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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Pittsburgh, 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 canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Rijksmuseum
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Pittsburgh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Amsterdam is more popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pittsburgh is known for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Amsterdam different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Amsterdam and Pittsburgh.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.


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

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pittsburgh. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Amsterdam is a world class party destination. 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.

Pittsburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is Amsterdam or Pittsburgh Better for Music?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Pittsburgh is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Pittsburgh is not a live music destination.


Is Amsterdam or Pittsburgh Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

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

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.

Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Amsterdam is great for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Amsterdam or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Amsterdam is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Amsterdam or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

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

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Amsterdam has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.


Is Amsterdam or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Amsterdam
Pittsburgh

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh 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.


  • How many days in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Amsterdam 2-7 
    Pittsburgh 2-3

One day in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?

When visiting Amsterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Pittsburgh. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

Amsterdam, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Pittsburgh. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Pittsburgh is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Amsterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is $187, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $181. 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 Pittsburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam $109
    Pittsburgh $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam $218
    Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Pittsburgh

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Pittsburgh? 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 Pittsburgh


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 Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam $21
    Pittsburgh $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.43
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.79
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Private Transfer to/from Bruges: $829
  • Kinderdijk & Delft Private Day Trip w/ Transfers: $807
  • Private Transfer to/from Brussels: $743
  • Private Transfer to/from Antwerp: $592
  • Private Transfer to Bruges: $387
  • Amsterdam Cruise Port: Private Transfer to The Hague hotels: $335
  • Amsterdam and Rotterdam: 1-Way Private Transfer: $312
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $312
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Dordrecht: $288
  • Private Direct Transfer from Amsterdam to Bruges: $274
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $273
  • Layover Sightseeing Tour with Airport Transfer: $268

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pittsburgh

Also for Pittsburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $97
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh 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 $47
    Pittsburgh $54
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.46
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

For Pittsburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amsterdam $40
    Pittsburgh $38
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
    $6.43
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
  • Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $54
  • 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $20
  • 1 Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: $22
  • 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $164
  • 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $43
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
  • 2-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $131
  • 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $49

Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pittsburgh.

  • Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.22
  • Pittsburgh to Logstown Settler's History: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.32
  • Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections: $7.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pittsburgh by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh Sights & Stories: $28
  • Public Art Walking Tour: $30
  • Pittsburg 101 Tour: $30
  • Pittsburgh 101 Walking History Tour: $32
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Downtown History and Architecture Tour: $33
  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amsterdam $25
    Pittsburgh $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
  • Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • New! Bites & Brews: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $50
  • Bike and Brewery Tour: $69
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Pittsburgh, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Pittsburgh?

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