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

Should you visit Canberra or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

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

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

Canberra and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Amsterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Canberra. Amsterdam is bigger than Canberra, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is more popular for its food and hiking. Amsterdam is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Canberra and Amsterdam.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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.

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

Canberra 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 Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is terrific for its live music scene. However, Canberra is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Amsterdam. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Canberra or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Canberra or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Canberra has hiking trails worth exploring. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Amsterdam is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Amsterdam Better for Families?

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

Canberra is a very kid-friendly city. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Amsterdam is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

Canberra is a great city to visit as a student. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Amsterdam can take you anywhere. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Canberra or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Amsterdam?

Both Canberra 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 Canberra. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Canberra. 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 with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Canberra or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Canberra. 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.

Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Canberra. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Canberra or Amsterdam?

Canberra 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.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, 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 Canberra and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific 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 Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Canberra.

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Amsterdam?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Amsterdam has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Amsterdam in the Summer?

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

Canberra is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in July.

Canberra usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdamin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Canberra is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F)in October.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Canberra usually receives more rain than Amsterdamin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Canberra or Amsterdam in the Winter?

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

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In July, Canberra is generally much warmer than Amsterdamin January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Canberra usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdamin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Amsterdam in the Spring?

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

Canberra is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F)in April.

In October, Canberra usually receives more rain than Amsterdamin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Canberra