A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Amsterdam for Backpackers, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Amsterdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a spectacular, natural, 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 beaches, hiking, and food.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Outer Hebrides and Amsterdam are popular destinations, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and hiking. Amsterdam is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Outer Hebrides. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Amsterdam both great destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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 visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

Both Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides than in Amsterdam. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

You'll find food around the archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

You'll find food around the stunning destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

You'll find food around the serene archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides, 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Outer Hebrides and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Outer Hebrides much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Outer Hebrides would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amsterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Amsterdam. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Amsterdam. The winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. Outer Hebrides is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Outer Hebrides