Exploring Amsterdam: Things To Do After Landing At The Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the world's busiest airports, with over 48 million passengers travelling through it every year. If you're one of them and have a long layover or some time to kill before checking into your hotel, there are plenty of things to do. The airport itself has plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as lounges and free WiFi. But if you want to get out and explore the city, it's just a short train or bus ride away.

Amsterdam is famous for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture. You can wander the Canal Ring, explore the Jordaan neighbourhood, or visit landmarks like Westerkerk, the Anne Frank House, and the Homomonument. If you're travelling with kids, the NEMO science museum and the zoo are great options, and the Keukenhof Gardens are a must-see in springtime. For art lovers, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk, and the Van Gogh Museum are all located in the Museum Quarter. And of course, no trip to Amsterdam would be complete without sampling some Dutch specialties like bitterballen and Heineken beer.

Just keep in mind that Amsterdam Airport can get very busy, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to navigate through the airport and make it to your next flight.

Things to do after landing at Amsterdam Airport

Take a canal cruise

Amsterdam is famous for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and beautifully preserved 17th-century Golden Age architecture. One of the best ways to experience the city is by taking a canal cruise, which offers a unique perspective of the city's landmarks and attractions.

There are several canal cruise companies operating in Amsterdam, offering a range of packages and departure points. Some popular departure points include the Anne Frank House, Central Station, and the Rijksmuseum. Many companies offer flexible tickets that can be purchased online and used with any participating operator, allowing you to choose your preferred departure location and time.

Most canal cruises feature informative commentary available in multiple languages, providing insights into the rich history, culture, and famous sights of Amsterdam. Some cruises also offer additional amenities, such as fully stocked bars with drinks and cocktails, making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

If you are travelling with children, a canal cruise is a great way to see the city without exhausting yourself by walking too much. After the cruise, you can visit kid-friendly attractions such as the NEMO science museum or Vondelpark, where there is a children's tree house hidden in the woods. Alternatively, you can explore the city's outdoor markets, street entertainment, or enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the canals.

Explore the city's architecture and landmarks

Amsterdam is packed with beautifully preserved 17th-century Golden Age architecture, picturesque canals, and quaint cobblestone streets. The city is known for its practical urban planning and amazing cycling infrastructure.

If you're interested in exploring the city's architecture and landmarks, there are several notable places to visit. One of the most famous landmarks in Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum, which is featured on many postcards and is a popular location for tourist photos. It was purpose-built to house the collection of the Dutch national museum and was designed by the renowned Dutch architect, Pierre Cuypers. The exterior features sculptures, tile tableaus, and stained glass related to Dutch art history.

Centraal Station is another impressive example of architecture in Amsterdam. It is the largest railway station in the city, the second busiest in the country, and the most-visited Rijksmonument in the Netherlands. The entire station rests on 8,687 wooden piles driven into three man-made islands in the River IJ.

The NEMO Science Museum, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, is a modern and imposing landmark that towers over the Oosterdok like a giant ship. The green copper shape of the building is meant to mimic the shape of the IJ Tunnel, which runs underneath the museum.

Other notable landmarks include Westerkerk, a 17th-century church and the burial place of Rembrandt, the Anne Frank House, and the Homomonument, a triangle-shaped memorial commemorating persecuted gay men and lesbians. The Stedelijk Museum showcases modern and contemporary art and design, while the Van Gogh Museum displays more than 200 paintings by the Dutch artist. These three museums flank the vast Museumplein park in the city's Museum Quarter.

For those interested in urban planning and innovative architecture, The Whale, located on the Islands of Borneo and Sporenburg, is worth visiting. This building by Frits van Dongen transformed the traditional closed block by lifting two structures, allowing public space to flow underneath.

Finally, Amsterdam also offers a glimpse into its history with the distinctive crooked canal houses that make up a large part of the city's architecture. These unique structures are a testament to the city's past and present, reflecting its development over time.

Visit the Anne Frank House

If you're landing in Amsterdam and want to visit the Anne Frank House, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Anne Frank House is a museum that preserves the hiding place, known as the Secret Annex, of Anne Frank during World War II. It is located at 263 Prinsengracht, and the building next door, 265 Prinsengracht, was later purchased by the museum. The museum has been open to the public since 1960 and has attracted a large number of visitors over the years. In fact, tickets need to be booked online two months in advance.

• Transportation to the Anne Frank House: The Anne Frank House is located in the city centre of Amsterdam, which is easily accessible from the airport. You can take a train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station (Amsterdam CS). The airport train station is located one level below the main terminal (Schiphol Plaza) and the trains usually depart from platforms 1 or 2. The train runs every 10-15 minutes between 6 am and 1 am and every hour for night service. Alternatively, you can take the Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) located right outside of Schiphol Plaza. Both options cost around €5.60 one way.
• Allow ample time for your visit: Due to the high interest in the Anne Frank House, it is recommended to book your tickets online at least two months in advance. This will ensure that you have secured entry to the museum.
• Consider a virtual tour: A virtual tour of the Anne Frank House is also an option, especially if you are unable to travel to Amsterdam or want to avoid crowds. The virtual tour includes parts of the annex that are off-limits to physical visitors and can help you better prepare for your visit.
• Combine with other nearby attractions: The Anne Frank House is located in the picturesque Canal Ring area, which is known for its cobblestone lanes and bridges. Other landmarks in the area include Westerkerk, a 17th-century church and the burial place of Rembrandt, and the Homomonument, a memorial commemorating persecuted gay men and lesbians. You can also explore the nearby canals by boat or walk through the charming streets to soak up the Golden Age atmosphere.

Go to the Keukenhof Gardens

If you're looking for a beautiful natural escape after landing in Amsterdam Airport, the Keukenhof Gardens are a great option. Known as the "Garden of Europe", Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens, famed for its tulips. It's a perfect choice if you're travelling with kids, as it offers a relaxing outdoor experience. The gardens open at 8 am, and there are direct buses from the airport, with free luggage lockers available.

Getting to Keukenhof Gardens from Amsterdam Airport

The distance between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Keukenhof Gardens is approximately 13-14 miles, and there are several travel options available:

• Bus: The Keukenhof bus is a dedicated service that provides easy access to the gardens. You can take bus 858 directly from the airport to the main entrance of Keukenhof. This bus departs from outside Arrivals Hall 1 and costs around $3-6. There is also a line 361 bus from the airport to Lisse, Meer en Duin, which takes about 25 minutes and has a similar price range. From 2025, a new Keukenhof Shuttle Bus service will be available from Amsterdam City Centre, offering a direct and comfortable journey to the gardens.
• Train: If you prefer to take the train, you can reach Amsterdam Centraal Station from the airport train station, located one level below the main terminal building (Schiphol Plaza). From there, you can take bus 852 to Keukenhof. Trains run frequently, approximately every 10-15 minutes, and tickets cost €5.60 for a one-way trip.
• Taxi: For a quicker option, you can take a taxi from the airport to Keukenhof Gardens. The journey will take approximately 17 minutes and cost around $80-95.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Travel Time: The gardens and surrounding areas tend to be most crowded on weekends and between 11 am and 3 pm. If you're visiting during these times, expect longer travel times.
• Luggage Storage: If you have luggage with you, there are limited luggage lockers and a luggage depot at Keukenhof. Alternatively, you can store your luggage at Schiphol Airport if you plan to return there after your visit.
• Tickets: You can purchase bus tickets to Keukenhof online or through mobile apps like Glimble, which provide real-time updates on bus schedules.
• Combination Tickets: If you're planning to visit during the Tulip Festival, consider the Tulip Festival Card, which includes skip-the-line entrance to Keukenhof and a shuttle bus from Amsterdam City Centre.

Eat Dutch food

Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, offers a variety of Dutch food options for travellers to indulge in. If you're looking to sample some Dutch cuisine after landing, here are some suggestions:

Pancakes

Dutch pancakes are a popular choice, and you can find them at Dutch & Delicious or Touch Down Restaurant in the airport. These pancakes are plate-sized and silky, offering a range of sweet and savoury fillings to cater to all tastes.

Bitterballen

This classic Dutch snack is a must-try. Bitterballen are deep-fried croquettes filled with meat gravy, coated in breadcrumbs, and served piping hot with spicy mustard. You can find them at almost all the bars in the airport, including Grand Café Plaza before security, and Tastes From The Lowlands airside.

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are a well-known Dutch treat, consisting of two thin waffle cookies sandwiched together with a caramel syrup filling. You can find these at the Dutch Kitchen bar and restaurant in the airport, as well as various gift shops.

Dutch Bar and Restaurant

For a comprehensive Dutch culinary experience, visit the Dutch Kitchen bar and restaurant at the airport. Here, you can enjoy Dutch design alongside Dutch delicacies such as croquettes, poffertjes, and the aforementioned stroopwafels. They also offer a variety of cocktails featuring Dutch jenevers and liqueurs.

Heineken Bar

For a taste of Amsterdam's famous beer, head to the Heineken Bar. Here, you can sip on a cold Heineken while trying out some Dutch comfort food, including burgers, eggs, and fresh juice.

La Place

If you're looking for a wide variety of food options, La Place, a popular Dutch chain, offers freshly made dishes ranging from pizza to sandwiches and healthy juices.

So, whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, Amsterdam Airport has plenty of options to satisfy your craving for Dutch cuisine.

Frequently asked questions