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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Rotterdam and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rotterdam is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Kotor is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit 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.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Kotor?

Rotterdam is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for Families?

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

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Kotor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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

Is Rotterdam or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Rotterdam is well known for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Rotterdam can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Rotterdam or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Kotor is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Rotterdam or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Kotor?

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Kotor?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Rotterdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy big city of Rotterdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Kotor?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Kotor. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Kotor. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Rotterdam