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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Berlin?

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 Berlin. 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 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a historic, cultural, and artsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Rotterdam and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Rotterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berlin 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 Berlin?

Berlin is an amazing city 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, Berlin has many famous sights for visitors. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berlin 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.

Berlin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Berlin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Rotterdam or Berlin Better for Music?

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

Berlin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Berlin?

Berlin is an amazing city 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 Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Rotterdam or Berlin Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Berlin are great family-friendly destinations.

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.

Berlin is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Rotterdam or Berlin Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Berlin both good destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Berlin is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Rotterdam or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Berlin, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests 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 Rotterdam or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Rotterdam is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Public transit in Berlin is top-notch. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Rotterdam or Berlin a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is a great port city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable port city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Berlin?

Both Rotterdam and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Rotterdam. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Berlin?

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Berlin. 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.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Berlin?

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.

You'll find live music and food around the creative big city of Berlin. 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.

Five days in Rotterdam or Berlin?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic city of Berlin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy 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.

Berlin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Berlin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Berlin during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Berlin. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Berlin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Berlin. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Rotterdam is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Berlin averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Berlin. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Berlin. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

In April, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Berlin. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Rotterdam