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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Dijon?

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 Dijon. 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 modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a culinary, relaxing, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Dijon: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Dijon?

Both Dijon and Rotterdam have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Rotterdam is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dijon is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam
Dijon

Dijon 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 Dijon. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotterdam
Dijon

Dijon is an amazing city 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 Dijon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Dijon

Rotterdam is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Dijon?

Rotterdam
Dijon

Rotterdam is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.


Is Rotterdam or Dijon Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Dijon

Rotterdam is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Dijon is a family-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Rotterdam or Dijon Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Dijon

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

Dijon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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

Is Rotterdam or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Dijon

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Dijon are notable 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 Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.


Is Rotterdam or Dijon Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Dijon

Rotterdam is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Rotterdam
Dijon

Rotterdam is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Rotterdam can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Rotterdam or Dijon a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Dijon

Rotterdam is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Rotterdam or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon 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 Dijon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Dijon 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 Dijon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rotterdam 1-3 
    Dijon 2-4

One day in Rotterdam or Dijon?

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the culinary destination of Dijon. 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 Dijon?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Rotterdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Dijon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Rotterdam or Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy big city of Rotterdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dijon 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Dijon or Rotterdam?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Dijon is €153. 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 Dijon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Dijon 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Dijon 160
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Dijon

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Dijon? 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 Dijon


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 Dijon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Dijon 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • 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
  • 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) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $427

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Dijon?

Prices for flights to both Dijon 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 54
    Dijon 48

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: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • 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: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Dijon 25

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $2.61
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Waterbus Ticket to Dordrecht and/or Kinderdijk: $10
  • Private Smartphone Walking Tour on WhatsApp: $10
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Tours and Activities in Dijon

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

  • Best of Burgundy Private Tasting Tour - Premier & Grand Crus: $1,273
  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $176
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.49
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $60
  • Dijon Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Dijon private guided city tour: $383
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $71
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Historic Guided Walking Tour: $384
  • E-bike Burgundy day tour, tastings & lunch from Beaune or Dijon: $240
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Dijon 29

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: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $37
  • Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $48
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $48
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $59
  • Bike Tour with Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting: $66
  • Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74
  • Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $95


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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Dijon?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

Both Dijon and Rotterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dijon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is cooler than Dijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Dijon averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Dijon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Dijon. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Dijon 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Dijon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Dijon. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Dijon. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Dijon 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Dijon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Dijon. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dijon can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Rotterdam is much colder than Dijon in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Dijon. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Dijon 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Dijon in the Spring?

Both Dijon and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dijon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Dijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Dijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Dijon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Dijon and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Dijon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)