A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Amsterdam for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit London or Amsterdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a historic, canal-lined, and party-oriented city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

London and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Amsterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Amsterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, shopping, and christmas markets, while Amsterdam is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. London is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Amsterdam is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene.

Big Ben

How is London different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Amsterdam Better for Theater?

London is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Amsterdam is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Amsterdam is not a theatre destination.

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

London 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 London. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both London and Amsterdam.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is London or Amsterdam Better for Music?

London and Amsterdam are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Amsterdam is a world class music destination. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Is London or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Amsterdam?

London 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 London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Amsterdam Better for Christmas?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Amsterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Amsterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Amsterdam Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. However, Amsterdam does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in London. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Amsterdam does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Amsterdam Better for Families?

London is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

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

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both London and Amsterdam are terrific places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Amsterdam is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is London or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

London is a great destination for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

London and Amsterdam both offer terrific public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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.

Is London or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

London and Amsterdam are terrific when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

It is easy to get around Amsterdam 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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or London?

How long in London or Amsterdam?

Both London and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in London than Amsterdam. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Amsterdam 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 London.

One day in London or Amsterdam?

People visit London because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Amsterdam. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Amsterdam?

People visit London because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Amsterdam?

People visit London 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Amsterdam?

London is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Amsterdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, 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 London and Amsterdam, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Amsterdam?

London has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Amsterdam. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. In the summer, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

London is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and London during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. London can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, London is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, London often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Amsterdam. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, London is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and London