A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aberdeen or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Aberdeen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aberdeen attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities.

How is Aberdeen different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam and Aberdeen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Both Aberdeen and Amsterdam have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Amsterdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aberdeen is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Aberdeen. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is a world class music destination. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Aberdeen and Amsterdam.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Aberdeen is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Amsterdam is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is popular with students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Amsterdam on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Both Aberdeen and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Aberdeen. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Amsterdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amsterdam that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Aberdeen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Amsterdam.

One day in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the architectural city of Aberdeen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Aberdeen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Amsterdam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Amsterdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aberdeen is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Amsterdam. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Amsterdam. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. Aberdeen is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the spring, Aberdeen is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Amsterdam. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Aberdeen