A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Connemara for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Amsterdam or Connemara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Connemara, 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Connemara

Connemara is a breathtaking, scenic, and natural region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Amsterdam and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Connemara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Amsterdam and Connemara 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 Connemara is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Amsterdam is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Amsterdam different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

Connemara 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 Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

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 Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Amsterdam is a must-see party destination. 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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara Better for Music?

Amsterdam is terrific for its music scene. However, Connemara is not a live music destination.

In Amsterdam you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Connemara is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is well known for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Connemara. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Connemara?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Amsterdam or Connemara as a family destination.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Connemara is not always the best place to visit. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Connemara are both very good 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.

Connemara is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is terrific for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Amsterdam is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

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

Amsterdam is terrific for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Amsterdam can take you anywhere. 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 quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Amsterdam or Connemara a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Connemara?

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

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

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

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the region of Connemara. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Connemara?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the dramatic destination of Connemara. 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 region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Connemara?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic region of Connemara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Connemara?

Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Connemara is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Connemara?

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 Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Connemara. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Connemara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Connemara averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Connemara. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Connemara. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Connemara because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Amsterdam is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara 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 and the cuisine are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Amsterdam is much colder than Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Connemara. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara 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. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Amsterdam is cooler than Connemara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Connemara averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Connemara. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Amsterdam