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

Should you visit Marbella or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Amsterdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Amsterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Marbella. Amsterdam is bigger than Marbella, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marbella is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Marbella and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.

How is Marbella different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marbella is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marbella. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

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 Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Marbella and Amsterdam.

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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.

Is Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is very popular for its live music scene. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Amsterdam. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Is Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Amsterdam?

Marbella 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 Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Families?

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

Marbella is a very kid-friendly resort town. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

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

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Amsterdam is a great resort town 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 Marbella or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Amsterdam is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

Amsterdam is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Amsterdam has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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 generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Amsterdam?

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

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Amsterdam is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Amsterdam?

You'll find live music and food around the ritzy destination of Marbella. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Amsterdam?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glamorous resort town of Marbella. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Amsterdam?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, 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 Marbella and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Marbella.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Amsterdam. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Marbella is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Marbella