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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Paris?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Paris, 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 scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Amsterdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, and shopping, while Amsterdam attracts visitors for its historical sights. Amsterdam is famous for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Amsterdam different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.

Is Amsterdam or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Amsterdam is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Amsterdam is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Is Amsterdam or Paris Better for Music?

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

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.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Is Amsterdam or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Paris?

Paris 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 Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Amsterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Amsterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Amsterdam or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam and Paris are fantastic 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 Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Is Amsterdam or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is an unbeatable place for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Amsterdam and Paris.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive 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.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Amsterdam or Paris a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Paris?

Both Amsterdam and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Paris than Amsterdam. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Amsterdam 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 Paris.

One day in Amsterdam or Paris?

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 museums and theater around the city of Paris. 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 Paris?

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 theater and nightlife around the beautiful big city of Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Paris?

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 energetic city of Paris. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Amsterdam or Paris?

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.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Paris. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Paris. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Amsterdam is cooler than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Paris. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Paris. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Paris. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Amsterdam