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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a natural, tranquil, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rotterdam is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Outer Hebrides different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Rotterdam has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Outer Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an amazing archipelago to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Outer Hebrides is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rotterdam. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Rotterdam are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Rotterdam. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

You'll find food around the archipelago of Outer Hebrides. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam?

You'll find food around the natural destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam?

You'll find food around the serene archipelago of Outer Hebrides. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam?

Outer Hebrides is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Outer Hebrides, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the port city of Rotterdam. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Rotterdam Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Rotterdam. The summer months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches, 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, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Rotterdam. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for 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 Outer Hebrides. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Outer Hebrides