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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Limerick?

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 Limerick. 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 high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Limerick?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam than Limerick. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Limerick attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Limerick is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also well known for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses
The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam
Limerick

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Limerick 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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

Rotterdam
Limerick

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Limerick can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Rotterdam or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam is a great port city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Rotterdam has something for everybody. 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 Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Limerick?

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam is a great port city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Rotterdam. 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.


Is Rotterdam or Limerick Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Rotterdam or Limerick Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam and Limerick both nice 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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Rotterdam or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Rotterdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.


Is Rotterdam or Limerick Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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

Limerick is a good port city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Rotterdam or Limerick a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Limerick

Rotterdam is a great port city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Limerick?

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

Families should spend more time in Rotterdam than Limerick. 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 Limerick. 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 Limerick 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.


  • How many days in Rotterdam or Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rotterdam 1-3 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Rotterdam or Limerick?

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

A weekend in Rotterdam or Limerick?

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 fun-filled destination of Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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 historic city of Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Rotterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Limerick is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rotterdam and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Limerick? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rotterdam


Hotels in Limerick


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Limerick 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $273
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
  • Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

Also for Limerick, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Rotterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rotterdam 54
    Limerick 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Limerick 17

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
  • 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $96
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
  • Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Limerick 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Limerick?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Limerick in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Limerick. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Limerick averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Limerick. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Limerick because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Limerick. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Limerick. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

Rotterdam is cooler than Limerick in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Limerick. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)