Have you ever been stuck in an airport for hours on end because of a layover and wondered if you actually could’ve gone to explore the city?
I used to think this way all the time. Like why should I sit in this uncomfortable chair dreaming about food and a city when it’s right there? And finally, four years ago (yes, I am very late writing this post) I realized that I can actually leave the airport and travel around a city, even if it is just for a few hours!
And I want you to be able to do the same! On our way back from South Africa, we had a 7 hour layover in Amsterdam – just enough time to head out and spend some time in the city. If you find yourself in this position, this is the perfect guide for you for how to see the best of Amsterdam in only 4 hours!
Try Out Amsterdam’s Food
After a 12 hour flight from Cape Town to Amsterdam, you can imagine I was pretty hungry (as I always am). So once we went through Customs, the first thing we wanted to do was get a toastie and an apple streudel – two things that Amsterdam is well known for.
That hit the spot.
But then I was still hungry! Which is a shocker, I know. So as we were wandering the streets we ended up getting another Amsterdam staple: French fries on the go. It’s like an ice cream cone, but fries instead! Still trying to decide if ice cream or fries are better that way…
And of course before we could head back to the airport, we got some homemade bakery items to take with us back to the U.S.
Explore the Canals
Whether you’re meaning to explore the canals or you just happen to be wandering the streets of Amsterdam, you automaticallt end up exploring the canals. They’re everywhere!
Spend some time wandering around just taking in the quaint streets, colorful flowers everywhere, and the boats going by.
Bloemenmarkt
One of Amsterdam’s most famous flower shops boasts colorful tulips, geraniums, and tons of other beautiful flowers. You can buy pretty much anything that has to do with flowers here, or you can just enjoy the fresh smell and bright colors. If you’re looking for a souvenir, you may be able to find that here as well!
Location: Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Red Light District
Maybe you don’t want to check out the Red Light DIstrict, but I was on a mission to learn more about this (not because I’m weird, but because this is just not something I am at all used to). Also, keep in mind this was 21 year old me frolicking around Amsterdam. I had to see what they were known for!
I do not suggest going about it in the way that we did though – I was on such a mission, I asked a stranger where it was. Looks kinda weird. Don’t recommend.
Besides just being the “Red Light District,” there are a lot of other attractions near this part of Amsterdam. You probably won’t have time on just a quick layover, though.
Location: De Wallen is the most known location
If I Had More Time…
There’s so much more I would do if I had more time here! And when I go back, I will definitly be doing more!
- Anne Frank House
- Canal Cruise
- A’dam Lookout
Have you been to Amsterdam? What’d you end up doing there? Let me know in the comments!
