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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Biarritz is known for its food, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Rotterdam offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Rotterdam or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Rotterdam and Biarritz.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. 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.

Biarritz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Rotterdam or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Biarritz?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Biarritz both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Rotterdam or Biarritz Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Biarritz are superb 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.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Rotterdam or Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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

Is Rotterdam or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz Better for Students?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Rotterdam or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Biarritz are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Biarritz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Biarritz?

Rotterdam is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the seaside town of Biarritz. 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.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Biarritz?

Rotterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the cultural destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Biarritz?

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the dynamic seaside town of Biarritz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Biarritz?

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Biarritz?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Biarritz. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Biarritz. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Rotterdam is cooler than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Rotterdam