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

Should you visit Warsaw or Amsterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Amsterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a under-rated, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Warsaw and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Amsterdam?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Warsaw. While Warsaw is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Warsaw attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Warsaw and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Warsaw is famous for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

How is Warsaw different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Warsaw or Amsterdam.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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.

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

Warsaw is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

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 Warsaw or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Warsaw offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

Is Warsaw or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Warsaw 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.

Warsaw is not a live music destination.

Is Warsaw or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Both Warsaw and Amsterdam have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great city for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

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 Warsaw or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a great city for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam is a great 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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Is Warsaw or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 backpackers visit Warsaw. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Is Warsaw or Amsterdam Better for Students?

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

Warsaw is a great city to visit as a student. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Is Warsaw 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. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

The public transit in Warsaw can get you around easily. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

Is Warsaw or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of 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.

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Amsterdam?

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Warsaw. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Warsaw. 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 Warsaw or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Warsaw. 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 Warsaw or Amsterdam?

Warsaw 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, 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 Warsaw and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw 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 Warsaw.

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Amsterdam?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Amsterdam. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Warsaw is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 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 Warsaw this time of the year. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

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

Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Warsaw or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Warsaw during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. It's quite cold in Warsaw in the winter. Warsaw is much colder than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Warsaw is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Warsaw