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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Rotterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Rotterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its big city activities. Copenhagen is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Copenhagen different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit 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.

Eat your way through Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands 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 Copenhagen or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is great for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Copenhagen specifically to go shopping. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Copenhagen or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

Rotterdam is 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 Copenhagen or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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

Is Copenhagen or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Both Copenhagen and Rotterdam are very good destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

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

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Public transit in Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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

Is Copenhagen or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

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

Copenhagen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Rotterdam. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Copenhagen. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the progressive city of Copenhagen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Rotterdam, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

Copenhagen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Rotterdam?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Rotterdam. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. Copenhagen is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Copenhagen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Copenhagen