A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rotterdam vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre. 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 high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Rotterdam and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Rotterdam and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rotterdam attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Rotterdam different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit 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.

Eat your way through Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Rotterdam has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Cinque Terre are nice 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 Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

In either Rotterdam or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy big city of Rotterdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Rotterdam is cooler than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Rotterdam is much colder than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Rotterdam