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

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a postcard perfect, glamourous, and party-oriented Greek island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. 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.

Mykonos and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos. Although Mykonos and Rotterdam are both popular with visitors, Mykonos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mykonos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rotterdam is known for its big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Mykonos different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Mykonos and Rotterdam.

Mykonos offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. 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 Mykonos or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit 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.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Mykonos has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.


Is Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos 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 Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

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

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Mykonos offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.


Is Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos is mediocre for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Rotterdam?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Mykonos specifically to go shopping. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.


Is Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

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

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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

Is Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

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

Mykonos is not popular with students.


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

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit 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.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Rotterdam

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Mykonos is a very easy Greek island to get around on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Mykonos or Rotterdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Rotterdam 1-3

One day in Mykonos or Rotterdam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint Greek island of Mykonos. 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.

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 Mykonos or Rotterdam?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the postcard perfect destination of Mykonos. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This Greek island 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 Mykonos or Rotterdam?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the ritzy Greek island of Mykonos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this Greek island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this Greek island has to offer.

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 Mykonos or Rotterdam?

Mykonos 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.

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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Mykonos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is €152. 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 Mykonos and Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Rotterdam 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Rotterdam 154
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos 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 Mykonos


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Rotterdam 26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,567
  • Boat Tour / Transfer in Mykonos: $1,069
  • Private Catamaran Cruise w/ Food, Drinks & Transfer: $802
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $213
  • Mykonos Private Long Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $204
  • Private Mykonos Transfers up to 15 persons: $158
  • Mykonos 6hrs sailing cruise: Delos Rhenia with lunch & transfer : $153
  • Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos (free transfers): $153
  • Mykonos Private Transfer Up To 8 Persons: $152
  • Rhenia Cruise and Delos Guided Tour with Transfers: $150
  • Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Transfer: $145
  • Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos&Rhenia, BBQ&Drinks, optional Delos Tour & Transfer: $136

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 Mykonos or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 48
    Rotterdam 54
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $70
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $109
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $164
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $196
  • Private Authentic Greek Brunch Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Local: $254
  • Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $284
  • Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $610

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.
    Mykonos 23
    Rotterdam 32

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

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

  • Mykonos Island Tour: $83
  • 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $38
  • 4 Hour Mykonos Tour Explorer : $164
  • 5 Hour Mykonos Beach-Club-Crawl Experience: $90
  • 6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht: $153
  • All Inclusive Mykonos Island Tour & Greek Food Tasting: $150
  • All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation): $153
  • All inclusive Sunset Cruise Delos & Rhenia - free transpotation: $136
  • All inclusive cruise-Mykonos Delos&Rhenia beaches(free transport): $119
  • Ancient Delos Tour: $82
  • Authentic Jeep Adventure Tour: $172
  • Best of Mykonos Island 4-Hour Private Tour: $289

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
    Mykonos 20
    Rotterdam 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

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

  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $73
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $80
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $128
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $128
  • Luxurious All-in-One Mykonos Party Tour with Wine Tasting: $163

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 comparing the travel costs between Mykonos and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Rotterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.