Either city would be lovely. I personally prefer Amsterdam. You can visit a number of museums (the Van Gogh is a favorite) and ride on a canal boat. People are much friendlier IMO in Amsterdam. It is easier to walk around this city center (or rent a bicycle). Everything is easy to get to. Trams are easy to ride.

What's the rest of your trip look like? Which city would better fit into your overall itinerary? Of course there is plenty to see and do in either place to fill 3 days. It seems like you're more interested in Barcelona from your post.

If you are at ALL interested in one of the greatest art museums in the western world then the Rijksmuseum even in its under-renovation scaled down state would be a must for many. There is a lot more to the city than Anne Frank and the red light district.

However, since you seem to know more about Barcelona which is, I agree, a wonderful place with lots to see and do, why waste a lot of your own and everybody else's time? Simply go there and forget Amsterdam this time around..you're already convinced, right?

both lovely
prefer Barcelona

I also like Both Amsterdam and Barcelona a lot.

For July, it might be better to go to Amsterdam, as the weather should be very good. I was last there in a very chilly May.

The Museumplein holds three very good museums, Van Gogh, Stedelijk (modern art), and the Rijksmuseum (all the Dutch Masters - not the cigar).

It's just a lovely town to visit. Dam Square, canal tours, open air cafes, and so on.

We stayed at the Owl Hotel, www.owl-hotel.nl/ , which turned out to be a very good hotel. It's less than 5 minutes to the Leidesplein and less than 10 to the Museumplein.

A lot of trolley cars to get around are in the area, although Amsterdam is a walking and bicycle city.

Dutch people are very friendly, and the great linguists of Europe and it seems that everyone speaks English better than I do.

The only downside is that Dutch 'cafes' are now illegal for tourists.

Amsterdam is very old and charming; Barcelona will feel very much newer and more cosmopolitan. Both are world-class cities and favorites of travelers. You can see a lot in three days in both places. You'll be happy with either decision.

i too would pick Amsterdam as it is more compact and easy to get round on foot/bicycle as you only have three days. It is very charming, the people are friendly and some very pretty canal side cafes etc etc, I think in July it would be nice. There is a great walk ("Amsterdam in world war two" that i thought very worthwhile). We also liked the little beer bars and found some nice cafes and restaurants as well a lovely market near the Anne Frank House. We were there for 3 nights, did not see the red light district and found it a great little spot. It is a very clean city and the canals are lit up all pretty at night.

Barcelona will be VERY hot in July and is far wider spread. It is nice but it as people say a more cosmopolitan place that takes a while to navigate compared to Amsterdam. You could probably do with more than 3 days in Barcelona as is bigger. It of course had a city beach but it will be packed out in summer.

Amsterdam wins for me - barcelona is lovely - but amsterdam is far more interesting - very old beautiful buildings - a coffee by the canal - beautiful people - far more to see and do - fight the urge for barcelona chose amsterdam - you wont regret it!

"There is far more to see and do in Amsterdam than Barcelona"
I would disagree.

Hi an,

Would you like chocolate or vanilla?

With only 3 days,Amsterdam.I like them both but love Amsterdam. Ira is right!