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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Avignon?

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 Rotterdam and Avignon. 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a quaint, charming, and scenic town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Rotterdam and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam than Avignon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Avignon attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Avignon is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also well known for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses
The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rotterdam
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town 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, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Rotterdam or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotterdam
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town 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 Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Rotterdam or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Avignon

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Rotterdam or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Rotterdam
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Avignon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Avignon?

Rotterdam
Avignon

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Rotterdam or Avignon Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Avignon

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

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Rotterdam or Avignon Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Avignon

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

Avignon is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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


Is Rotterdam or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Avignon

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Avignon are nice places to visit.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Rotterdam or Avignon Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Avignon

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

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam
Avignon

Rotterdam is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Rotterdam can get you to most places easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.


Is Rotterdam or Avignon a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Avignon

Avignon is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rotterdam or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rotterdam than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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


  • How many days in Rotterdam or Avignon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rotterdam 1-3 
    Avignon 1-2

One day in Rotterdam or Avignon?

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.

Even though Avignon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avignon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Rotterdam or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon or Rotterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Avignon is €700. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rotterdam and Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Avignon 647
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Avignon 1,294
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Avignon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rotterdam


Hotels in Avignon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Avignon 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $148
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $83
  • Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83
  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon and Rotterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rotterdam 54
    Avignon 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Avignon 15

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
  • 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $96
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
  • Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27

Tours and Activities in Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
  • Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
  • Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Avignon private guided tour: $273
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
  • Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Avignon 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


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

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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Avignon?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Avignon, 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 Rotterdam or Avignon?

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 Rotterdam or Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Avignon. The summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

Rotterdam is cooler than Avignon in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Avignon. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Avignon. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is much colder than Avignon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Avignon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months.

Rotterdam is much colder than Avignon in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)