We are planning a trip to Italy next May. In looking at flight info we found a couple of flights that have a 23hr layover, one in Paris & one in Amsterdam. We have never been to either one. Is it worth the stop for 1 night? Any recommendations for a place to stay near the airports? Which city would be the best to get around in for 1 day?
Posted by
Green Bay
21118 posts
Definitely Amsterdam. A lot smaller than Paris. 23 hours in Paris (8 hours sleeping) is just not enough time to do it justice. Amsterdam, on the other hand, you can spend a day and leave and think well that was pleasant. There are many large hotels walking distance from Schipol, the usual suspects business travelers use. Centraal Station is only about 15 minutes away using the Schipol train station in the airport basement, and trains run about every 15 minutes. You could get a hotel inside the canal ring, but they are pricey and might make next morning a stressful one, so airport digs make sense. You could stash your bags at the hotel (probably arriving early morning), so you won't be able to check in, but most places will store your bags free. then head into A'dam and check it out. You'll probably be dragging by late afternoon. Easy ride to back Schipol.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10594 posts
Paris is my favorite city, but I have to agree with Sam that Amsterdam would be the much better option for the reasons he outlined. Several years ago, on my second trip to Amsterdam, we flew in and spent only one night. We had to catch a train very early the next morning. We put our carryon sized bags in a locker at the train station and only had a small personal bag with what we would need that night. Our hotel was a 10 minute walk from the train station and it was easy to drop our personal bag upon arrival early in the morning, then get to the station early the next day. What time are your flights?
Posted by
Paris
10158 posts
Agreed - from what I remember, Schiphol is just so much more accessible and traveler-friendly than CDG, which is putting it mildly.
Posted by
OP
Blaine, WA
2 posts
Thanks for all the comments! We are really looking forward to our trip.
Posted by
Lincoln City, OR
90 posts
Definitely recommend staying at Schiphol Hilton which is connected directly with the terminal and railway station at Schiphol Airport. We just stayed there for the second time about one week ago, and worked perfectly. Recommend you check www.hotels.com for reservation there, and highly recommend the room with breakfast buffet if you can get a reasonable price.