A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Amsterdam and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its food and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Amsterdam different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Amsterdam is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in 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 Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Amsterdam is a must-see party destination. 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for Music?

Amsterdam is terrific for its music scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a live music destination.

In Amsterdam you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Aix-en-Provence is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence as a family destination.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Aix-en-Provence are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is terrific for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Amsterdam is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is terrific for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Amsterdam can take you anywhere. 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.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Amsterdam due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Aix-en-Provence 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 Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Aix-en-Provence. 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.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and food around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Aix-en-Provence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Aix-en-Provence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aix-en-Provence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence.

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the summer, Amsterdam is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Aix-en-Provence. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is much colder than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Amsterdam is much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Amsterdam