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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Vancouver?

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

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

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Amsterdam and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Vancouver?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Vancouver. While Vancouver is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Vancouver attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Vancouver is famous for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere.

How is Amsterdam different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver 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 Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Amsterdam or Vancouver Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital 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.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Vancouver Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Vancouver does not have a historic old town.

Is Amsterdam or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Vancouver?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Amsterdam because of it's amazing beauty. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Is Amsterdam or Vancouver Better for Families?

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

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly city. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Vancouver is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Amsterdam or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Amsterdam or Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

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.

Vancouver has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Is Amsterdam or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Vancouver both are world-class 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.

Vancouver is a very easy city to get around on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Vancouver?

In either Amsterdam or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

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

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

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

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Vancouver. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Vancouver?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Vancouver?

People visit Amsterdam because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the diverse city of Vancouver. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Amsterdam or Vancouver?

Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Vancouver is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Vancouver?

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

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In April, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Amsterdam