A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands The Hague vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Music, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit The Hague 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 The Hague and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a bustling, diverse, and global 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 food, shopping, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a historic, canal-lined, and party-oriented 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.

The Hague and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hague or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than The Hague. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while The Hague attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is The Hague different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

The Hague 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 The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

The people in The Hague know how to have a good time. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is The Hague or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for live music. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

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.

The Hague has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Is The Hague or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Amsterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both The Hague and Amsterdam.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 The Hague or Amsterdam Better for Families?

The Hague 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 The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is The Hague or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

The Hague is a great destination for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

The Hague has some very good public transit options. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is The Hague or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Amsterdam?

Both The Hague 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 The Hague. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for The Hague, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Amsterdam?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hague has to offer. 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 The Hague or Amsterdam?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. 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 The Hague or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the global city of The Hague. 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.

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 The Hague or Amsterdam?

The Hague 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 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, and The Best Adventure Tours to Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between The Hague and Amsterdam, we can see that The Hague 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, The Hague or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of The Hague. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and The Hague during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, The Hague is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in The Hague in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in The Hague. In the summer, The Hague often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit The Hague or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Amsterdam. Many travelers come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, 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.

In October, The Hague is generally around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 11°C (51°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The Hague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during autumn. The Hague gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit The Hague or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Amsterdam. Many visitors come to The Hague in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. The Hague can get quite cold in the winter. The Hague is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, The Hague often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Amsterdam. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to The Hague for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, The Hague is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in The Hague in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

The Hague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during spring. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and The Hague