A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Rotterdam for Nightlife, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Bucharest or Rotterdam?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Rotterdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rotterdam than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Rotterdam, Rotterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bucharest is known for its historical sights. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Bucharest different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rotterdam and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Bucharest and Rotterdam.

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bucharest and Rotterdam.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bucharest. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Rotterdam is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Rotterdam is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Rotterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Rotterdam are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Rotterdam.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Bucharest or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Rotterdam is a very walkable port city. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Rotterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bucharest and Rotterdam. In our opinion, Rotterdam has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotterdam than Bucharest. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Rotterdam than Bucharest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rotterdam, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rotterdam than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rotterdam that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Bucharest if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rotterdam.

One day in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bucharest. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bucharest has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the less touristy destination of Bucharest. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the less touristy city of Bucharest. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the modern port city of Rotterdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Rotterdam?

Bucharest is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam than you might in Bucharest.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Rotterdam?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Rotterdam, 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 Bucharest or Rotterdam?

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 Bucharest or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Rotterdam. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. Bucharest is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Bucharest is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Bucharest