A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Rotterdam vs. Lisse for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rotterdam or Lisse?

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 Lisse. 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.

Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Lisse?

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Lisse 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 Lisse is €145. 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 Lisse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Lisse 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Lisse 158
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Lisse

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Lisse? 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 Lisse


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Lisse 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $293
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $271
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $239
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $206
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $168
  • Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $168
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $166
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $164
  • Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $164
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $163
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Lisse?

Prices for flights to both Lisse 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
    Lisse 47

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: $42
  • 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: $119
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $152
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $271

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Lisse 30

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: $96
  • 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 Lisse

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

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28
  • 2-Hour Private History and Highlights of Haarlem Walking Tour: $239
  • 90 minute Cheese and Wine Cruise through the Canals of Haarlem: $43
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $27
  • Amsterdam: Private Sightseeing Tour to Keukenhof: $224
  • Bloemendaal Highlights: Guided Bike Tour close to Amsterdam: $54
  • Cheese, Clogs, Flowers and Windmills Tour: $618
  • CuliWalk Haarlem,Historic + Cultural audiotour with a Culinary Twist (selfguided: $49
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • Escape Experience Haarlem The Escape of Kenau: $30
  • From Amsterdam: Private Keukenhof and Tulip Experience Tour: $312

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Lisse 23

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: $7.99
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Lisse?

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

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 Lisse in the Summer?

Both Lisse 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.

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

It's quite sunny in Lisse. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisse during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lisse. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Lisse 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Lisse in the Autumn?

Both Lisse 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.

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

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisse. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 99 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Rotterdam or Lisse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Lisse. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lisse can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Lisse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Lisse averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisse during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lisse. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Lisse 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Lisse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Lisse. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Rotterdam is generally around the same temperature as Lisse. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Lisse fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisse. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 166 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Lisse 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Lisse and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Lisse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)