Should you visit Amsterdam or Brussels?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Brussels, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
Which city is cheaper, Brussels or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €133, while the average daily cost in Brussels is €109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Amsterdam is about €154 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about €116 for a double occupancy room in Brussels.
Food
In Amsterdam travelers spend around €33 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
The price of a meal in Brussels can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is €31 per person, and a typical meal will cost around €12 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Amsterdam €33
Brussels €31
Typical Food prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
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Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal:
$23
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Three course lunch/dinner voucher:
$42
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Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local:
$50
-
Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam:
$62
-
Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river:
$62
-
Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café:
$63
-
Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour:
$69
-
Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam:
$73
-
Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse:
$75
-
The Pizzaboat Amsterdam Min. 8 pax:
$75
-
Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner:
$76
-
Joy of Life - Bistro Dinner on an Amsterdam Canal:
$84
Typical Food prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
-
Classic Belgian cooking class and lunch:
$79
-
Your Private Tailored Belgian Food Tour with a Local:
$93
-
Cooking Lesson and Gourmet Belgian-Inspired Meal with a Local in Brussels:
$115
-
Private Brussels Food Tour (walking lunch or dinner):
$373
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Amsterdam is €16 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
The cost of a taxi ride in Brussels is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €13 per person, per day, on local transportation in Brussels.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
-
Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Viano or S-Class:
$84
-
Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer:
$58
-
Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer (Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Airport):
$83
-
Amsterdam Airport Private Departure Transfer:
$52
-
Amsterdam Airport Transfer (Airport to Hotel or address in Amsterdam) ROUND-TRIP:
$167
-
Amsterdam Airport Transfers : Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS in Luxury Car:
$96
-
Amsterdam Airport Transfers : Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS in Luxury Van:
$85
-
Amsterdam City Center - Schiphol Airport Transfer:
$143
-
Amsterdam City Center - Schiphol Airport Transfer (MiniVan):
$160
-
Amsterdam City Departure Private Transfer to Amsterdam Port in Luxury Car:
$79
-
Amsterdam City Departure Private Transfer to Amsterdam Port in Luxury Van:
$60
-
Amsterdam City Departure Private Transfer to Amsterdam Train Station in Business Car:
$52
Typical Local Transportation prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass
€4.50
-
Atomium train ticket (2)
€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
-
Airport Transfer Charleroi To Bruges:
$411
-
Airport Transfer Charleroi To Brussels:
$179
-
Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car:
$85
-
Brussels Airport Departure Transfer (Brussels Hotels to Brussels Airport):
$81
-
Brussels Airport Transfers : Brussels City to Airport BRU in Business Car:
$79
-
Brussels Airport Transfers : Brussels to Airport BRU in Luxury Van:
$79
-
Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax:
$60
-
Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax:
$60
-
Brussels Departure Private Transfers from Brussels City to Brussels Airport BRU:
$87
-
Brussels Departure Private Transfers from Brussels City to Brussels Airport BRU:
$83
-
Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Airport (BRU):
$108
-
Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Charleroi Airport (CRL):
$263
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels and Amsterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Entertainment
Amsterdam's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €30 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Entertainment and activities in Brussels typically cost an average of €18 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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A tasty stroll through Pijp: An audio tour of some of Amsterdam great food spots:
$5.00
-
An Amsterdam introduction: Explore the origins of Amsterdam on an audio tour:
$5.00
-
Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.41
-
Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots Cycling Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.41
-
Vondelpark and Old West Neighbourhood Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.48
-
Amsterdam Private Tour: Red Light District Exploration Game:
$5.65
-
The Red Light District self-guided Virtual Experience: The Highlights:
$7.45
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Absolutely Tip-Based Walking Tour With Super Local Guide (2,5 Hours):
$8.09
-
Amsterdam Red Light District: A Walking Audio Tour on your Phone (1hour):
$9.94
-
Silent Disco Club Experience:
$9.95
-
Small-Group Cheese Tasting Experience in Amsterdam:
$12
-
Self-Guided City Experience:
$12
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Brussels Autoworld Museum Entrance Ticket:
$15
-
Brussels Atomium Admission Ticket:
$19
-
Pick Up from your Hotel in Brussels to Departure point Brussels City Tours:
$22
-
Self-Guided Interactive Place Saint Catherine Tour:
$26
-
The Best Of Brussels Walking Tour:
$54
-
Artistic Bruges on a Private Tour with a local:
$75
-
2-Hours Private Sightseeing Trip in Brussels:
$83
-
Private And Personalized Experience: See Brussels With A Local:
$84
-
Politics Experience With A Local Host:
$84
-
Private 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour in Brussels:
$84
-
Touristic highlights of Bruges on a Half Day (4 Hours) Private Tour with a local:
$93
-
Experience the best of Bruges on a Private Tour with Boat Ride with a local:
$93
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Amsterdam may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €19 per day on alcoholic beverages.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Brussels may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €10 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Distillery Tour & Tasting:
$22
-
Amsterdam Bar Crawl:
$27
-
Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl:
$31
-
Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour:
$61
-
4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour:
$81
-
High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour:
$102
-
Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars:
$106
-
Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour:
$129
-
Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour:
$152
-
Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl:
$488
Typical Alcohol prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine
€10
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Beer
€6.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Brussels, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Brussels.
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