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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Nice?

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

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

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Amsterdam and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Nice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Nice. Amsterdam is bigger than Nice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Nice is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Amsterdam is well known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

How is Amsterdam different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Nice is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Is Amsterdam or Nice Better for Music?

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

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Nice Better for Resorts?

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

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Amsterdam or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Amsterdam or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and Nice 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.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Nice?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nice and Amsterdam.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Amsterdam or Nice Better for Families?

Nice 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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Amsterdam or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Amsterdam is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Is Amsterdam or Nice a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Nice both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

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.

Nice is a very easy city to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Nice?

In either Amsterdam or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Amsterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the quaint seaside destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

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 shopping and nightlife around the glamourous destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Nice?

Amsterdam is a canal-lined 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.

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

A week in Amsterdam or Nice?

Amsterdam is a canal-lined 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.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Nice?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

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

Amsterdam is cooler than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Nice. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Nice. 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. Additionally, many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is much colder than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice 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 Nice for 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 Nice. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Should I visit Amsterdam or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Amsterdam is much colder than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Amsterdam