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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Reims?

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 Reims. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Reims?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam than Reims. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Reims attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also well known for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses
The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam
Reims

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Reims 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


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

Rotterdam
Reims

Reims 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Reims

Rotterdam is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Reims?

Rotterdam
Reims

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Reims 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.

Reims is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.


Is Rotterdam or Reims Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Reims

Rotterdam is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotterdam is known to be 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Rotterdam or Reims Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Reims

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

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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

Is Rotterdam or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Reims

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Reims are nice 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.


Is Rotterdam or Reims Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Reims

Rotterdam is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam
Reims

Rotterdam is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Rotterdam or Reims a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Reims

Rotterdam and Reims are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Reims?

In either Rotterdam or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Rotterdam because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Reims 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.


  • How many days in Rotterdam or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rotterdam 1-3 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Rotterdam or Reims?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Reims. 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 Reims?

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 museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

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 food around the scenic city of Reims. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Rotterdam or Reims?

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.

Reims 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Rotterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Reims is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rotterdam and Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Reims? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rotterdam


Hotels in Reims


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Reims 39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport(AMS) to Rotterdam- Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $273
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims and Rotterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rotterdam 54
    Reims 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Reims 19

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $2.61
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Waterbus Ticket to Dordrecht and/or Kinderdijk: $10
  • Private Smartphone Walking Tour on WhatsApp: $10
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Reims 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Reims?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Reims. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Rotterdam is cooler than Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Reims. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Reims. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In January, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Reims. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Reims. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

Rotterdam is cooler than Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Reims. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)