If you’re trying to decide which city to visit in Europe, you may be wondering which one is better: Amsterdam or Paris? Both cities have a lot to offer tourists, but they are very different. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast Amsterdam and Paris so that you can make an informed decision about which city is right for you!
Amsterdam vs. Paris
Paris and Amsterdam are two of the most popular cities in Europe. Both attract millions of tourists every year and both have a lot to offer.
However, there are some differences between the two cities that make one more appealing than the other, depending on what you hope to get out of your trip:
Paris and Amsterdam Are Both Expensive Cities
It’s common knowledge that Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world. But what about Amsterdam? Is it less expensive than Paris? And how does it compare to other European capitals?
The answer to this question is yes and no. On average, prices in Amsterdam are lower than in Paris and other European capitals. However, there are some things that are more expensive in Amsterdam than in other European cities and vice versa.
Paris Has More Museums
According to Wikipedia, Paris has about 130 museums, which is more than any other city in the world. Amsterdam has about 60 museums, which is still a pretty impressive number!
The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most famous museums in the world, along with New York City and London in the United Kingdom. So it’s no wonder that it attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The museum is huge and you could easily spend weeks trying to work out your itinerary so If you plan a visit to the Louvre, I’d suggest you opt for the guided tour, it will make your experience much more enjoyable.
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is also very popular, but it doesn’t attract as many visitors as you might expect because it only houses paintings by one artist – Vincent Van Gogh.
Amsterdam Is Easier to Explore
Amsterdam is a city of canals, bicycles and coffee. It’s not as big as Paris, and that’s what makes it easy to get around. The people are friendlier, too.
Amsterdam is a city where it’s easy to get around. The public transportation system, called GVB, is one of the best I’ve used in Europe. It’s clean, runs regularly, and is relatively cheap.
The GVB (municipal transport company for Amsterdam) ticketing system is easy to use. The trains are efficient and easy to understand; there are signs above each track with the names of each station in Dutch and English, so you can easily see where you’re going without asking anyone for help.
There are bike lanes on almost every street in Amsterdam – even the main roads! You can rent bikes at many places in the city.
Things to Do in Amsterdam and Paris
In Paris, you can’t miss the Eiffel Tower. It’s one of the most famous buildings in the world and is located in the center of Paris. The view from its top is a must-see and will stay in your memory for a lifetime.
Another way to enjoy the city is to take a Seine River cruise or a day trip bus ticket to stop at any bus stop at the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, or at any bus station you want!
In Amsterdam, you shouldn’t miss to visit the main attraction of the city: Canal Ring! This unique water ring around the city offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a walking tour along the historic canal district with its beautiful 17th century houses. You’ll also find many cafes, stores, restaurants and historic buildings!
Amsterdam vs. Paris for Foodies
Paris and Amsterdam are two of the most popular cities in Europe, but they’ve very different atmospheres. Paris is more romantic and elegant, while Amsterdam is more fun and relaxed.
If you’re a foodie in either city, there are a few things to keep in mind:
The Food Scene
Both cities have a great gastronomy scene. In Paris, classic French cuisine is still alive and well, but there are also plenty of alternative cuisines from around the world. In Amsterdam, you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls and pop-up restaurants in unexpected places.
The Dining Experience
In Paris, many restaurants have formal service and dress codes (and even reservations). There are also many Michelin-starred restaurants with impressive wine lists. Amsterdam is less formal – but don’t worry if you don’t know wine or don’t have time for a three-hour meal! There are plenty of casual places where you can enjoy good food without breaking the bank or feeling out of place in jeans (or shorts!).
Accommodations in Both Cities
Amsterdam has a great selection of hostels, hotels, Airbnb, and B&Bs. You can also find hotel deals on Expedia.com or HotelsCombined.com if you want to save some money on your stay. There’s something for everyone when it comes to accommodations, no matter what your budget is!
Drinks
Both Amsterdam and Paris are known for their national drink. France is internationally famous for its wine and even those who don’t usually drink wine could easily be tempted to try French wine.
While it’s true that Amsterdam is known as a beer city, that shouldn’t lead you to believe that there aren’t many wine bars in Amsterdam worth visiting. There are plenty! And while there may not be as many great beer bars on every corner in Paris (although there are), the number of good wine bars – and cafes serving great coffee – is overwhelming when you consider them all together.
Is There Better Nightlife in Paris Than in Amsterdam?
Paris and Amsterdam are two romantic cities in Europe. Both are beautiful, historic and very popular destinations.
But when it comes to nightlife, there are some big differences between the two cities.
Paris has an opera, famous theaters and large concert venues where you can experience world-class music, from rock to jazz to classical.
Amsterdam also has a great nightlife, and is known for its coffee shops and parties. In some cafes you can legally buy marijuana or get high at any time of the day or night at a party.
Weather
Paris and Amsterdam are very similar when it comes to weather. Both cities are hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and there’s little rain throughout the year, but there are some important differences.
Winter temperatures in Paris tend to be slightly warmer than in Amsterdam, but both cities have cold winters and hot summers. However, Amsterdam is colder in winter and more likely to have snow, while Paris has more frequent rain. But with climate change, all bets are off!
Safety
The crime rate is much higher in Paris than in Amsterdam. The most common crime in both cities is theft (especially pickpocketing). However, there are also many more muggings, robberies and pickpockets in Paris than in Amsterdam. Most of the crime happens in the summer months when more tourists visit France and more locals move away from Paris. When I lived in Paris, my cell phone was stolen. The next day I saw that it was for sale on some French shopping sites. I called the police, but they did nothing. Make sure you’ve insurance if you carry expensive valuables in Paris. In Amsterdam, I also felt much safer walking around the city at night. But like anywhere, it’s always best to be careful no matter where you go!
Both Cities Are Great for Different Reasons
As you can see, there are a lot of differences between the two cities. On the other hand, there are also some similarities.
For example, both cities are great for foodies and shopping enthusiasts (although Paris is better in this regard). Both cities also have extensive public art programs, and there’s always a tempting tourist attraction.
You can walk for hours in both of these cities without getting bored! Both cities have beautiful architecture and incredible shopping districts where you can spend all day browsing through the stores and boutiques.
There’s no doubt that both cities have a lot to offer, but it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a laid-back city with lots of culture, Amsterdam is the place for you. There are plenty of museums and art galleries here, as well as a great nightlife that will keep even the most demanding tourists happy! But if you want more hustle and bustle and more options, Paris is the right choice. And if you have enough of Paris, you can always spend a day trip or more at Disneyland Paris!
How to Travel Between Amsterdam and Paris
You can get a cheap flight between the two cities but it isn’t the fastest route and you’ll have to leave the cities to reach Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport.
Thalys trains are a better option. There are several trains that run daily between Amsterdam and Paris, they’re very comfortable and take approximately 4 hours.
The Thalys train is a high-speed train that runs between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. It’s the fastest way to travel between these cities and one of the most comfortable ways to travel in Europe. The great advantage of Thalys is that Paris Nord and Amsterdam Central are located in the city center, avoiding long journeys from the train station to the city.
You Can Buy Your Amsterdam Paris Train Ticket Online
Thalys trains have standard 2nd class seating with 4 seats per row in an open car. Each seat has a table for laptops or newspapers and there are power outlets at each seat.
The 1st class cars have more comfortable seats, newspapers, food at your seat, faster Wi-Fi+ access with more data, storage space for your luggage, etc.
If You’re on a Tight Budget, You Can Also Take the Bus
Bus companies like Eurolines offer connections between Amsterdam and Paris. These buses take longer than trains but are cheaper and offer more flexibility by allowing stops in other cities along the way. You can book tickets online and should reserve them well in advance because seats fill up quickly, especially in high season when many Europeans go on vacation.