Exploring Amsterdam Airport: Things To Do And See

Amsterdam Airport, also known as Schiphol Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Europe, with flights taking off and landing throughout the day. The airport is not just your typical airport – it offers a range of activities and amenities to keep you entertained and relaxed during your layover or downtime.

- Explore the renowned Rijksmuseum, which features works by famous artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

- Indulge in delicious Dutch treats such as traditional Dutch pancakes and cheeses.

- Visit the Airport Library, which offers a peaceful oasis with comfortable seating and a collection of Dutch writers' books.

- Relax in one of the various lounges, some of which provide spa services.

- Shop at Schiphol Plaza, home to numerous shops and boutiques offering designer fashion, electronics, and souvenirs.

- Witness the unique art installations and exhibitions throughout the airport.

- Take a Schiphol Behind-the-Scenes Tour to explore areas typically off-limits to the public, such as the baggage handling system and control tower.

In addition to these activities, Amsterdam Airport is located a quick transit ride from the city centre. If you have a longer layover, you can head into downtown Amsterdam and explore attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the canals.

Explore the city centre

Amsterdam's city centre is a great place to explore. The historic city centre is small, making it very walkable. Here are some suggestions on what to see and do:

• Stroll along the canals and take in the beautiful architecture.
• Visit the Anne Frank House and learn about the life of this brave young girl.
• Explore the Jordaan neighbourhood, a trendy area with lots of great restaurants, cafes and shops.
• Wander through the Nine Streets neighbourhood, a charming area with picturesque canals and unique shops.
• Visit the Begijnhof, a historic nunnery with a beautiful garden.
• Take a boat ride along the canals and see the city from a different perspective.
• Explore the Red Light District, a famous area known for its adult entertainment.
• Visit the Van Gogh Museum and admire the works of this famous artist.
• Stop by the Rembrandt House Museum to see where the renowned painter lived and worked.
• Check out the Royal Palace, a grand building that serves as the official residence of the Dutch monarch.
• Stroll through the Vondelpark, a large urban park with beautiful green spaces and a lake.
• Sample some delicious Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels and traditional Dutch pancakes.
• Visit the Heineken Experience, a former brewery turned into a fun and interactive museum.
• Take a bike tour and explore the city like a local.
• Shop for souvenirs in the Negen Straatjes, a charming shopping district with unique boutiques and local designers.

Visit the Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, with short- and long-haul flights taking off and landing throughout the day. The airport is well-equipped with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as spas, a library, and even a casino. If you have a long layover, you can even take a bus tour of the city or head into Amsterdam to explore.

The world-famous Rijksmuseum has an airport outpost, located in the Schiphol terminal, in the area behind passport control, at the Holland Boulevard, between piers E and F. The museum is open from 7 am to 8 pm, with free admission, although identification is required.

The Rijksmuseum Schiphol Airport is a collaboration between the airport and the museum and has been in operation since 2002. It is a unique opportunity to see a small, carefully curated exhibition of original classic paintings. The exhibition changes regularly and is usually themed around travelling, business, and the history of Dutch art. Past exhibitions include "Sunny Skies in the Golden Age", "Brueghel in Business", and "Vincent van Gogh: Nature Close-Up", with eight original paintings by the famous artist.

The choice of paintings depends on the exhibition's theme, and there are usually eight to ten masterpieces on display. This small museum is a great way to pass the time during a layover and offers a glimpse into the rich history of Dutch art.

If you have a longer layover, you can also visit the main Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which is a quick train ride from the airport. The train to Amsterdam Centraal (Central Station) takes approximately 20 minutes, and the museum is a short walk or tram ride from there.

Try Dutch delicacies

Amsterdam Airport is a great place to try some Dutch delicacies. Here are some Dutch treats to try at the airport:

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are a Dutch speciality. These are two thin waffles stuck together with a layer of sweet syrup. They are best enjoyed hot and gooey from a street market or bakery.

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are the ultimate Dutch pub snack. These are delicious, deep-fried crispy balls traditionally served with mustard for dipping. You can find them on the menu at most Amsterdam drinking establishments.

Patatje Oorlog

Patatje Oorlog are thick-cut fries served in a piping hot paper cone slathered with peanut satay sauce, mayonnaise, and onions.

Poffertjes

Poffertjes are little fluffy clouds of buttery batter goodness. They are served at restaurants, street markets, and pancake houses all over Amsterdam.

Jenever

Jenever is the precursor to gin. This spirit, distilled from juniper berries, has a malty flavour similar to whisky. It is often served with a beer, a combination known as a kopstootje, meaning "head butt".

Dutch Apple Pie

The Dutch version of apple pie is a deep-dish delight infused with cinnamon and dotted with raisins. It is served with a smothering of whipped cream. Winkel 43 in the Jordaan neighbourhood and nearby Cafe 't Papeneiland are said to serve the best apple pies in town.

Haring

Haring (raw herring) is a Dutch speciality. You’ll spot haringhandels (herring carts) serving up this Dutch speciality all over the city and at every street market. Ask for a 'broodje haring' to get the fish served in a small sandwich with pickles and onions.

Kibbeling

Kibbeling is a great alternative to herring. These are battered and deep-fried morsels of white fish, usually cod, served with a mayonnaisey herb sauce and lemon. Try it hot and fresh from a street market for the best experience.

Oliebollen

Oliebollen are deep-fried sweet doughnuts, sometimes containing fruit pieces, and dusted in powdered sugar. They are so delicious that they are usually only available around New Year's Eve, just before the January diet kicks in.

Dutch Cheese

Kaas (cheese) is big business in the Netherlands. Be sure to visit one of Amsterdam's many 'kaas' shops or markets and taste some Gouda, Geitenkaas, or Maasdammer.

Relax in a lounge

Lounges are no longer exclusive to First or Business Class travellers. At Amsterdam Airport, you can pay a fee to access a lounge or gain entry if you're part of a lounge membership programme.

KLM Crown Lounges

If you're flying with KLM, you can access the KLM Crown Lounges if you're a Business Class passenger, Flying Blue Platinum or Gold member, or SkyTeam Elite Plus member. The KLM Crown Lounges offer a calm environment with lots of privacy and space. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, charging points for laptops, a telephone, a fax and copy machine, and a selection of international newspapers. There are two KLM Crown Lounges at Schiphol: Lounge 25 is located in the Schengen area on the second floor of Lounge 1, opposite Pier D, and is open from 06:00 to 22:00. Lounge 52 is for intercontinental travellers and can be found on the third floor of Holland Boulevard, with the entrance on the second floor. Lounge 52 is open from 06:00 to 22:00.

Aspire Lounges

You can book a spot (for a fee) in one of the Aspire lounges, regardless of which airline, frequent flyer programme or class you fly with. The Aspire Lounges offer workstations, free Wi-Fi and newspapers, snacks and drinks, and a fantastic view of Schiphol's runways. There are two Aspire Lounges at Schiphol: Aspire Lounge 41, for intercontinental travellers, is located on the top floor of Lounge 1 at Pier E and is open daily from 06:00 to 22:00. Aspire Lounge 26 is for Schengen Zone travellers and can be found on the second floor of Lounge 1, after the security check. It is open every day from 06:00 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30).

Star Alliance Lounge

The Star Alliance Lounge is available for all Star Alliance Gold members. It has free Wi-Fi, drinks and snacks. It is open daily from 05:30 to 21:00 and can be found after security on the second floor of Lounge 1, close to Pier D.

Oneworld Lounge

The oneworld Lounge is for travellers flying business class or economy class with a oneworld airline who have oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. The lounge has comfortable seating and work areas, a buffet with hot and cold dishes, unlimited free Wi-Fi, and an online selection of newspapers and magazines. It is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00 and is located on the third floor of Lounge 2.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in Europe, with short- and long-haul flights taking off and touching down throughout the day. If you're an aviation enthusiast, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport to learn how it operates. The Schiphol Behind the Scenes Bus Tour is a one-hour guided tour that takes you to places that are usually off-limits to visitors. The tour starts and ends at the main terminal, and you'll have to stay on the bus for the duration of the tour. The tour commentary is in Dutch, but English subtitles are available on a TV screen on the bus.

The tour begins with a drive across the airfield to the complex that houses KLM's headquarters, operations centre, and maintenance hangars. You'll also see the fire station, the snow fleet, and the airplane hangars. One of the highlights of the tour is the fuselage of an aircraft that is used to train the airport's firefighters. Real fires are set in this mock-up airframe to simulate an actual burning aircraft.

The Schiphol Behind the Scenes tour offers a unique insight into the daily operations of one of Europe's largest airports. It's a great way to learn about the hidden places and people who work tirelessly to ensure the airport runs safely and efficiently. Tickets for the tour can be purchased at the airport or online, with prices starting at €15 for adults and €7.50 for children. The tour departs daily from Schiphol Plaza, with the first tour starting at 10:00 and the last tour departing at 18:00.

Frequently asked questions