Three free days in Europe: Amsterdam or Berlin?
 

Will be in Dusseldorf area in October for business, then have a long weekend free. Haven't seen either Amsterdam or Berlin so those are our top choices. Don't want to spend too much time in transit, so we'll take a fast train or cheap flight to the city of choice then back to Dusseldorf.

Fodors folks, which would you choose?

What are your interests?

Art, history, good food and drink!

I've never been to Berlin but I love Amsterdam. Great museums, interesting architecture / canals, you might have to research the food a bit but it's there - brown cafes, rice tables, pancakes? herring??? I'll admit I've never been much of a fan of Germany but I'd return to Amsterdam in a heartbeat.

This will forever be a toss up.

I have been to both cities and loved both. They both had a lot to see and do. We probably liked the food in Berlin a little more. Both are fun and interesting cities.

Tough call -- Both cities have incredible art collections, fascinating histories, and great food and drink.

Because of the extensive destruction of Berlin during WWII, it may have fewer buildings of "historic" interest than Amsterdam. But it certainly has history!

FWIW, 3 days is less than I would like in either city. That said, I think Amsterdam may more readily fit a 3-day frame than Berlin.

You won't go wrong with either choice!

I would do Berlin - but I've only been there twice and Amsterdam at least 6 times. You can;t go wrong with either one - and I might make ease of travel the deciding factor.

Hello,

both are great cities. If it comes to Museums, Amsterdam has a bit more to offer and it's a quite "small" city, so easy to get around, either by foot or bike. Berlin is huge, public transportation excellent but it might take a while to get from A to B.
Concerning food & drinks & nightlife, Berlin is the better choice i would say. And Berlin is cheap!

Can't go wrong with either of them.