What to Do in Amsterdam in 6 Hours: A Guide for Short Layovers
Bell | 11 April 26
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport had over 66 million passengers pass through last year, making it a key European transport hub. Interestingly, over 37% of these passengers are there for a layover. So, if you are one of them and wondering just how to spend your layover, this is the guide for you.
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and an incredibly beautiful destination. From the canals to the beautiful parks to the plentiful museums to tulip season, you have every reason to leave the airport while on a layover here.
In short:
It is worth leaving Schiphol airport if your layover is anything above 5 hours. 6 is enough to see many of the highlights and anything more is amazing. The airport connects to the city in just 17 minutes, which makes it ideal for layovers!
Getting from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam city center
There are three main ways to get from the airport to the city centre:
- Train – takes just 14-17 minutes and costs around 3.70€ off-peak or 4-5.50€ during peak times one-way if bought online. You can also tap on and off with a contactless card.
- Bus 397 – takes about 30 minutes and costs €6.50 one-way ir 11.75€ return (buy here)
- Taxi – takes 30+ minutes and is a little pricier around €40 to €80
Can I leave Amsterdam airport during a layover?
Yes, it is more than possible to leave Amsterdam airport during a layover. You would ideally need a 6-8 hour layover to make the most of your time in Amsterdam, though anything from 5 is feasible (for those that don’t have to go through immigration). Make sure you double-check the entry requirements for Amsterdam for your country of origin.
Amsterdam is super walkable and you can see some of the most central sights in 3-4 hours.
Download the Schiphol App for flight information, security and passport wait times and pre-check ins.
Visa Requirements to leave Amsterdam Airport during a layover
Amsterdam is in the Netherlands which is located in Europe and the Schengen Zone. If you have an EU passport, you won’t need a visa or authorisation to enter the country.
Please note I am not a visa professional, so please speak to your embassy and do your own research!
If you are from a Visa Exempt country (like US, UK, Canada, Australia), you can leave freely as long as you are within your 90 days. From late 2026, you will need an ETIAS , a travel authorisation you can apply for online costing 20€. It lasts for 3 years and all Schengen countries.
If your country requires a visa, you will likely need a Type C (Short-stay) Schengen Visa to leave the airport. Please contact your embassy for more information.
Time to pass through immigration in Amsterdam and leave the airport
If you are flying domestic or within the EU, you won’t need to go through passport control. If you also don’t need to pick up your luggage as it will automatically be transferred to the next flight (check this with your airline), then you can be out in 15 to 45 minutes.
If you are coming from outside the Schengen area, you will need to go through passport control! This can add an extra 15min to 1 hour (except for those with EU passport, this only takes an extra 15-30min usually).
Getting back to the airport in time
You need to arrive back at the airport with plenty of time to spare so that you can go through security and passport control. I usually do 2 hours for a Schengen flight, 3 hours for international. Give yourself a hard cut-off by when you need to be at Amsterdam Centraal to keep these times.
Your bags should have been transferred automatically, but if you booked with different airlines you may need to re-check it too. Allow enough time for this.
Amsterdam Layover Itinerary
Check out the dancing houses of Damrak right by Centraal Station
Damrak is the main street leading from Amsterdam Centraal station, where you’ll be arriving, to the city centre.
Here you’ll find the so-called “Dancing Houses”, which date back to the 17th century. They are slightly crooked, hence the “dancing”, as the stilts they are built on have started to unevenly sink over time.
It is a very tourist-trap area, though locals have worked hard recently to rebrand the area as part of the “Red Carpet” which introduces tourists to the city. I think it’s a lovely area to stroll around in, would just avoid the gimmicky shops here.
Head to Dam Square to marvel at the Royal Palace
You will now find yourself by the main square of Amsterdam, often home to events, pop-up and general a meeting area for tourists and locals alike. It’s here where the first dam of the river Amstel (hence the name Amsterdam) was built.
You are also standing in front of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, which dates back to the 1650s. It was originally a city hall but transformed into a palace by Louis Napoleon (brother of THAT Napoleon). To this days, it is one of it is one of three active royal residences.
If you have some spare time (1-2 hrs), you can visit the inside of the palace for 12,50€.
Explore The Nine Streets
The Nine Streets in Amsterdam is a collection of 3×3 streets (the transverse streets that connect the Heren-, Keizers-, and Prinsengracht). Here you will find unique shops, cute cafes and anything trendy. It’s also one of the most picturesque areas of Amsterdam.
Right next to the area is also the famous Anne Frank House (if you want to visit, you have to pre-book a timeslot 6 weeks before). It is a very emotional museum to visit but an incredibly important one.
You can also find the Westerkerk church around the corner, the biggest in Amsterdam with a beautiful bell tower. It is also the burial place of the painter Rembrandt.
Wander around Amsterdam’s Jordaan District
Once the working class and immigrant district, Jordaan is now one of the most picturesque with a distinct community feel.
Make sure to stop at the stunning Prinsengracht canal, often considered the most beautiful in Amsterdam.
It is also home to a lot of markets like the Westerstraat market (fabrics and cloths), the Noordermarkt (originally pottery, now a bit of everything) and the Lindegracht Markt (market stalls).
Don’t miss
The fascinating Houseboat Museum is located here, letting you experience what life on the canals here is like.
Visit the peaceful Vondelpark
A 25 min walk (or 15ish on the tram) away is the Vondelpark, one of my all-time favourite areas in Amsterdam. This is the perfect place to rest after all the walking and maybe grab a coffee or beer in the Blauwe Theehuis.
The 47 hectares park was designed by landscape architect L.D. Zocher and is full of flower beds, fountains and greenery.
Fun fact: The park was constructed on a muddy dump area which means it is constantly sinking. If you jump as a group in some places, you can actually feel the ground move.
Go for food at Albert Cuyp Market
The best place for food on the go in Amsterdam is Albert Cuyp Market, so feel free to add this earlier in your itinerary. Here you will find any Dutch delicacy you can think of, though my favourites are frites, poffertjes and the cheese. Fun things to try are also herring/kibberling and Bitterballen (meat balls).
This is also where the Stroopwafel class is that is in my “extra things to do”.
Look for flowers and souvenirs at the Bloemenmarkt
The Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam is a floating market full of flowers, seeds, plants and souvenirs. From the street the shops look normal, but they are all actually on barges. It’s easily one of the most unique and beautiful markets in Amsterdam, overflowing with Tulips and colourful arrangements.
It was created in 1862 to bring flowers from the suburbs and sell them in the city. Now it is more of a permanent installment.
If it’s evening time, walk through the Red Light District
Amsterdam’s Red Light district is located in De Wallen. It is an area known for the legal window prostitution with workers illuminated in big windows by red lights. It only gets lively after dark, so you may not be able to see this on your layover.
As a woman, I think it’s interesting to check out once to understand the history of the area better and to experience the atmosphere, but I didn’t feel entirely comfortable. I’d recommend going with friends and not solo.
The area also has a lot of the coffeehouses that sell brownies, be careful with those! Go slow, remember they are a lot stronger than what you’re likely used to and check in with friends regularly.
Things to know
Alcohol and Marihuana are not allowed in public. DO NOT take photos/videos of the workers in the windows – security will not be kind. Don’t stare at one window too long unless you are going in.
The area is also prone to pickpocketing so be careful.
If you have extra time:
Take a Stroopwafel Class
One of my favourite things I did in Amsterdam was the Stroopwafel Class. Not only did we get to make the famous Dutch treat from scratch, but also taste it straight away and pack one to bring home.
The workshop takes only 45min-1hour and you can often still book on the day.
Visit one of your favourite museums
Amsterdam has MANY museums and art galleries, one more gorgeous than the next. If you have the time, it’s so worth visiting one or two.
Museums that you should pre-book with a timeslot are the Anne Frank House (6 weeks before), Van Gogh Museum (book a month in advance), Rijksmuseum (few days before).
Most others should be fine on the day, but if you have a favourite, I’d check their website prior to arrival.
Go on a canal cruise
There is really no better way to experience Amsterdam than a canal cruise. So, if you have an extra hour or two, book yourself onto one of the many boat tours that float the canals!
Hi, I'm Bell
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