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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny. 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.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Kilkenny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kilkenny is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. 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 Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

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 Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

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 Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Rotterdam know how to have a good time. 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 Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Rotterdam or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is great for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Kilkenny?

Rotterdam is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Rotterdam or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Kilkenny are high quality 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.

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly place to visit. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Is Rotterdam or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

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

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

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

Is Rotterdam or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Rotterdam or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Rotterdam or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Kilkenny are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Kilkenny is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rotterdam or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rotterdam than Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny?

Rotterdam is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kilkenny has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Kilkenny?

Rotterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Kilkenny?

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active town of Kilkenny. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Kilkenny?

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Kilkenny is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Kilkenny?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Kilkenny. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Kilkenny. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny 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. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Kilkenny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Kilkenny. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Kilkenny. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In April, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Rotterdam