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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Venice?

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 Venice. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Rotterdam and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Venice?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Venice than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Venice is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rotterdam attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Venice can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Rotterdam is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Rotterdam or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Rotterdam or Venice Better for its Old Town?

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

Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Venice?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Rotterdam or Venice Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Venice are high quality 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.

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Rotterdam or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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

Is Rotterdam or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Public transit in Venice is top-notch. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Rotterdam or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Venice?

Both Rotterdam and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Rotterdam. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Venice?

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic city of Venice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Rotterdam or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Rotterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Venice?

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

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice 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 Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is cooler than Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Venice. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is cooler than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Venice. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Venice. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Venice in the Winter?

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

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Venice. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Venice in the Spring?

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

Rotterdam is much colder than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Rotterdam