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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a calm, peaceful, and relaxed island. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back 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 to Amsterdam because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Amsterdam travel costs.

Saaremaa and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam. Although Saaremaa and Amsterdam are both popular with visitors, Amsterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa is known for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Amsterdam is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Amsterdam is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Amsterdam has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Is Saaremaa or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Amsterdam More Beautiful?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Amsterdam because of it's amazing beauty. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Is Saaremaa or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

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 Saaremaa or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Amsterdam are both superb to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

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

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Amsterdam is top-notch. 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 limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

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

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

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

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island 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 Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

Saaremaa is a popular choice for travelers. 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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Saaremaa and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Amsterdam. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saaremaa this time of the year. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is cooler than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Saaremaa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

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

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Amsterdam. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Saaremaa