Amsterdam Gateway
Schiphol is one of those places that confound the senses. Always busy, lively, international and glamorous. Sipping coffee on a terrace and watching the world go by is great fun. And making your last-minute purchases for home is something you can do both before or after going through passport control.
Reclaimed land
Did you know that Schiphol lies on reclaimed land, located in the municipality of the Haarlemmermeer? The Haarlemmermeer was founded in 1855, after they drained the lake. The whole airport was created on the bottom of a drained lake. The Cruquius steam pumping station from 1849 is one of the three steam -powered pumps that drained the area around Schiphol. It's an industrial monument of international stature and certainly worth visiting. Consequently, Schiphol lies several metres below sea level, but even with this knowledge, you won’t notice this at all!
Relax and shop till you drop
Shop till you’ve dropped and your legs are in need of a rest? Relax in the Sheraton Fitness & Spa or have a massage at Back to Life. At XpresSpa you can book a manicure, pedicure or facial treatment. Perfect for starting your journey in relaxed fashion. Some people find watching the activity on the runway the ultimate in relaxation, and the Panorama terrace is particularly well suited to this. Others prefer looking for excitement in the Holland Casino between the E and F piers. Whatever you do, just have fun. Souvenirs and flowers as well as designer clothing, shoes, bags and other fashion items. And there’s good news: the shops in Schiphol Plaza are open from 7 am to 10 pm. So leave plenty of time for this last stop.
Art
Schiphol is famous for its extensive art collection. Did you spot the red and white checkered Meeting Point by artist Dennis Adams? Or The Two Incredible Sitting Snowmen by Tom Claassen? What is unusual is that here you come across works of art from the start of the 1970s through the 21st century all in one public space. There is also a bona fide museum -- situated between gates E and F you will find the only auxiliary branch of the Rijksmuseum.
Naturally Schiphol has a wide range of hotels, as does Hoofddorp, the largest neighbouring town. It might be an idea to head to the airport a day before you leave? As you will see, a day spent at Schiphol is easily filled.
Tourist Information
VVV Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Arrival Hall 2
tel: (+31) (0)20-2018800
www.vvvamsterdam.nl
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