A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Lima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amsterdam or Lima?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Lima, 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.

Where Should I go: Amsterdam or Lima?

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Amsterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €206, while the average daily cost in Lima is €79. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam 102
    Lima 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam 204
    Lima 86
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Lima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Amsterdam


Hotels in Lima


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam 20
    Lima 5.06
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train transfer From/To Zaandijk Zaanse Schans: $5.34
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Amsterdam: $7.05
  • Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $7.39
  • 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.84
  • Train Transfer From/To Zandvoort in Amsterdam: $8.52
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Utrecht: $12
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $14
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Rotterdam: $18
  • Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Amsterdam: $18
  • Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days With Airport Transfer: $20
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $28
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Amsterdam: $28

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    4.79
  • Taxi Ride
    4.79
  • Short Taxi Ride
    3.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package, hotels & transfers: $140
  • Assistance - Transfer | Lima Airport | Cusco Airport: $40
  • Enjoy a Football Game in Lima with local guide and Transfers: $90
  • Full Day Small Group Tour in Caral with Transfer: $158
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $21
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
  • LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
  • Lima : Private transfer between airport to your destination: $29
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $56
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
  • Lima Airport Departure Transfer: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Amsterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amsterdam 75
    Lima 27
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • 3-course dinner party at secret pop-up restaurant: $11
  • Food Tour Amsterdam (English): $12
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $14
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $14
  • Space Cake Cooking Class: $28
  • A'DAM Lookout Ticket and Lunch or Dinner Voucher: $29
  • Burger Dinner Cruise with the Burgerbar: $40
  • Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks: $43
  • Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks: $43
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $45
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $45

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    3.83
  • Ice cream
    3.11
  • Coffee
    2.63
  • Donut
    0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $28
  • Miraflores: Amazing Peruvian Cooking Class Ceviche Seafood and Pisco Sour: $40
  • Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $44
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $44
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $45
  • Market Tour and Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $47
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $49
  • Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
  • Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
  • Food History & Local Markets (Food Tour): $56
  • Lima's #1 Reviewed Cooking Class: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amsterdam 37
    Lima 7.64
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.41
  • Self Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.46
  • Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.46
  • 2 Hour Alternative Tour: The Real Amsterdam (English): $3.46
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam (CYHIT): $3.47
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $4.62
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Self Guided Space Tourist Exploration of Amsterdam's Cosmic Side: $5.00
  • Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour : $5.79
  • Amsterdam History Walking Tour: $5.79
  • Discover Amsterdam's city center in this Outside Escape game tour: $5.79
  • Private Tour of Simonehoeve Cheese Farm and Clog Factory: $5.79

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    14
  • Movie Tickets
    2.04

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Tour a pie con Guía Local por el Centro Histórico: $2.00
  • Lima's Historic Center with Free Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Walking Tour Lima Historic Center (small group): $10
  • GABRIEL | Peruvian Coffee Tasting Experience in Lima: $15
  • Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima : $19
  • Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $19
  • Bike Tour Lima: $19
  • Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $20
  • Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
  • City Tour Lima / Catacombs: $21
  • Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $23
  • Lima Evening Tour: Magic Water Circuit & Fountain Show: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amsterdam 24
    Lima 4.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $19
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $20
  • Ludwig's Red Light Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $22
  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ludwig's Queer Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $24
  • Breugem Meeting Point: Brewery tour and beer tasting: $24
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $24
  • Amsterdam Red Light District Pub Crawl: $26
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl with Unlimited Shots: $27
  • City Center Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $28
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.44
  • Beer
    3.59
  • Cocktail
    2.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $18
  • Discover Miraflores Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $19
  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $24
  • Pisco Pub Crawl: $35
  • Local Wine Tour: $58
  • Local wine tasting in Lima: $96
  • Pub Crawl in Lima: $100
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Tour: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $114
  • From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Lima, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Lima is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.

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


Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Lima, 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 Lima?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Lima. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Amsterdam is generally around the same temperature as Lima. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Lima. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Lima. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

Amsterdam is much colder than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Lima. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Winter?

Both Lima and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Lima. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Lima. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Amsterdam

Amsterdam Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)