A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Bordeaux for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Amsterdam or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Bordeaux, 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 scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around 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 nightlife.

Amsterdam and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Bordeaux?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Bordeaux. Amsterdam is bigger than Bordeaux, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bordeaux is more popular for its food. Amsterdam is well known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Bordeaux is well known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards.

How is Amsterdam different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

Amsterdam is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Amsterdam just to party. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Amsterdam or Bordeaux Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Bordeaux?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bordeaux and Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

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 Amsterdam or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Bordeaux are both very good 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.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Amsterdam or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Amsterdam or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Amsterdam can get you around easily. 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Amsterdam or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Bordeaux?

In either Amsterdam or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Bordeaux because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the romantic destination of Bordeaux. 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.

Five days in Amsterdam or Bordeaux?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the romantic city of Bordeaux. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Amsterdam or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux 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, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Bordeaux?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Amsterdam is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Bordeaux. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Bordeaux. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Amsterdam is much colder than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Amsterdam