A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taupo vs. Rotterdam for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Taupo or Rotterdam?

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

Should I visit Taupo or Rotterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

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. See Rotterdam travel costs.

Taupo and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taupo or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Taupo and Rotterdam are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Taupo is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taupo is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Taupo different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Taupo or Rotterdam Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Rotterdam is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Rotterdam is not a skiing destination.

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

Rotterdam is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Rotterdam offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Both Taupo and Rotterdam offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Rotterdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains. The city is also known for its food halls, which provide a variety of gourmet flavors from around the globe.

Is Taupo or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Rotterdam know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Taupo or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Taupo or Rotterdam More Beautiful?

Taupo is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Rotterdam is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Rotterdam is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Taupo or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Taupo is an amazing town 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, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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

Is Taupo or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an amazing town 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 Taupo, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Taupo or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a great destination for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

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.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Taupo or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taupo and Rotterdam. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Taupo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

One day in Taupo or Rotterdam?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Taupo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Taupo or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the striking destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town 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 Taupo or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the stunning town of Taupo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Taupo or Rotterdam?

Taupo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the modern 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taupo and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Taupo 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 Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Taupo.

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

Which is Bigger, Taupo or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo 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.