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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Giverny?

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 Giverny. 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a picturesque, peaceful, and serene town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Rotterdam and Giverny: 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
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Giverny 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 Giverny is known for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. 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 Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam
Giverny

Giverny 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 Giverny. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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 Giverny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotterdam
Giverny

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Giverny 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.

Giverny offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Rotterdam or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Giverny

Rotterdam is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Giverny?

Rotterdam
Giverny

Rotterdam is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Rotterdam or Giverny Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Giverny

Rotterdam is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Rotterdam or Giverny Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Giverny

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

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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

Is Rotterdam or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Giverny

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Giverny 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 Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.


Is Rotterdam or Giverny Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Giverny

Rotterdam is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam
Giverny

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

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Rotterdam or Giverny a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Giverny

Rotterdam is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Giverny is a somewhat walkable port city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).


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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rotterdam or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rotterdam than Giverny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 1-2 days is enough time in Giverny.

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Giverny?

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 food and museums around the town of Giverny. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Giverny has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Giverny?

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 food around the picturesque destination of Giverny. 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 Giverny?

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 food and museums when visiting the peaceful town of Giverny. 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 Giverny?

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.

Giverny 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny 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 Giverny is €125. 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 Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Giverny? 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 Giverny


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Giverny 48

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 Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny 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
    Giverny 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: $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
    Giverny 26

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 Giverny

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

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Giverny 6.64

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 Giverny, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Giverny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Giverny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Giverny 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam than you might in Giverny.

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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Giverny?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 1060 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Giverny. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Giverny. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Rotterdam is cooler than Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Giverny. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Giverny. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Giverny can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Giverny. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Giverny. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Giverny. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)