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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is not just a transit point, but an attraction in itself. With a long layover, you can head into the city centre and explore downtown Amsterdam, visiting the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the world-famous canals. If you have less time, you can still relax and enjoy the airport's amenities, such as the lounges, spas, meditation centre, library, observation deck, and restaurants. Schiphol Airport also has over 200 shops and a branch of the renowned Rijksmuseum, allowing you to immerse yourself in Dutch art and culture without leaving the airport.
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What You'll Learn
- Relax in one of the airport's lounges or take a shower
- Explore the city centre and its attractions, such as the Royal Palace and Van Gogh Museum
- Visit the airport's branch of the Rijksmuseum to experience Dutch art and culture
- Shop at the airport's pre-security Schiphol Plaza, which has over 200 shops
- Eat and drink at a variety of restaurants and cafes, including the Panorama Restaurant
Relax in one of the airport's lounges or take a shower
If you're looking to relax in an airport lounge, you have several options, regardless of your airline, frequent flyer programme or class. The Aspire Lounges, for example, offer workstations, free Wi-Fi and newspapers, snacks, drinks, and a selection of hot meals. You can also enjoy a view of the runways from here. The Star Alliance Lounge is available for all Star Alliance Gold Members. It offers a dining area, a wine bar, a business area, and a relaxation area. The Oneworld lounge features designer seats, a work table, private soundproof office booths, and shower facilities.
If you're a Business Class passenger, Flying Blue Platinum or Gold member, or SkyTeam Elite Plus member, you can make use of the KLM Crown Lounges. Here, you can enjoy healthy snacks, beverages, and entertainment, as well as free Wi-Fi, charging points, and a selection of international newspapers.
For something a little different, YotelAir in Lounge 2 offers sleep cabins in 4-hour increments, as well as a shower-only option. The Privium ClubLounge West, located after security in the non-Schengen departures area, has individual workstations, a food and drink bar, shower facilities, and a hand spa.
If you don't have access to an airline lounge, there are plenty of lounge chairs throughout the airport where you can relax. There is also a small library in the non-Schengen area (gates D-G) where you can relax, catch up on work, or browse books and magazines.
If you're looking to take a shower, you can do so at the Oneworld lounge or the Privium ClubLounge West. The KLM Intercontinental Crown Lounge 52 also offers 20 free shower suites, as well as 20 sleeping cabins for hire. Outside of the airport, the Mercure Terminal West hotel offers showers for €12.50.
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Explore the city centre and its attractions, such as the Royal Palace and Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a great place to start exploring the city and its attractions. The city centre is easily accessible from the airport, and you can choose from various travel options, including trains, buses, taxis, and car rentals.
If you're looking to explore the city centre and its attractions, such as the Royal Palace and the Van Gogh Museum, here's some information to help you plan your itinerary:
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace Amsterdam, located in the heart of the city, is a magnificent structure that serves as King Willem-Alexander's official reception palace. It plays a significant role during state visits and other royal occasions. The palace is also open to visitors, allowing them to explore its grand rooms and halls, following in the footsteps of royal guests. You can purchase tickets online or at the palace.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh and showcases his famous masterpieces, paintings, drawings, and letters. It offers a profound insight into his art and life. The museum also collaborates with other institutions, such as the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, to present major exhibitions featuring prominent artists of our time. It is recommended to book your tickets online in advance and be cautious of scammers by only purchasing tickets from the official website.
Travel Options
When travelling from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to the city centre, you have several options:
- Trains: Sprinter and Intercity direct trains provide a fast and convenient connection to Amsterdam Centraal Station. The journey takes approximately 14-17 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day, with scarcer service between midnight and 5:30 am.
- Buses: The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 offers a cost-saving alternative to trains. You can also take GVB Bus 369 to Sloterdijk and then use the subway or tram to reach the city centre.
- Taxis: Taxi services are readily available outside Schiphol Plaza and offer a comfortable and direct journey to your destination. The fare from the airport to the city centre typically ranges from €45-55.
- Car Rentals: If you prefer more privacy and flexibility, you can opt for a car rental service, providing you with your own vehicle to explore the city at your leisure.
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Visit the airport's branch of the Rijksmuseum to experience Dutch art and culture
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is more than just a travel hub—it's an opportunity to experience Dutch art and culture. If you're looking for something to do during a layover, the airport's branch of the world-famous Rijksmuseum is a must-visit. Here's everything you need to know about this unique airport attraction:
The Rijksmuseum at Schiphol Airport:
The Rijksmuseum at Schiphol Airport offers travellers a chance to immerse themselves in Dutch art and culture without even leaving the airport. This small but impressive museum is an outpost of the main Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, housing temporary exhibitions with a carefully curated selection of Dutch masterpieces. The exhibitions change regularly, so you might encounter themes such as "Sunny Skies in the Golden Age," "Brueghel in Business," or "Vincent van Gogh: Nature Close-Up," featuring eight original paintings by the renowned artist.
A Quiet and Intimate Setting:
The Schiphol Rijksmuseum provides a quiet and intimate setting to appreciate art. It's a pleasant escape from the bustling airport, offering a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the beautifully arranged exhibits. The museum typically displays eight to ten masterpiece paintings, depending on the exhibition theme, with a focus on travelling, business, and the history of Dutch art.
Location and Accessibility:
The Schiphol Rijksmuseum is conveniently located on Holland Boulevard, post-security, between Lounges 2 and 3. It's easily accessible and an excellent option if you have a few hours to spare during your layover. Remember that the exhibitions are free to visit and are open from 7 am to 8 pm.
Combine with Other Airport Attractions:
After exploring the Rijksmuseum, you can enhance your Dutch experience by visiting other attractions within the airport. Holland Boulevard, where the museum is located, offers a taste of Dutch culture. You can also explore the nearby Library, which features a collection of Dutch literature translated into various languages. If you're looking for refreshments, the Heineken Bar and Taste From the Lowlands Grand Café offer a quintessential Dutch experience.
Explore Amsterdam:
If your layover is at least four to six hours, you might consider venturing into the city centre. Amsterdam's iconic canals, historic architecture, and world-renowned museums are all within easy reach. You can take a train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal and explore the city's highlights, including the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House, and, of course, the full Rijksmuseum collection.
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Shop at the airport's pre-security Schiphol Plaza, which has over 200 shops
Schiphol Plaza, located before security at Amsterdam Airport, is a shopper's paradise. With over 200 shops, kiosks, and eateries, it's the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy before your flight.
The Plaza boasts a bright and spacious atmosphere, thanks to its glass roof, flooding the area with natural light. Here, you'll find a wide variety of stores, ranging from fashion boutiques to consumer electronics outlets, bookshops, chocolate shops, toy stores, sports gear retailers, accessory shops, and jewellery boutiques. Whether you're looking for a new outfit, the latest gadgets, or some last-minute souvenirs, Schiphol Plaza has you covered.
In addition to its diverse shopping options, the Plaza is also home to several restaurants and cafes, offering a range of culinary delights to suit all tastes and budgets. If you're feeling peckish after all that shopping, you can take a break and enjoy a meal or a quick bite before resuming your exploration of the Plaza's many stores.
For those with a sweet tooth, Schiphol Plaza won't disappoint. You'll find chocolate shops galore, offering everything from traditional Dutch treats to international favourites. And if you're travelling with children, the toy stores are sure to keep them entertained, offering a wide selection of games, puzzles, and other fun items to keep them busy during their travels.
Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a tech geek, or simply looking for some last-minute travel essentials, Schiphol Plaza has something for everyone. So, if you find yourself with some time to spare before your flight, be sure to explore all that this vibrant shopping destination has to offer.
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Eat and drink at a variety of restaurants and cafes, including the Panorama Restaurant
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Whether you're after a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or just a drink, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a view, the Panorama Restaurant is an excellent choice. Located on the third floor of Departure Hall 1, Panorama is open from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00 and provides the perfect setting for families, business travellers, and individuals to unwind or socialise while enjoying lunch or drinks.
For a quick bite or a cup of coffee, Park Cafe in Terminal 1 is a good option. Or, if you're after something more substantial, Dakota's Restaurant & Bar, also in Terminal 1, offers a diverse menu to cater to all taste buds. Another sit-down dining option is The Grill, which serves a variety of grilled dishes and can be found in Terminal 2.
If you're in the mood for something more exotic, head to Concourse D for a variety of options, including the Segafredo Espresso Bar, Grab & Fly, and Murphy's Bar. Or, if you're craving Asian food, try Kebaya, which serves a variety of dishes from across the continent, including sushi, dumplings, and vegan options. This can be found in the non-Schengen area (gates D-G).
For a taste of Dutch culture, the Heineken Bar is a popular choice, or you could try Cafe Rembrandt, which offers a typical Dutch cafe experience, including sandwiches, soups, omelettes, and breads.
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Frequently asked questions
AMS airport, also known as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, has plenty of things to do during a layover. If you have a long layover, you can head into Amsterdam city centre and explore downtown. If you'd rather stay in the airport, you can relax in one of the lounges, visit the branch of the Rijksmuseum, take a bus tour of the airport, or eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover at AMS. However, make sure you have enough time to get back to the airport and go through security and passport control (if required) before your next flight.
Yes, there are hotels in AMS airport, including the Mercure Schiphol Terminal Hotel and YotelAir, which offers sleep cabins in 4-hour increments.
AMS airport has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. You can try Dutch treats such as traditional Dutch pancakes at Grand Café Het Paleis, or Dutch cheeses and stroopwafels at several eateries.
