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

Should you visit Rhodes 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 Rhodes 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.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a beautiful, diverse, and active island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rhodes and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rhodes or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rhodes. Although Rhodes and Rotterdam are both popular with visitors, Rhodes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rhodes is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Rhodes is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. It is also home to Rhodes Old Town. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rhodes different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rhodes has many famous sights for visitors. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

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 Rhodes or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit 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.

Eat your way through Rhodes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

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 Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Rhodes is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Rhodes has a few options to choose from. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

Is Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Resorts?

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Rhodes for its luxury resorts. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Rhodes. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Rhodes offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Rhodes is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rhodes or Rotterdam?

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Rhodes specifically to go shopping. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

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 Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Both Rhodes and Rotterdam are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Rhodes is a very kid-friendly island. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

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.

Is Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Rhodes is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Rhodes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

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

Is Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Rhodes. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

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 Rhodes or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is well known for students. However, Rhodes 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.

Rhodes is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Rhodes and Rotterdam.

Public transit in Rhodes can get you to some places easily. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

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

Is Rhodes or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Rhodes?

How long in Rhodes or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rhodes and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rhodes than in Rotterdam. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Rhodes, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

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

One day in Rhodes or Rotterdam?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Rhodes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Rhodes or Rotterdam?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the world famous destination of Rhodes. 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 island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Rotterdam 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 Rhodes or Rotterdam?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the ancient island of Rhodes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. 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 Rhodes or Rotterdam?

Rhodes is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Rhodes. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes 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.