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

Should you visit Interlaken or Rotterdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

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.

Interlaken and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Rotterdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rotterdam is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Interlaken different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Rotterdam Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing. However, Rotterdam is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Rotterdam is not a skiing destination.

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

Rotterdam is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken 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.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Rotterdam has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town 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, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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

Is Interlaken or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Rotterdam are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Interlaken or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Interlaken and Rotterdam.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Interlaken or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Interlaken 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 Rotterdam.

One day in Interlaken or Rotterdam?

You'll find skiing and food around the town of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Interlaken or Rotterdam?

You'll find food and skiing around the stunning destination of Interlaken. 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 town has to offer. This town 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 Interlaken or Rotterdam?

You'll find skiing and food around the breathtaking town of Interlaken. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town 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 Interlaken or Rotterdam?

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Rotterdam, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Rotterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°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 Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rotterdam. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. In the winter, Interlaken is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

In April, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Interlaken