althom1122

My sister and I are considering a short getawy in late spring or early summer and are thinking about either Edinburgh or Amsterdam - with a couple of day trips. We're both pretty well traveled (been to Europe multiple times), but never been to either of those cities. We enjoy quaint villages, pretty countryside for short hikes, art and history. Which would you choose and why? And what day trips would you recommend? We'd be open to spending maybe 3-4 nights in one of the cities and 3 nights somewhere within a few hours (by car or train). Thanks,
Karen

eurogals

On my first trip ever overseas I flew into Amsterdam and spent a few days there to unwind from jet lag before continuing on my 6 week trip around the continent.


My daughter and I just loved it. It is easy to walk around and there is much to see and do here. Great museums (Van Gogh, Rikjsmuseum) Jewish resistance museum, diamond tour (interesting for some), cheese, good bread, biking, pannekoken to eat, boat on the canal. Also numerous tours offered in the area (Voldendam, Edam, Alkmaar, etc.

Easy tripping to Haarlem, Delft, the Hague, Brussels or Brugge.


You won't be disappointed. With a little research you will determine what you specifically like to do.

As far as Edinburgh, it is a destination that I have tried and tried to incorporate into my trips abroad. So far I a (McKenzie by birth) have yet to get to Scotland. That too would be a great trip.

Either wouldn't dissappoint.

nytraveler

Have been to both several times.

Amsterdam has more in the way of museums, Edinburgh more in the way of history. Both have a lot of options for day trips.

I would give the edge to Edinburgh - since we love Roman ruins and spent a a day at Hadrian's wall. But really, you would do very well in either.

hetismij

How late spring? Amsterdam has the tulips if yo aren't too late.

danon

I like both, but I would pick Amsterdam.
Amsterdam (with its canals) is so unique The train service is excellent - you cam make a number of day trips. If you wish to stay over night - go to Belgium and visit Bruges!

hanl

I'd pick Edinburgh, especially as you would be going at the best time of year for Scotland (lovely long evenings, countryside looking spectacular).

I have been to Amsterdam twice and loved it, but for me it just doesn't have the wow factor that Edinburgh has. I am biased, as I was born and raised in Edinburgh, but even now whenever I return there it takes my breath away.

There are also lots of great walks, pretty towns and villages within striking distance of Edinburgh, and certainly plenty of history. I think three nights in Edinburgh and another three exploring another area of Scotland (be it the Highlands or the Borders, for instance) would be perfect.

janisj

I'd pick Edinburgh for sure. I enjoy Amsterdam; I LOVE Edinburgh. But you really could do both w/o a huge rush.

If you booked an open jaw into Amsterdam and out of Edinburgh you could fly into A'dam for 2 days/nights. Then fly a budget airline to Edinburgh and spend 4+ days there before flying home.

2 days in Amsterdam and 4 in Edinburgh w/ a day trip to St Andrews is a nice division.

Or even better 2 nights in A'dam. Then fly to EDI, pick up a car (no jet lag due to the short flight) and drive into Fife. You could see St Andrews, all the lovely fishing villages and Falkland Palace/gardens. I'd stay the night in Crail or maybe Anstruther. The next afternoon drive to EDI, drop the car and take the airport bus into central Edinburgh for 3 nights.

If that seems too rushed - then just do Edinburgh 2-3 days and Fife and the Trossachs 3-4 days.

hetismij

That plan effectively gives only one day (jet lagged at that) in Amsterdam, and the city and it's surroundings really deserves more time than that Janis. Better to to do one or the other - a week is not enough for both imho.
A trip to Brugge could be combined with amsterdam, but there are plenty of nice villages, and countryside within a short car/trainride of Amsterdam, without going out of the Netherlands.

I suggest the OP goes to a library and looks at guide books for both cities (plus the rest of the countries involved) to see which appeals most.

janisj

hetismij: I agree - one would be better (Edinburgh )

I was just explaining how they could see both if their hearts are set on both. They could see the highlights of Amsterdam and spend the rest of the time in Scotland.

But you are right - one or the other is the best option. . . . .

hetismij

It gives them a reason to come back again and visit the other one too

althom1122

Thanks, everyone, for the great suggestions. Both places hold a lot of appeal and, yes, I suspect we'll find an excuse to come back to whichever one we don't pick! I'll let you know when we decide - and will ilkely have more questions at that time.

Judyrem

Have not been to Amsterdam(yet), but I have to say Edinburgh is my very fave mid size city...ever. Almost made me cry, I loved it so much! So very atmospheric..the best!