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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Rotterdam and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its shopping and big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hvar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and 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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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.

Is Rotterdam or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Hvar?

Rotterdam is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Rotterdam or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Hvar are very good 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.

Hvar is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Rotterdam or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Hvar is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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

Is Rotterdam or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Rotterdam is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Rotterdam can get you to some places easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Rotterdam or Hvar a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable port city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Hvar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Hvar?

Rotterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hvar?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the energetic destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the modern big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the energetic island of Hvar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Hvar?

The high energy port city of Rotterdam offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Hvar, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Hvar?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Rotterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Hvar. The autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Rotterdam is much colder than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Hvar. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Hvar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Hvar. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Rotterdam