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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Cologne?

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 Cologne. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Cologne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Rotterdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Rotterdam different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne 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 Cologne. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Cologne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Cologne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Cologne has an old town worth visiting. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Cologne?

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

Cologne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Rotterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Rotterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Rotterdam does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Rotterdam does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Cologne both nice 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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Cologne 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 Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Rotterdam or Cologne Better for Students?

For students, both Rotterdam and Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne is top-notch. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Rotterdam or Cologne a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Cologne are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Cologne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Cologne?

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Rotterdam or Cologne?

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Cologne. 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 Cologne?

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Cologne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Cologne is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Cologne. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is cooler than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cologne. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Cologne. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cologne can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Cologne. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Rotterdam is cooler than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Rotterdam