Top 10 Things to Do at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in Your Downtime
Traveling through airports can often feel like a rush, a blur of security checks, long queues, and the constant hustle and bustle. However, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is not your typical airport. It offers a plethora of activities and amenities to keep you entertained and relaxed during your layover or downtime. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 things to do in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, ensuring that your time here is enjoyable and memorable.
1. Explore the Rijksmuseum
Location: Holland Boulevard, near Departure Lounge 2 and 3
Schiphol Airport boasts a branch of the renowned Rijksmuseum, allowing you to immerse yourself in Dutch art and culture without leaving the airport. Admire works by famous artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer while strolling through this mini-museum.
2. Savor Dutch Delicacies
Location: Various locations throughout the airport
Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in delicious Dutch treats. Try a traditional Dutch pancake at the famous 'Grand Café Het Paleis' or savor Dutch cheeses and stroopwafels available at several eateries. It's a delightful way to experience local flavors.
3. Visit the Airport Library
Location: Holland Boulevard (Airport Library)
For bookworms and those seeking tranquility, the Schiphol Airport Library offers a peaceful oasis. Explore a vast collection of books, unwind in comfortable chairs, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Read more: sanctifly.club/locations/amsterdam-schiphol-airport
4. Get Active at the Sheraton
Location: Sheraton Amsterdam
Use your airport downtime to maintain your fitness routine by walking short 2-minutes walk away from the airport’s arrivals and departures halls. Sheraton offers a variety of cardio and fitness equipment perfect for all types of various fitness routines. Work up a sweat then take a refreshing shower so that you are fresh and energized before your flight.
Sanctifly members can use points to get access to the Sheraton leisure facilities- https://www.sanctifly.club/sanctifly-membership
5. Relax in the Lounge
Location: Multiple locations throughout the airport
If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, Schiphol Airport offers various lounges where you can unwind in comfort. Some lounges even provide spa services, allowing you to pamper yourself before your flight.
Sanctifly has joined forces with Sheraton, conveniently located just a 2-minute stroll from Schiphol Airport. As a Sanctifly member, you'll have the fantastic perk of enjoying their lounges, fitness center, pool, and various other facilities without the hassle of reserving a room.
Sanctifly is proud to partner with lounges at Schiphol. When you make your lounge reservations through our app, you can enjoy a generous discount of approximately 70% off the standard walk-in rates. It's just one of the many ways we're enhancing your travel experience!
6. Shop 'til You Drop
Location: Shopping Plaza, Schiphol Plaza
Indulge in retail therapy at Schiphol Plaza, home to numerous shops and boutiques. Whether you're looking for designer fashion, electronics, or souvenirs, you'll find it here.
7. Enjoy Live Music
Location: Various locations throughout the airport
Schiphol Airport frequently hosts live music performances, featuring talented musicians from various genres. Check the schedule to catch a live show and add a musical touch to your travel experience.
8. Witness the Art and Exhibitions
Location: Throughout the airport
Schiphol Airport is renowned for its unique art installations and exhibitions. From contemporary sculptures to thought-provoking displays, there's always something intriguing to see.
9. Explore the Airport Park
Location: Behind Passport Control, Lounge 1 (Airport Park)
Escape the terminal's hustle and bustle by visiting the Airport Park. This tranquil oasis features green spaces, seating areas, and even a mini playground for children. It's a great spot to relax and recharge.
10. Take a Schiphol Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Location: Lounge 3 (The Future Case)
For the curious traveler, Schiphol offers guided behind-the-scenes tours. Explore areas typically off-limits to the public, such as the baggage handling system and control tower. It's an educational and fascinating experience.
In conclusion, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is more than just a transit point; it's an attraction in itself. And with apps like Sanctifly, you get access to over 4,000 lounges and wellness facilities at airports worldwide. You can enjoy relaxation, fitness, and leisure options during your layovers. At just $11.95 a month, it's an affordable way to make the most of your airport downtime. Plus, access their library of wellness guides and tips for free.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking relaxation, Schiphol offers something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself with downtime at this incredible airport, make the most of it by exploring these top 10 activities and consider joining Sanctifly to elevate your wellness journey while traveling. Your airport experience will never be the same again!
5 Healthy Ways To Spend Time At The Airport
Airport downtime is inevitable for any traveler. For business travelers it can easily become a chore as you find yourself spending hours and hours at the airport. Don’t waste your travel downtime by sitting around and waiting at the gate. Here are 5 healthy ways to spend time at the airport, so that you can make that time work for you.
5 Healthy Ways To Spend Your Airport Downtime
Learn a new skill
Read
Get a massage
Walk the terminals
Stretch or Yoga
Airport downtime is inevitable for any traveler. For a leisure traveler that only fly once a year the airport may be a novelty. You start the holiday early and treat yourself to a drink or happily spend an hour or two browsing the duty free and testing cologne or trying out make up samples. For holidaymakers the airport experience is just another part of your holiday experience and while it’s not the most exciting part, provided you don’t experience any significant delays or other disruptions it can be enjoyable.
For frequent business travelers airport downtime has different connotations. It’s not a once or twice a year event that signifies the beginning of a holiday, it is a consistent part of their work life. The TSA recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. When you take away average times for getting through security and boarding the plane that leaves about 1-2 hours of airport downtime for passengers and that is not factoring in possible delays. If you are a frequent business traveler that travelers 3-4 times a month for work, you could potentially be spending 16 hours a month hanging around the airport. That’s over 800 hours a year!
We were curious about this downtime and how people spend it here at Sanctifly, so we asked a number of our frequent business traveler members how they spend their extra time at the airport. The overwhelming majority said, ‘I use the time to catch up on emails and get some work done’. Now, while their employers are probably delighted with this answer, we were wondering if that is really the best use of their time? When you go on a business trip it can be hard to switch off and tie away from work is vital for productivity, employee well-being and to avoid employee burnout. It is beneficial for the employer and the traveling employee to take time off whenever it is available, and I believe taking advantage of airport downtime for wellness and self-care is a great opportunity!
Here are 5 healthy ways you can kill time at the airport, without working or catching up on emails and without mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours.
1. Learn a language or learn another new skill
Airport downtime is a great opportunity to take some time to learn something new. Learning a new skill will help keep your brain sharp and focused and some studies have even showed benefits for memory loss. If you are heading to a different country where they speak a different language learning some basic greetings and other phrases can be very beneficial, not only for your brain but it will help you make a great impression in your business meeting. Being able to say ‘Hello, how are you? It’s nice to meet you’ in the language of the land will show you put a real effort into preparing for this meeting. So, the next time you are heading on a business trip pick up a phrase book and start learning! Or choose another skill to master, maybe you always wanted to learn how to draw, or journal or take and edit photos. The downtime you have at the airport is the perfect chance to learn something new.
2. Use the time to read
I absolutely adore reading, but as a busy professional with as many obligations outside of work as in, reading often gets pushed down the priority list. While sitting down with a cup of tea and a good book is a pretty standard part of my Sunday routine, during all other parts of the week I find it very hard to find the time. Airport downtime (and business trip downtime, if you find yourself with any) can be a time to catch up on reading. If you dedicate yourself to avoiding work during your airport downtime, there is literally nothing else to distract you while you are waiting for your flight. Except of course the hustle and bustle of the airport, but a good pair of noise cancelling headphones will solve that. Make sure you have a book that you are excited to read in your bag and dedicate your airport downtime to reading.
3. Get a massage
What better way to relieve the stress of traveling and continue on your journey feeling relaxed and energized than by treating yourself to a massage. Many larger airports have airport spas in the terminal, Be Relax and XpresSpa are two of the larger chains that offer airport spa services all over the world. Often, airport spas will cater their offering to your needs so even if you only have 15 minutes to spare you can still get a massage. Make your airport downtime an enjoyable experience by heading to the spa and integrating some self-care into your travel routine.
4. Walk the terminals
Staying sedentary, meaning that you are taking part in activities that require very low energy expenditure, i.e. sitting, can have some real negative effects on your health. Of course, if you live a sedentary lifestyle, meaning even outside your travel days you do not do much physical activity, it can affect your obesity levels and lead to a number of chronic health effects. But did you know that extended periods of inactivity and sedentary behaviour can reduce metabolism and impair the body's ability to control blood sugar levels and regulate blood pressure? Being at the airport is synonymous with sitting and waiting and not moving very much at all. If you travel frequently you need to be aware of the health risks that you are imposing on your body by sitting around the airport. And the solution is so simple! Walk the terminals. Airports are often vast and almost empty spaces. While they may seem busy and chaotic around the food court and the duty free, in larger airport there are often lots of distant and empty gates that you can walk to. Airports often have really amazing art installations dotted throughout them so why not make it a point on your next trip to take a walk and look at the art?
5. Stretch & yoga
As mentioned above moving your body and doing some sort of physical activity is really important. If you don’t want to aimlessly walk the terminals another option could be to find a quiet space, perhaps one of those empty gates or check and see if the airport you are in has a dedicated yoga room and do some stretching or yoga. Sanctifly members get access to a series of travel wellness videos including airport friendly workout routines, yoga routines to help energize you or to help you relax your body so that you can sleep on the plane. Your airport downtime is a great opportunity to take care of your body and improve your health through some gentle exercise. For more information on the benefits of becoming a Sanctifly member click here.
When you change the way you view your airport downtime and take the time to do something good for you it will have lasting benefits on your health, your productivity and your mental well-being. Next time you have a business trip treat that time at the airport as personal time and use it to your benefit.
Interested in becoming a Sanctifly member? Join today and get access to 2500+ wellness locations at over 130 international airports including access to airport executive lounges, airport gyms, pools and spas. Make the most of your airport downtime and make healthy choices on your next trip. View our different membership types.
What to do on your Dublin Layover
Wondering what to do on your Dublin Layover? We have gathered a list of all the amazing activities available in and around Dublin Airport so that you can make the most of your airport downtime. Whether you’ve only got an hour or you’ve got 6+ we have an option for you!
Dublin City Airport.
SMART CHOICES FOR THE HEALTHY TRAVELER
SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR DUB LAYOVER
We are creating a series of “things to do” at each airport. This is to help you use your layover as wisely as possible. We can’t always help that we are held up at the airport. We want to help you take advantage of your downtime and use it to help you maintain your healthy routine while traveling. We have put together some suggestions for your DUB layover.
1 hour
Reflect
Travelers can take advantage of the airport facilities and visit the multi-faith prayer room located in terminal 2. Giving all faiths, religions and spirituality’s a place to reflect. Use the space as a meditation center to relax before a flight. Follow one of our guided mediation videos to help you stay grounded and calm while traveling. Choose from the floor mats provided or rest on the benches!
Why we like it
This quiet, open space has certain guidelines they expect guests to follow, so everyone is respected.
For more information
https://www.dublinairport.com/at-the-airport/useful-information/additional-facilities
Healthy Finds!
Terminal 1
The Garden Terrace is the highest rated restaurant in Dublin airport according to TripAdvisor. Located in terminal 1, the cafe offers guests a wide variety of healthy, high quality food options, including the house chop salad or homemade soup. The menu has vegetarian and gluten free options.
Why we like it
Outdoor area available.
For more information
Terminal 2
Diep has an extensive Thai style menu, including Thai salads, soups, veg stir fry, etc. The restaurant is located in terminal 2 and closes at 9 pm.
Why we like it
Great value for great food.
For more information
TOP TIP
Leave your luggage at the airport. Storage options available in the arrivals hall in Terminal 1. Click here for more information.
2-3 hours
Travel Fit!
Alsaa is located a short 650 meters away from the airport. The sports center has numerous amenities, including a gym, pool, running track, bowling alley and more. What a great opportunity to keep fit while traveling! Use your Sanctifly pass gain access.
Why we like it
The sports center is walking distance from the airport.
For more information
Santry Demesne!
This park has it all. Exercise machines, paved trails, lots of open space and a pond. Jog the half mile trail or meditate by the tranquil pond.
Freshen up afterwards at the Crown Plaza hotel showers by using your Sanctifly pass.
Why we like it
Family friendly with bathroom facilities.
For more information
Click here for airport shuttle bus timetable.
Explore Swords Village.
Swords village has a great selection of restaurants, a historic medieval castle and plenty of retail shopping. Hop on the bus for a short 3 miles and you will arrive at your destination.
What we like about it
Great atmosphere and lots to do.
For more information
https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attractions-g315871-Activities-Swords_County_Dublin.html
3-6 hours
Adventure on water.
Take a tour of some of Dublin’s top landmarks, while kayaking! On the tour you’ll get a little history lesson of Dublin and the opportunity to stop in a coffee dock, without ever leaving the water! The meeting point is a 15 miles taxi journey from the airport. Follow a tour guide for a duration of 2 hours.
What we like about it
Family friendly activity with storage facilities available on site.
For more information
Feed the mind.
Trinity Library Famous for being home to the Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. The Exhibition features access to the Long Room, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, that houses 200,000 of Trinity College’s oldest books. Open 7 days a week, purchase tickets online or at the front desk. Take Dublin airports shuttle bus for 30 minutes to O’Connell bridge bus stop. Walk a further 4 minutes and you will arrive at the library. However be aware that this is a popular tourist spot and can get crowded.
What we like about it
Attendee in the room to answer any questions.
For more information
TOP TIP
There are a number of bus options from Dublin Airport, for further information click here. Taxi ranks are located at each terminal. But remember Dublin is a busy city and traffic can be heavy. Always check that you have enough time to make it back to the airport for your flight.
6+ hours
Explore a Castle!
Dublin’s Medieval castle was built 800 years ago. You can join a tour and learn about the castle’s history or spend a relaxing time walking through the beautiful grounds. As you explore the grounds keep an eye out for exotic plants and 20 different butterfly species.
What we like about it
Located 5 miles from the airport, the castle is a great location for families or solo travelers.
For more information
Phoenix Park!
Phoenix park is the largest enclosed recreational space within any European city. Located in the park is Dublin zoo, the residence of the President of Ireland, lakes and picnic areas. Locals recommend the park as a great place for a run. Located approx 14 miles from the airport Phoenix Park is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air on your Dublin layover.
Why we like it
Admission to the park is free. (Fee occurs for zoo and tours)
For more information
Don’t forget how flexible your Sanctifly membership is. You can use it for an hour or more to suit the time you have available. Get a single use membership or come on board for full corporate membership for your team. Don’t compromise on your health while traveling. Click here for more information on the different Sanctifly memberships.
From everyone at Sanctifly,
Travel well.
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