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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Split?

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 Split. 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.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Split?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Split than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Split, Split has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Split is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Rotterdam is known for its big city activities. Split is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split 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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Split is great 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.

Split has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

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

Split has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Split to choose from. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Split for it's beautiful beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Split has an old town worth visiting. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Split?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Split 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.

Split is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Rotterdam or Split Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Split are excellent 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.

Split is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Rotterdam or Split Better for Couples?

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

Split is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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

Is Rotterdam or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an amazing 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 Split, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

For students, both Rotterdam and Split are excellent places to visit.

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

Split is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Is Rotterdam or Split 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, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Rotterdam or Split a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Split are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Split is very walkable. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Rotterdam or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split 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 Split.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Split?

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Split. 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 Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the touristy destination of Split. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Split?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Rotterdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the fun-filled city of Split. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the modern big city of Rotterdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Split 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

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

In July, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Split. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Split. 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 Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Rotterdam is much colder than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Split. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Split. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Split in the Winter?

Both Split 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 Split 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 Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Split. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Split. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Split. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Rotterdam