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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez?

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-Tropez. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a luxurious, glamourous, and opulent resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rotterdam and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Rotterdam and Saint-Tropez are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Saint-Tropez is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Rotterdam offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Saint-Tropez can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Rotterdam is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Saint-Tropez offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Saint-Tropez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Saint-Tropez for its luxury resorts. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is great for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint-Tropez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town 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 Saint-Tropez specifically to go shopping. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town 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, Saint-Tropez is very family-friendly. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Saint-Tropez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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

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

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Saint-Tropez are good 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 Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a great destination for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with 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.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Rotterdam can get you around easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

While Saint-Tropez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Saint-Tropez is a very easy resort town to get around on foot. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez?

It's fun to spend time in either Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint-Tropez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez?

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Saint-Tropez. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the luxurious destination of Saint-Tropez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy big city of Rotterdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the celebrity-filled resort town of Saint-Tropez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez?

Rotterdam is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint-Tropez is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Saint-Tropez, 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 Saint-Tropez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Saint-Tropez?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Saint-Tropez, 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-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Saint-Tropez. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Saint-Tropez. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 366 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Tropez. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Saint-Tropez and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Rotterdam is much colder than Saint-Tropez in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Saint-Tropez and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Saint-Tropez. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 150 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Tropez. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Saint-Tropez. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Saint-Tropez. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Tropez and Rotterdam