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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Rotterdam and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Rotterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotterdam is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Rotterdam has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Rotterdam or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Rotterdam and Budapest.

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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Rotterdam or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Budapest?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Budapest both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Rotterdam or Budapest Better for Families?

Rotterdam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Rotterdam or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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

Is Rotterdam or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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 Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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 Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest 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 Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Rotterdam or Budapest a more walkable city?

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

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Budapest?

In either Rotterdam or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Rotterdam because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Budapest?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Budapest. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Budapest?

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 museums and nightlife around the artistic big city of Budapest. 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 Budapest?

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 shopping around the bustling city of Budapest. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Budapest. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Budapest. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Budapest. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Rotterdam