The Best 5 Things To Do In Amsterdam On A Long Layover

The Netherlands is known for its charming canals, delicious stroopwafels, quaint historical streets, and energetic cycling culture, among many other things. Thankfully, you don't need to spend days in the country to experience the local Dutch lifestyle and picturesque sights. A long layover — think seven or more hours — in Amsterdam is enough for on-the-go travelers.

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and the fourth busiest in Europe, according to OAG Aviation. As a result, it might pop up in your flight itinerary as a stop on your way to another destination. Conveniently, it's only a 14-minute train ride away from the heart of Amsterdam, perfect for a quick city adventure.

If you'll be stuck between flights all day, store your luggage in one of Schiphol's baggage lockers. Then, make your way to the underground rail station and hop on a train headed for Amsterdam Centraal. No matter your interests or travel style, you'll find tons to do during your layover. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to go through security (and immigration, if required) on your way back!

Even if you only visit Amsterdam during a brief layover, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see the city's famous canals. There are a whopping 165 canals in Amsterdam, and the entire Canal Ring network is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its outstanding universal value. What better way to explore these waterways than hopping in a boat and cruising around?

In Amsterdam, you'll find countless boat tours, most lasting between one and two hours, making them easy to fit into a long layover. Lovers Canal Cruises is one of the most popular boat tour companies, with a range of boat types available throughout the daytime and evening hours. Some even have covered roofs so you can see the sights come rain or shine.

You'll also find themed canal cruises, many of which are centered around Dutch food. Craving sweets? Book a spot on de Pannenkoekenboot (the Pancake Boat). Do you dream of Gouda cheese? Try one of the city's cheese-themed boat tours. There are also cruises that offer beer, wine, and other beverages. One word of caution: Don't drink so much that you miss your flight!

Amsterdam is packed with fascinating museums, including some of the most famous in the world. While you won't be able to see them all during a long layover, you can do a little museum hopping using the I amsterdam City Card. The card gives you access to over 70 museums and attractions for one flat fee, so you can pop into as many museums as you can fit between flights without paying a fortune (note that some museums require you to book a time slot in advance even when using the I amsterdam City Card).

Some of the best museums to visit in Amsterdam are found clustered together in the Museum Quarter, near the aptly named Museumplein park. Some spots to check out in the area include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Design. You'll also find the Heineken Experience a couple of blocks away, where you can tour the brewery and sample some of its lager.

You'll find world-class museums in other neighborhoods in Amsterdam, too. One famous example is the Anne Frank House, located in the Jordaan district. However, be sure to plan ahead when visiting this thought-provoking attraction. Tickets are made available six weeks in advance and sell out quickly.

The best way to get around Amsterdam is by bike. If you decide to do some exploring during your layover, you'll notice that cyclists are everywhere here. Not only is cycling the most popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam, but it's also speedier than walking — ideal for when you're in a time crunch and need to catch a flight in a few hours. Why not do your sightseeing while cruising around on two wheels?

The best way to begin your cycling journey is by getting off the train at Amsterdam Centraal and locating a rental shop nearby. One spot situated right inside the station is MacBike, where you can rent a bike for as little as one hour or as long as the entire day. Walk outside Amsterdam Centraal, and you'll find several additional options, including Yellow Bike Tours & Rental and King Bikes. These businesses offer both basic rentals and guided tours.

If you prefer to DIY your ride, mark your map with Amsterdam's most iconic sites so you know where to go. These include Dam Square, the Red Light District, and Museumplein. Try to also fit in a stop at the Albert Cuyp Market, an outdoor market where you can sample traditional Dutch snacks such as bitterballen, stroopwafels, and herring. No matter where your tires take you, be sure to stick to the bike lanes (use the one on the right side of the street), watch for signs and traffic lights, and let faster cyclists pass on your left.

If you want to see as much of the city as possible but only have a couple of hours to spare during your layover, consider stopping by the A'DAM Lookout, an observation deck overlooking Amsterdam. You'll get an aerial view of the Dutch capital from the building's 20th floor, which is pretty high up by Dutch standards (you won't find many skyscrapers in Amsterdam). See the city's historical buildings, canals, and — if you time your visit right — a stunning sunset view.

The A'DAM Lookout also features a thrilling swing ride on the rooftop, which swings adrenaline junkies over the edge of the building. If that sounds a little too intense, there's also a VR ride that takes you through the city, all from the comfort of your chair. If you still have free time after these exciting activities, you can grab a drink and some grub at one of the restaurants located in A'DAM Tower, including the slowly rotating restaurant Moon.

The A'DAM Lookout is a fun way to get acquainted with Amsterdam, even if you don't have time to explore the city from the ground level. Reaching the tower is quick and easy from the airport. Just take the train to Amsterdam Centraal, then board the free F3 ferry from the port located just outside the station. Two minutes later, you'll be at the foot of A'DAM Tower.

The city of Haarlem technically isn't part of Amsterdam, but it's just a short trip away from Amsterdam's main airport — you can reach Haarlem by bus in just 35 minutes. Many locals think of this spot as a smaller, calmer version of the capital. Everywhere you look, Haarlem is bursting with Dutch charm, with canals, cafés, cute boutiques, cobblestone streets, and a windmill — and all without the hordes of tourists found in Amsterdam. No wonder Rick Steves is a fan, and Haarlem is one of his top destinations when traveling to the Netherlands.

Just like in Amsterdam, you can take a boat tour, visit museums, and cycle around Haarlem. But given the city's compact size, it's best experienced by wandering around the narrow streets on foot. Get off the 300 bus at the Centrum/Verwulft stop and head east to Grote Markt. From this town square, you'll see the impressive St. Bavo Church, surrounded by restaurants and shops. Tour the inside of this architectural marvel for a small fee, or continue your stroll outside, browsing the local stores or snapping photos of the Molen de Adriaan windmill.

If you have time for a break, stop by one of Haarlem's cherished restaurants. Jopen, a brewery housed in a restored church in the heart of the city, is a top contender for drinks and casual fare. If you're a sucker for good views, try DeDakkas, an easy-going restaurant perched on top of a parking garage.

There are endless things to do and see during a trip to Amsterdam. Unfortunately, not all of them are suitable for a long layover. To narrow down our picks of the best sites and activities to explore between flights, we looked at some of the city's top attractions and eliminated any that can't feasibly be visited during a long layover. We also focused on activities within the center of Amsterdam, making them easy to access via train from the airport. The one exception is Haarlem, which is still quick and easy to reach from Schiphol using just one bus ride.

We also made sure to highlight activities that can be customized depending on the length of your layover. For example, you can explore a handful of museums all within one Amsterdam neighborhood if you're short on time, but if you have a long layover, this activity can easily be expanded to include museums in other parts of the city. Finally, we factored in our personal, first-hand experience visiting Amsterdam to decide which sites and activities are most representative of the destination as a whole, even if you can't devote an entire trip to sightseeing.