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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a bustling, historic, and vibrant 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, beaches, 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.

Heraklion and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Rotterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches, while Rotterdam is known for its shopping and big city activities. Heraklion is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Heraklion different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Rotterdam.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Heraklion or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is great for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion 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 Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. 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 Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Heraklion is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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

Is Heraklion or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion 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 Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Rotterdam are very good when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Rotterdam. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Rotterdam. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Heraklion. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Heraklion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy port city of Rotterdam. 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.

A week in Heraklion or Rotterdam?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Rotterdam, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Rotterdam in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Heraklion is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

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

In October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rotterdam. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion 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. Heraklion is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Rotterdam in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Heraklion is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Heraklion