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WhereToGoForMyHoliday.com

The best destination comparison site!

Vienna or Amsterdam, which is better for your holiday in 2024?

Amsterdam and Vienna both offer unique and enticing experiences, but which one should you choose for your city break or holiday?

We recognise the difficulty in making this decision. While there is abundant information available on both destinations, clear guidance on which city better aligns with your travel preferences is often hard to find.
This article aims to provide an impartial comparison of Amsterdam and Vienna, and hopefully help you to choose the best city to visit.

The article is structured into several sections, each of which can be directly accessed through the following links:
• Introduction to the cities
• Scores and ratings
• Which one should I, friends, or family visit?
• When to visit and weather
• Who is the city suited for?
• The perfect 48hours (with map)
• Tourism details (where to stay? airport details?)

Introduction to Amsterdam and Vienna

Amsterdam, known as Europe's most liberal city, is an exceptional destination full of charm and unique character. While it continues to attract visitors drawn to its quirky and unconventional side, such as the famous coffee shops selling everything but coffee, and the infamous red-lit streets, the city is striving to transcend these stereotypes.

Today, Amsterdam is reinventing itself as a hub of culture and style, boasting world-class museums, a vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming attitude that distinguishes it from other cities. Far from a one-dimensional destination, Amsterdam offers an enriching experience that marries its lively past with an exciting and sophisticated future.

The erstwhile epicentre of the great Habsburg empire, Vienna, is just as grand and glorious as you might expect. The Hofburg palace spreads is vast Baroque wings in the heart of the town, framing manicured gardens topped with equestrian statues. There's the Belvedere, a patchwork of orangeries and old court rooms. There are opera houses and theatre rooms and the elegant façades of the Schönbrunn. It's enough to keep the camera a-clicking for several days.

But Vienna isn't only about 18th-centry grandeur. This is a lived-in European capital. It's got gritty nightlife districts that offer up beating boat bars on the Danube. It's got handsome parks packed with pine forests and duck ponds. There are vibrant markets with food from all around the globe. And you've got one of the world's most active café cultures, with coffee shops where the likes of Freud and Trotsky were once regulars.

Saint Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna

The classic skyline view of Vienna from Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, with its uniquely tiled roof

Singel canal Amsterdam

Singel canal in Amsterdam with typical Dutch houses and houseboats.

High-level summary Amsterdam and Vienna

Summary
Where would I journey for a personal escape?
Vienna
Where would I send my parents for a memorable visit?
Vienna
Where's the ideal destination for my adventurous 19-year-old cousin?
Amsterdam
Where should my food-obsessed friend indulge their culinary passions?
Amsterdam
Note: The above comparisons are weather-independent and are based on travel during the most opportune times of the year. Details about the ideal travel seasons are elaborated upon later in this article.

In the sections that follow, you'll find a comprehensive comparison between these two fascinating cities. This includes recommendations on the duration of stay, the best times to visit, and tailored 48-hour itineraries for each city.
The final segment delves into practicalities for your travels, such as the best airport to fly into, the optimal districts for your accommodation, and insider tips, for when you come to explore the city.

We hope that you find all of this information useful, in planning your next exciting trip!

Destination details

How long to spend each city?

Vienna is big and brimmingwith sights. History buffs and culture vultures will want at least three or four days to check off the bucket-list attractions. That's because the mainstay palaces and the most immersive museums each deserve at least half a day to themselves. You'll also need some time to wander the Old Town area and hop the famous Viennese cafés.

If you're eager to explore all of the facets of Vienna, then you'll certainly need much longer than just your average city break. Whole weeks can be spent enjoying the buzzy squares and the statue-filled parklands. What's more, there are day trips aplenty in the region, ranging from the pine forests of the Wienerwald to the rising foothills of the Salzburger Alps.

A three-day stay is perfect to truly capture the essence of Amsterdam, allowing for a brief day trip beyond the city limits. Any shorter visit might feel hurried, particularly for first-time visitors.

If time allows, the surrounding area boasts a wealth of worthwhile destinations. Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden, is a popular destination in spring. Additionally, the Zaanse Schans Windmills and the enchanting 'Kasteel De Haar' castle are nearby
Additionally, many visitors opt to explore the planned cities of Almere or Lelystad, constructed on reclaimed land and just a 20-minute train journey from the central station These modern cities take pride in showcasing cutting-edge architectural design.

Schönbrunn Palace Vienna

The Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna one of the grandest palaces of central Europe

Amsterdam bikes

The Dutch love to cycle…..

Spring is the ideal time to visit Amsterdam, just before the rush of the summertime tourist season. During this period, you have the opportunity to partake in the festive King's Day celebration in April or marvel at the endless sea of tulips at Keukenhof.

August is Amsterdam's warmest month, with average temperatures hovering around 22 degrees Celsius (71°F) — a mild warmth by many standards! Winter can bring temperatures down to just above freezing, making for a chilly experience. The weather in Amsterdam is notoriously unpredictable throughout the year, so it's wise to come prepared for all conditions. Whether it's wind or rain, don't be surprised if at least one day of your visit is met with inclement weather.

Vienna in the summer can't be beaten. When the sun shines, the city's parks and bars come alive. The best weather is usually between June and August, but beware that things can get hot and humid, with temperatures cranking up over 30 Celsius. The good news is that there are some strands and swimming spots along the Danube for cooling off. If you prefer things a little milder, May and September are usually also dry and warm.

On the flip side, Vienna in winter is a real wonderland. The Austrian capital hosts some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe. You'll find those brewing up hot chocolates and mulled wine on Rathausplatz and in the grounds of the Schloss Schönbrunn. They get into full swing in December, when it's common to get dustings of snow and sub-zero temperatures – boots and woollies will be required.

Packing in handsome palaces, Austrian beer houses, Alpine forests, cool cafés, art-filled galleries, and a buzzy nightlife, Vienna satisfies all sorts of travelers. You can easily fill whole trips in the museums alone. Days can be whiled away flitting between coffee shops. Nights can be spent in opera shows or glugging frothy beers in hipster bars.

Don't go thinking that Vienna is the great Austrian outdoors. This might be the country of the Alps, but the mountains are still at least an hour's train ride to the west. What's more, there's not a beach in sight. The best that landlocked Central Europe can offer in the way of sand and water is a few artificial swimming areas along the River Danube.

There’s something for everyone in Amsterdam.
While it has historically attracted hipsters, it also has a lot to offer to those looking for a peaceful and relaxed place to getaway. It’s easy to follow one of the canals out from Rembrandtplein in the centre to a quieter neighbourhood such as Jordaan or Prinsengracht either on foot or by bike, or even better, floating along by canal boat.

Believe it or not, Amsterdam is also an incredibly family-friendly city. The relaxed approach to parenting permeates its museums, sights and events and the city is home to hundreds of playgrounds and child-friendly cafes.

Amsterdam canals

Amsterdam’s iconic canals, weaving through the city, create a picturesque and tranquil urban landscape

Belvedere, Vienna

The cascade fountain at the Belvedere, Vienna

48hours in Vienna
So, you only have two days in the Austrian capital? Get ready for an itinerary that's packed to bursting with all sorts. From Neo-Classical Habsburg mansions to strolls on the Danube canals to mornings in buzzy market areas, there's something for a whole host of traveler types in these parts.

Day 1: Morning on the Heldenplatz. This manicured urban garden is one of the most iconic squares in Vienna. The huge equestrian statue of Archduke Charles of Austria is what will probably catch the eye but remember that the plaza was also the place where Hitler announced the annexation of Austria in 1938. Nearby, the Hofburg stands proud.

On a quick, two-day itinerary, it's probably best not to delve inside. The exhibits can easily take hours on end, though it's a must if you're a lover of 18th-century European history. Take your photos of the mighty Neo-Classical exterior and then move straight to the streets to the west. They herald the Innere Stadt (the Old Town) of Vienna. Cobbled lanes and little archways form a maze here that's lovely to get lost in. A lunch stop (read: strudel stop) at Café Central is a doozy. Gold-leafed ceilings and elegant royal portraits gild the interior, though the main draw is sitting where Freud and Trotsky once sat sipping their coffees.

Later on, head north around the ring roads to the Sigmund Freud Museum. It's a fine introduction to the life and works of the founder of psychoanalysis, with the original doctor's couch that his patients would sit on. Beeline straight to Prater when the evening closes in. You can get there on the underground, emerging into Vienna's famous inner-city theme part with its twirling Ferris wheel and fairground attractions.

Prater amusement park Vienna

The Prater amusement park with its traditional rides and the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel

Day 2: The early hours on the Naschmarkt offer some of the best people watching in the city. Fruit sellers call out prices while locals chow down on pretzels and white beer in the stalls. This vibrant bazaar is also the perfect place to grab any Viennese souvenirs and foodstuffs. A ubiquitous fix of palaces comes next. We'd recommend choosing one of the big two – the Belvedere Palace or the Schönbrunn. Both are stunning but the former is the easiest to get to. Both will also likely take a couple of hours, especially if you want to explore the sprawling grounds as well as the interior court rooms of the old Habsburg elite.

That will still leave some time in the afternoon to breeze over to the Danube Canal. Abuzz with boat bars and hole-in-the-wall eateries, it can help balance out the culture with a little hedonism. The district of Leopoldstadt is right behind, replete with hipster coffee joints and cocktail emporiums. An alternative way to cap off your weekend could be a jaunt to the hills of the Vienna Woods (the Wienerwald). They offer lookouts – and gorgeous sunsets – above the capital just behind the area of Hütteldorf.

Hundertwasser House Vienna

Vienna is not just historic relic, there are modern curiosities such as the Hundertwasser House, designed by an artist who wished no straight lines in his building......

48hours in Amsterdam

Day 1: Start in the Museum Quarter, home to some of Amsterdam’s world-class museums. Here, you'll find the Rijksmuseum, housing Rembrandt’s famous 'The Night Watch,' as well as the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of works from artists such as Picasso and Warhol.

In the afternoon, explore the charming artisan neighborhood of Jordaan, known for its houseboats along the quays and crooked historical buildings. For nightlife, the lively areas of Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein are perfect destinations.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Spring at Dam Square with the Royal Palace in the background.

Day 2: Begin with a visit to Dam Square and the Royal Palace, then venture into the red-light district. A trip to the Anne Frank House offers a poignant experience; booking online ahead of time is highly recommended..

For a more relaxed evening, capture a beautiful photo from the Magere Brug. After dark, this bridge, adorned with over a thousand lights, provides a vantage point from which you can see 15 bridges simultaneously.

Boat cruise Amsterdam

Boat cruise along a canal in Amsterdam

On arrival in Amsterdam Schiphol airport, the quickest way to get into town by public transport is the train which costs €5.40 and takes 20 minutes. The bus costs €5 and takes about 35 minutes.

Amsterdam is an expensive city. Walking and cycling are the best ways to get around. By boat you can see all the big sights too and there are many options for hop-on-hop-off. There is also an impressive public transport system of trams, buses, metros, trains and ferries to help you get around.

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

All cities have their perils but with regards to Amsterdam, probably the main ones to consider are bike safety and caution in the "coffee shops". As well as the usual bike safety rules you’d expect at home, keep an eye out for nippy scooters on the bike lanes and avoid rush hour if possible. In terms of the coffeeshop visits – don’t underestimate the effects of the products, as the varieties sold here are more potent than elsewhere.

Amsterdam is typically an extremely safe city for solo female travellers but it’s not advised to visit the Red Light District at night as the area does have a seedier vibe.

Vienna is among the safest and most liveable cities in the world – at least if the stats are to be believed. Of course, you'll need to have your wits about you as if you were traveling anywhere. Pickpocketing, fake tour guides, and taxi scams do occur, though they aren't common as in other European capitals.

Getting around should be a cinch in the Austrian capital. The U-Bahn is ridiculously efficient. It links with above-ground rail lines and trams on a single-ticket network to make going from A to B a pleasure, not a chore.

Single trip fares sit at €2.40, while a 48-hour travel card costs €14.10. Don't be tempted to ride the subway without buying tickets. This is possible because the platforms aren't gated, but there are regular checks and hefty fines to match.

Gloriette Vienna

The Gloriette is situated on one of the highest points of Vienna and provides one of the best views of the city and the Schönbrunn Palace.

The best arrival point for those flying is Vienna International Airport. It's a well-equipped, modern port on the south-eastern side of the capital. Direct S-Bahn trains link the centre to the terminals, or you can hop on the premium Railjet from Vienna Hauptbahnhof. There's also a shuttle link provided by AirportLines Bus, costing €13 per person, return.

Picking hotels in Vienna can sometimes be a tricky business. First-time visitors can't go wrong if they aim to stay in the Old Town (the Innere Stadt), but rooms there can be pricy and sell out fast. Good alternatives include the hip and happening district of Leopoldstadt (great for dining with a youthful vibe) and any of the blocks that come off Naschmarkt.

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