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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Cinque Terre, 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 canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back 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.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Amsterdam and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Amsterdam and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Amsterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Amsterdam is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Cinque Terre is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

How is Amsterdam different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Cinque Terre?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Amsterdam is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre 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. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Amsterdam or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Cinque Terre both are amazing 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.

Cinque Terre is a very easy city to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Cinque Terre?

In either Amsterdam or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Amsterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Cinque Terre?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer.

A week in Amsterdam or Cinque Terre?

Amsterdam is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Cinque Terre?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Cinque Terre. The summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the summer, Amsterdam is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Amsterdam is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Amsterdam