A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rotterdam vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rotterdam or Havana?

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 Havana. 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.

Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Havana?

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana is €61. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Havana 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Havana 76
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Havana? 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 Havana


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
    Havana 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport(AMS) to Rotterdam- Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $170
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $274
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $170
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $241
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.63

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana 9.53

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 Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Havana 10

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Havana 5.37

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    0.14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Havana, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Havana?

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

Rotterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Havana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Havana. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Rotterdam is much colder than Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Havana. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is much colder than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Havana. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Havana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Havana. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Rotterdam is much colder than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In April, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Havana. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)