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

Should you visit Stockholm or Rotterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Rotterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Rotterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Stockholm is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town). Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Stockholm 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 Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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 Stockholm or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Stockholm and Rotterdam offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Stockholm. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

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.

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Rotterdam.

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

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.

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam Better for Music?

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

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

Stockholm offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Rotterdam?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rotterdam and Stockholm.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

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.

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm and Rotterdam are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Plenty of backpackers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Stockholm 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 Stockholm is top-notch. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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

Is Stockholm or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Stockholm 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.

Stockholm is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Rotterdam. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

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

One day in Stockholm or Rotterdam?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Rotterdam. 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.

A weekend in Stockholm or Rotterdam?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy big city of Rotterdam. 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.

Five days in Stockholm or Rotterdam?

People visit Stockholm 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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.

A week in Stockholm or Rotterdam?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Rotterdam?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Stockholm during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stockholm is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stockholm in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Stockholm. In the summer, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rotterdam. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Stockholm is generally cooler than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stockholm or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Stockholm is cooler than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Stockholm