What to Do During a Layover at Amsterdam Airport

If you are facing a short or long layover at Amsterdam Airport and wondering how to spend your spare time, here comes the good news: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is far from an ordinary airport. Its pre-security Schiphol Plaza feels more like a city shopping mall, while its extensive services, amenities, and easy-to-navigate layout make it one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the world.

Things to Do at Amsterdam Airport

During short layovers, it is strongly recommended to stay inside the airport. Although Schiphol operates as a single-terminal airport, it is vast, and moving between piers can be time-consuming. Fortunately, with so many activities available, staying at the airport can easily turn into a pleasant experience.

Shopping Therapy at Amsterdam Airport

With more than 200 shops spread across the terminal, Schiphol is a shopper’s paradise. From local Dutch brands to international chains, you’ll find everything from fashion and souvenirs to electronics. Duty-free stores offer cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, and other items at tax-free prices. Even if you are on a budget, window shopping is always an option.

Drink & Dine at Amsterdam Airport

Amsterdam Airport features more than 80 restaurants, cafés, and bars. While Dutch cuisine may not be world-famous, the airport offers a wide range of local and international dining options. Whether you are craving a quick snack, fast food, or a fine-dining experience, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

Use the Airport’s Free Wi-Fi

Schiphol Airport provides free Wi-Fi for all passengers. Each session lasts up to 4 hours, but once it expires, you can simply reconnect and enjoy another 4-hour session.

Amsterdam Airport is Kid-Friendly

All airport lounges include designated children’s play areas. These zones allow kids to have fun while parents relax and unwind before the next flight.

Meditate or Practice Your Faith

The AMS Meditation Center is an interfaith space located in the non-Schengen area at Lounge 2. Open 24/7, it offers meditation sessions, religious services, and a small library focused on spirituality.

Play the Piano or Read a Book

Schiphol Airport has its own library, where passengers can read, leave books behind, or even take one along for the journey. A grand piano and iPads are also available for public use.

Enjoy the View

Head to the Panorama Terrace, open daily from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, to watch planes take off and land. Right next to it, the Panorama Restaurant offers food and drinks with a great view.

Relax in Nature at the Airport Park

Located at Lounge 1, the Airport Park features real trees, recorded birdsong, and even exercise bikes. Open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, it’s the perfect spot to relax, read, or recharge.

Our Tip: You can charge your phone while pedaling on the exercise bikes.

Discover the “Future Case”

Visit Lounge 3 to explore the “Future Case,” an interactive exhibition showcasing Schiphol Airport’s history and evolution. You can even design your own airport through the Airport Creator game.

Visit the Rijksmuseum Schiphol

Located on Holland Boulevard, the Rijksmuseum Schiphol is open 24/7 and free to visit. It displays rotating exhibits of Dutch masterpieces, offering travelers a cultural experience without leaving the airport.

Take an Airport Bus Tour

The “Schiphol Behind the Scenes” bus tour lasts about one hour and provides insight into airport operations and infrastructure. Ticket prices start at around 16€/17.10$.

Play and Explore

Download the Schiphol Discovery Trail and turn your layover into a fun detective game by solving questions throughout the terminal.

For Business Travelers

Workstations are available in all lounges, including Piers C and D. The Spaces Lounge, located on the third floor of Departure Hall 1 near the Panorama Terrace, offers meeting rooms and a professional working environment with a view.

Pamper Yourself

Schiphol Airport hosts several spa and wellness facilities, offering massages, facials, and beauty treatments to help you refresh before your next flight.

Take a Shower

Free shower facilities are available in Lounge 2, in addition to those offered by airline lounges and airport hotels.

Relax and Rest

Massage chairs are available throughout the terminal for around 2€/2.14$. The airport also features multiple resting zones with comfortable seating. Paid lounges are another excellent option for relaxation.

Airport Hotels

Two hotels are located inside the terminal: Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal (Lounge 3) and YOTELAIR (Lounge 2, near Piers D and E). Several other hotels, including Hilton, citizenM, and Sheraton, are within a 7-minute walk landside.

Our Tip: Smoking is currently allowed only outside Schiphol Plaza, at Jan Dellaertplein.

Things to Do Near Amsterdam Airport

With a long layover, you can easily explore Amsterdam. Trains reach Central Station in 14–17 minutes, taxis and transfers take about 22 minutes, and Bus 397 takes around 27 minutes. Always plan to return to the airport at least two hours before your next flight.

Our Tip: Luggage storage is available at Holland Boulevard, Lounges 2 and 3, and Kelderplein.

Explore Amsterdam Like a Local

  • Cycling: Rent a bike and explore neighborhoods and parks like Vondelpark.
  • Canal Cruise: Enjoy a one-hour boat tour through Amsterdam’s canals.
  • Dam Square: Visit the Royal Palace, National Monument, and Nieuwe Kerk.
  • Red Light District: Admire historic architecture and the Oude Kerk.
  • Shopping: Discover boutiques and vintage shops at De Negen Straatjes.
  • Anne Frank House: A powerful and moving historical experience.
  • Heineken Experience: An interactive brewery museum with tastings.

Top Museums in Amsterdam

  • Rijksmuseum
  • Van Gogh Museum
  • Stedelijk Museum
  • Moco Museum
  • Nxt Museum
  • Madame Tussauds
  • The Upside Down Amsterdam

Our Tip: Don’t miss traditional Dutch snacks like stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring. For a unique experience, visit the Icebar, where everything is made of ice.