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

Should you visit Belfast or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Amsterdam, 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.

Belfast

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

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Belfast and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Belfast and Amsterdam can be an enjoyable experience.

Belfast offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Amsterdam. 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 Belfast or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

Belfast is popular with students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Amsterdam?

Both Belfast and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Belfast. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Belfast or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. 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.

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated city of Belfast. 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.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Amsterdam?

Belfast 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Amsterdam, 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Amsterdam?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Amsterdam. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Amsterdam. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Amsterdam. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. Belfast is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Belfast is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Amsterdam. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Belfast