A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Rotterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Rotterdam?

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

Should I visit Coimbra 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.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Rotterdam?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is €152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Coimbra and Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Rotterdam 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Rotterdam 154
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Rotterdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Coimbra


Hotels in Rotterdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Rotterdam 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $149
  • Transfer Fátima To Lisboa: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $149
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $82
  • Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $84
  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $163
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $163
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $168
  • Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $166
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $166

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam and Coimbra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Coimbra 48
    Rotterdam 54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $49
  • Rotterdam Food tour - 4-hour Self-Guided tour: $50
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $86
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $87
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $87
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $88
  • Food Tour by Bike: $92
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $121
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $154
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $163
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $275

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Rotterdam 32

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $121
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $71
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $77
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $77
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $132
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $77
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $136
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $258
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.96
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.26

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
  • 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $22
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
  • Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $66
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $98
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $88
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $98
  • Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $33
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $28
  • Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Rotterdam 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $66
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $176
  • Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $181

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.14
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.14
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Coimbra.

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Rotterdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Coimbra or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Rotterdam. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Rotterdam. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Coimbra is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. In January, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Rotterdam in the Spring?

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

Coimbra is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Coimbra

Coimbra Rotterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)