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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a under-rated, authentic, and historic capital city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ljubljana than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Ljubljana, Ljubljana has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ljubljana is better known for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Ljubljana is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. Also, Ljubljana is famous for The Ljubljana Castle. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

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

Ljubljana offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Rotterdam or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great port city for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Rotterdam or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Ljubljana both offer plenty of great spots.

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.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Rotterdam or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Rotterdam is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Rotterdam or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Ljubljana both notable 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.

Ljubljana is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Rotterdam or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Ljubljana is a good port city to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

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

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

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Rotterdam or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Ljubljana are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Ljubljana is very walkable. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotterdam and Ljubljana. In our opinion, Rotterdam has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Rotterdam than Ljubljana. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Ljubljana. 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 capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the modern port city of Rotterdam. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic capital city of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

Rotterdam 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.

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Ljubljana?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rotterdam is cooler than Ljubljana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In July, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Ljubljana. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Rotterdam is much warmer than Ljubljana in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

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

In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Ljubljana. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Rotterdam