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

Should you visit Valencia or Rotterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Valencia and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Rotterdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Rotterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Valencia different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia is an amazing coastal 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 Valencia, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a good destination for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Valencia offers a nice beach destination. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is an amazing coastal city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Valencia offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a good destination for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Valencia offers some nice hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Rotterdam?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rotterdam and Valencia.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Valencia and Rotterdam are both great destinations for the whole family.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

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

Is Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Valencia is an amazing coastal city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Valencia is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

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

Rotterdam is well known for its public transit. Also, Valencia 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 Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Valencia or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Valencia and Rotterdam both are great when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valencia and Rotterdam. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valencia than Rotterdam. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Rotterdam?

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

The port city of Rotterdam offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Rotterdam?

People visit Valencia because there is so much to do. 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 city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Rotterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal coastal city of Valencia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rotterdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Rotterdam?

Valencia 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.

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Rotterdam?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia or Rotterdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Valencia or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Valencia during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, 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.

In the summer, Valencia is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valencia. In the summer, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Valencia 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 October, Valencia is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valencia usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Valencia 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. Valencia is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Valencia 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.

In the spring, Valencia is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Valencia