How early is too early to be in amsterdam? Are the markets opened at 8am. Have a 11:30am flight out of Schiphol and would like to spend a few hours in Amsterdam on a Monday morning. I can be there at the crack of dawn, but what is there to see or do? I am planning on returning from Central Station back to the airport by 9:30am, hoping to check my luggage in at 6am when the luggage desk opens at KLM.
All of the museums/tourist sites will be closed. If you want to simply walk around the beautiful residential Jordaan district, IMO it's worth your time. This is where the Anne Frank site is located, so simply walk to Dam Square from Centraal Station, follow the the tourist street signs to the house and enjoy a lovely stroll. Here's a taste: http://tinyurl.com/2dh9bq7
I agree. You can do a nice walking tour to see the architecture and the canals. Pam
If you are into photography, this is the best time for pictures. The area near the VanGogh museum is lovely in the morning and has a lot of photo ops.
I wanted to go to the Aalsmeer flower auction, but didn't get the chance. It's open early (in fact, early is when all the action occurs) and seems pretty convenient to the airport.
I arrived in Amsterdam about 7 or 8am after an overnight train from Germany one time. There were a ton of people in the streets so the stores and cafes should be open. I heard the Royal Palace in Dam Square (straight down the main street from Centraal station) has reopened for tours. You might be able to get in on their first tour of the morning. Best of all, it's very close to the train station, so no worries about running late!
Like any other city, 8 am is rush hour. Places to get coffee, a roll and/or a newspaper will be open, tourist sights will open later in the day. If you are there in summer, it will get light early - If winter, it will be dark.