Amsterdam in Five Hours
Amsterdam is one of those cities that works even if you only have a few hours. We arrived by Eurostar from London—an easy four-hour ride that drops you right at Amsterdam Centraal. TIP: book tickets online in advance; prices can jump if you wait too long. Once we arrived, the first stop was the left-luggage lockers at the station. Trust me, exploring Amsterdam without dragging suitcases is worth every euro.
With bags stashed, we had five hours before our overnight train to Munich. That gave us time for a canal boat tour (walk-in tickets are fine; boats leave every 30–60 minutes). Ninety minutes on the water, with a guide narrating history and pointing out landmarks, was the perfect way to see the city quickly. Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals really do earn it the nickname “Venice of the North.”
Back on land, we did a walking loop around the historic center. The Maritime Museum, NEMO Science Center, and Hortus Botanicus were on our path, along with Dam Square and the Royal Palace. TIP: watch where you step—bike lanes crisscross everywhere, and cyclists in Amsterdam do NOT forgive tourists wandering into their lanes. (I nearly learned that lesson the hard way!)
Dinner was a quick but delicious stop at an Asian restaurant near the station. Then, with full stomachs, we boarded our night train to Munich—tired but satisfied that we’d squeezed the most out of a five-hour layover.
Amsterdam with Family
On our next visit, we had more time and more company—our kids, Simone and Zak, came along. This time we flew in, rented a car from the airport, and set up a more relaxed pace. The kids loved Schiphol Airport (one of the easiest big airports to navigate), and even more, they loved piling into the car and watching the canals and bikes whiz past.
The kids opted for a boat tour while Rashid and I took to the streets for a walk. Amsterdam is a city where you can do either and not miss out—by water you get the storybook views, by foot you stumble into little corners and unexpected squares. And yes, the parking was surprisingly easy. (Another TIP: check garages online before you go, it saves time and stress.)
Traveling with family made the city feel different—less about checking landmarks, more about soaking in the rhythm. The canals, the bikes, the mix of old-world charm and modern energy—it works for both whirlwind layovers and longer family days.
Final Thought
Whether you have five hours or a few days, Amsterdam delivers. Just don’t fight the bikes, do take the boat, and always—always—leave your bags in the lockers.
All Around The World 