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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Kinsale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Kinsale, 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Amsterdam and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Kinsale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Kinsale, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amsterdam is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kinsale is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Amsterdam is more touristy than Kinsale and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Kinsale is well known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks.

How is Amsterdam different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

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 Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

Kinsale 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, Kinsale is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Amsterdam or Kinsale Better for Music?

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Amsterdam. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Kinsale is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a seaside town with a few options for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and Kinsale both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. 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.

Kinsale is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Amsterdam or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

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

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Kinsale?

Amsterdam is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Amsterdam is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Amsterdam or Kinsale Better for Families?

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

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.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Amsterdam or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Amsterdam is extremely popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Amsterdam or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Kinsale?

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

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

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

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kinsale has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Kinsale?

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer.

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 seaside town has to offer. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Kinsale?

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Kinsale 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Kinsale?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

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 Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Kinsale. 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 Kinsale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Kinsale. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale 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 Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Amsterdam is cooler than Kinsale in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kinsale. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Amsterdam