A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Amsterdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Funchal or Amsterdam?

Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €211. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Funchal and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Amsterdam 102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Amsterdam 204
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Amsterdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in Amsterdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Funchal Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Amsterdam 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Funchal, Madeira Cruise Port to Madeira Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $188
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) to Funchal Cruise Port - Round Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Airport Transfers Funchal Airport: $35
  • Arrival and departure transfers to Funchal and Airport: $18
  • Funchal Airport (FNC) to Funchal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
  • Funchal Airport Transfers: Experience Hassle-Free Travel: $45
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Caniçal Transfer for PR8 Hike São Lourenco: $33
  • Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer: $39
  • Transfer to PR1 Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail: $38
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) to Funchal, Madeira Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • From Private Transfer to Efteling Theme Park: $470
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $341
  • Amsterdam Private Transfer to Keukenhof Gardens: $299
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Amsterdam RoundTrip Private Transfer: $290
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $287
  • Private Transfer from Schiphol Airport AMS Airport to Giethoorn: $287
  • Private taxi transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: $280
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam>Rotterdam, 2h stop at De Haar Castle: $276
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h stop in The Hague: $268
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Delft: $266
  • Amsterdam Airport (AMS): Transfer to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $254
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Eindhoven: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Funchal change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Funchal 54
    Amsterdam 80
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • Coffee
    1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal

For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $33
  • Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $95

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $3.58
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Amsterdam Guided Cruise with New York Pizza, Drinks and Ice Cream: $45
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $93
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $102
  • Anne Frank and the Jewish Quarter Food Tour: $108
  • Discover Amsterdam's Culinary Scene: Morning Food Tour: $117
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Amsterdam 37

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $18
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $20
  • Quick & Fun 30-Minute Tuk Tuk Tour with Local Guide: $23
  • KAYAK Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $29
  • Funchal Walking Tour: Tradition, History and Flavor: $29
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $29
  • Nun's Valley Tour: $32
  • SUP Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $34
  • Nun's Valley & Pico dos Barcelos Madeira Island Tour: $35
  • Tour to Nun's Valley, Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado: $36
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $36
  • Amazing East Tour : $36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ‌Amsterdam‌ Light‌ ‌Festival‌ ‌Boat‌ ‌Tour‌ ‌ - Small Group: $87
  • Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $51
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $119
  • 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $119
  • 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $16
  • 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $179
  • 15 Minute Amsterdam Rickshaw Fun Ride Tour: $36
  • 19th Century Amsterdam Guided Private Bike Tour : $275
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $233
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $182
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $239
  • 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Amsterdam 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $40
  • Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $62
  • Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $63
  • Half-Day Wine Tour- Shared: $89
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $93
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $107
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $112
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $119
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $208

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $24
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
  • Red Light Halloween Pub Crawl: $42
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Funchal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Funchal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Funchal and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Funchal.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Amsterdam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Funchal or Amsterdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Amsterdam. Additionally, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Funchal is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Funchal is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Amsterdam. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Funchal is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Funchal

Funchal Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)