Amsterdam Layover...time to go to the Center?

If your flight lands on time you have just enough time to go into the city center for a quick visit, but none of the attractions will be open at that hour. But if all you want to do is stretch your legs and look at the pretty buildings it might be worth it. I would just take train to Centraal Station walk down to Dam Square, and from there to the floating flower market at Muntsplien. Then start walking back up to Centraal Station via Herengracht Street which is a very pretty residential district with beautiful canals. If you already have you boarding in pass in hand for your flight to Istanbul, you can probably get away with arriving back at Schipol 1 hour before departure, but if you need to check-in allow the full two hours. To store your carry-ons use the lockers at the airport instead of the train station (they only accept European credit cards with smart chips).

If you are traveling on an American passport, you will not need any visa.

Thank you both. The NWA answerer was very confused and confusing. I understand we will have to check in in Schipol. I don't know why, perhaps code-share is not all that seamless. That would allow about an hour in the center, if lucky. Probably not a good idea to chance it.

Sounds like she was just covering herself as much as possible. The code-share should be seamless - I would be surprised if you didn't get the Istanbul boarding pass when you check in over here.

You'll need to go through immigration to get out of the airport (and again when you return for the Istanbul flight). As for security wait times... that's anyone's guess, but 2-3 hours sounds excessive.

Paul, thanks, she was over her head, I think, on that one. She referred to transit visas and I thought, as has been since pointed out above, that that should not be necessary. You give me hope, so perhaps we can spend an hour or so in the Centraal area.

Thanks

If all else fails, you can sightsee at Schiphol - see their suggestions at Here