Overnight Layover in Amsterdam

First, I would not stay up all night, but I don't sleep well on planes. It would be a disaster if I tried that. From the airport, it's a 15 minute ride to Amsterdam Centraal Station and the trains come frequently. To save time, you can make sure you have your return ticket before leaving the station. I would check into one of the hotels that is literally across the street from the train station: Victoria, Mint Hotel, etc. You'll have a couple hours to walk around and see the canals. Then I'd go out for a nice dinner (avoid the Damrak... there are better restaurants to the east or the west). After that, you have plenty of time to stroll the streets and get a drink before going to bed. You won't see the whole city, but you'll get the picture. If you took my hotel advice, you will be back in the airport within 30 minutes after checking out in the morning.

Second! Way too interesting a place to ignore for the sake of saving one night's lodging cost. Not to mention that wandering the streets or airport all night can be neither fun nor safe.

Pulling an "all nighter", is very easy to do in Amsterdam...I've done it. Go for it...you only live once:) In terms of tourist sites, the Anne Frank House is open daily until 9pm March 15--Sept 15. The Van Gough Museum is open until 10pm on Fridays. There is also the Boom Chicago Comedy club with shows nightly: http://www.boomchicago.nl At Muntplein there are two Pathe cinema complexes with 20 screens between them. There are lots of midnight screenings on the weekends: http://www.pathe.nl Plug the date of your visit to see if there are any concerts or shows in town: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on In between there are lots of coffeehouses, and pubs open late at Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and the red light district. Right off Dam Square there is 24 hour McDonald's:) There are lockers for your bags at the train station, and the "Schipol Plaza" area of the airport.

Totally enjoy the city! I agree there's so much to do. Get an inexpensive room ( even the Ibis at the Centraal station if booked online in advance) and put your stuff down and go. The evening boat rides on the canal are a good break, Leidesplein is awake, easy to get to and from the airport. Then get up at 6.00 or 6:30 and have breakfast at the airport before your flight.
The reason I wouldn't want an allnighter is I like to shower before I get on a plane (sorry TMI y'all) and stretch out in a bed for a few hours.

There are showers available at the airport: http://tinyurl.com/6rzdsk4