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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a historic, modern, and welcoming city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kuala Lumpur are among the most recognizable in the world. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Amsterdam just to party. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Kuala Lumpur make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam Better for Families?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam both great destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this scenic city offers. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. 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 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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this historic big city offers. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

Kuala Lumpur 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 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia 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 Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. 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, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur