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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Fussen?

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 Fussen. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Fussen

Fussen is a charming, picturesque, and quintesential town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Rotterdam and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Neuschwanstein Castle


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Fussen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Fussen are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fussen is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Fussen is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses
The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam
Fussen

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Fussen and Rotterdam.

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.

Fussen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.


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

Rotterdam
Fussen

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Fussen 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.

Fussen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Rotterdam or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Fussen

Rotterdam is great for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Rotterdam or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Rotterdam
Fussen

Fussen is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Fussen offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.


Is Rotterdam or Fussen Better for Hiking?

Rotterdam
Fussen

Fussen is great for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fussen for the hiking trails. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Fussen?

Rotterdam
Fussen

Rotterdam is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rotterdam or Fussen Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Fussen

Rotterdam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Fussen is a family-friendly place to visit. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.


Is Rotterdam or Fussen Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Fussen

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

Fussen is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

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

Is Rotterdam or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Fussen

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Fussen are good 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 Fussen. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

Is Rotterdam or Fussen Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Fussen

Rotterdam is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen is not popular with students.

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.

Fussen is not popular with students.


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

Rotterdam
Fussen

Rotterdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Rotterdam or Fussen a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Fussen

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

Fussen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

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 Fussen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Fussen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotterdam and Fussen. In our opinion, Rotterdam has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Rotterdam than Fussen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-3 days is enough time in Fussen.

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Fussen?

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

Even though Fussen 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 Fussen?

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.

Fussen is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Fussen?

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.

Fussen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Fussen?

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.

Fussen 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 Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Fussen 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 Fussen is €210. 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 Fussen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Fussen 109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Fussen 218
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Fussen

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Fussen? 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 Fussen


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 Fussen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Fussen 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $273
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
  • Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Fussen?

Prices for flights to both Fussen 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
    Fussen 59

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

Typical Food Prices in Fussen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fussen:


  • Lunch
    10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Fussen 60

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
  • 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $96
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
  • Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27

Tours and Activities in Fussen

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

  • Füssen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $254
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Ticket +Guide: $41
  • Neuschwanstein Castle Tour with Skip the Line from Hohenschwangau: $64
  • Neuschwanstein ticket+ City Bike from Fuessen: $51
  • Private tour of the best of Fussen - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $225
  • Skip The Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $60
  • Skip the Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Private Tour From Füssen or Hohenschwangau: $270
  • Skip-the-Line: Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Hohenschwangau: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Fussen 20

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Fussen, we can see that Fussen is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fussen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fussen than you might in Rotterdam.

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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Fussen?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Fussen, 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.