A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Amsterdam for Backpackers, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Amsterdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Isle of Skye and Amsterdam are popular destinations, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and hiking. Amsterdam is more touristy than Isle of Skye and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Isle of Skye is famous for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

How is Isle of Skye different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Amsterdam. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is terrific for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is terrific for live music. However, Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Isle of Skye is not a live music destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is well known for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

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 Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Amsterdam both great destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Isle of Skye or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Amsterdam. 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.

Isle of Skye is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Is Isle of Skye 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. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is terrific for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

Both Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

You'll find food around the island of Isle of Skye. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

You'll find food around the scenic destination of Isle of Skye. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

You'll find food around the stunning island of Isle of Skye. 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 great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

Isle of Skye is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Isle of Skye and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Isle of Skye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isle of Skye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Isle of Skye during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amsterdam. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Amsterdam. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Amsterdam. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. Isle of Skye is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Isle of Skye