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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Howth?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Howth, 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Amsterdam and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amsterdam is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Howth is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Amsterdam is more touristy than Howth and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Amsterdam different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Howth 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 Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

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 Howth Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Amsterdam has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Amsterdam or Howth Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Howth is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Howth is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Howth Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is well known for its old town. However, Howth 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Amsterdam or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Howth?

Amsterdam is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Amsterdam or Howth Better for Families?

Howth 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 Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

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 Howth Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Amsterdam or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Amsterdam is top-notch. 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.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Amsterdam or Howth a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Amsterdam or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Amsterdam than Howth 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 Howth.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and museums around the fishing village of Howth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Howth. 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 fishing village has to offer. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Howth?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the beautiful fishing village of Howth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Howth?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Howth 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Howth. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Howth because of the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Howth. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Howth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Howth. 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 Howth this time of year.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Howth. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm.

Amsterdam is cooler than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Howth. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Howth and Amsterdam