Over 23 million tourists are scheduled to visit Amsterdam in 2025 as the Dutch capital celebrates its 750th anniversary. The airport’s Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is also busy, with more than 70 million passengers expected this year, including those connecting to another flight. However, it passes through the vast AMS terminals (with internal footprints close to 14 million square feet). I am an American journalist based in the Dutch capital and these offerings have smoothed out Schiphol and have been a much more enjoyable journey.
To check if you’re heading to Europe’s second busiest airport on your next trip, here are some of Schiphol’s hidden gems.
Free booking system for bypassing security lines
Schiphol’s security lines have become much easier to navigate these days. (Frequent flyers may remember hours of cue due to lack of staffing during the pandemic, resulting in raging passengers and many worrying headlines.) The airport uses Smith-detection X-ray technology for security checks, so passengers don’t need to take off their shoes (except for boots) or remove liquid from their bags. But it’s still a very busy hub and the line can be long, especially during peak trips such as summer and winter holidays. By booking a free security line time slot, you can easily get through in just a few minutes (I’ve done it within one before). Simply select your flight, select a 15-minute window for booking, and receive a QR code by email (you will be planning to book up to 3 days before your flight). At the airport, employees scan the code to allow entry into a dedicated line.
I’m a huge fan of this convenient service (several other European airports offer similar programs). Surprisingly, many travelers, including Amsterdam residents, seem to be unaware of that yet. On busy travel days it could be a game changer to avoid pile-ups of your security line.
A well-curited grocery store
Forget about expensive snacks, coffee or gifts. Popular Dutch grocery chain Albert Hein has a handy front post advance security (between arrivals 2 and 3) where you can pick up newly made sandwiches, pastries, fruits and more (but you can pick them up at a lower price than the airport. Oh, as that acronym goes, they also sell high quality Dutch souvenirs. Syrup Wafellchocolate, cheese, Amsterdam themed canvas bags, and more. Whether you’re drinking a quick coffee or grabbing a Dutch snack at the last minute for a trip to America, it’s my go-to before your trip. There are two smaller AHs in the area before security, but the larger one has a better choice. Look for blue and white clogs.
Eatary just opened
Eataly recently opened as travelers enter after security checks for flights within Europe’s Schengen region as part of a renovation in what is known as Lounge 1. This is one of 23 new hospitality and retail concepts. I haven’t eaten there yet (in fact, it’s very new, virtually no online reviews exist), but the menu and space are over 200 seats and look attractive including bespoke items such as pizza On the shovelflatbread style pizza served in paddles. Coffee bar; and plenty of grab-and-go options.
There’s a lot of fun for aviation enthusiasts
As the main hub of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Schiphol nods to the Dutch flag carrier. Long before you hit the tarmac, if you look at the real KLM aircraft, the deprecated McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32, which contains the original cockpit (with wheel sets, engines) is located next to a shop that sells a shop called Aviation Star, known as Aviation Star, in the front security area.
Aviation enthusiasts need to spend a bit of extra time before checking out the Panorama Terrace, where the decommissioned KLM CityHopper Fokker 100 is parked. Visitors can see the cockpit and sit in the original passenger seat of the aircraft that served from 1989 to 2010 (footbridge leads to the terrace, escalators or elevators from the first floor of Cafe Rembrandt to the next floor).
Finally, if you are lucky enough to have access to KLM’s Crown Lounge before your long-haul flight, you can display dozens of KLM Delph Blue Mini Houses on the escalator all the way to the lounge. (Even if it’s not accessible, it’s definitely worth climbing the escalator to marvel at the collection.)
Unique hotels nearby
With a few notable exceptions, spending the night near the airport usually means staying in a chain hotel with no explanation. Of course, you can find people around Schiphol, but there are more memorable options to choose from. One of my newfound favorites is the Florian Hotel, which was easily taken on a 10-minute bus from Schiphol. The hotel offers lots of bangs for your money. The 150-room hotel in the former Corporate Business Centre has a cheerful bar and restaurant area (try a gin-based cocktail featuring the hotel’s Florian Gin, developed in collaboration with a local distillery), unique local art, and bike rentals. Aalsmeer, a lakeside town with stand-up paddle board rentals and a fun flower art museum, is about 15 minutes away. Florian is also a great place to spot your plane. (Heads up when booking on Florian’s website: It looks a bit unstable, but it’s functional.)
Another option for the group’s aviation enthusiasts: stay at Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a permanent home for the full-size Boeing 747-400. The former KLM aircraft has been repainted in colouring from Corendon, a budget airline based in Türkiye. Guided tours are available daily for guests (3 EUR per person).
