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

Should you visit Sydney or Rotterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Rotterdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sydney and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney than Rotterdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sydney is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Sydney different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney 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, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney 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.

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Sydney has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Sydney is great for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Rotterdam?

Sydney 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 Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Sydney 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, Sydney is very family-friendly. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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

Is Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a very popular place to visit for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

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

Sydney 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 Sydney is top-notch. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Sydney and Rotterdam both are great when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Rotterdam?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Rotterdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Rotterdam?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

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.

Five days in Sydney or Rotterdam?

People visit Sydney 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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.

A week in Sydney or Rotterdam?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Rotterdam, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Rotterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Rotterdam?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Rotterdam?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Rotterdam has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Sydney is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in July.

In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Rotterdamin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Rotterdamin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Sydney is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F)in October.

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Rotterdamin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In July, Sydney is generally much warmer than Rotterdamin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Rotterdamin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdamin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

Sydney is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives more rain than Rotterdamin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Sydney