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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Strasbourg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rotterdam than Strasbourg. Rotterdam is bigger than Strasbourg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Strasbourg is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Strasbourg is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Also, Rotterdam is famous for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great port city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Rotterdam has something for everybody. 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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Rotterdam or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

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

Strasbourg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Strasbourg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Strasbourg both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Strasbourg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Rotterdam or Strasbourg Better for Families?

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

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly destination. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Rotterdam or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Strasbourg is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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

Is Rotterdam or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Strasbourg are notable 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Rotterdam or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Strasbourg is a good port city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Rotterdam and Strasbourg both offer high quality 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 Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Rotterdam or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Strasbourg are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotterdam and Strasbourg. In our opinion, Strasbourg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Strasbourg than Rotterdam. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Strasbourg?

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Strasbourg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Strasbourg?

When visiting Rotterdam, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Strasbourg?

Rotterdam, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the impressive city of Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg?

Rotterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Strasbourg 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Strasbourg?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is cooler than Strasbourg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Strasbourg during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Rotterdam is generally around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Strasbourg in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Strasbourg. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

In the spring, Rotterdam is cooler than Strasbourg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Strasbourg. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Rotterdam