A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toledo vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Toledo or Amsterdam?

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

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

Toledo

Toledo is a fascinating, beautiful, and ancient city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back 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.

Toledo and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Rijksmuseum
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Toledo or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Toledo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Toledo attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Toledo is famous for its medieval buildings, ancient landmarks, and fascinating history. Amsterdam is famous for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum.

How is Toledo different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toledo
Amsterdam

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Toledo or Amsterdam.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Toledo can be an interesting and educational experience. This medieval city is filled with ancient landmarks including the iconic Catedral de Toledo. In the old town you'll find many many historic buildings and a fascinating Jewish Quarter. Other notable sights include the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, the Alcázar de Toledo, and the Museo de Santa Cruz.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.


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

Toledo
Amsterdam

Toledo 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 Toledo. The city offers a great cuisine at a reasonable price. The dishes are influenced by the city's diverse past. You'll find many meat dishes due to the area's long running tradition of hunting. There are also classic dishes like carcamusas, which is pork covered in a tomato sauce. Dishes in general tend to be heavy and saucy with filling and delicious flavors.

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 Toledo or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Toledo 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.

Toledo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most tourists visit the town as a day trip, so things can quiet down somewhat at night. There is a large student population that frequents the bars around town and help keep things lively.

Is Toledo or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Toledo 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.

Toledo is not a live music destination.


Is Toledo or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Toledo is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Toledo offers plenty to see. Perched on a hill and spilling out around the cathedral, this Spanish old town is filled with historic landmarks.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Toledo or Amsterdam?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Toledo offers some nice shopping areas. Calle Comercio is the main shopping street in town and there are two major shopping malls in the new part of town.

Is Toledo or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Toledo 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 Toledo. The ancient streets are fun to explore. There are city gates, ancient Arab walls, and older kids will be fascinated by a visit to the Toledo Torture Museum. The city is known for its swords, and there are shops that you can visit to learn about this craft.

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 Toledo or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a very popular place for romance. Also, Toledo 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.

Toledo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an ancient city that is filled with fascinating history and impressive historic sights. Couples will enjoy wandering the medieval streets and visiting the ancient gates.

Is Toledo or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toledo
Amsterdam

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

Toledo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many travelers visit Toledo as a day trip from Madrid, but for backpackers who want to spend more time, there are a handful of hostels in town.

Is Toledo or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Toledo is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Toledo is a great city to visit as a student. The city is popular with students, and you'll find many activities and a lively atmosphere both during the day and at night.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.


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

Toledo
Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toledo 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.

You'll find some public transit in Toledo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a good bus system through town.

Is Toledo or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Toledo
Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Toledo 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.

Toledo is a very walkable city. It's a compact and easily walkable city, particularly within the old town. The bus and train stations are also about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Toledo?

How long in Toledo or Amsterdam?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Amsterdam than Toledo. 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 Toledo 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.


  • How many days in Toledo or Amsterdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toledo 1-2 
    Amsterdam 2-7

One day in Toledo or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Toledo. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toledo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Toledo or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval destination of Toledo. 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.

Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toledo or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Toledo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toledo or Amsterdam?

Toledo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Toledo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Toledo is €123, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €175. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Toledo and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toledo 66
    Amsterdam 102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toledo 132
    Amsterdam 204
Compare Hotels in Toledo and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Toledo or Amsterdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Toledo


Hotels in Amsterdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Toledo Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toledo 20
    Amsterdam 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toledo

Also for Toledo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Puy du Fou Round-Trip Transfer: $23
  • Hot Air Balloon over Toledo with optional transfers from Madrid : $234
  • Madrid: Private Airport Transfer to Toledo: $179
  • Madrid: Puy du Fou Round-Trip Transfer & Optional Ticket: $36
  • Private Transfer from Toledo or Avila to MAD Airport by MiniVan: $176
  • Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid: $261

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
  • Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $133
  • Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Brussels: $291
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $309
  • Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $144
  • Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
  • Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $57
  • Private Utrecht Transfer from Amsterdam: $153
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS): $75
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $37
  • Private Transfer in Amsterdam : $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Toledo or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Toledo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Toledo 39
    Amsterdam 43
Typical Food Prices in Toledo

For Toledo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    11

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise through Amsterdam: $31
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toledo 30
    Amsterdam 37

Tours and Activities in Toledo

For Toledo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Toledo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.26
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.33
  • Hospital de Tavera Entrance Ticket: $5.33
  • City of the Three Cultures Guided Walking Tour: $5.33
  • Auidio Tour - Toledo - Monuments of the 3 cultures: $6.38
  • Toledo Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.52
  • Tour of the Inquisition and Witchcraft in Toledo: $8.52
  • Underground Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $8.52
  • English Tour - Toledo Complete + Visit Casa Palacio: $8.52
  • The Enchanted City: A Mysterious Tour of Toledo: $8.52
  • Toledo City Walking Tour: $8.69

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $53
  • Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $109
  • 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $14
  • 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $42
  • 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
  • 2 Hours Canal Cruise to Amsterdam’s Hidden Gems: $84
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $218
  • 2.5-Hour Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour by Bike: $192
  • 3 Hour Self-guided Cocktail Walking Tour in Amsterdam by WOGO: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toledo 19
    Amsterdam 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Toledo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toledo:

  • From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments: $58

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
  • Kings Night Ultimate Party Pub Crawl: $37
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting - Evening Cruise: $43


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toledo and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Toledo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toledo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toledo 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 Toledo.

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


Which is Bigger, Toledo or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Toledo. When comparing the sizes of Toledo 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.