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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Rotterdam and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Rotterdam and Sarajevo are about the same size, Sarajevo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Rotterdam different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Rotterdam has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Rotterdam or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Sarajevo offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Rotterdam or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Sarajevo both offer plenty of excellent 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.

Sarajevo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Rotterdam or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Rotterdam or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Rotterdam is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Rotterdam or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam and Sarajevo both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Rotterdam or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable port city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotterdam and Sarajevo. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Rotterdam than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.

One day in Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

Rotterdam is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sarajevo. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

Rotterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo?

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the overlooked city of Sarajevo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Sarajevo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Sarajevo, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Sarajevo. The summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In July, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Sarajevo. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Rotterdam is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Rotterdam