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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Paris?

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 Paris. 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic 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 theater, nightlife, and live music.

Rotterdam and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Paris?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Rotterdam. Paris is bigger than Rotterdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Rotterdam different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris 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, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris Better for Theater?

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

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Rotterdam is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

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

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Paris?

Paris 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 Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

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

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Rotterdam does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Rotterdam or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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

Is Rotterdam or Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a 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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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 Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris 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 Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Rotterdam or Paris a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Paris are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Paris?

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

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Paris?

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 museums and theater around the city of Paris. 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 Paris?

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 theater and nightlife around the bustling big city of Paris. 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 Paris?

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 nightlife and live music around the iconic city of Paris. 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 Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the modern 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.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris 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. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is cooler than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Paris. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris 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. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the autumn 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 Paris. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Paris. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Paris. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Paris can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Rotterdam is much colder than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Paris. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Paris. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Paris. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Rotterdam