Amsterdam in 8 Hours: What You Can Realistically See During a Layover (March 2025)
Last updated on : November 19, 2025
Why a Layover in Amsterdam
When we booked our tickets to Bali with Air France, we quickly noticed something interesting in the options: we could choose long layovers in Europe, both on the way there and on the way back.
For the outbound flight, we chose an 8-hour layover in Paris, which allowed us to leave the airport, walk a little, breathe the city, even if only briefly… it made the journey feel more alive, more embodied, rather than just waiting passively between two flights.
When we looked at the return flight, we realized it also passed through Europe. And since KLM is partnered with Air France, we had the option of coming back through Amsterdam, with a layover similar in length to the one in Paris.
We looked at each other, and the idea felt obvious: Why not discover a second city?
The price was essentially the same as shorter layovers. And the idea of seeing two European capitals in one trip – without planning two full stays – felt both simple and exciting.
So we started looking into it: Is Amsterdam easy to visit during a layover? And to our surprise… even easier than Paris. The city center is compact, very walkable, and the train from the airport gets you there fast.
It was the perfect match: a chance to stretch our legs between long flights, and discover a city we might not have chosen to visit otherwise.
That’s how Amsterdam found its way into our trip. Simply. Naturally.
How I Prepared for my Layover in Amsterdam
To prepare for our layover in Amsterdam, I followed a similar approach to the one I used for Paris. I first wanted to make sure that eight hours would be enough to leave the airport, walk around the city, visit a few places, and return on time for our connecting flight. Once again, planning ahead helped me get a realistic idea of what was possible – without setting expectations that were too high.
I started by reading a few blogs, watching some vlogs, and browsing travel websites – just to get a first impression. Then, I spent quite a bit of time on Google Maps. That tool truly became my best ally: I pinned places that called to me, calculated walking distances, checked travel times, and imagined several flexible route options, with room for adjustments.
I especially wanted to:
- Walk through the historic center, around Dam Square
- See the Royal Palace (which we thought we might visit—but unfortunately, it was closed that day)
- Pass through the Begijnhof, a peaceful place full of history
- Walk past the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, the church next to it (where you can usually climb the tower… but it was also closed during our visit)
This is when I really understood that, for a layover, you need Plans A, B, and C, because:
- Some places might be closed,
- Some lines might be long,
- And weather or energy levels can shift your plans quickly.
So instead of holding on tightly to a list, we simply chose to walk, to observe the city, to let ourselves be carried by the moment. And it was perfect just like that.
In the end, the preparation gave us a structure – but the flexibility is what made the day feel enjoyable and real.
Entry Requirements for a Layover in Amsterdam
Just like for our layover in Paris, we made sure to check the entry requirements before our trip. As Canadian travelers, here’s what we needed in order to leave the airport and visit the city:
- a passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned return date;
- no visa required, as long as the stay in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
Even if you’re only visiting for a few hours, the same rules apply as soon as you exit the international transit zone. In other words, to explore Amsterdam during our layover, we had to officially enter the Netherlands. This time, the process was much quicker than in Paris. We passed through border control smoothly, and were on our way to the city shortly after landing.
How to Get Around Amsterdam – During a Layover
Getting around Amsterdam from the airport is incredibly simple, quick, and direct – which makes a layover here especially smooth. As soon as we passed border control at Schiphol Airport, we followed the signs to the train station, which is located right inside the airport. There’s no shuttle to look for, no complicated transfers — everything is clearly marked and very easy to reach.
🎟️ Buying Your Train Ticket
When planning a layover in Amsterdam, it’s important to choose the right ticket, because not all passes include the airport transfers.
- GVB Day Ticket (9.50€ per person) → Does not include the airport train.
- Amsterdam Travel Ticket (18€ per person) → Includes unlimited travel on all trams, buses, night buses, metros and ferries operated by GVB, plus the train (2nd class) between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and any train station in Amsterdam for one full day.
Since we planned to walk most of the time in the city – and didn’t need unlimited public transportation – we simply purchased a round-trip train ticket between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal (11.90€ per person).
🟡 A Small Unexpected Situation (Good to Know… So You Don’t Panic 😉)
When we bought our train tickets at the self-service machine, the printer didn’t work. The payment went through… but we had no physical tickets or receipt in hand.
So we went to the service desk to sort it out. They asked for two things:
- the number of the machine we used
- the proof of payment (which I showed from my credit card app)
They checked everything and reissued our tickets without any problem. It took just a few minutes, and the staff was really helpful.
→ If this happens to you, don’t worry. Just breathe. It’s easily resolved.
🚆 Getting to the City Center
Trains to Amsterdam Centraal run very frequently. Travel time: about 20 minutes – which is noticeably faster and simpler than in Paris.
The only thing that confused us a little was that:
- the trains don’t always leave from the same platform,
- and the signage didn’t seem to be in French — and not always in English either.
We must have looked a bit lost, trying to match the screens with what we saw on our phones…
And then, the same woman from the service desk (the one who helped us with the ticket issue) noticed us and came over to guide us — without us even asking.
That gesture really touched us. And honestly, it set the tone for the whole day.
🚖 And What About Taking a Taxi?
Yes, taking a taxi is an option. But:
- the train is faster,
- less expensive,
- and it drops you right in the heart of the city.
So for us, the train was definitely the most convenient and efficient choice for a short layover.
Itinerary for my Layover in Amsterdam
Winkel 43 & Our First Impression of Amsterdam
When we arrived at Amsterdam Centraal, our first instinct was… to eat. 😄
I had already bookmarked a place I’d seen recommended over and over again: Winkel 43, famous for its apple pie. And since I love apple pie, it was clear this would be our very first stop.
As soon as we stepped out of the station and started walking toward the café, Amsterdam revealed itself in the most beautiful way: the canals appearing almost immediately, the water reflecting the narrow leaning facades, the little brick bridges, the quiet rhythm of bicycles gliding past… and almost no cars in sight. Just the city, calm and alive at the same time.
It may seem like a small detail, but it changes everything. The city is calm, gentle, breathing. You hear footsteps more than engines. You feel wrapped in it right away.
The walk to the café was, in itself, already a first meeting with the city.
When we arrived at Winkel 43, the café was quite busy – it’s a popular spot – but we were offered two seats at the counter, which was perfect for us. We didn’t want to sit outside, even though the weather was much more pleasant than in Paris.
And the apple pie… was truly delicious: warm, generous, fragrant. A simple, sweet moment to begin discovering Amsterdam.
Anne Frank House & Westerkerk
After refueling, we walked toward the Anne Frank House – the place where she and her family hid, now transformed into a museum. We didn’t have time to visit it, but even just standing in front of that building, knowing its story, was already very moving.
Right next to it is Westerkerk, the church Anne Frank mentions in her diary – she could see its bell tower from the attic where she was hiding. We would have loved to climb the tower for the view over the city… but it was closed that day (renovations).
So we simply stood there for a moment, in silence. Just observing. Just feeling.
Magna Plaza & Dam Square
As we continued walking, we passed by Magna Plaza, a former post office that has been transformed into a shopping gallery. We stepped inside for a few minutes – mostly to admire the interior architecture – before continuing on to Dam Square, the heart of Amsterdam.
On the square, you’ll find:
- The Royal Palace
- The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
- And, all around, several museums (including Madame Tussauds)
We would have loved to visit the Royal Palace, but it happened to be closed that week. So instead, we simply took our time to enjoy the atmosphere – the façades, the movement, the feeling of being in a place where history is something you feel more than you explain.
A Gentle Pause at the Begijnhof
Next, we made our way to the Begijnhof, a historic enclosed courtyard once inhabited by the Beguines – lay religious women who lived in community, without being cloistered. Today, it’s still a residential area – a quiet, lived-in place that feels almost suspended in time.
There, you’ll find:
- A small, understated church
- Rows of narrow houses surrounding a peaceful green courtyard
- And one of the oldest wooden houses in Amsterdam (Houten Huis)
Visitors are asked to walk slowly, to speak softly, to remember that this is not a museum – it is a neighborhood where people still live.
And that’s exactly what I loved most about this place. It felt like stepping out of the world for a moment – into a breath of calm.
Oude Kerk and the Red Light District
On our way back toward the station, we walked through the Red Light District, where the Oude Kerk (the Old Church) stands – the oldest building in Amsterdam.
And there, we had a moment that was… well, quite surreal. 😅
Just a few steps from the church, the red-lit windows were already occupied – in the middle of the morning.
We laughed. Not out of judgment – but simply because the contrast was so striking : an old church, centuries of history and spirituality… and right across from it, the windows of the Red Light District. Amsterdam is full of these bold contrasts. And honestly, that’s part of its charm.
Return to the Airport
We then took the train back to Schiphol, giving ourselves a comfortable two and a half hours at the airport before boarding. We still had time to eat, to rest, to settle back into ourselves before catching the next flight.
And it was perfect just like that.
Quick Tips to Make the Most of a Layover in Amsterdam
Taking a layover in Amsterdam means accepting that your time in the city will be short, but full of impressions. A layover is like a first taste – just enough to get a feel for the city and to leave you wanting to return.
⏱️ 1. Minimum Time to Plan For
Just like in Paris, I recommend a layover of at least 7 to 8 hours.
With less than 6 hours, you risk:
- Not having enough time to leave the airport,
- Feeling rushed,
- Or barely seeing anything at all.
With around 8 hours, you can comfortably enjoy:
- ~20 minutes by train into the city
- ~20 minutes back to the airport
- 1 to 1.5 hours for border control + buying tickets + navigating the airport/train station
- 3 to 3.5 hours of relaxed walking in the city
Which is just perfect to discover Amsterdam without rushing.
✈️ 2. When to Return to the Airport?
The general recommendation for international flights is to return to the airport 3 hours before departure.
In our case:
- Our checked luggage was already registered,
- We were comfortable with the process,
- So we chose to return 2.5 to 3 hours before our flight.
And that still gave us enough time to:
- Grab something to eat at the airport,
- Relax a little before boarding.
If you need to check your luggage at the airport, plan for the full 3 hours.
🚶♀️ 3. Accept That the Visit Will Be Short (And That’s Perfect)
Amsterdam is a city you discover by walking. And even with just 3 hours, the city leaves an impression.
What matters isn’t seeing everything, but simply:
- strolling along the canals
- admiring the unique architecture
- listening to the sound of bicycles passing
- enjoying a coffee
- breathing in the gentle atmosphere of the city
These are the moments that stay with you.
☕ 4. Take a Real Break
An escale that turns into a race… loses all its magic.
For us, the moments that mattered were:
- a slice of apple pie at Winkel 43
- pausing to watch life flow by at Dam Square
- a few quiet minutes in the Begijnhof
These small pauses are what I remember the most clearly.
🌤️ 5. Check the Weather and Layer Up
We were there at the end of March: cool, but not cold.
A few comfortable layers were enough. If you’re traveling outside of summer, bringing one warm layer makes the experience much more enjoyable.
🔄 6. Stay Flexible
In Amsterdam, just like anywhere else, it can happen that:
- certain places are closed
- tours are fully booked
- schedules change
The key is to:
- start your itinerary with the places you really want to see
- and let the rest unfold gently
Not everything has to be checked off. What matters is what’s felt and what’s lived. 💛
🌙 In Summary
A layover in Amsterdam doesn’t need to be long to be meaningful. Even just a few hours can leave a lasting impression.
And that’s exactly what we experienced.
In Conclusion
Amsterdam surprised me — not with something grand or overwhelming, but with a feeling. A calmness. A softness I didn’t expect to find in a city.
From the very first steps along the canals, something in me settled. There was this warm golden light on the water, bicycles gliding quietly by, and those narrow houses leaning gently toward one another, as if the city whispers rather than speaks aloud.
It’s wild how just three hours can be enough to feel a place. To let it in. To grow attached.
I don’t believe you need to “see everything” to fall in love with a city. Sometimes, seeing just enough is what leaves room for desire – the kind that calls you back, slowly and naturally.
Amsterdam left me with exactly that: a quiet, steady desire to return. Not right away. Not to check anything off a list. But because something there resonated – and I’d like to return to it when the moment feels right.
This layover taught me that stopovers don’t have to be just waiting time. They can be breathing spaces – in-between moments where we can choose to live, rather than simply pass time.
And you… Would you step outside the airport to walk along the canals? ✨
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