Seek and find
When even my friends say to me, “So much has changed at Schiphol; I flew to Barcelona recently and saw all sorts of new things,” then you know it’s time to put pen to paper and tell you more about it. As a travel and lifestyle writer, Schiphol is my happy place. It always marks the start of something fun: discovering new places, anywhere in the world. But mind you! That adventure can begin right at Schiphol, and I promise you that by following the tips in this guide, you will ensure you are truly at the airport on time from now on.
In this new series, I’m going to tell you all about the new hotspots, hidden gems, and insider tips for a carefree and pleasant departure from Schiphol. I’m kicking off by sharing my favorite places, restaurants, and shops in the area where many flights depart for destinations in Europe. This is where you automatically end up after the security check from Departure Hall 1. I’m curious which tip you’ll save for your next trip!
That happy moment when you're through security and the anticipation can begin © Your Little Black Book
| TRAVEL HACK: Did you know that you can book a security time slot via the Schiphol app or website 3 days before departure? Make sure you arrive within 15 minutes before or after your time slot, that you have checked in, and have already dropped off your checked baggage. This way, you will get through security quickly and have maximum time to discover all the new things. Book a time slot directly here >>
10 new hotspots to eat, drink, and shop
These are the best restaurants and shops that will make you want to go to Schiphol early. Pinky promise! One of my personal favorites, which ensures your holiday starts off truly relaxed? You can find it at the bottom of this guide, and you really have to experience it for yourself.
Eataly
Years ago, I walked into an Eataly for the first time in New York, and since then I’ve really only wondered one thing: why isn’t this in the Netherlands? Well, the answer is finally here! And it’s at Schiphol. At Eataly, it’s all about authentic Italian flavors. Think fresh pizza alla pala, paninis, and a counter full of classic Italian sweets like cannoli and maritozzi. You can also grab a delicious cappuccino or a real Italian espresso here for your very earliest flight. It wouldn’t surprise me if this becomes your new favorite food stop at Schiphol; I’m a fan and am already looking forward to what I’ll order next time. View the location and opening hours here >>
Eataly © Your Little Black Book
Today Duty Free
Do you know what I love about the stretch between security and boarding? You have some real time to shop. No appointments, no to-do list… just you and a few hours to stroll around at your leisure. You-time if you’re traveling alone. And traveling with kids? Then your partner can surely keep an eye on things on their own for a bit. Because when do you have time these days to quietly browse for a new perfume, test that one cream in person, or pick out the perfect lipstick shade? The open secret of this new (mega-sized!) store is that they *also* carry brands like Le Labo, Charlotte Tilbury, Aesop, Caudalie, and Nuxe! Although I actually never shop very price-consciously during these little moments of luxury for myself, it is a nice bonus that many products are up to 25% cheaper at Today Duty Free. View the location and opening hours here >>
Nuxe at Today Duty Free © Your Little Black Book
LOAF
Lovers of good croissants and sourdough baguettes: take note. LOAF is a new French bakery where you can imagine yourself in Paris for a moment. You’ve come to the right place at any time of day, as they offer a 24-hour selection of treats. I love going here when I’m craving a warm baguette or want to take a tasty sandwich to the table for the flight. Fun fact: LOAF is located where Café Chocolat and Seafood & Bubbels used to be. Do you still recognize it? View the location and opening hours here >>
Loaf © Your Little Black Book
My Jewelery
To be honest, I can't walk into My Jewellery without buying something. In this store, I am always surprised by something I didn't even know I needed. A piece of jewelry that perfectly matches your travel outfit, a phone accessory that will make for the best mirror selfies during your vacation, or something nice and affordable from the clothing collection. The fact that they are now located at Schiphol makes that temptation even greater ;-). By the way, the owner's story is really worth checking out online if you plan on streaming something at the gate later. Such a beautiful Dutch success story, real girl power! View the location and opening hours here >>
My Jewelery © Your Little Black Book
Starbucks
For me, a departure from Schiphol is simply not complete without a skinny iced latte and a white chocolate donut for the plane. It has been my fixed ritual for years. And now Starbucks is back at the exact spot where the very first Starbucks in the Netherlands opened in 2007. Time flies! What I like to share is that the coffee beans, even though it is a large chain, are roasted locally in Amsterdam. The next time you go here to get your coffee, you should also pay attention to the food selection, because it is incredibly extensive. What do you think? Will I go for a croissant with smoked salmon next time, or my go-to order? View the location and opening hours here >>
Starbucks © Your Little Black Book
Chocolate House
I always make a detour in Paris for Pierre Hermé's macarons and chocolate. It is one of those places I never skip, no matter how full my schedule is. So when I heard that a Pierre Hermé counter was opening at Schiphol, the famous patissier's first shop-in-shop in the Netherlands, it was a real pinch-me moment. The team making the macarons and chocolate was even trained by Pierre Hermé's own team in Paris. Not a fan of macarons? Then you really must try the divine bonbons from MADAQ. View the location and opening hours here >>
Pierre Hermé at Chocolate House © Your Little Black Book
The Wanderer
The perfect place to grab a drink before boarding the plane? If I’m flying in the afternoon or evening, chances are you’ll find me at The Wanderer with a cocktail. If you look closely, you’ll see references to travel and adventure throughout the interior. It’s like having a drink in a living room filled with souvenirs. There is also an extensive menu, and I already have a shortlist of dishes I want to order next time, so that says it all. Also nice: for those who prefer alcohol-free, there is a vending machine with non-alcoholic cocktails to go. View the location and opening hours here >>
The Wanderer © Your Little Black Book
Donsje Amsterdam
There is no brand I have received as many compliments on as Donsje Amsterdam. When my son was still little and wearing his Donsje shoes, mothers abroad always wanted to know where I got them from. In Paris, in Barcelona, in New York: the same reaction everywhere. Those shoes are simply too cute for words. It is so nice that more parents can discover the brand now that Donsje has a beautiful shop at Schiphol. Especially for this store, Donsje launched an exclusive collection inspired by travel, dreams, and discovery. From soft newborn gifts to unique travel souvenirs: almost everything is gift-packaged and ready to take home. Whether you are looking for something for your own mini-adventurer or a beautiful (maternity) gift, you really have to stop by here! View the location and opening hours here >>
Down © Your Little Black Book
Grand Café Salon & Deli Salon
This is without a doubt the place at Schiphol where there is something for everyone on the menu. Why do I keep ending up here? There is always a spot to sit quietly, and the atmosphere lets you experience that warm Amsterdam feeling for a moment before you board the plane. The menu is brand new, diverse, and full of classics that always go down well. Think Eggs Benedict, but also a burger and classic satay like you would eat in a traditional city pub. The big surprise? Anyone who looks at the menu carefully will discover the finest products from Dutch soil. From salmon from Frank's Smokehouse (very YLBB-approved!) to wines from Astrid and Thérèse (yup, Thérèse Boer from De Librije***). Also nice: you can grab tasty things to go at the deli if you are in more of a hurry. View the location and opening hours here >>
Grand Café Salon & Deli © Your Little Black Book
Rituals & Mind Oasis
In 2026, Rituals is so much more than the beauty products it started with. I have been a fan from the very beginning, and there are always a few items to be found in my bathroom and bag. The scrub is my absolute number one; those coarse grains really do their job. Heading to a sunny destination? Buy it here, give it a good scrub upon arrival, and you'll get a more beautiful, even tan. Another favorite is the hand cleansing gel, which has already saved me from dirty hands after many a street food adventure. View the location and opening hours here >>
Rituals © Your Little Black Book
Everything About the Mind Oasis
What makes this store truly special is the Mind Oasis. The very first airport Mind Oasis at an airport! And you can find it right here at our own Schiphol on the way to gates B, C, and D59-D87. In a separate room, you can choose between a Hydro Massage (floating on a warm waterbed with hydrojets and red light therapy, fully clothed) or a Brain Massage, where breathing techniques, 4D music, and haptic vibrations bring your mind to a state of deep relaxation in thirty minutes. It remains unique, but those thirty minutes feel like two hours of sleep afterwards! I tested it once at the flagship store in Amsterdam, and it really works.
The best news? Treatments start from just €29,50 and the Mind Oasis is open from 7:30 to 19:55, so you can come here even before a morning flight. Of course, I looked into how you can book this for you, so you are guaranteed a spot. You can do that here via the Rituals website., then search for Schiphol as the location! Thank me later ;-).
Mind Oasis © Your Little Black Book
4 details that will only really stand out now that you know this
Whether you are rushing towards your gate or taking your time to discover these new hotspots, there are a few details that are too good to overlook. I’ll whisper them to you, so you’ll have something fun to tell your travel buddies when you’re at Schiphol!
- You have probably seen the iconic clock by artist Maarten Baas from the international departure hall pop up on social media. The time is painted 'live' and removed again when the hand moves to the next mark. Now, there is also such a clock on the way to gates B, C, and D59-D87, with the extra special detail that Schiphol employees can be seen inside the clock this time!
- Look up as you walk to your gate and discover a light artwork of 300.000 LED lights that together form the Dutch Cloudy Sky. Eight kilometers of light, inspired by a painting by the seventeenth-century master Jacob van Ruisdael. Once you see it, you can't unsee it!
- Have you spotted them yet? You can now relax until your flight departs, surrounded by fishtail palms that normally only grow in Southeast Asia. Nice detail: they were grown in the Netherlands especially for Schiphol and help maintain humidity levels.
- You can hardly imagine it now, but in part of the new space, you used to be literally standing outside. The former Cockpit Square has been used to create more space and seating. Comfortable sofas, workspaces, plenty of power outlets… such a huge upgrade. Especially when you’re sitting there with something tasty from all the new food and drink options :-).
People's Clock by Maarten Baas © Your Little Black Book
Today is the day to discover one of these new tips
I am incredibly curious which new hotspot you will check out first to kick off your next vacation. I am traveling to Spain soon and I have already booked a spot at the Mind Oasis! The only thing I still have to think about now is where to go for something delicious to eat and drink.
Happy travels!
| TIP: view here which other restaurants, cafes, and shops are new at Schiphol >>
© Your Little Black Book
| TIPS FOR PARKING AT SCHIPHOL: Are you arriving by car? Then you have two good options. P3 Long-Term Parking is the most affordable choice. Available as a covered garage or open lot, with a free shuttle every 10 minutes that takes you to the terminal within 5 minutes. Want it even easier? Then choose P6 Valet Parking: you drive up, hand over your keys, and walk directly to the departure hall via a covered route. Convenient: P6 also has charging stations for electric cars. Reservations for P6 are mandatory, but always recommended for P3. Click here for more information & reservations >>
In collaboration with AMS Schiphol
Discover more tips in the
Amsterdam Little Black Book
Click here
Amsterdam Tips
To do
Accommodation
Deals
Read more?
