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

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Inverness or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Inverness and Rotterdam are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Inverness is known for its museums, food, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses
The Cube Houses

How is Inverness different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Rotterdam

Inverness 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 Inverness. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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 Inverness or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Inverness 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.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Rotterdam offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Rotterdam?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Both Inverness and Rotterdam are high quality shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.


Is Inverness or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Inverness or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Both Inverness and Rotterdam are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

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

Is Inverness or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotterdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.


Is Inverness or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Inverness
Rotterdam

Inverness and Rotterdam both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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 Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Rotterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Rotterdam?

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

Families should spend more time in Rotterdam than Inverness. 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.

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


  • How many days in Inverness or Rotterdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Rotterdam 1-3

One day in Inverness or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Inverness. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inverness 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 Inverness or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Inverness. 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 Inverness or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Inverness. 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.

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 Inverness or Rotterdam?

Inverness 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is £130. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Rotterdam £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Rotterdam £132
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Rotterdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Rotterdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices and Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Rotterdam £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $66
  • Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam and Inverness change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Rotterdam £46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Rotterdam £27

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $2.61
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Waterbus Ticket to Dordrecht and/or Kinderdijk: $10
  • Private Smartphone Walking Tour on WhatsApp: $10
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Rotterdam £16

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Rotterdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Inverness or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Inverness is cooler than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Inverness is generally cooler than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Inverness during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Inverness can be very cold. Inverness is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Rotterdam. The small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Inverness is cooler than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Inverness

Inverness Rotterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)