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Netherlands
Switzerland
Area Comparison
Amsterdam is 2.5x larger than Zurich
Population Comparison
Amsterdam has 2.1x more people than Zurich
Amsterdam is significantly larger, covering 2.5 times the area of Zurich. Amsterdam spans 219 km² (85 mi²) while Zurich covers 88 km² (34 mi²) — a difference of 131 km². You could fit Zurich 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, Zurich at 88 km² is about 1.2x smaller than 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
Switzerland's largest city and a global finance center. Also known as "The Little Big City", Zurich has an area of 88 km² and is home to 0.4 million people. It was founded around 15 BC. Visitors come for Banking and finance, Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, and much more. Getting around is easy with the ZVV (S-Bahn & Tram).
Zurich is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities in the world
Looking beyond city limits, the Amsterdam metropolitan area covers 2,580 km², which is 1.9x larger than greater Zurich at 1,334 km². The Amsterdam metro area is also more populous, with 2.5 million people compared to 1.4 million.
Amsterdam has a population density of 4,201 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Zurich, with 4,886 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Both cities have comparable density, though Zurich is slightly more compact.
Both cities are in Europe, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Zurich (Switzerland) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Both cities share a oceanic climate, though local geography creates distinct microclimates in each.
Size Ratio
Zurich fits inside Amsterdam ~2 times
History
Zurich is ~1,290 years older
The straight-line distance from Amsterdam to Zurich is 613 km (381 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~1h 13m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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