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

Should you visit Palermo or Rotterdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Rotterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Rotterdam are roughly the same size, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam attracts visitors for its big city activities. Palermo is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Palermo different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Rotterdam.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palermo 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.

Palermo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Rotterdam are very good when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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.

Is Palermo or Rotterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Palermo for it's beautiful beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Rotterdam?

Both Palermo and Rotterdam are very good shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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.

Is Palermo or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Rotterdam are very good to visit with kids.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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.

Is Palermo or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Rotterdam are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

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

Is Palermo or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Rotterdam are nice destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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

Is Palermo or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Palermo and Rotterdam both are very good when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Rotterdam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Palermo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palermo 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 Palermo or Rotterdam?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dynamic destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Palermo or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the fun city of Palermo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Palermo or Rotterdam?

Palermo is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam than you might in Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Rotterdam?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo or Rotterdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Palermo or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Rotterdam. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Palermo is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Palermo is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palermo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Palermo is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.

Palermo is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Palermo