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

Should you visit Bali or Amsterdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a historic, canal-lined, and party-oriented 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.

Bali and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Amsterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Bali. Amsterdam is bigger than Bali, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bali is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Bali is well known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Amsterdam is well known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum.

How is Bali different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam and Bali. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Amsterdam?

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

Many visitors head to Amsterdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali 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, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Bali and Amsterdam are terrific when it comes to partying.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Amsterdam is a must-see 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.

Is Bali or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Bali 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.

Bali is not a live music destination.

Is Bali or Amsterdam Better for Resorts?

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

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Amsterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

Bali is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Bali is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Amsterdam?

Both Bali and Amsterdam are excellent shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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 Bali or Amsterdam Better for Families?

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

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Bali or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

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

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Amsterdam is a great island 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 Bali or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bali and Amsterdam are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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

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

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Amsterdam on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Bali?

How long in Bali or Amsterdam?

Both Bali and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Bali has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bali than Amsterdam. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

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

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. 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.

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.

A weekend in Bali or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lush destination of Bali. 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 island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Bali or Amsterdam?

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

Amsterdam is a scenic 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.

A week in Bali or Amsterdam?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Amsterdam is a party-oriented 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Amsterdam, 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 Bali or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is much warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Amsterdam. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Bali usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Bali is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in April than Amsterdam. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Bali