Our Wandering Chapter

We’ve added practical details and tips in the NOTES section at the end of this post.

A 7-hour layover in Amsterdam felt too tempting to pass up. We couldn’t miss the chance to get a glimpse of this vibrant capital, even if only for a few hours. This time it wasn’t just the two of us, my mother and sister were part of our travels.

Our plan was simple: quickly stow our luggage at the airport and head straight to the city to make the most of our time. But easier said than done. Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in Europe, and navigating our way to the storage area felt like a mini adventure of its own. There were a few lockers along the way to the storage area, but they were all fully booked. So we followed the signs and with the help of a kind ground staff member, finally reached The Baggage Storage on Level -1, between Arrivals 1 and 2. (https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/services/luggage-storage/ )

With our luggage safely deposited, the real adventure could begin. Schiphol Airport has a train station right below the terminal, and within 20 minutes we were in Amsterdam Centraal Station. (https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ )

We had booked a canal cruise via GetYourGuide (https://www.getyourguide.com/amsterdam-l36/amsterdam-classic-boat-cruise-with-optional-cheese-wine-t313498/ ) to experience Amsterdam from its waters, but with time to spare before departure, we decided to explore the city on foot.

Walking along the canals towards Anne Frank House, we were greeted by postcard-perfect views: rows of classic Dutch houses leaning slightly over the water, and the ripple of boats gliding by under the flower-decked bridges.

Amsterdam from water

Our canal cruise meeting point was right beside the Anne Frank House, and soon we were aboard. It was an hour-long guided cruise with drinks and Dutch cheese. From the boat, we soaked in panoramic views of the city’s sights, cruising by trendy waterside neighbourhoods, the Dancing Houses, the Old Harbor, parts of the Jordaan district, and the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) on the Amstel River. As we glided under numerous arched bridges, sipping wine and savouring the creamy cheese, Amsterdam unfolded around us from a different angle. Exploring Amsterdam from its water is something we would wholeheartedly recommend.

Walk back through the city

After the cruise, we made our way back towards Centraal Station, taking a different route this time. The walk led us along the scenic Prinsengracht, past the striking Beurs van Berlage, and into the bustling streets near Dam Square, admiring the views, dodging cyclists, and watching trams rattle past old gabled houses. Before heading back to the airport, we gave in to temptation: a paper cone of Dutch fries, hot and crisp, eaten on the go as the evening crowd swept past.

As the train carried us back to Schiphol airport, we were content. This fleeting glimpse had been a little adventure of its own with a longing to return for a longer stay, perhaps in spring when the tulips are in full bloom!