The best destination comparison site!


The best destination comparison site!

Amsterdam or Rome; a vs city comparison and travel guide

Both Amsterdam and Rome are fantastic cities, but which is better for your city-break or holiday?

This article will provide our unbiased opinions, and hopefully help you to choose the best city to visit.

1) Introductions -
2) City scores -
4) When to visit and weather -
5) Who is the city suited for? -
6) The perfect 48hours (with map) -

Introduction to Rome and Amsterdam

Modern Amsterdam is a great place to visit. Europe’s most liberal city is attempting to mature and rebrand itself as a cultural and stylish destination.

There will be always visitors who come for the quirky and liberal aspect of the city, from the coffee shops, which sell no coffee and the red lit streets, but there is so much more than Amsterdam’s stereotypes.
Found in the city are world class museums, social nightlife and welcoming attitude rarely experienced elsewhere.

High-level summary Amsterdam and Rome

Which city would I go to?
Rome (really tough decision)
Which one would I recommend to my parents?
Which location for my 19-year-old cousin?
Which for my food obsessed friend?


Destination details

How long to spend in the city?

Considering the sheer number of outstanding tourist attractions, Rome can be seen within two days. Three days allows for a more enjoyable visit to Rome, with time to absorb the culture. There can be long queues for the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum, so starting early in the day is essential for a two-day visit.

There are good day trips from Rome including the Roman ruins of Ostia Antica or the historic town Tivoli. Rome has excellent intercity trains, and it is possible to visit Florence or Naples, or even Pompeii (2 hours by train) as day trips.



Most visitors head to Rome in the hot, humid and crowded summer months of July and August. Early spring or autumn are a much better time of year, and provides a much more agreeable climate, without the throngs of tourists. To truly avoid the crowds, consider November to March, but there is always the slight chance of rain and it can be chilly. Even if it does rain, head indoors for a long lunch.



There’s something for everyone in Amsterdam.


Rome’s appeal is ageless and timeless. It is no matter if you are going there for the perfect Instagram post of the Colosseum or on a religious pilgrim to the Vatican, the city will not disappoint.

Sadly, the years of austerity and political mismanagement are starting to wear through Rome, with an unkept and unloved mentality decaying around the edges of the city.

Rome in 48 hours
Below is an interactive map for 48 hours in Rome; day 1 is highlighted in green and day 2 in yellow, with optional sights in grey.

Begin at the icon of Rome, the Colosseum, but also explore the Foro Romano with its many excellent Roman ruins. On the way to the historic centre of Rome passes the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, with its amazing viewpoint. For the afternoon explore the charismatic centre of Rome, taking in the Piazza Navona, the Fontana di Trevi and Piazza Colonna and the Pantheon. For the evening head to the Trastevere district on the western banks of the Tiber, for bars, late food and lively experience.

Start early on the second day to avoid the queues for the Sistine Chapel and Saint Paul’s Basilica. From the Vatican City, follow the River Tiber past the Castel Sant'Angelo, Mausoleo di Augusto to the Piazza del Popolo. For the afternoon explore the Villa Borghese park, before heading down the Via del Babuino, past the Spanish steps and into the Trevi district for a delicious meal. Before finishing in Rome part take in the tradition of passeggiata, an evening stroll wearing your finest clothes.

48hours in Amsterdam



Royal Palace Amsterdam

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




uk - fr de es