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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Bratislava?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Bratislava, 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. 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.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a relaxed, historical, and under-rated city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Bratislava: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Bratislava?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Bratislava. 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 Bratislava attracts visitors for its food and quaint atmosphere. Amsterdam is more touristy than Bratislava and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Bratislava is famous for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting.

How is Amsterdam different from Bratislava?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Amsterdam and Bratislava.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bratislava. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.

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

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

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 Bratislava Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Bratislava has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

Is Amsterdam or Bratislava Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for live music. However, Bratislava 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.

Bratislava is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Bratislava Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and Bratislava both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Bratislava is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Bratislava?

Amsterdam is notable for shopping. Also, Bratislava 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 Bratislava. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

Is Amsterdam or Bratislava Better for Families?

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.

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 Bratislava Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is notable for romance. Also, Bratislava 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.

Bratislava makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.

Is Amsterdam or Bratislava Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Bratislava. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

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

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

Amsterdam has a great 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.

The public transit in Bratislava can get you around easily. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

Is Amsterdam or Bratislava a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Bratislava both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

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.

Bratislava is a very easy city to get around on foot. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

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

Should I spend more time in Bratislava or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Bratislava?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and Bratislava. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Bratislava. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bratislava.

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

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

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Bratislava. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bratislava has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Bratislava?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Bratislava. 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.

Five days in Amsterdam or Bratislava?

Amsterdam, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bratislava. 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.

A week in Amsterdam or Bratislava?

Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bratislava 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Bratislava?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Bratislava. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?

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 Bratislava in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Bratislava. 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 Bratislava for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bratislava this time of the year. In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Bratislava in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Bratislava. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Amsterdam is cooler than Bratislava in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in October than Bratislava. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Bratislava in the Winter?

Both Bratislava and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bratislava in the winter. The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Bratislava. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Bratislava averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Bratislava in the Spring?

Both Bratislava and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bratislava for the natural beauty.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Bratislava, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bratislava. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Amsterdam