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

Should you visit Rotterdam or New York City?

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 New York City. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Rotterdam and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Rotterdam. New York City is bigger than Rotterdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is an amazing city 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, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 Rotterdam or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Rotterdam is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Rotterdam is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Rotterdam or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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 New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City 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.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

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

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or New York City?

New York City 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 New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Rotterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, New York City is a top place to visit during Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Rotterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Rotterdam or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Rotterdam does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Rotterdam does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Rotterdam or New York City Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and New York City are excellent family-friendly destinations.

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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Rotterdam or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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

Is Rotterdam or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City 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 New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City Better for Students?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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 New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City 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 New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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

Is Rotterdam or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or New York City?

Both Rotterdam and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Rotterdam. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Rotterdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Rotterdam or New York City?

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of New York City. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the cosmopolitan big city of New York City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the one-of-a-kind city of New York City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Rotterdam. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam is in Europe and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Rotterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and New York City. The summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the summer, Rotterdam is much colder than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than New York City. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as New York City. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rotterdam is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New York City. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than New York City. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Rotterdam is cooler than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Rotterdam