A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. La Rochelle for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit The Hague or La Rochelle?

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 The Hague and La Rochelle can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a diverse, global, and international city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

The Hague and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hague or La Rochelle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hague than La Rochelle. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. The Hague is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while La Rochelle attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. La Rochelle is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also well known for The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in The Hague or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for its restaurants. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

The Hague is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to The Hague for the nightlife scene. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Music?

The Hague is great for its live music scene. However, La Rochelle is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague draws a good crowd. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

La Rochelle is not a live music destination.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for its beaches. However, The Hague is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

The Hague is not a beach destination.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

La Rochelle offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for its hiking trails. However, The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or La Rochelle?

The Hague is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

The Hague is well-known for its shopping. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or La Rochelle.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal town to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague and La Rochelle are both nice destinations for backpackers.

The Hague is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

It's common for backpackers to visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Students?

The Hague is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

Many students frequent The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The Hague is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in The Hague can get you to some places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is The Hague or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

For even more information, also check out Is The Hague Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either The Hague or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for The Hague, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than The Hague 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 La Rochelle.

One day in The Hague or La Rochelle?

The Hague is a global city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 The Hague or La Rochelle?

The Hague is a global big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or La Rochelle?

The global city of The Hague offers food and shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in The Hague or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting The Hague. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, The Hague or La Rochelle?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of The Hague and La Rochelle, 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 The Hague or La Rochelle?

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 The Hague or La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and La Rochelle. Most visitors come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, The Hague is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in The Hague in July average around 17°C (62°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. The Hague usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, The Hague usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit The Hague or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to The Hague as well as La Rochelle. The autumn months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In October, The Hague is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 11°C (51°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, The Hague often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. The Hague gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Rochelle. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in The Hague in the winter. The Hague is much colder than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The Hague usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, The Hague usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit The Hague or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and The Hague during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to The Hague for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, The Hague is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in The Hague in April average around 8°C (46°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, The Hague often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and The Hague