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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a colorful, historic, and relaxing small 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, beaches, and hiking.

Rotterdam and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Rotterdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Sorrento is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam is a port city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is an amazing small 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 Sorrento, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Rotterdam know how to have a good time. 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 Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is great for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a good destination for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is great for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Sorrento?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Sorrento both offer plenty of very good 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.

Sorrento is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Sorrento are very good 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.

Sorrento is a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sorrento, as it is a very popular small city for budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam and Sorrento both offer very good 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 Sorrento. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Rotterdam or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Sorrento are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Sorrento is very walkable. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Sorrento?

Both Rotterdam and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Rotterdam. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento 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 Sorrento.

One day in Rotterdam or Sorrento?

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 food and shopping around the small city of Sorrento. 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 Sorrento?

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 shopping and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Sorrento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Sorrento?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic small city of Sorrento. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this small city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this small city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Sorrento?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Sorrento. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In October, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. Rotterdam is much colder than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Sorrento. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sorrento in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Rotterdam