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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Rotterdam and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Kiel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kiel is known for its beaches. Kiel is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. 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

How is Rotterdam different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kiel is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Kiel 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.

Kiel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Rotterdam or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Rotterdam or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a good destination for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Kiel?

Rotterdam is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Rotterdam or Kiel Better for Families?

Rotterdam is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Rotterdam or Kiel Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Kiel both good destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Kiel is a nice destination for couples. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Rotterdam or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Rotterdam or Kiel Better for Students?

Rotterdam is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Rotterdam is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Rotterdam or Kiel a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable port city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Kiel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Kiel 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.

One day in Rotterdam or Kiel?

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

A weekend in Rotterdam or Kiel?

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 museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Kiel. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Kiel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy 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 nightlife and food when visiting the waterfront city of Kiel. 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 Kiel?

The modern 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.

Kiel 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Kiel?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Kiel. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Kiel. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Kiel. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Rotterdam is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiel. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Rotterdam