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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a historical, vibrant, and high energy port city. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam than Newcastle upon Tyne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is very popular for its big city activities, while Newcastle upon Tyne attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also well known for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam are high quality destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Rotterdam is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very easy port city to get around on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Rotterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam. In our opinion, Newcastle upon Tyne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Rotterdam. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Rotterdam for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

The big city destination of Rotterdam offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. This port city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Rotterdam, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Rotterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam in the Summer?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 3°C (38°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Newcastle upon Tyne during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 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 Newcastle upon Tyne