Things To Do in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, 2023.

Ever been intimidated by an eight (8) hour layover? Fear not, especially if you are traveling through Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. To borrow from one of my favorite books (and later a movie), About a Boy by Nick Hornby, think of your layover in units of time, each unit consisting of about thirty minutes.

Arrival: 2 Units

Here, you are deplaning. Despite the long layover, and the fact you’ve got nowhere to be fast, the passengers who can’t seem to pull it together and get their oversized carry-ons out of the overhead bins will still be frustrating. Once you’re actually off the plane, you’ll need to get oriented to the concourse and find a bathroom to freshen up. Call in the body wipes, travel-size deodorant, Colgate Wisps disposable toothbrush, and dry shampoo.

Starbucks at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, 2023.

Breakfast: 2 Units

Now is the time to brave the line at Starbucks. Why not a “local” airport café? You’ll visit one of those later. After an overnight/overseas flight, there’s nothing I like more than a familiar chai tea latte (fat free milk, please) and a breakfast sandwich. While you’re waiting in line, you can pick up an Amsterdam or Netherlands “you are here” mug. That way, you can be perpetually distracted by whether it will break in your overstuffed backpack the rest of your journey.

Rituals at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, 2023

Shopping: 3 Units

It goes without saying that you must splurge on some duty-free shopping! Rituals is a great shop based in the Netherlands and they have gorgeous products. I’ve gotten hooked on their Rituals of Jing “Sleep” night rescue and mask hand cream. Nothing works better on my dry hands. I’ve started branching out to other products as well and have been very pleased with the quality. You will want to take some time to go through the larger duty-free shops as well. I always pick up a bottle of Coconut Amarula Cream, and I usually find some nice perfume for a great price. (By the way, this is why you do not pack a travel scent in your carry-on as you’ll “test” while you shop). This is also the time to make sure you have all the right battery chargers and plug adapters that you may need. There are a number of high street shops as well if you’re not on a budget.

Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, 2023.

Beverage Break: 2 Units

After all that shopping, it’s time to sit, have a drink, scroll your social, and relax for a minute. Bubbles has a nice selection of, you guessed it, bubbly. They have a full drink menu too if you’re not into champagne. There are other options for your break as well and I’ve spent some time at the Heineken Bar—they have amazing French fries. This is just a break, so you don’t want to go overboard on food—the real meal comes later.

KLM plane at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, 2023.

Recheck Gate Info: 1 Unit

Having already bopped around most of the concourse, it’s time to reconfirm where your next flight’s gate is. Over the course of a long layover, they can change. And, you may have to go through passport control to get to your next gate, so it’s a good idea to scope that out. Take a minute to stare out the window at the activity on the tarmac. Try not to forget how amazing it is that we have the ability to fly and see the world!

Beef Rendang at Kebaya in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, 2023.

Meal Break: 3 Units

Before hopping on your next flight, sitting down in a restaurant, rather than grabbing a take-away, is a must. This will make you feel human again. Kebaya’s beef rendang is a slam dunk for me—I love this stuff! Perfectly spicy and absolutely delicious.

Traverse to your next flight: 3 Units

Yep, give yourself more time than you think you need. When, you last looked at passport control and could “walk right up”—don’t count on it. I’ve stood in line for an hour before. If you give yourself enough time, you’ll be able to stroll to your new gate without the stress or the awkward jog/run.

So that’s it. Before you know it, the layover is finished and you’re wondering how it went by so quickly. And, now it’s wheels up to your next destination—enjoy!