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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Carcassonne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Carcassonne, 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 laid-back, scenic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Amsterdam and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Amsterdam and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Amsterdam is more touristy than Carcassonne and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Amsterdam different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Amsterdam and Carcassonne.

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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Carcassonne is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is very popular for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Amsterdam or Carcassonne Better for Music?

Amsterdam is very popular for live music. However, Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital 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.

Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Carcassonne?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Amsterdam or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Amsterdam or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Carcassonne is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

Amsterdam is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Amsterdam has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Amsterdam or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Carcassonne both are world-class 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.

Carcassonne is a very easy city to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Amsterdam or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Amsterdam than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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

Amsterdam is a party-oriented city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Carcassonne. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carcassonne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Carcassonne?

Amsterdam is a scenic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and food around the historical destination of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Amsterdam is a scenic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historical town of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Carcassonne 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Carcassonne?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Carcassonne. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Amsterdam is much colder than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Carcassonne. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carcassonne. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Amsterdam