I have almost an eleven-hour layover in Amsterdam, which I have never visited before. I was thinking of hiring a private guide to pick us up at the airport and spend just a few hours in the city. I'm not expecting anything comprehensive, but the alternative is staying at the airport. How realistic is that idea?
Also, I could use recommendations for private guides. Thanks.
When are you traveling ?
Right now there are significant problems at the airport such that I would not recommend leaving. See a number of posts on this page.
I will be there on July 11. If it is as bad as it is right now, I would not venture outside the airport, but thanks for the warning.
When would this happen?
Have you seen these reports of the (dis)function at AMS?
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/transportation/schiphol-airport-amsterdam
Leaving the airport and having to get back in line to get processed for the next flight may not be a wise choice
Do not leave the airport. However tempting. Just don't.
Where are you flying from and where are you flying to? With 11 hours you may have time to venture into the city, but it depends on whether or not you will need to go thru passport control both in and out of the airport.
If the situation at Schiphol is somewhat normal, you could definitely do it. It's also very easy to take the train right into Amsterdam and see some sights without a private guide. We did that with an eight hour layover. However, I would very closely monitor the situation and not even think about it if it's still as chaotic as it apparently is now.
July is predicted to be the most difficult month for travelers at Schiphol.
Current airport nightmare notwithstanding… we had a 12-hour layover in Amersterdam and were able to trek out to the Van Gogh Museum on our own and back. And stop in a cafe and watch the sites. It was a fun day!
Note: we don’t speak Dutch and it took some time to figure out the route. Google translate with its camera function would probably help a lot.
Since you've already covered the fact that you won't leave the airport if it's in its current situation... Are you able to hire a guide that can pick you up and drop you off? That seems like it would be the most bang for your buck!
When we were in Italy and France in March (and in new-to-us US cities), the most time-consuming parts were always figuring out the initial public transport routes, getting tickets, and then waiting and transferring. The trips back to the airport were always stressful if relying on the bus, especially if we hadn't taken that route before. If I knew someone was going to pick us up and drop us off or if I was ok with paying for a taxi, I'd be very willing to take that jaunt!
