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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik. 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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Rotterdam and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rotterdam than Reykjavik. Rotterdam is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rotterdam is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rotterdam. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Rotterdam or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Rotterdam has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Rotterdam or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Reykjavik?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Rotterdam or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Reykjavik are great 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.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Rotterdam or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Reykjavik is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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

Is Rotterdam or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Reykjavik are notable 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Rotterdam or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Rotterdam or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Reykjavik are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Reykjavik?

In either Rotterdam or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Rotterdam than Reykjavik. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Reykjavik?

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the green destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy port city of Rotterdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the safe city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Reykjavik?

Rotterdam 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.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Reykjavik?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rotterdam is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In October, Rotterdam is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Rotterdam is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the spring, Rotterdam is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Rotterdam