A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands The Hague vs. Rotterdam for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

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Should you visit The Hague 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 The Hague and Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a diverse, global, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

How is The Hague different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is The Hague or Rotterdam better for Food?

Picking the best between The Hague and Rotterdam can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

The food selection is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague or Rotterdam better for Nightlife?

Both The Hague and Rotterdam have similar vibes after the sun sets.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague or Rotterdam better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both The Hague and Rotterdam.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. 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 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 The Hague or Rotterdam better for Families?

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Rotterdam.

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 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 The Hague or Rotterdam better for Couples?

Both The Hague and Rotterdam are good destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

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


Is The Hague or Rotterdam better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague and Rotterdam are both good destinations for backpackers.

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

Is The Hague or Rotterdam better for Students?

Both The Hague and Rotterdam are popular destinations for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

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

Is The Hague or Rotterdam better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both The Hague and Rotterdam.

Public transit in The Hague is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is The Hague or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

The Hague and Rotterdam are similar when it comes to walkability.

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

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


The Hague and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

The Hague
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Rotterdam
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hague and Rotterdam. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to The Hague is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Rotterdam is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in The Hague or Rotterdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Rotterdam 1-3

One day in The Hague or Rotterdam?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hague has to offer. 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 The Hague or Rotterdam?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. 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 modern 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 The Hague or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse city of The Hague. 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.

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 The Hague or Rotterdam?

The Hague 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.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Rotterdam or The Hague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €143, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is €121. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for The Hague and Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague €83
    Rotterdam €62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague €166
    Rotterdam €124

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague €15
    Rotterdam €21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer: The Hague to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $622
  • Lxry Private Transfer from The Hague to the Flowerfields in Lisse (incl.tickets): $435
  • Private Taxi Transfer from The Hague to the Flowerfields in Lisse (incl.tickets): $311
  • Amsterdam Airport Transfers: Hague City to Schiphol Airport AMS in Luxury Van: $180
  • Departure Transfer: Hague City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport AMS in Luxury Van: $180
  • The Hague to Schiphol Airport Transfer: $131
  • Departure Transfer: Hague City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport AMS in Business Car: $126
  • Amsterdam Airport Transfers: Hague City to Schiphol Airport AMS in Business Car: $118
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $116
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer from Amsterdam to The Hague: $113
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to The Hague City - One Way: $113
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $112

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - Rotterdam Private Airport transfer city centre to Rotterdam Airport RTM: $9.41
  • Ultra - Rotterdam Private Airport Transfer from Airport RTM to Port Europoort: $120
  • Transfer in private minivan from Rotterdam city to La Haya Airport (RTM): $43
  • Transfer in private minivan from La Haya Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam city: $43
  • Transfer in Private Car from Rotterdam city to Rotterdam La Haya Airport (RTM): $34
  • Transfer in Private Car from Rotterdam La Haya Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam city: $34
  • Round trip transfer, private minivan from-to La Haya Airport-RTM-Rotterdam city: $86
  • Round trip transfer in Private Car from-to La Haya Airport-RTM to Rotterdam city: $67
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $131
  • Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $133
  • Private transfer: Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $622
  • Private transfer: Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to The Hague: $622

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam and The Hague change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    The Hague €44
    Rotterdam €43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $78
  • Food Tour by Bike: $78
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $87
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $100
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $166
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague €27
    Rotterdam €25

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Guided Private Tour to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, The Hague - 7 Hours: $421
  • Half Day Terracotta Warriors Group Tour: $125
  • Inspirational Freedom Walking Tour in The Hague: $68
  • Madurodam entrance Ticket: $22
  • Christmas Magic Walking Tour: $907
  • Private Tour with a Local Guide: $40
  • The 'Best Of' Walking Tour: $737
  • The Netherlands: 1-Day National Public Transport Ticket: $77

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • All Inclusive, Authentic Private Tour Rotterdam and Kinderdijk: $250
  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise Pub Quiz: $55
  • Architectural Walking Tour in Rotterdam: $319
  • Architecture Highlights Walking Tour in Rotterdam: $38
  • Architecture Walk Rotterdam Private Group Tour: $383
  • Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $62
  • Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $61
  • Bike and Lunch in The Windmill Tour: $117
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $98
  • Cultural Walking Tour in Rotterdam: $38
  • Early Bird Business Running Tour: $68
  • Explore Rotterdam’s history and architecture on private walking tour: $467

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague €24
    Rotterdam €15

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $11
  • Discover 3 Culinary Restaurants in Rotterdam - Self Guided Food & Wine Tour: $128
  • Experience 4 restaurants in Rotterdam - Self Guided Food & Wine Tour: $152

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Rotterdam, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 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 Rotterdam.

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The Hague vs. Rotterdam Travel Comparison

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