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

Should you visit Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Rotterdam is known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. La Rochelle is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle offers a nice beach destination. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

La Rochelle offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle offers some nice hiking trails. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

Rotterdam is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Rotterdam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

La Rochelle is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Rotterdam is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

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.

La Rochelle is a good port city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Rotterdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

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

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Rotterdam or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and La Rochelle are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

Rotterdam is a trendy port city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Rotterdam is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

The modern port city of Rotterdam offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle 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. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or La Rochelle?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rotterdam or La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Rotterdam is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Rochelle. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Rotterdam is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Rotterdam