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

Should you visit Lagos or Rotterdam?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Rotterdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Rotterdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Rotterdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Lagos is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Lagos different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rotterdam is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos 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.

Lagos has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort 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, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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

Is Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an amazing resort town 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 Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Rotterdam can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Rotterdam?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Lagos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Lagos or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort town 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 Lagos or Rotterdam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the vibrant resort town of Lagos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town 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 Lagos or Rotterdam?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 trendy 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Rotterdam. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Rotterdam. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Lagos is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Lagos