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

Should you visit Seoul or Rotterdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a high energy, colorful, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seoul and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Rotterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Seoul different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rotterdam and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Rotterdam?

Seoul 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 Seoul. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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 Seoul or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul is an amazing 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 Seoul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

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 Seoul or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Rotterdam are high quality when it comes to partying.

Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Rotterdam has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Seoul or Rotterdam Better for Music?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Rotterdam?

Seoul 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 Seoul specifically to go shopping. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

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 Seoul or Rotterdam Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Rotterdam.

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

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.

Is Seoul or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Seoul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

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

Is Seoul or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Rotterdam are good destinations for backpackers.

Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Seoul or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Seoul and Rotterdam are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Seoul is very popular with students. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

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

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

Seoul 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 Seoul is top-notch. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

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

Is Seoul or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Seoul and Rotterdam both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Rotterdam. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

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

One day in Seoul or Rotterdam?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. 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.

In Rotterdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy big city offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Seoul or Rotterdam?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Seoul or Rotterdam?

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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.

A week in Seoul or Rotterdam?

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Rotterdam is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Rotterdam?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Rotterdam, 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 Seoul or Rotterdam?

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 Seoul or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Seoul is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Rotterdam. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. The weather in Seoul can be very cold. Seoul is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Rotterdam. The activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

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

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Seoul