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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Rotterdam and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rotterdam is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotterdam is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Rotterdam has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

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

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne?

Rotterdam is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Rotterdam is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Rotterdam is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Rotterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

Rotterdam is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Rotterdam is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Rotterdam can get you to some places easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable port city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 nightlife and museums around the city of Saint-Etienne. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne?

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 museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the park-filled city of Saint-Etienne. 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.

A week in Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne?

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.

Saint-Etienne 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam than you might in Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne?

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

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Rotterdam is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

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

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Rotterdam