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

Should you visit Tokyo or Rotterdam?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo than Rotterdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tokyo is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Tokyo different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo 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, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is an amazing city to visit 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.

Eat your way through Tokyo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam Better for Music?

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

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Rotterdam?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Tokyo is great for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

Is Tokyo or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Rotterdam are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Rotterdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Tokyo or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo is top-notch. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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

Is Tokyo or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Rotterdam?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Rotterdam?

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

In Rotterdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this modern big city offers. 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 Tokyo or Rotterdam?

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

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam?

People visit Tokyo 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, one week is sufficent for most. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Rotterdam is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Rotterdam?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Rotterdam?

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 Tokyo or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tokyo is much warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Tokyo is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Rotterdam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. In January, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.

Tokyo is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Tokyo