A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Amsterdam for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Kyoto or Amsterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Amsterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Amsterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Kyoto is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Amsterdam is more touristy than Kyoto and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Kyoto different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for its live music scene. However, Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Kyoto offers plenty to see. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Amsterdam?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Amsterdam and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Amsterdam Better for Families?

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

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Kyoto has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Amsterdam is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Kyoto or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Kyoto or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

Kyoto is a great city to visit as a student. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Amsterdam has a great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Kyoto and Amsterdam both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Amsterdam?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Kyoto than Amsterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kyoto that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kyoto or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Kyoto. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or Amsterdam?

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, 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 Kyoto and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto 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 Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Amsterdam?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Amsterdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kyoto or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is much warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Kyoto is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Amsterdam. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Amsterdam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kyoto is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Amsterdam. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Kyoto