.
Most Famous Museums in Museumplein
If you are going to the Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh you will need to head south to Museumplein. Take the 5, 16 or 24 tram down to Museumplein. Grab some breakfast at the restaurant Eggs Benaddicted for a nice sit down meal. Or stop at a local cafe for a grab-and-go bite to eat before your ticket entrance time.
After your 3 hours in the museum, I suggest taking a canal cruise. Get the best views and layout of Amsterdam from the water. Captain Jack boat tour and Flagship canal cruise companies are both moored in the Rijksmuseum area, just steps from the museum. The newest canal cruise is just a few blocks away for a VR canal cruise. Great with kids and teens and gives a balance of past and present Amsterdam. If it is a nice day, grab some lunch from a shop or bakery and head to Vondelpark.
If you are interested in testing Dutch apple pie, stop at the Instagram famous Winkle 43 for the viral backdrop. Or try one of the lesser known spots at Sluisje, Cafe Thijssen or The Papeneiland Cafe for an even better treat. The Dutch pie is typically served with lots of whipped cream and a hot drink of your choice. Once you hit Haarlemmerstraat, head east along the bars, cafes and coffeeshops. Enjoy your final taste of Amsterdam before ending up back at Central Station.
Heading East to Waterlooplein
If the Rembrandt House or the Resistance Museum is your first location, head east. Pick up tram 14 or metro infront of Central Station to Waterlooplein station. Have breakfast at a traditional pancake place called MOAK Pancakes or visit Cafe Oraff or De Sluyswacht for outdoor seating. Tony’s NY City Bagels or Box Sociaal are both hardier options for your perfect layover itinerary.
Going to the Canal Belt
Walk up Damrak, but be sure to stop for fries at either Vlaamse Frites or Manneken Pis for the famous Dutch fries. No perfect layover in Amsterdam is complete without fries and other deep fried treats. The fries are amazing and deserve the fancy sauces. Options like liquid cheese, truffle parmesan, mayo, fry sauce or curry ketchup for a true European experience. If you are looking for a fast food snack, try FEBO down the street. You pay and then get it warm from a small vending machine window. The Dutch love their FEBO!
If you are still in Amsterdam after dark, go up to the LuminAir rooftop bar at the Doubletree. It’s a very romantic spot, with one of the best night views of the city. At least this close to the train station to still get back to the airport all in the same night.
Perfect Layover: Tour of Coffeeshops
What’s that saying, when in Rome? Well, when in Amsterdam…try the weed! Haarlemmerstraat is a great street for coffeeshops, but not the touristy ones you will find in the RLD. The sign on the glass says Green House, don’t be shy. The budtenders will help you out and answer any questions you might have between the strains. Enjoy breakfast at Greenhouse, a delicious brunch menu, lunch, all-day, snack and desserts too. It is customary to purchase a drink per person when relaxing in a coffeeshop. But most don’t have as delicious of a menu as Greenhouse.
Coffeeshop Etiquette
If you plan to buy a pre-rolled joint, make sure to ask for a “pure joint.” The Dutch typically mix theirs with tobacco or herbs to cut it. This is not what American tourists are expecting, especially when you see no cigarette smoking signs. Many Europeans are used to this system and like dilouting the joint. You don’t have to stay at the coffeeshop, many choose to “take away.” But, when on vacation, indulge in the relaxation, enjoy the social aspect and the food!
There are some differences in culture in Europe, in general with wait staff and tipping, and these hold true in coffeeshops too. You might need to wave, make eye contact or ask for a server. Order all your food and drinks at once and pay by cash or card. Tip at the time of the money exchange or leave in a tip cup at a register. Tipping is minimal, they are paid a living wage in Europe and don’t see it as the customer’s job to offset their salary. It is also appreciated when people greet and say good-bye when entering and leaving a restaurant, store or coffeeshop.
Green House Coffeeshop
Green House is our #1 coffeeshop suggestion in all of Amsterdam. It has all three things a great coffeeshop needs: high quality products, great food & drinks and a relaxed vibe. The atmosphere changes throughout the day. Busy and relaxed times will change the ambiance, morning and late night are most chill. There are three rooms to choose from, so walk up and down the stairs when looking for a table.
After leaving Green House, turn right and continue up Haarlemmerstraat to Prinsengracht. Turn left and headed down to the princes canal. Get out to see the beautiful canals, houseboats and canal houses that line the streets of the Jordaan.
If you want to do some shopping, wander up & down these canal streets for boutique cafes and shops. If you are wanting to head straight to your next coffeeshop, go out to Spuistraat before making the choice of your next coffeeshop:
Great Coffeeshop Options in Central Amsterdam
Tyson 2.0 is Mike Tyson’s new business endeavor and a new coffeeshop in Amsterdam. Hubby and I went in when they first opened and it was just too crowded. Now that it’s been open for a bit it’s much easier to get into. There is also a Tyson’s merch shop in the 9 Streets and a second coffeeshop in the RLD.
Dampkring is officially the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam so a lot of the foot traffic comes for that reason. The ambience is pretty grungy and attracts a younger crowd today. They have another coffeeshop called Coffeeshop Amsterdam ( on Haarlemmerstraat). When the upstairs is open it has great view and an established food menu. I recommend that location over this one near Dam Square.
Abraxas has the best vibe that can’t be beat! It is located down a small alleyway and sometimes has a line to get in because of limited seating. Once you pick out your goodies, grab a drink at the bar, the hot chocolate is the best! Wander around to find a seat, most seating is upstairs. Beware that the stairs are narrow and you’ll be carrying a lot. Hopefully the music is as good when you go, we have a set they played one night because it was so good and reminds us of our Amsterdam evening.
Historic Bulldog Coffeeshop & Smokeboat
The most popular coffeeshop to visit is the Bulldog and you will see its logo all over the the RLD. There is even a Bulldog restaurant and hotel. They also have a smoke boat that leaves out of Central Station, it is bring your own weed and supplies. Generally speaking, Bulldog isn’t known for a great product, rather they are more about ambience and experience. There is no better ambience than on the canals in Amsterdam.
The Buddha Boat and Smoke Boat and both are also great experiences. Personalized and small group cruise tour with great captains and crew. You do need to being your own weed and supplies, they don’t sell it on board. There is really never a bad time to get out on the canals in Amsterdam, but I like golden hour, the hour before sunset. It is also a great experience to take a canal cruise after sunset to see the canals and bridges all lit up after dark.
Prix d’Ami
Once you’re back on land, work your way in the back streets to find Prix d’Ami (on Haringpakkerssteeg) for a last snack and smoke before heading back to Central Station. It gives off a nightclub vibe from outside, with security and a disco ball. It’s a great spot with relaxed couches to watch movies, while beating jetlag. I can see stopping at Prix d’Ami if you’re on a tight layover, you can even check luggage with security.
At this point in the itinerary, you’ve been to numerous coffeeshops and have had smoking opportunities on land and sea during your perfect layover in Amsterdam. Be sure to get back to the airport… and your gate on time!
Perfect Layover: Amsterdam with Kids
Due to all the buzz around the coffeeshops and Red Light District, some people shy away from bringing their children to Amsterdam. I think that’s a big mistake! Amsterdam is amazing for kids, I wish I had brought my own kids when they were still preschoolers. My kids are a bit older now, two teens and an 11 year old, but they LOVE Amsterdam. They think of it as their second home and love it despite those taboos.
Vondelpark
After the cruise, a visit to Vondelpark is next on the list, especially in nice weather. Picking up a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit & cheese and letting the kids pick out interesting flavors of chips, soda or candies. Part of a child’s experience in traveling is trying all the international treats. These treats also act as discussion points when they go back home and talk to friends and family about their trip. My kids will never forget their love for Fanta after Amsterdam!
Alternatively, the Hard Rock Cafe is an American respite if you have picky eaters or are looking for some good air conditioning in the summer. It is in the perfect location, close to Vondelpark to wander over whenever hunger prevails. If you are hoping for more traditional places like Lunch Cafe George, Fat Phill’s Diner or Cafe Restaurant Hans en Grietje Amsterdam (Hansel & Gretel Cafe, a tavern with a good children menu).
Amsterdam Noord: A’dam Tower
Head back to Central Station, but instead of getting a train, walk to the back of the station where you will see ferry boats to the northern part of the city. Take the ferry that goes to the A’dam Tower and enjoy the short ride shared by tourists, locals on bikes and even some small cars to the Northern part of the river.
Go to the A’dam Tower for tickets and get a timed combo ticket with the This is Holland experience. We went up in the A’dam tower to have panoramic views of the city and let my boys swing out over the ledge. The ride wasn’t as scary up there as it looked from the ground, but still not for me with my recent feelings about heights. We just went to the outside observation area where the swing and photo spots were located all around the roof. We got to see Amsterdam like we never had before and it was a beautiful view!
This is Holland
This is Holland is an experience that takes about an hour. We began in a room showing an introduction movie, introducing a silly character who spoke in Dutch (subtitled in English) and gave you some background information about all of the Netherlands and its history. Then you move into a second chamber, to sit/stand around a 3D map of the Netherlands and continue to learn more about their shipping industry, cheese making regions and the largest natural skating pond in Freesland. That is my next winter bucket list item!
Finally, we moved as a small group to the flight simulator that reminded us a lot of the ride Soarin’ at Disney World, but better. The flight simulator takes you on a nice ride through the Dutch countryside and over the 12 Dutch provinces. The ride is neither scary or nauseating, I am quite sensitive and loved this experience. It was well done and a long ride. When it finally finished, my daughter wanted to do it again, since it was so enjoyable.
Eating with Children in Amsterdam Noord
There is a larger Bagles and Beans up in Amsterdam Noord, right behind This is Holland. Or stop on the way back to the ferry station, there is a large area of restaurants, cafes and bars all overlooking the water. It’s the perfect place to have a drink, snack or meal. I highly recommend coming up to the Noord area for these fun experiences that are not crowded, it’s really become part of Amsterdam in recent years.
Hop on/Hop off Canal Cruise: Recomended for Children & Accessibility
One additional offering, for those with very young children in strollers and babywearing carriers, consider doing the Hop on/Hop off Canal Cruise (just the boat part, not the combo land tour buses can’t drive down the narrow streets) for your entire day to be planned, with all transportation included. This could also be a good option for travelers with mobility concerns and reluctant travelers who don’t want to plan and itinerary and follow a schedule, but still get a good overview of the Dutch capital city.
Start in Central Station, after getting off the train. There is a walking tour that the app takes you through, if you want to get those little legs tired before getting on the boat. Pick up the red, glass topped boat right in front of the train station. Stay on through stop 2 as this is only for the cruise port. However, if you are leaving by ship tomorrow, you might want to pay attention so that you know where the terminal is located.
Best Stops for Children in Amsterdam
- Stop 3- Ships Museum, NEMO Science Center, Zoo/Aquarium.
- Stop 4- Free Gassan Diamond museum tour (you get a diamond discount for purchases), the Delft Blue store, Waterlooplein Flea Market and the second free walking tour on the app
- Stop 6- Heineken Experience, visit de Pijp or the Albert Cuyp Market. Use stop 7 for Leidseplein, Hard Rock Cafe, Museum Square (with Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum) and Coster Diamonds.
- Stop 8- The Jordaan area with the Western Church, Anne Frank House and 9 Streets shopping area with great restaurants and cafes and the best area for canal photos.
The boat tour returns back to the Central Station stop and you can take the train back to the airport or stop at PANCAKES Amsterdam Central for a delicious meal and a Dutch favorite before leaving, wanting to come back for more!
Perfect Layover: Tulip Time in Amsterdam
Tulip time in Holland is by far the most popular time of year to visit Amsterdam and runs from the start of Spring through the first half of May. This year’s Tulip Festival in Amsterdam will take place from March 20th-May 11th for 2025. Holland is the region of the Netherlands that the tulips are all farmed and celebrated. Keukenhof is the place to see the tulips and it is just outside of Amsterdam.
Keukenhof Gardens
The Tulip Gardens at Keukenhof have an annual tulip display as well as English and Japaneese landscape gardens, a historic garden, a garden maze and several inspiration gardens that change annually. Visitors can get to Keukenhof Gardens by public transportation or biking, however if you are short on time just book a prearranged tour like Flower Park Ticket and Transfer or a Day Trip to Keukenhof Gardens (be sure the time for the tour is short, around 5 hours and not a full day of 8-10 hours). I rarely suggest a tour, but it is not a direct location, so the tour buses or direct buses are worth it.
Parade Week will be from April 9-13 with the Flower Parade being held on Wednesday, followed by the Haarlem, Flower Parade taking place on Saturday April 12th. All of the Netherlands takes their flowers seriously, but especially in the North Holland cities like Amsterdam and Haarlem.
The flowers around Amsterdam, especially in Dam Square, the canals in the Jordaan neighborhood and in Museumsplain will be some of the most amazing arrangments you will ever see. If you are spending more time in Amsterdam than just a day, I highly suggest spending the day at Keukenhof Garden, walking in the tulip fields and the short river cruise at Keukenhof, to catch a glimpse of some of the tulip fields.
Flower Canal Cruises
After you return to Central Station, be sure to squeeze in a canal cruise and meal before taking off again. If you spend most of your only day in Amsterdam at Keukenhof, then you won’t have much time to see the city by foot. A Canal Cruise tour from Central Station will show you most of the city, at its best. Companies such as Flagship for an hour or Captain Jack cruises for 90 minutes (adult humor and stories) are great options you won’t be dissapointed in.
Be sure to have a good meal before leaving Amsterdam, such as a steakhouse like Cannibale Royale Handboogstraat, a 5 star meal in the train station at Grand Cafe Restaurant 1e Klas or a local cafe you happen to wander into and hope for the best.
Flying to Amsterdam for Spring Break
Spring Break is a great time for a trip to Amsterdam, being that it is typically at the end of March or 1st week of April and that is the beginning of tulip season. Even thought this time is popular in Amsterdam, it is still a bit early for most of Europe and can often find flight deals for less. Don’t count out flying for cheap into cities like Paris, London or Brussels which are all a quick train ride from Amsterdam.
Remember, if you are running late or are exhausted after your day of exploring the Dam, you can always order an uber or hail an overpriced taxi to take you back to the airport in less than 20 minutes from anywhere in the city. It’s worth making your flight over getting to the airport the cheapest by train. Amsterdam is an amazing city to wander through and see where the day takes you, so remember that is always an option and sometimes the best one! Next time you see Amsterdam as a layover option on a European itinerary, don’t shy away from the extra long layover and turn it into your first trip to Amsterdam. I say first, since there will be more after you visit once!
More Than the Perfect Layover: Staying the Evening in Amsterdam
For those who do want to stay over only one night in Amsterdam I do have a short list of hotels I would suggest, so that you can make it back to the airport easily, especially if you have an early morning flight.
- Park Plaza Victoria Park
- Sint Nicholaas Hotel
- Doubletree by Hilton (Hilton points)
- Kimpton de Witt (Hyatt points)
- Ibis Amsterdam Central (inexpensive, but minimal)
There is nothing better than a trip to Amsterdam, even if it is only for one day. If it is only a day or night in the magical city of canals, then it is even more important to use your time wisely and travel in an efficient pattern or direction to maximize your minimal time. Have you been to Amsterdam? What was your favorite part?
What is Wanderlust in Amsterdam?
For more insider tips, curated recommendations and thoughtfully designed itineraries visit my website dedicated to exploring Amsterdam and the Netherlands. You’ll find a free Amsterdam bucket list, handpicked restaurant and hotel suggestions, detailed travel itineraries and practical planning guides at wanderlustinamsterdam.com plus my Amsterdam travel blog! As a passionate Amsterdam traveler and blogger, I’m here to help you make the most of your time (and budget) whether you’re visiting for a quick layover or an extended stay.
