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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Milan?

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 Milan. 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.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Rotterdam and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Rotterdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan 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 Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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 Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is an amazing city 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 Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Milan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Rotterdam or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is Rotterdam or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Milan?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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.

Is Rotterdam or Milan Better for Families?

Rotterdam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Rotterdam or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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

Is Rotterdam or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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.

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

Milan is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Public transit in Milan is top-notch. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Rotterdam or Milan a more walkable city?

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

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Milan?

In either Rotterdam or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Rotterdam because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Milan?

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.

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

A weekend in Rotterdam or Milan?

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.

You'll find live music and food around the trendy big city of Milan. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Milan?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural city of Milan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy 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.

Milan 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Milan?

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

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 Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Milan during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Milan. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is cooler than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Milan. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Rotterdam is much colder than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Milan. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Rotterdam