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-   -   Lisbon or Amsterdam? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/lisbon-or-amsterdam-577638/)

Sheryl Dec 23rd, 2005 08:40 AM

Lisbon or Amsterdam?
 
My husband and I are considering visiting one of these two cities in early April for 2-3 days after visiting Rome, but we can’t decide which one. I think Amsterdam would be a refreshing change after Rome, but it seems more expensive, and the temperature would be 53 degrees F average (12 degrees C) at that time. Lisbon would be much warmer and less expensive, but my husband isn’t as interested as I am in going there. To those who have been to both places, which would you choose? Thanks in advance!

Sheryl Dec 23rd, 2005 06:45 PM

Anybody?

martytravels Dec 24th, 2005 05:10 AM

Expense-wise, I'd venture to say A'dam won't be as bad as Rome. Perhaps fine dining might be a tad more expensive, but I would think accommodations will be cheaper in A'dam, especially given the time of year.
As major European capitals go, Amsterdam isn't too bad price wise. Hotels can very expensive during the summer, but I've found great deals there the rest of the year.
And yes, it would be very different than Rome. Can't comment on Lisbon - I've never been there.

Robert2533 Dec 24th, 2005 08:46 AM

With the choice between Amsterdam and Lisbon in early April, Lisbon wins hands down in my book. Not only is it generally less expensive, the city is starting to come into it's own. There are a number of very nice upscale boutique style hotels to choose from, great dinning experiences and some very good wines. Lisbon is also rich in history. Just remember that holy week begins on the 9th of April, so you need to book ahead.

Toninha Jan 1st, 2006 01:35 PM

I prefer Lisbon in April.

Balenciaga Jan 1st, 2006 02:20 PM

Lisboa, of course, darling. And DO NOT skip taking a day trip to Sintra, one of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe.

CarlosSandoval Jan 1st, 2006 02:41 PM

I would go to Lisbon without a doubt, price is right, climate, food, people etc etc....and don't miss to go to Evora. ...And don't forget to go to Belem and try pasteis de belem.


nytraveler Jan 1st, 2006 04:44 PM

Amsterdam - for the flowers if nothing else. A beautiful time of year to be there - and IMHO has about 4 times as much to see and do as Lisbon.

Sheryl Jan 2nd, 2006 06:07 PM

Thanks to everyone for their opinions. Low-budget flights going to Lisbon didn't work out as well as going to Amsterdam, so that determined our decision since we have limited time in Europe. Hopefully, I'll be able to visit with friends in the future.

Grandma Jan 3rd, 2006 03:29 PM

Too bad... I'm with the Lisbon contingent. E'en so... Amsterdam is a worthwhile experience.

suze Jan 3rd, 2006 03:54 PM

I was going to vote for Amsterdam but since I've never been to Lisbon to compare the two places, I disqualified myself from voting earlier -lol.

Snoopy Jan 4th, 2006 01:31 PM

I agree with nytraveler . . . IMHO there's more to do in Amsterdam including seeing lots of Rembrandt and Van Gogh. That said, Estoril and Sintra are very picturesque. Oddly, I found a lot of photos of Lisbon that made it appear picturesque as well, but when I got there it was unimpressive.

Try this web site:

http://www.portugalvirtual.pt/_tourism/costadelisboa/

It makes Lisbon and the surrounding area look pretty good, it just doesn't give you a very good idea about how far apart these particular sites are.

This is a very subjective answer, and I have to confess I'm a Northern Europe more than a Latin Europe fan.


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