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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Cancun?

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 Cancun. 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.

Cancun

Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Cancun?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Rotterdam and Cancun are both popular with visitors, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its shopping and big city activities. Cancun is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cancun 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 Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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 Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Cancun can be difficult as they are each good 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.

Cancun offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Rotterdam or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Cancun 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.

Cancun has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a good destination for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Cancun?

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

Rotterdam is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Rotterdam or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun 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, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun Better for Couples?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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

Is Rotterdam or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun 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 Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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 Cancun Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Cancun is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Rotterdam or Cancun a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Cancun are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Cancun?

Both Rotterdam and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Rotterdam. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Cancun?

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 food around the city of Cancun. 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 Cancun?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous destination of Cancun. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Cancun?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active city of Cancun. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Cancun?

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.

Cancun 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 Cancun, 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Cancun, 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. Even though Rotterdam is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Cancun?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Cancun, 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.