A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Amsterdam or Miami?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Miami, 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 historic, canal-lined, and party-oriented city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Amsterdam and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Miami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Miami. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Miami attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Amsterdam is famous for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Miami is famous for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants.

How is Amsterdam different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Amsterdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami 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, Miami is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Miami is a world class party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is Amsterdam or Miami Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Amsterdam or Miami.

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.

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Is Amsterdam or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Amsterdam or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Miami are among the best in the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Miami Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is well known for its historic old town. However, Miami does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Miami?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Miami make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Amsterdam or Miami Better for Families?

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

Miami is a very kid-friendly beach city. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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 Miami Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Miami are both excellent 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.

Miami is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Amsterdam or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Amsterdam is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Amsterdam or Miami Better for Students?

Miami is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Amsterdam or Miami 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, Miami 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 Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Amsterdam or Miami a more walkable city?

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

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.

Miami is a very walkable city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Miami?

Both Amsterdam and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Miami has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Miami than Amsterdam. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Miami 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 Miami?

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 shopping around the beach city of Miami. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Miami?

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 shopping and nightlife around the exciting big city of Miami. 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 beach city has to offer. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Miami?

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the diverse beach city of Miami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

A week in Amsterdam or Miami?

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.

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Miami, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amsterdam is in Europe and Miami is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Miami?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. In July, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Miami. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Miami in the Autumn?

Both Miami and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

Amsterdam is much colder than Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Miami. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Miami in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Miami. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Miami. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Miami in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Miami. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Miami. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Miami and Amsterdam