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

Should you visit Canberra or Rotterdam?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Rotterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Rotterdam?

Both Rotterdam and Canberra have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Canberra is more popular for its museums, food, and hiking, while Rotterdam is known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Canberra different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Canberra 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 Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are 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 Canberra or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Canberra 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.

Canberra has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a good destination for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Canberra or Rotterdam.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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

Is Canberra or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Canberra and Rotterdam make for a good place to visit.

Canberra makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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

Is Canberra or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Both Canberra and Rotterdam are superb destinations for students.

Canberra is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Is Canberra 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, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Canberra or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Canberra and Rotterdam. In our opinion, Rotterdam has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotterdam than Canberra. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

Couples should spend more time in Rotterdam than Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Canberra. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rotterdam is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Canberra or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Canberra. 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.

Rotterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Canberra. 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.

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Canberra or Rotterdam?

Canberra 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Rotterdam is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Canberra.

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Rotterdam?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Rotterdam has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Canberra is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Canberra in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F)in July.

In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Rotterdamin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Rotterdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In April, Canberra is generally much warmer than Rotterdamin October. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdamin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. Canberra is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F)in January.

In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Rotterdamin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Canberra is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Canberra in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F)in April.

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdamin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Canberra