A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Coimbra 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.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Amsterdam?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Coimbra?

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 Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €211. 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 Coimbra and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Amsterdam 102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Amsterdam 204
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Amsterdam? 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 Coimbra


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Amsterdam 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $159
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova: $295
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent: $271
  • Private transfer from Porto Airport to Coimbra: $212
  • Transfer from Lisboa to Coimbra with visit to Fátima Sanctuary, half day: $199
  • Viseu Private Transfer to Oporto Airport: $118

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:

  • VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport: $100
  • Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $40
  • Transfer from cruise port in Amsterdam to a hotel in Amsterdam: $77
  • Transfer from a hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port in Amsterdam: $74
  • Taxi minibus Transfer cruise port Amsterdam to Airport Amsterdam: $165
  • Taxi minibus Transfer Amsterdam Hotel to cruise port Amsterdam: $130
  • Schiphol to Amsterdam VIP Transfer | Meet & Greet Taxi: $177
  • Schiphol airport to the cruise terminal IJmuiden. Private transfer.: $93
  • Schiphol Amsterdam Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam | Private Luxury Transfer: $112
  • Schiphol Airport Taxi Transfer | Amsterdam: $295
  • Schiphol Airport Private Transfer by Van – Meet & Greet Included: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Coimbra 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
    Coimbra 83
    Amsterdam 80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $64
  • Bairrada Food Tour: $115

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.

  • Romantic Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $50
  • Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
  • Taste Your Way Around Amsterdam Food Tour: $60
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
  • Amsterdam : Guided Cultural Food Tour: $83
  • Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $88
  • Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
  • Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $107
  • Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour (TOP RATED): $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Amsterdam 36

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.53
  • Leiria Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $4.49
  • Highlights Walking Tour With a Certified Guide: $5.82
  • TOP Coimbra : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $5.90
  • Coimbra Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h25 and 25 Audio Comments: $6.96
  • Coimbra’s Timeless Tracks: An Enchanting Train Tour: $8.73
  • Shepherds and Secrets: Audio Tour of Fátima’s Sacred Sites: $9.99
  • Pilgrims and Pioneers: A Self-Guided Tour Audio of Tomar: $9.99
  • Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town: $9.99
  • Private & Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center: $10
  • Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • Fatima Self Guided Audio Tour: $12

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:

  • 1 Hour Iconic Canal Belt Cruise: $62
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $118
  • 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $118
  • 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $177
  • 2 Hours Amsterdam Private Walking Tour: $136
  • 2 hour food tasting Tour in Amsterdam Group Tour: $106
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $236
  • 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $52
  • 2.5 hours Amsterdam Pedicab Tour: $283
  • 420 Official Smoking Boat Tour in Amsterdam: $24
  • 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $283
  • 75 minute Blue Boat Company City Canal Cruise and Maritime Museum: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Amsterdam 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites: $31
  • Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $28
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings: $77
  • Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $100
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140


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

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Amsterdam?

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 Coimbra or Amsterdam in the Summer?

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

In July, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the summer, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Amsterdam. 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.

Coimbra is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Amsterdam. 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 the winter, Coimbra is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In April, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Coimbra

Coimbra Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)