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

Should you visit Windsor or Rotterdam?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. 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.

Windsor and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Windsor or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam. Although Windsor and Rotterdam are both popular with visitors, Rotterdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor is known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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
The Cube Houses

How is Windsor different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor
Rotterdam

Windsor 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 Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Foodies will find both Windsor and Rotterdam both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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 Windsor or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Windsor is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Rotterdam?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Windsor
Rotterdam

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

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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


Is Windsor or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Rotterdam is well known for students. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor
Rotterdam

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

The public transit in Rotterdam can get you around easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.


Is Windsor or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Windsor
Rotterdam

Windsor and Rotterdam both are superb when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Rotterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Windsor and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rotterdam than in Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam than Windsor 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 Rotterdam.


  • How many days in Windsor or Rotterdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Rotterdam 1-3

One day in Windsor or Rotterdam?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Windsor or Rotterdam?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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.

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer.


Five days in Windsor or Rotterdam?

Windsor 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. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Rotterdam?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is £130. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Windsor and Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Rotterdam £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Rotterdam £132
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Rotterdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Windsor


Hotels in Rotterdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Windsor Hotel Prices and Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Rotterdam £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport(AMS) to Rotterdam- Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $273
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Rotterdam £46
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

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

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Rotterdam £27

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $2.61
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Waterbus Ticket to Dordrecht and/or Kinderdijk: $10
  • Private Smartphone Walking Tour on WhatsApp: $10
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Rotterdam £16

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

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

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Rotterdam, we can see that Windsor 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm 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.

In the summer, Windsor is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Rotterdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere 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 October, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Rotterdam. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor 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. It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. Windsor is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Windsor is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Windsor

Windsor Rotterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)