Amsterdam or Paris for 4 days in August?
 

We are going to Europe for four days. No particular reason. Would love some feedback on which would be a better choice.
THANKS!

Hi laura,

Since you are asking, I deduce that you have not been to either.

Therefore, the answer must be Paris.

Absolutely, Paris! I've never been there, but having just returned from Amsterdam, I'd say "skip it!" IMO:The canals and architecture are neat but other than that, it's just another big city.

A third vote for Paris.

Absolutely Paris.

Amsterdam wasn't inspiring at all, I don't particularly care for Paris, but it's preferable to Amsterdam!

Another vote for Paris.

Why these two?

Six for Paris.

Paris (yes I've been to both)! No contest.

I vote for Paris. Haven't been to Amsterdam yet but I think 4 days would be more than enough (for me personally).

I have been to both. I used the Fodor's guide to Amsterdam and found I could 'do' the City in about a day/day and a half. If you include some hanging around, train trip to countryside (Aalsmeer/Volendam) you could use up the four days. It is a picturesque and interesting place, with some good indonesian restaurants.

But....if I had to choose, I would definitely choose Paris. Four days only gets you started to see and 'feel' Paris.
Beautiful streets and buildings, cafés, patisseries, enormous choice of restaurants, great neighbourhoods, history, art,etc...
Mike

I have been to both and would say that 4 days would be the perfect trip to Amsterdam and 4 weeks would be better for Paris. Also, despite 4 inches of snow on the ground on my last visit to Amsterdam, I would think the weather would be much more pleasant than Paris in august.Amsterdam has at least 3 great museums, varied and interesting cuisine and is the best airport and train convenience of any city of its size. For only 4 days I would go to Amsterdam and save Paris for more time and not August.

Um, I've lived in Paris -- and if you've found a cheap flight, I would make it A'dam.

You will get the best Dutch weather of the year & be able to stroll the canal-lined streets, just having a 'fluitje' (very small beer) at every cafe terrace you come across . . . and when you tire of A'dam city center, its architecture/museums/culture, you can hit the beach: the scene at Zandfoort is a lot of fun during the height of summer (or daytrip it to Delft, Leiden, Utrecht, etc. etc.) Rent a bike! Cycle out and pack a picnic lunch by some windmills!

Paris becomes even more of a museum during August, as all Parisians not involved in the service trade escape to the countryside. Seriously. The only time I've got surly service has been during high August -- the wait staff are all bitter and twisted they're not lazing by the water with the rest of their family (indeed, the entire country). It can be stiflingly hot, and simply heaving with tourists.

Do A'dam. Paris will still be there for your next trip!

If they're the only choices than Paris.If your open to suggestion than It would be London.

THANKS! Actually it could be London too. We have a good fare and need some frequent flyer miles! I have heard Paris is not so great in August but that is when we have to go.
I have been to Paris twice, London once, and Amsterdam never (except for a connecting flight).
I really appreciate the feedback!

Hmmm... hearing that (you've been already to Paris twice) and with only 4 days to spend, I'm changing my vote to Amsterdam!! Visit the Leidseplein district, Vondelpark, museums if you like, canal boat tour, etc. Lovely and probably cooler in August.

Try Amsterdam then (or wherever you can get a direct flight), unless you've a compelling reason for Paris (of course, it's always compelling, but you've been twice, so it'd be nice to see somewhere else for a change, no?).

Also, if you plan the trip well, you can always squeeze in a day in Paris (the train takes about 4 hours from Amsterdam, probably, so it's not that unreasonable).

I just came back from a week in London-Paris-Amsterdam yesterday. I ranked the cities in this order: London-Amsterdam-Paris. It rained every day when I was in Paris which made it harder to navigate the city.

If you've never been to Amsterdam then I think that's where you should go. I dont know your travelling pace, but I think you can check out the touristy spots (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank Haus, Heineken Brewery, Rembrandthaus) in two days, and squeeze in some time also to check out their open markets. And take a day trip to Den Haag or Delft.

I wish I were going with you. Happy travels! :)

A'dam in August for the aforementioned reasons - pleasant weather, French vacation exodus.
Obviously, Paris is in a league of its own (almost, there's this Spanish city called Barcelona) but August is probably the least desirable summer month to visit.

We are going to AMsterdam. The decision was made for us because the reservation for the other places cancelled last night at midnight and this one stayed. So we are going on a Fri, get in at noon on a Sat. Come home Wed afternoon. So quick trip.
Any ideas?
THANKS!

Yay! So exciting. I will put out the good vibes for you that no rain shall fall on your long weekend!

This is a helpfu site:

http://www.amsterdamhotspots.com/

use the left nav to check their listings. The reviews are brutally honest & will give you a good feeling for places/neighborhoods.

I notice they have banner ads for bookings.nl, which I've used for hotels (if you still need one). Another NL-based, useful site.

Finally don't miss the cool content on

http://www.timeout.com/amsterdam/

again, they're right on the money.
Gezelligheid, hoor!
Have fun planning
: )

Since you are staying in Amsterdam for four days, I would recommend the Amsterdam Pass while you are there. It is good for admission to most museums (except Anne Frank House) as well as transportation on the trams and buses. When we were there last year the pass was Euro 36.00 for two days and we utilized it for the following museums: Amstelkring - Oude Kerk - Amsterdams Historisch Museum - Houseboat Museum - Theatermuseum - Resistance Museum - Rijksmuseum - Van Gogh Museum - Rembrandthouse - and two canal cruises (one by day, one by night). I recommend all of the above museums, except we found the Theatermuseum pretty boring even for us, and we're theatre people.

Then there is just walking...and walking....and walking...along the three canals, through the Jordaan, along the Kalverstraat, through the Waterlooplein Flea Market, down the Damrak, through the Red Light District...so many places and so many interesting sights to see.

If you have the time, maybe take a day trip by rail to Delft or Haarlem or Utrecht. There is so much to see in Amsterdam, you can easily fill up four days without having to leave the center of town.

Have a great time in Amsterdam. I think you made the right decision. Peace.

Robyn

My family is going to both in August. Amsterdam is a great city, although some folks seem to really hate it. The areas around the outer of the big 4 canals are beautiful. Very easy for english speakers to visit. I have heard about Paris in August and have done lots of research into it. Most of what I have seen indicates that the city no longer completely clears out in August, although it is supposedly noticeably less crowded. The Unofficial Guide to Paris actually says that August is a good time to visit. Hotel prices are reduced. Average August temps. are not bad at all, although I imagine a heat spell is no fun in a city with spotty air conditioning. I guess we shall see.

Do get the Amsterdam Pass. I believe it's now $40 for two days, and you should consider a three day pass, if you're there for four days. It includes transportation [trams], a couple ferry rides, and many museums. I hope you're staying in a good area. The only time I heard negative feedback from people I know, was because of the areas they stayed in. In my opinion, the area around the Leidesplein would be best. It's convenient to frequent tram stops, several museums and a lot of night life. Also, you're going at a time when the canals will be hopping. I was there in April, and the canals were quiet. Then, when I was back in June, there were people out all over, in all sorts of boats. It's amazing there there aren't frequent accidents on the water, with all the activity on those narrow canals, and the huge tour boats. I loved both visits there. Do get to the Rijkmuseum. Even though most of it is closed, it still offered some very interesting exibits. When going to the Ann Frank house,plan to arrive toward the evening. It is probably open till around 8 or 9, and when we went there was no line at all around 7:30 The weather has to be better in Amsterdam in Aug. than Paris, so for that reason alone, I think it worked out well for you. I should add that I do love Paris also. Enjoy!