A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Amsterdam or Quebec City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Quebec City, 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of Amsterdam is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Amsterdam travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

Amsterdam and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Quebec City. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Quebec City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Quebec City and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Quebec City is famous for its charming streets and classic Old Town.

How is Amsterdam different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Quebec City 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 Quebec City are among the most recognizable in the world. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

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 the Food Better in Amsterdam or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Quebec City 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, Quebec City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

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 Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Amsterdam is very popular for nightlife. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

The nightlife in Quebec City has something for everybody. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Is Amsterdam or Quebec City Better for Music?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Amsterdam is very popular for live music. However, Quebec City is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is a world class music destination. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Quebec City is not a live music destination.


Is Amsterdam or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Quebec City offers plenty to see. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Quebec City?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Quebec City 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 Quebec City make it a world-class shopping destination. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

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 Quebec City More Beautiful?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Amsterdam is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Amsterdam is one of the main draws. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.


Is Amsterdam or Quebec City Better for Families?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

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

Quebec City is a very kid-friendly city. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

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 Quebec City Better for Couples?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

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

Quebec City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

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 Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Amsterdam is very popular for backpackers. Also, Quebec City 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.

Many backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.


Is Amsterdam or Quebec City Better for Students?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

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

Quebec City is popular with students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Amsterdam is very popular for its public transit. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Amsterdam has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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.

While Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Amsterdam or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Amsterdam
Quebec City

Amsterdam and Quebec City both are amazing 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.

Quebec City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Amsterdam or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Amsterdam due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Quebec City 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 Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Amsterdam 2-7 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Amsterdam or Quebec City?

Amsterdam is a party-oriented city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Quebec City?

Amsterdam is a historic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Quebec City?

Amsterdam is a laid-back city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Quebec City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Amsterdam or Quebec City?

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City 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 Quebec City is €140. 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 Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam 102
    Quebec City 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam 204
    Quebec City 134
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Quebec City? 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 Quebec City


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 Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam 20
    Quebec City 15
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:

  • 1 - 15 persons Minibus Amsterdam City transfer: $122
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $277
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Almere: $158
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Dordrecht: $293
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Enkhuizen: $225
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Leiden: $129
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Noordwijk: $129
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $249
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zandvoort: $124
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam city to Airport: $111
  • Airport Private Transfer: Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam City: $139
  • Airport Private Transfer: Schiphol Airport ↔ The Hague City : $216

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:


  • Parking in Quebec City
    3.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $99
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $232
  • Le Terminal Quebec Port to Quebec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $99
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Quebec Airport YQB: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer to Quebec Airport YQB: $120
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $52
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $52
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $94
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $94
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $99
  • Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $99
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City 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
    Quebec City 58
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 : $8.31
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $14
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $26
  • Space Cake Cooking Class: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $37
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $38
  • A'DAM Lookout Entry Ticket and Dinner Voucher: $39
  • Pizza Cruise in Amsterdam Including Drinks and Ice Cream: $42
  • Burger Dinner Cruise with restaurant Beers & Barrels: $44
  • Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise With Pizza and Drinks: $44
  • 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

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

  • Quebec: Christmas River Cruise with Dinner and Live DJ: $143
  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $185
  • Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $190
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $190
  • Private Street Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $244

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amsterdam 37
    Quebec City 22
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:

  • Red Light District Walking Tour: $1.09
  • Walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $1.09
  • Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.26
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.26
  • Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.31
  • The Amsterdam Walking Tour 2 hours: $3.31
  • Self Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.31
  • Alternative tour Amsterdam (Tip-Based): $3.31
  • The Anne Frank Tour (Tip Based) Amsterdam : $3.33
  • Amsterdam 2H Dark History of the City Walking Tour: $3.33
  • Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $5.41
  • audio tour of the Red Light District highlights: $5.44

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

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

  • Uncover Old Quebec: Fun Walking Tour of the City with Local Guide: $4.41
  • Old Quebec Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.43
  • Walking Tour - Quebec City - The Heart of New France: $6.60
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $8.87
  • Observatoire de la Capitale Entry Ticket: $11
  • Quebec: La Citadelle de Québec Ticket and Guided Tour: $16
  • MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket: $17
  • Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour: $18
  • Quebec: Christmas Interactive Walking Tour of New France: $18
  • Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Guided Tour: $18
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $18
  • Immersion Quebec: Virtual Reality Experience of Quebec City's History: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amsterdam 24
    Quebec City 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Halloween Pub Crawl with Entry to 3+ Venues: $14
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $19
  • Breugem Meeting Point: Brewery tour and beer tasting: $23
  • City Center Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $24
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl with Unlimited Shots: $24
  • Ludwig's Queer Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $24
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $26
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $27
  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $27
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $28
  • Ludwig's Red Light Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:

  • Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $49
  • Quebec City Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Small-Group Tour: $60
  • Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $89
  • Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Quebec City?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Quebec City, 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.