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

Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Rotterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam attracts visitors for its big city activities. Lucerne is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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 Lucerne or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lucerne and Rotterdam offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Lucerne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

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 Lucerne or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Lucerne and Rotterdam.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Lucerne or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is great for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Rotterdam?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Rotterdam both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

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 Lucerne or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rotterdam. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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

Is Lucerne or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

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

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

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

Rotterdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Rotterdam?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Lucerne or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Lucerne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Rotterdam?

Lucerne 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Rotterdam?

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

Both Rotterdam and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rotterdam. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In January, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

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

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

Lucerne is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

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

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Lucerne 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 Lucerne