A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Cairngorms National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park, 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 historic, canal-lined, and party-oriented city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful, serene, and picturesque national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Amsterdam and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Amsterdam and Cairngorms National Park are both popular with visitors, Amsterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cairngorms National Park is known for its food and hiking. Amsterdam is more touristy than Cairngorms National Park and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Cairngorms National Park is popular for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Amsterdam different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

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 Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for its music scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Cairngorms National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Cairngorms National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

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

Cairngorms National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure 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 Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent 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.

Cairngorms National Park is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

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

Amsterdam is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Cairngorms National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food around the national park of Cairngorms National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cairngorms National Park?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food around the picturesque destination of Cairngorms National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food around the beautiful national park of Cairngorms National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

A week in Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park?

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cairngorms National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Cairngorms National Park. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Amsterdam is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Cairngorms National Park. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In October, Amsterdam is generally a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. Amsterdam is much colder than Cairngorms National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Cairngorms National Park. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Amsterdam is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Amsterdam