Amsterdam for 1 afternoon/evening

We flew home from Schiphol following the Eastern France tour. We arrived at Schiphol from Marseille a little before noontime. Having reservations at the Hilton inside the airport we immediately left our luggage and took the train from the airport into the city center. As we had planned this, we had made reservations for around 6:00 pm to visit the Anne Frank house. The rest of the time we walked around and had supper in the city, leaving by train for our hotel around 9:00 pm. We bought breakfast items in the grocery store in the airport when arriving back and flew out mid-morning. We had never been there and were happy to have done what we did. Your time frame seems similar to ours and I think you will see enough to make it worthwhile to go to the city and still not feel rushed. The train ride to and from the airport to the city center is quick.

I would go to the Rijksmuseum or maybe the Van Gogh museum. I also enjoyed wandering around the Jordaan area. I would go slowly and not try to fit in too much.

When I read your post, I went looking for my RS book and could not find it. I think I need to update my RS collection. I recall this being very helpful for the Holland & Belgium tour several (too many) years ago. BTW, I am by way of being a neighbor SE PA traveler. Have a good time - now I am thinking of Amsterdam....

Thanks Don and Debbie!
This fall trip has had one issue after another. Changing my flight has saved it once again. At least I won't have to worry about a short connection at AMS now.

Debbie, I'm on the same train line, in Malvern.

Oh wow, Liz. Let's connect.

Debbie, I sent a private message.

Liz, it really depends on the things you like to do (strolling, museums, eating, etc). I know that my very first stop would be Winkel 43 for a slice of their apple pie with fresh whipped cream. To me it is the ambrosia of Amsterdam foods! It is located in the Jordaan, so it is an easy walk from the train station and nearby if you plan on visiting the Anne Frank huis (or not). Further down the canals is the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) which is some nice sightseeing. We love just walking along the canals and looking at the houses. Another opportunity for wonderful sightseeing is a visit to the Museum Van Loon, a wonderfully preserved canal house with gardens and coach house. Cash tickets here are sold online only which you could buy that day on your phone if you choose to go. It's also fun to duck into a grocery store like Albert Heijn and browse the offerings. Sometimes you can find souvenir tins of Roomboter Babbelaars, a buttery hard candy that is scrumptious. Have a fabulous time, whatever you choose to do!
Winkels
Nine Streets
Museum Van Loon

Small world but Debbie and Liz I am further out on Septa line in Exton!

If you're looking for a museum, I would definitely pick Van Gogh over the Rijksmuseum. I agree with walk through the Jordaan.

I am further out on Septa line in Exton!

Gail, we can form a Paoli line Travel Group!

Nance, I bookmarked this thread with your great ideas.

Another Malvernite here and we’ll be in Amsterdam (again) next week. One of my favorite places. If you want to relax, especially since you will be dealing with jet lag, I nice stroll thru Vondelpark with a stop at Cafe Gruter (https://cafegruter.com/english/) would be my choice. Cafe Gruter is our first stop every time because my wife craves the Kaasstengels met chilisaus. The park and cafe are just west of the Museumplein.

Thanks Ed, and all the others who have offered good ideas.

Who knew that a question about Amsterdam would bring out all the Paoli line adjacent people!