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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Genoa?

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 Genoa. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Genoa are popular destinations, Rotterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotterdam is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Genoa attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also well known for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Genoa 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.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Rotterdam or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

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

Genoa has an old town worth visiting. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Genoa?

Rotterdam is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Rotterdam or Genoa Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Genoa are great 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.

Genoa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Rotterdam or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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

Is Rotterdam or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Rotterdam or Genoa Better for Students?

For students, both Rotterdam and Genoa are great places to visit.

Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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

Rotterdam and Genoa both offer great public transit to get you around.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Genoa. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Rotterdam or Genoa a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Genoa are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Genoa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Genoa?

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 port city of Genoa. 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 Genoa?

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 colorful destination of Genoa. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Genoa?

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 colorful port city of Genoa. 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 Genoa?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Rotterdam is cooler than Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Genoa. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Genoa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Genoa. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Genoa. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Genoa. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Rotterdam is much colder than Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Rotterdam