AmsterdamvsEdinburgh
Can't decide between Amsterdam and Edinburgh? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam charms visitors with its picturesque canals, world-class museums, cycling culture, and liberal spirit. This compact city offers historic gabled houses, vibrant neighborhoods, and a rich artistic heritage from Van Gogh to Rembrandt.
Known for
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a dramatic city of medieval spires, volcanic crags, and literary legend. Scotland's capital enchants with its castle-topped skyline, cobblestone Royal Mile, world-famous festivals, and whisky heritage.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Amsterdam offers Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum
Edinburgh offers Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat
Food & Dining
Amsterdam is famous for its local dining scene
Edinburgh is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Amsterdam has legendary nightlife
Edinburgh offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
April to May (tulip season), June to August
May to September, August (Festival)
Weather
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 5°C
Summer: 19°C, Winter: 5°C
Top Attractions in Amsterdam
- 1Anne Frank House
- 2Rijksmuseum
- 3Van Gogh Museum
- 4Canal Ring
- 5Vondelpark
- 6Jordaan District
Top Attractions in Edinburgh
- 1Edinburgh Castle
- 2Royal Mile
- 3Arthur's Seat
- 4Holyrood Palace
- 5Scottish National Museum
- 6Calton Hill
Amsterdam is Popular With
Edinburgh is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Amsterdam
- 1
Begijnhof
A hidden medieval courtyard of 14th-century houses, once home to a lay Catholic sisterhood.
- 2
Hortus Botanicus
One of the world's oldest botanical gardens, founded in 1638 to grow medicinal herbs for the plague.
Hidden Gems in Edinburgh
- 1
The Vennel Steps & Viewpoint
A steep staircase off the Grassmarket leading up to Heriot Place, offering one of the most photographed (and free) framed views of Edinburgh Castle.
- 2
Dr. Neil's Garden
A secret, tranquil garden created by two doctors on the shores of Duddingston Loch, next to the historic Duddingston Kirk.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Amsterdam
Jordaan
Once a working-class neighborhood, the Jordaan is now Amsterdam's most charming quarter.
De Pijp
Amsterdam's multicultural heart, centered on the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
Top Areas in Edinburgh
Old Town
The historic heart of Edinburgh, defined by the spine of the Royal Mile running from the Castle to Holyrood.
New Town
A masterpiece of Georgian town planning, offering a stark contrast to the Old Town with its elegant, symmetrical streets, grand squares, and neoclassical facades.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Amsterdam
Budget in Edinburgh
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Amsterdam
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Edinburgh
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Amsterdam
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Amsterdam
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Find cheap transport to Edinburgh
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Edinburgh
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Our Verdict
Both Amsterdam and Edinburgh are incredible destinations. Amsterdam excels in canals and museums, while Edinburgh stands out for castle and whisky.
Best destination for:
nightlife
Amsterdam
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