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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Bonn?

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 Bonn. 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 modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Bonn?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rotterdam than Bonn. Rotterdam is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Bonn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bonn. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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 Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Bonn can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Rotterdam is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Bonn offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Rotterdam or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great port city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Rotterdam has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Rotterdam or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is great for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Bonn?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Bonn 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.

Bonn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Rotterdam or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Is Rotterdam or Bonn Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Bonn both notable 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.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Rotterdam or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Bonn are notable 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 Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Rotterdam or Bonn Better for Students?

For students, both Rotterdam and Bonn are superb places to visit.

Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Bonn is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Rotterdam and Bonn both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bonn. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Rotterdam or Bonn a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Bonn are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotterdam and Bonn. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bonn than Rotterdam. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Bonn?

Rotterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Bonn?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bonn. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the modern big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Bonn. 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 Bonn?

The trendy port city of Rotterdam offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bonn 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Bonn, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Bonn?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Bonn. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Rotterdam is cooler than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Bonn. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Rotterdam is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Bonn. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Rotterdam