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

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a historical, fascinating, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Rotterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Hanoi different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi 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, Hanoi has many famous sights for visitors. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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 Hanoi or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Rotterdam.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. 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 Hanoi or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Rotterdam?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi specifically to go shopping. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Rotterdam are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

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

Is Hanoi or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hanoi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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 Hanoi or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Hanoi and Rotterdam are very good places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

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

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

Rotterdam is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Rotterdam can get you around easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Rotterdam?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. 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.

In Rotterdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this trendy big city offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hanoi or Rotterdam?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Rotterdam?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. 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 is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Rotterdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Rotterdam?

Hanoi 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the modern big city of Rotterdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Rotterdam?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Rotterdam. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Rotterdam. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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. Hanoi is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Hanoi