A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Prague vs. Rotorua for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Prague 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 Prague 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.

Prague

Prague is a cultural, historical, and beautiful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Prague is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Prague travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Rotorua travel costs.

Prague and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Prague or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Prague than Rotorua, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Prague is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rotorua is known for its food and hiking. Prague is more touristy than Rotorua and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also home to The Prague Castle. Rotorua is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Prague different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Prague has many famous sights for visitors. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum. Throughout the Old Town you'll see the spires of the many churches which define the city's skyline. The Prague Castle is not to be missed as it's the largest castle complex in the world.

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.

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

Rotorua is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rotorua. 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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Prague or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Prague has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Prague or Rotorua Better for Music?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Rotorua is not a live music destination.

Prague has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well. Many visitors specifically come just to experience the world class music scene.

Rotorua is not a live music destination.

Is Prague or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Prague offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world. It truly feels like something out of a fairytale. Most of the tourists spend the majority of their time exploring the old town, and after a full day of wandering, you can cozy up with a strudel and a drink in one of the many cafes.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Prague or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Prague 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.

Prague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Prague or Rotorua?

Prague is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy. You'll find tons of souvenir and trinket shops throughout the area.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Prague or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Prague is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is filled with beautiful historic architecture and stunning landmarks. It's a truly historic and impressive city.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Prague or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Prague 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Prague. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Prague or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Prague and Rotorua both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

Rotorua makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Is Prague or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Prague and Rotorua are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Prague. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

A large number of backpackers visit Rotorua, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Prague or Rotorua Better for Students?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

Prague is a very popular city for students. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Prague is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Prague is top-notch. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Prague or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Prague. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Prague Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Prague?

How long in Prague or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Prague and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Rotorua. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Prague, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

One day in Prague or Rotorua?

Because Prague is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Prague or Rotorua?

Because Prague 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Prague 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 Prague or Rotorua?

Prague is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Prague has to offer. 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 Prague or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Prague. Because Prague is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Budget Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, 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 Prague and Rotorua, we can see that Prague is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Prague 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 Prague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Prague 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 Prague Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Prague or Rotorua?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Prague 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.

When is the best time to visit Prague or Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Prague has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Prague or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Prague during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Prague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Prague is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Prague in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Prague usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Prague gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Prague or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Prague and Rotorua. The autumn months attract visitors to Prague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In October, Prague is generally cooler than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Prague average around 11°C (52°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Prague usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Prague or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Prague as well as Rotorua. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Prague this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Prague in the winter. Prague is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Prague averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Prague usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Prague or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Prague are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Prague is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Prague in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Prague usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Prague gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Prague