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

Should you visit Funchal or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Funchal 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: Funchal or Amsterdam?

Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and 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 Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €175. 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 Funchal and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Amsterdam 102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Amsterdam 204
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Funchal 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 Funchal


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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Amsterdam 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
  • Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
  • Madeira Island Transfers: $53
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38

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:

  • Private Transfer to/from Bruges: $823
  • Kinderdijk & Delft Private Day Trip w/ Transfers: $802
  • Private Transfer to/from Brussels: $738
  • Private Transfer to/from Antwerp: $588
  • Private Transfer to Bruges: $385
  • Amsterdam Cruise Port: Private Transfer to The Hague hotels: $333
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $310
  • Amsterdam and Rotterdam: 1-Way Private Transfer: $310
  • Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Brussels: $291
  • Luxury transfer From Amsterdam Schiphol airport to Rotterdam Cruise terminal : $284
  • Private Direct Transfer from Amsterdam to Bruges: $274
  • Private Minivan transfer to Rotterdam: $273

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Funchal 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
    Funchal 31
    Amsterdam 43
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • Coffee
    1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal

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

  • Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $31
  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112

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.

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Amsterdam 37

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $11
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $15
  • Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour: $25
  • Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
  • Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
  • São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
  • Majestic West Tour : $31
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • Exorbitant West Tour: $33
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33

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:

  • Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $53
  • Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $109
  • 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $14
  • 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $42
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
  • 2 Hours Canal Cruise to Amsterdam’s Hidden Gems: $84
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $218
  • 3 Hour Self-guided Cocktail Walking Tour in Amsterdam by WOGO: $44
  • 3 hour Amsterdam Private Guide Walking Tour with an Amsterdam born raised Guide: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Amsterdam 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

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

  • Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
  • Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
  • Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
  • Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $56
  • Pub Crawl: $59
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $97
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $102
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
  • Wine Tour by Overland Madeira: $150
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42


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

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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Amsterdam?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Amsterdam. Additionally, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Funchal is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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, Funchal is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, 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 January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Amsterdam. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Funchal is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Funchal

Funchal Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)