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

Should you visit Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a scholarly, charming, and historic university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Rotterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rotterdam than Cambridge. Rotterdam is bigger than Cambridge, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Cambridge is more popular for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cambridge is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Cambridge different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cambridge is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Cambridge or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cambridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Cambridge or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Rotterdam has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Rotterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Cambridge and Rotterdam.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

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.

Is Cambridge or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Cambridge or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Cambridge is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Cambridge is a great university town if you're traveling as a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Cambridge or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge and Rotterdam are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

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 Cambridge or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Cambridge is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Rotterdam is a very popular university town for students and younger travelers. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Cambridge is an amazing university town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Cambridge is a very easy university town to get around on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cambridge and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rotterdam than in Cambridge. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cambridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cambridge than Rotterdam 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 Cambridge.

One day in Cambridge or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the university town of Cambridge. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cambridge 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 Cambridge or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the collegiate destination of Cambridge. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town 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 Cambridge or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scholarly university town of Cambridge. 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 Cambridge or Rotterdam?

Cambridge 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 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Cambridge and Rotterdam, we can see that Cambridge is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.