8 Hour Layover in Amsterdam!

Layovers can be tricky. How long is long enough to leave the airport and go exploring? There have been times when I have spent hours inside of an airport, just wondering what the country is like around me. Landing in a new place and not getting to adventure in it can be tough!

On one of my first trips home during the time I was living in Istanbul, I booked a flight with an 8 hour layover in Amsterdam. This layover was perfect - it was between 8:00 - 16:00 if I'm remembering correctly. I was flying solo and a bit nervous about trying to leave the airport during my layover, but the length of time seemed long enough and the city was calling my name. I had never been in the Netherlands, and I wanted to see what it was all about! So, I decided to do it. And (spoiler alert) I did make it back to my plane in plenty of time. Here's tips for how I did it, and the things I saw while in Amsterdam:

1. I planned ahead

Before flying, I looked up transport options for how to get into Amsterdam from the airport, and I looked at travel times to see how long I should give myself to travel each way. I decided to take the train to and from central station in Amsterdam, and websites said the ride would take 20 minutes, so I planned for 30-40 minutes to make sure no obstacles would keep me from catching my plane. I also gave myself time to buy a train ticket, which was a bit complicated at the train station.

2. I locked my backpack in a locker at the airport

Also by planning ahead, I already knew where to go and how to lock my backpack as soon as my feet hit solid ground in Amsterdam. I was able to speedily get that backpack off-loaded and head into the city with my purse in hand. It was so much more comfortable to walk with a purse instead of my heavy pack.

3. I decided to just wander and not do any tours/museums

This decision was also made with my wallet in mind, as I was not working at the time and was really watching my spending. Also, wandering is a great way to see a city and to people-watch. One of my favorite memories from this layover in Amsterdam was sitting on the side of a canal and eating crackers that I had packed in my purse from Turkey (food in Turkey is so much cheaper than in European countries). I was watching the boats as they bobbed up and down, and cyclists would ride smoothly past me on the roadway. The air was cool and fresh, and I had remembered a sweater even though it was July (also smart planning). It was beautiful and really gave me a genuine glimpse of the Netherlands.

4. My one prime destination was the free public library in Amsterdam

This library was breath-taking. The architecture is all straight lines, smooth curves, and solid whites and dark browns. I walked along the upper level looking down on the children's section, and it was like a children's paradise. I've heard that John Green wrote part of The Fault in Our Stars while in this library, and I believe it - it is indeed inspiring. There were even these weird pods that you could sit in (pictured below).

While in the library, I heard beautiful piano music being played; I followed it until I reached the ground floor where there was a piano out in the open, ready for anyone to play. The player was magnificent, and a few moments later he started playing a song that was familiar to others around. Many people gathered in a circle around the piano and started singing along. It was an amazing moment.

I walked so much during my first few hours in Amsterdam that I ended up heading back to the airport a bit early and editing a video I had shot while in the city. I did have to wait a bit while getting back through passport control, but I was at my gate in plenty of time.

Spending a few hours in Amsterdam was so worth it! I would recommend that a 7-8 hour layover is the minimum amount of time to leave the airport and explore a city, and planning ahead is key.

Wander and explore!

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