Exploring Amsterdam Airport: Things To Do And See

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is not just a transit point, but an attraction in itself. If you have a long layover, you can take a train to the city centre in under 20 minutes and explore downtown Amsterdam. You can visit the Royal Palace, stroll through the Red Light District, explore the Anne Frank House, or wander along the canals. If you'd like to stay at the airport, you can relax in one of the lounges, grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping. Schiphol Airport has a branch of the renowned Rijksmuseum, allowing you to immerse yourself in Dutch art and culture.

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Explore the city centre and downtown Amsterdam

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is well-connected to the city centre and downtown Amsterdam. The airport train station is located one level below the main terminal building (Schiphol Plaza) and is clearly marked. The train ride takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam Centraal Station. Tickets for the train can be purchased using a credit card or euro coins from one of the automated ticket vending machines or from a ticket window. The cost for a one-way ticket is €4.90 to €5.20.

If you have a layover of at least 6 hours, you can book a tour of Amsterdam that includes pick-up and drop-off at the airport. You can also book a private walking tour with a local who will meet you at the airport and drop you off after the tour. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can purchase a return ticket for the train and explore the city centre and downtown Amsterdam.

Once you arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station, you can join a canal tour for a 1- to 1.5-hour highlights tour along the canals. You can purchase the IAmsterdam City Card (1-5 days) which includes a free canal cruise and free entrance to major museums and attractions. You can also opt to ride on the signature blue-and-white trams that wind through the city streets. Line 2, named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world's best tram rides, takes you by many of Amsterdam's major sites, including the Royal Palace, the Canal Ring, the Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, and Vondelpark.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are several dining options near the canals. Hannekes Boom, a hip and artsy restaurant over the water, offers a top-notch beer list. De Sluyswacht, a cafe alongside a canal, was featured in the Seth Meyers Amsterdam Getaway episode.

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Relax in a pay-per-use lounge

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a range of pay-per-use lounges, which are ideal if you want to relax and escape the busy airport environment. Lounges include the KLM Crown Lounges, Oneworld Lounge, Aspire Lounge 41, and Privium ClubLounge West. You can pay for access to these lounges when booking your ticket, via My Trip, or during check-in, although this is subject to availability. You can also arrange access upon entrance, but make sure you can pay by Miles or credit card as cash payments are not accepted.

The Aspire Lounge 41 is a 625m² lounge with seating for 180 guests. It offers free WiFi, complimentary food and drinks, and shower facilities. There is also a selection of hot food dishes available, and tableside charging facilities for your electronic devices. The lounge overlooks the airfield, so you can sit back with a drink and watch the varied aircraft arriving and departing.

The KLM Crown Lounges are another option for relaxation, and you can upgrade to Premium Comfort Class or Business Class for extra privacy and comfort.

If you don't have access to an airline lounge, there are also lounge chairs scattered throughout the airport, and you can relax at the Airport Library in the non-Schengen area (gates D-G).

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Take a canal tour

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a great place to be if you have a long layover—it's your chance to visit the city and explore its UNESCO World Heritage canals.

If you have a layover of at least 6 hours, you can take a train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station. The airport train station is located one level below the main terminal building (Schiphol Plaza) and is clearly marked. Purchase your ticket from one of the automated ticket vending machines or ticket windows before heading down to the platform. The cost for a one-way ticket is €5.20. The train runs 24 hours a day, every 10–15 minutes between 6 am and 1 am, and every hour for night service.

Once you arrive at Centraal Station, you can join a canal tour. The boats leave from and return to the station's doorstep, so it's very convenient if you're short on time. The tours typically last around 1-1.5 hours and take you along the canals, showing you the highlights of the city. There are several canal tour companies just outside of the station, and prices range from 7.5 Euros to 11.5 Euros. You can also opt for a more luxurious experience with a canal cruise in a classic boat.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive experience, you can book a private tour that includes a walking tour of the city, a canal cruise, and transportation to and from the airport. These tours usually last around 3-5 hours and offer a more personalised experience.

The canals of Amsterdam offer a unique perspective of the city, with beautiful boat homes and iconic landmarks to see along the way. It's a great activity regardless of the weather, and you can even take an evening cruise to see the city lights. So, if you're looking for a memorable way to spend your layover, a canal tour is an excellent choice.

Shop at Schiphol Plaza

Schiphol Plaza, the public shopping area at Amsterdam Airport, offers a wide range of shopping options, from international brands to local products and unique souvenirs. Many shops open as early as 5:00 a.m., with some even staying open until 1:30 a.m. to accommodate the schedules of international flights.

For those looking for last-minute gifts, Schiphol Plaza has a variety of options. The "I Amsterdam," "We Love Holland," and "Dutch Discoveries" shops are popular among tourists, offering souvenirs such as magnets, keychains, t-shirts, and authentic Dutch treats like stroopwafels, cheeses, and Delft pottery. You can also find local cheeses at shops like "Say Cheese," or head to "Old Amsterdam" for a wider selection of Dutch food gifts. If you're looking for chocolates, "Coco & Sebas" in Schiphol Plaza is a great option.

If you're interested in fashion and accessories, Schiphol Plaza has a variety of options, including HEMA, G-Star Raw, and Hunkemöller, which offers lingerie and swimwear. For travel accessories, Outdoor & Travel by Paolo Salotto is a good choice, while the Airport Telecom Shop provides phones, accessories, and SIM cards.

For health and beauty needs, Schiphol Plaza has a pharmacy (Etos), as well as cosmetics and personal care stores like KIKO Milano, Rituals, and Perfumes & Cosmetics. You can also find flowers at Aviflora and Bloem, and a wide range of books and writing supplies at Bruna.

With its diverse range of shops, Schiphol Plaza caters to the needs of travellers, offering everything from last-minute gifts to fashion, accessories, and local souvenirs.

Visit the Panorama Terrace

If you're an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to spend your time at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, head to the Panorama Terrace. Here's what you need to know before you go:

Location and How to Get There

The Panorama Terrace is located on the roof of Departure Hall 1, before security. To get there, take the stairs, escalator, or elevator from the ground floor at Café Rembrandt to the next floor. Then, make your way to the second floor using the stairs, escalator, or elevator at desk row 1. A footbridge will lead you directly to the Panorama Terrace. Keep an eye out for signs pointing you towards the terrace, and note that it may be closed during bad weather or for safety reasons.

Opening Hours

The Panorama Terrace is typically open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM during the summer (from the last Sunday in March) and from 9 AM to 5 PM during the winter (from the last Sunday in October). However, one visitor noted that the terrace was only open from Monday to Friday, so you may want to check the airport's website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

What to Expect

The Panorama Terrace offers a panoramic view of Europe's third-busiest airport. It overlooks planes arriving and departing from gates C, D, and E, as well as the Aalsmeerbaan and Oostbaan runways and a section of the maintenance area. It's a great spot for plane spotting and photography. The terrace also features picnic-style tables and a retired KLM Cityhopper Fokker 100 airplane on display, which you can explore and learn about.

Food and Drinks

You can bring your own food and drinks to the terrace or purchase them there at typical airport prices. There is also the Panorama Restaurant nearby, offering dining with a view, but reviews for the restaurant have been mixed.

So, if you're at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and have a few hours to spare, why not visit the Panorama Terrace for a unique and memorable experience?

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