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

Should you visit Granada or Rotterdam?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Granada and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Rotterdam?

Both Rotterdam and Granada have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Granada is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is more popular for its shopping and big city activities. Granada is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Granada different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Granada has many famous sights for visitors. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Granada and Rotterdam both to be notable destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Rotterdam. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Granada or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Rotterdam have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

The people in Rotterdam know how to have a good time. 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 Granada or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Granada is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Granada offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Rotterdam?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rotterdam. 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada 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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Granada is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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

Is Granada or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Both Granada and Rotterdam are superb destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

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

Public transit in Rotterdam is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Granada and Rotterdam are superb when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Granada?

How long in Granada or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Rotterdam. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

One day in Granada or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Granada. 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.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Granada. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Granada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Rotterdam?

Granada 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Rotterdam?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking 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 July, Granada is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

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

Granada is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Granada 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 Granada 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. In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Rotterdam in the Spring?

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

In April, Granada is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Granada