After the Utrecht Marathon: Amsterdam

The Route: Utrecht → Amsterdam → Schiphol Airport Logistics: NS train, about 30 minutes, with frequent services. Amsterdam Centraal is a short tram ride from the canals. Marathon Month: May Duration: 3 nights

Utrecht Centraal ──(about 30 min, NS)──> Amsterdam Centraal
                                               │
Schiphol Airport (AMS) <──(about 20 min, NS)───┘

Amsterdam is so close to Utrecht that a runner could go there for the afternoon. Three nights allow a slower pace: one museum a day, a long lunch and a seated trip on the water. The one hazard is the bicycle lane, which is not a pavement.

Pay with a contactless card or OVpay and check the NS planner.

May in Amsterdam: highs of 17°C to 20°C, long evenings and sun with brief showers. The canal trees are in full leaf.

Night One: Arrival

Hotel Estheréa, on the Singel, is central and has a lift. Hotel Jan Luyken, near Museumplein, is close to the main museums. Confirm lifts and breakfast times when you book. Walk only as far as the canal and a café.

Night Two: Museums

The Rijksmuseum has a lift and seating throughout. Entry is about €22 and prices vary, so use the figure as a guide only. Book a timed ticket in advance. The Van Gogh Museum next door also needs a timed ticket. Check the current schedule.

A canal cruise is the best seated activity. An hour is long enough, and the open deck can be breezy.

Night Three: A Slower Day

Choose one thing: the Vondelpark for a flat walk, the Albert Cuyp market for stroopwafels, or the Hortus Botanicus. Check opening days.

Getting to Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol take about 15 to 20 minutes and run every few minutes. Airport station is beneath Schiphol Plaza, with lifts to the terminal.