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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Dallas?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rotterdam than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Rotterdam, Rotterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotterdam is more popular for its big city activities, while Dallas is known for its museums and food. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

The Cube Houses
The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam
Dallas

Dallas 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 Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotterdam
Dallas

Dallas is great 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.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Dallas

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

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.

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Dallas?

Rotterdam
Dallas

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

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.


Is Rotterdam or Dallas Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Dallas

Both Rotterdam and Dallas are high quality 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.

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Rotterdam or Dallas Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Dallas

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

Dallas is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Is Rotterdam or Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Dallas

Rotterdam is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotterdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.


Is Rotterdam or Dallas Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Dallas

Rotterdam is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Rotterdam
Dallas

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Rotterdam or Dallas a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Dallas

Rotterdam is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable port city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Rotterdam or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Dallas 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 Rotterdam.


  • How many days in Rotterdam or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rotterdam 1-3 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Rotterdam or Dallas?

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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 museums and nightlife around the upscale destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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.

Dallas 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Dallas or Rotterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is $162, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $141. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rotterdam and Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam $82
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam $164
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Dallas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rotterdam


Hotels in Dallas


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam $28
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $38
  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $66
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $205
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DFW) - Dallas City Center: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $101
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas and Rotterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rotterdam $58
    Dallas $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam $34
    Dallas $13

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.08
  • 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.27
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.31
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.31
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • Private Walking Tour of Dealey Plaza Assassination of JFK: $135
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Dallas and Cowboys Stadium Combo Tour: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam $20
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Rotterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Dallas. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Rotterdam is much colder than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Dallas. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Dallas. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Dallas. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)