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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. 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 high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stuttgart. Although Rotterdam and Stuttgart are about the same size, Stuttgart has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. Stuttgart is famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. It is also well known for The Mercedes-Benz Museum.

How is Rotterdam different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Stuttgart and Rotterdam.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. 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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.


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

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

The vibe at night is superb in both Rotterdam and Stuttgart.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. 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.

Stuttgart has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

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

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.


Is Rotterdam or Stuttgart Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Rotterdam or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

Rotterdam and Stuttgart both nice destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Rotterdam or Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Stuttgart are nice 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 Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.


Is Rotterdam or Stuttgart Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

For students, both Rotterdam and Stuttgart are superb places to visit.

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

Stuttgart is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

Rotterdam and Stuttgart both offer superb 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 Stuttgart. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Is Rotterdam or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Stuttgart

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

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

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.


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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

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

Families should spend more time in Rotterdam than Stuttgart. 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.


  • How many days in Rotterdam or Stuttgart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rotterdam 1-3 
    Stuttgart 2-4

One day in Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart?

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic big city of Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy port city of Rotterdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Stuttgart. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Stuttgart is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Stuttgart or Rotterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Stuttgart is €164. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rotterdam and Stuttgart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Stuttgart 101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Stuttgart 202
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Stuttgart

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Stuttgart? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rotterdam


Hotels in Stuttgart


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Stuttgart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Stuttgart 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $148
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $83
  • Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83
  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
  • Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $291
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

Prices for flights to both Stuttgart and Rotterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rotterdam 54
    Stuttgart 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Stuttgart 24

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
  • 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $96
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
  • Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $147
  • Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $37
  • SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $21
  • Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $356
  • Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Stuttgart 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Stuttgart, we can see that Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Stuttgart?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Stuttgart. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is cooler than Stuttgart in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stuttgart this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Stuttgart during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Stuttgart. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Stuttgart in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is cooler than Stuttgart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Stuttgart. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Stuttgart. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Stuttgart in the Winter?

Both Stuttgart and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Stuttgart during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Stuttgart in the Spring?

Both Stuttgart and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the activities around the city.

Rotterdam is much colder than Stuttgart in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Stuttgart. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Stuttgart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)