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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Hvar?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Hvar, 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 party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Amsterdam and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amsterdam is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hvar is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Amsterdam is well known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

How is Amsterdam different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. 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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Amsterdam and Hvar.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Hvar?

Amsterdam is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Hvar are both high quality 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.

Hvar is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam and Hvar are first-rate places to visit 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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

Amsterdam is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Amsterdam or Hvar a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Amsterdam or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Amsterdam due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. 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 Hvar?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Hvar?

Amsterdam is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Hvar. 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 nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Hvar?

Amsterdam is a party-oriented city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hvar 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Hvar?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Hvar. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Amsterdam is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Hvar. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Hvar. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Amsterdam is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Amsterdam