A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Amsterdam for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

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.

Orkney Islands and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Orkney Islands and Amsterdam are both popular with visitors, Amsterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Amsterdam is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for Music?

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

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Orkney Islands is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Orkney Islands. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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 Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Amsterdam are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Orkney Islands or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

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

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.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

You'll find food and museums around the archipelago of Orkney Islands. 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.

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

You'll find food and museums around the pristine archipelago of Orkney Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Orkney Islands or Amsterdam?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Amsterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly 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 Orkney Islands and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Orkney Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Orkney Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Amsterdam in the Summer?

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

In July, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°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, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails 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.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Amsterdam in the Spring?

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

In April, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Orkney Islands