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

Should you visit Valencia or Amsterdam?

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

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

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Amsterdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Valencia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amsterdam is better known for its music and big city activities, while Valencia is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Amsterdam is more touristy than Valencia and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Valencia is well known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella).

How is Valencia different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Valencia and Amsterdam.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Valencia and Amsterdam.

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Valencia is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Valencia is not a live music destination.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Beaches?

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

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Valencia 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, Valencia offers plenty to see. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

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 Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Amsterdam?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Amsterdam and Valencia.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Valencia is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Amsterdam is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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 and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Valencia or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Amsterdam?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Valencia than Amsterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valencia that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Valencia 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 Valencia or Amsterdam?

People visit Valencia because there is so much to do. 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.

The beautiful city of Amsterdam offers live music and shopping. 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 Valencia or Amsterdam?

People visit Valencia because there is so much to do. 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 coastal city has to offer. This coastal city 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 Valencia or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the architectural coastal city of Valencia. 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.

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 Valencia or Amsterdam?

Valencia 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 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Valencia and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Valencia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valencia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valencia 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 Valencia.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Amsterdam?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia or Amsterdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Valencia or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Valencia is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia 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.

In the autumn, Valencia is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in October than Amsterdam. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and 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. In January, Valencia is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Amsterdam. Many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Valencia is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Valencia