Amsterdam Travel Answers

Yes in transit you can leave the airport easiest way is to use the train which takes about 10-15 minutes and takes you straight into Amsterdam central station cost 3-4 euros. The Trains run regularly approx every 15 min so this will give a god time to explore the City. The airport is like any other and as such 9 hours will be a very long time unless you hit a winning streak in the Casino.

Axwell, thanks for your reply. Any recommendations where should I head to? Maybe give me some websites for my reading in advance. =) This maybe a silly question - is English widely spoken? will I have problem in communication?

You don't say which passport you hold. You may need a visa.

I'm guessing you have the Schengen visa. Yes English is widely spoken in Amsterdam and the people are very helpful. Regarding what to do I'd suggest a canal cruise - as you get out of the Centraal station you'll see a lot of cruise operators.ask for the price and go for the cheapest one with english speaking guides. I'd also suggest the Anne Frank museum.Its a must do in Amsterdam.I was there last feb and the queues were not that long.It can be easily reached on foot from the centraal stn if you have the time or just hop on a tram...I'm sorry i don't know which one.Check timings here http://www.annefrank.org If you still have time left I'd suggest you walk around the Dam square,do some shopping:) Hope this helps.Happy travels HB

Michaelrees is right about visa requirement this will depend on passport you hold, you could check out this site they have office in the Airport, www.hollandtourssciphol.nl should be able to advise on visa requirement and also on City tours that are available. On Damrak which is the main street you will also find Tours available try a canal tour normally takes about 1 hour, try the Van Gogh Museum, have a stroll around the Red Light district and of course try the Cannabis Cake not too much or you might miss your connection. Yes English is widely spoken you should'nt have any communication problems. Good Luck

Oh dear, I have forgotten on Visa requirement - I am holding a Malaysian passport with UAE residence visa. Any specific advise there? Thanks for the useful information and links, all!

Try amsterdamescape.com/passport...

It seems that Malaysian passport holders do not require a visa for entry to the Netherlands as a tourist. Take the train to Amsterdam Central Station and just walk around. Enjoy your trip!

We had an 8 hour layover In Amsterdam last year, if you have a look at my page, I have some tips on what do to with a short period of time. "Amsterdam, a popular layover destination" - Amsterdam by Dabs I found this website quite useful amsterdamlogue.com/amsterdam...

Hello, Since this question was asked quite often on the Amsterdam forum, I combined some of the answers and made this tip regarding layovers: "Schiphol Airport Layover" - Amsterdam Things to Do Tip by Pijlmans Cheers Dennis

Here's a list of countries from where you are required to have a visum: minbuza.nl/en/welcome/coming... If you are allowed out of the airport, a train ride of about 20 miniutes brings you to the Amsterdam Centraal Station. I recommend taking a canal cruise or walk (weather permitted) along the canals. English is widely understand and spoken. If you have to stay at the airport there are a number of things to de/see, like The Casino, the Rijksmuseum branch, See Buy Fly-shops, Yotel (if you want to have a private room (from 4 hours and up). More at our Virtual Tourist Schiphol page at: Schiphol Travel Guide PJ

Everyone, Thank you VERY VERY VERY much for all these useful information!! Appreciate that,now this is one transit that I look forward too. =)

One more question - is it safe for a small sized Asian female traveller to roam around alone? Am thinking of doing the tour DIY instead of joining the expensive tours from airport. So I thought of taking the train to Central Station, join a Canal hop on hop off bus, visit Van Gogh Museum, then have a brief walk in Damtrak and red light area?

Hey Tracy, Its absolutely safe! i'm a small asian myself and I did 3 days of sightseeing on my own in Ams last year while my hubby attended a conf and i din't feel unsafe at all.Ofcourse i dint try going to the redlight district by myself.....but i guess its ok during the day.Would not advice it in the evenings unless you have company If you plan to go the the vangogh museum, the Rijksmuseum is just across the street from it but i got totally 'museumed out' when i did both back to back:)If you like art u'll enjoy.

Just avoid the shady characters that offer unwanted help, ask for change etc. Enjoy your trip. PJ

Thank you everyone for all the good advise. One more question - where do I get souvenir at a good price? I think the must-buys are those clogs right? Can you let me know the approximate prices and also whether I need to bargain? Thanks! This is a transit I really look forward to. =)

I recommend bying your souvenirs at or around the flower market. There is enough supply to do a price comparison at the spot. PJ