A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rotterdam vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel can be difficult as they are each good 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Rotterdam know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Rotterdam is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Rotterdam is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rotterdam is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

One day in Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy big city of Rotterdam. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the iconic island of Mont-Saint-Michel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 7480 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Rotterdam is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mont-Saint-Michel. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In April, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Rotterdam