Both ways, to Portugal and from Morocco, we had Amsterdam layovers long enough to leave the airport and explore a little bit of the city. First, let me say, getting to and from the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is super easy with subway and trains stopping right under the airport and going everywhere.
First Amsterdam Layover
On our first layover, we boarded a boat for a canal tour. Unfortunately, because we arrived in late afternoon, there wasn’t a general canal tour option available. Instead, we booked a spot on a special tour they host during the holidays of lighted art installations throughout the city. This wasn’t particularly interesting for either of us, but we still got to take a spin through the city in the canals.
Our second Amsterdam Layover was much longer. We were there overnight with plenty of time in the afternoon and evening to explore. There were two places in particular I wanted to find and visit, which we successfully did.
John Adams’ Home
John Adams, the first Vice President and second President of the United States, served for a time as Ambassador to the Dutch Republic in the early 1780s. We sought out the building he lived in during this service. We found an address online and walked through the city to find it. Eventually, we found that address, but it didn’t look right based on pictures we also found. We asked a local who was out walking their dog and found out we were on the wrong side of the canal. The building has a bookstore in the lower level and homes above. There is a plaque on the front of the building marking John Adams’ connection to it.
Anne Frank House
Anne’s Story
Our second destination on our Amsterdam layover is perhaps one of the most famous homes in the city as millions have read about it in the words of one of its former occupants. Anne Frank’s family moved to the Netherlands from Germany when the Nazis took over. Unfortunately, seven years later the Nazis invaded their new country. This began the horrific mistreatment and discrimination against Jewish and other residents of Holland.
In 1942, Anne’s family moved into extra hidden space above the offices of her father’s business. For nearly two years, the family was safe. Another family had joined them, and they had to do their best to conceal their presence, but several of Otto’s employees kept the secret and assisted the family with food and other necessities.
Anne heard the call to record their experience for history’s sake. An aspiring author, she recorded her experience in a diary in which she wrote to an imaginary friend about what her life was like.
In August 1944, the families were arrested and sent to concentration camps.
Anne Frank Huis
Today, the house is preserved and has been turned into an educational experience and museum. It is one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam. I made reservations online right after I knew we would have time to visit, a couple of months in advance. There were already filled time slots then. It was very busy during our visit at 8 p.m. at the end of January.
I found my visit eye opening. An audio tour leads you from room to room telling the story of the Franks. I have read the book and seen the movie, so I had an idea of what to expect. But, seeing it in person and walking through those rooms connected me to her story and made it more real. It was also fascinating to learn about how the book came about. I don’t remember discussing that in high school English. And, I loved the context of what came before and after the diaries short time span. I’d highly recommend a visit to the Anne Frank Huis when you visit Amsterdam, even if it is just a layover.
Our Amsterdam layover was just long enough for these adventures and strolling through the city to get to them. I think a longer trip to Amsterdam is necessary.
