A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Odense vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Odense or Rotorua?

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 Odense and Rotorua. 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.

Odense

Odense is a historic, European, and progressive city. It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Rotorua travel costs.

Odense and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Odense or Rotorua?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rotorua than Odense. While Odense is larger than Rotorua, Rotorua has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotorua is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Odense attracts visitors for its nightlife. Rotorua is more touristy than Odense and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also well known for Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Odense is famous for

How is Odense different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Odense or Rotorua?

Rotorua is notable for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Odense or Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotorua is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Rotorua is an experience not to be missed. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Odense is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Odense has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Odense or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Odense is not a hiking destination.

Rotorua is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Odense is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Rotorua?

Rotorua is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Rotorua to go shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Odense or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rotorua is very family-friendly. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Odense is a very family-friendly destination. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

Is Odense or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is terrific for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is terrific for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotorua is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Rotorua Better for Students?

Odense is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

Is Odense or Rotorua Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rotorua is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

Rotorua has a few public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Rotorua is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Odense?

How long in Odense or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Odense and Rotorua. In our opinion, Rotorua has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotorua than Odense. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotorua than Odense 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 Rotorua.

One day in Odense or Rotorua?

In Odense, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Odense or Rotorua?

In Odense, you'll find food and nightlife. 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 Odense has to offer.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Odense or Rotorua?

Odense 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Odense or Rotorua?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Rotorua. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Odense and Rotorua, we can see that Odense is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Odense is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Odense would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Odense than you might in Rotorua.

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

Which is Bigger, Odense or Rotorua?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Odense and Rotorua, 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.