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Netherlands
Spain
Area Comparison
Amsterdam is 2.2x larger than Barcelona
Population Comparison
Amsterdam has 1.8x fewer people than Barcelona
Yes — Amsterdam is 2.2x larger than Barcelona by area. Amsterdam spans 219 km² (85 mi²) while Barcelona covers 101 km² (39 mi²) — a difference of 118 km². You could fit Barcelona inside Amsterdam approximately 2 times.
To put Amsterdam's size in perspective, its area of 219 km² is about 1.2x the size of Washington D.C.. Meanwhile, Barcelona at 101 km² is roughly the same size as Paris (city proper).
Capital of the Netherlands, known for its canals. Known as "Venice of the North", Amsterdam covers 219 km² with a population of 0.9 million. The city was established in 1275. Amsterdam is known for Canal ring, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the GVB (Metro & Tram).
Amsterdam sits 2 meters below sea level and is protected by an elaborate system of dikes and pumping stations
A Mediterranean city known for Gaudi's architecture. Nicknamed "The City of Counts", Barcelona has an area of 101 km² and is home to 1.7 million people. Its history stretches back to 230 BC. Visitors come for Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Barcelona Metro (TMB).
Gaudí's Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882 and is expected to be completed around 2026
Looking beyond city limits, the Amsterdam metropolitan area covers 2,580 km², which is 3.2x larger than greater Barcelona at 803 km². The Barcelona metro area is also more populous, with 5.6 million people compared to 2.5 million.
Amsterdam has a population density of 4,201 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Barcelona, with 16,436 people per km², is an extremely dense urban environment. Barcelona is dramatically more crowded, with 3.9x the population density.
Both cities are in Europe, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Barcelona (Spain) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Amsterdam has a oceanic climate while Barcelona experiences Mediterranean conditions.
Size Ratio
Barcelona fits inside Amsterdam ~2 times
Density Gap
Barcelona is 3.9x more densely populated
History
Barcelona is ~1,505 years older
The straight-line distance from Amsterdam to Barcelona is 1,238 km (769 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~1h 57m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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