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

Should you visit Melbourne or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined 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.

Melbourne and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Amsterdam?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne is more popular for its food and beaches. Amsterdam is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Amsterdam.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Many visitors head to Amsterdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Melbourne or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

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.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is well known for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Amsterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Melbourne and Amsterdam.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Melbourne 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. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Melbourne or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Amsterdam?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Amsterdam?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Amsterdam. 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.

A weekend in Melbourne or Amsterdam?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the party-oriented big city of Amsterdam. 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.

Five days in Melbourne or Amsterdam?

People visit Melbourne 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the historic city of Amsterdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Amsterdam?

Melbourne 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 choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When comparing the travel costs between Melbourne and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Melbourne is in Pacific and Amsterdam is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Amsterdam?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Amsterdam?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Amsterdam has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in July.

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Amsterdamin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdamin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Amsterdam. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Melbourne is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F)in October.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Amsterdamin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Amsterdam. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In July, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Amsterdamin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Amsterdamin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdamin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Melbourne is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Amsterdamin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Melbourne