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!

Anybody?

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.

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.

I prefer Lisbon in April.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.