Netherlands
Spain
Area Comparison
Amsterdam is 2.8x smaller than Madrid
Population Comparison
Amsterdam has 3.6x fewer people than Madrid
In terms of area, Madrid is 2.8x the size of Amsterdam. Madrid spans 604 km² (233 mi²) while Amsterdam covers 219 km² (85 mi²) — a difference of 385 km². You could fit Amsterdam inside Madrid 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, Madrid at 604 km² is roughly the same size as Seoul.
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
Spain's capital and largest city. Also known as "The Capital of the Sun", Madrid has an area of 604 km² and is home to 3.3 million people. It was established in 852. Visitors come for Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Madrid Metro.
Madrid is the highest capital city in the European Union at 650 meters above sea level
Looking beyond city limits, the Madrid metropolitan area covers 8,028 km², which is 3.1x larger than greater Amsterdam at 2,580 km². The Madrid metro area is also more populous, with 6.8 million people compared to 2.5 million.
Amsterdam has a population density of 4,201 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Madrid, with 5,513 people per km², is a densely populated city. Both cities have comparable density, though Madrid is slightly more compact.
Both cities are in Europe, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Madrid (Spain) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Amsterdam has a oceanic climate while Madrid experiences hot-summer Mediterranean conditions. Summers are notably different: Madrid averages 26°C compared to 17°C in Amsterdam.
Size Ratio
Amsterdam fits inside Madrid ~2 times
Density Gap
Madrid is 1.3x more densely populated
History
Madrid is ~423 years older
The straight-line distance from Amsterdam to Madrid is 1,481 km (920 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~2h 15m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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