Rotterdam is a trendy port city known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Rotterdam and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Rotterdam?
You should plan to spend around $217 (€191) per day on your vacation in Rotterdam. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $106 (€93) on meals
- $30 (€26) on local transportation
- $175 (€154) on hotels
A one week trip to Rotterdam for two people costs, on average, $3,038 (€2,674). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,519
€1,337
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,038
€2,674
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One Month
Per person
$6,510
€5,730
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,038
€2,674
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,076
€5,348
-
One Month
For a couple
$13,020
€11,460
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Rotterdam cost?
A one week trip to Rotterdam usually costs around $1,519 (€1,337) for one person and $3,038 (€2,674) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Rotterdam on average costs around $3,038 (€2,674) for one person and $6,076 (€5,348) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Rotterdam will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Rotterdam on average costs around $6,510 (€5,730) for one person and $13,020 (€11,460) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Rotterdam expensive to visit?
Rotterdam is a vibrant port city teeming with activities and adventures. Whether you're a frugal traveler or someone ready to splurge, you'll find your niche in this dynamic place. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Rotterdam can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $92 (€82) per day, mid-range travelers spend $214 (€191) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $435 (€387) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Rotterdam.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Rotterdam is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Turin (Torino) or Stuttgart.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Rotterdam Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Rotterdam?
The average Rotterdam trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Rotterdam travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Rotterdam cost?
Rotterdam on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$38
(€33)
|
$87
(€77)
|
$177
(€155)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$13
(€11)
|
$30
(€26)
|
$59
(€52)
|
|
Food2
|
$45
(€40)
|
$106
(€93)
|
$215
(€190)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$15
(€13)
|
$36
(€32)
|
$74
(€65)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$5-14
(€4-12)
|
$11-32
(€10-29)
|
$22-65
(€19-57)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Rotterdam is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $92 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Rotterdam is packed with plenty of hostels, including Hostel ROOM Rotterdam, Hostel Ani & Haakien Rotterdam, and King Kong Hostel Rotterdam. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal. In addition, the port city provides solid public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Rotterdam, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Rotterdam wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $214 per person, per day.
In Rotterdam, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Alberti - Bed & Bike Rotterdam is a great choice for families, and Suitehotel Pincoffs is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Rotterdam.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $435. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the port city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Guided Walking Tour Historical Dordrecht - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $96 and peak summer season rising to an average of $179. Prices typically range from $65 to $438, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Rotterdam for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $175 (€154). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $87 (€77) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Rotterdam include:
- Suitehotel Pincoffs starting at $111
- citizenM Rotterdam starting at $101
- Hotel Amerika Rotterdam starting at $124
- Hotel New York Rotterdam starting at $99
- Savoy Hotel Rotterdam starting at $91
Rotterdam, being a vibrant port city, offers a wide range of places to stay. You can choose from budget-friendly hostels such as Hostel ROOM Rotterdam, charming vacation rentals, or upscale hotels. Staying in the city center might cost you a bit more, but you'll have quick access to public transit and the best attractions.
Thanks to Rotterdam's great public transportation, you can stay outside the port city for cheaper accommodations, but be aware of the potential for increased transportation costs and commute time.
This family-friendly port city makes Rotterdam a great option for traveling with kids, and you'll want to find a larger place to stay. Rooms in this big city are often on the smaller side, which can make them feel a bit cramped.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Rotterdam, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Rotterdam
In a large port city like Rotterdam, transportation plays a big role, and thankfully, the city has a great public transit system. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry. Public transit is the most budget-friendly choice, but taxis and rideshares are easily available if you're looking for convenience.
Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $30 (€26) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rotterdam. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Rotterdam is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$30
€26
Like elsewhere in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is easy to navigate on bike and you will find many of the locals traveling around on bicycle. Even so, there is an excellent public transportation system that integrates a metro, bus, and tram system to ensure that it is efficient and comprehensive.
The metro has five lines and trains are generally frequent and efficient. There are ten tram lines and all of them, with the exception of line 2, stop at Rotterdam Centraal. You'll find a map of the system at each of the tram stops. Trams run every ten minutes, more often during rush hour. There are several different bus companies around town. They share some bus stops but each has its own route number. RET is the largest operator.
Should you find yourself using public transit regularly, opting for multi-day transit passes can lead to substantial savings.
Be cautious of pickpockets on buses and trains and in stations. Remember that Rotterdam is a sizable city.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam for $184 details
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS) for $179 details
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to or from Rotterdam for $180 details
How much does it cost to go to Rotterdam? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Rotterdam will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Rotterdam
The culinary offerings in Rotterdam are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains. The city is also known for its food halls, which provide a variety of gourmet flavors from around the globe.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Rotterdam can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Rotterdam is $106 (€93) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$106
€93
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Rotterdam is around $104 (€93) per person, with previous travelers spending from $45 to $213. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Rotterdam are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $31
- Lunch: $16 to $42
- Dinner: $31 to $73
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $16
The restaurant scene in Rotterdam continues to grow and thrive. You'll find new restaurants opening regularly to meet the needs of the locals and tourists alike. The area around metrostation Blaak known as Oude Haven or Old Harbour is a great place to find a good pub or restaurant, although there is little else to see there. Many restaurants in the area are mid range or high end, but the food is quite good and is often Dutch or French in style.
There are pubs around town and many are surprisingly diverse. Consider what style you're looking for and then select a neighborhood and you're likely to find a bar that you'll enjoy. Nightlife is generally vibrant and many bars are open late into the night.
If you choose to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner, you can save some money. Many dining spots in tourist areas or business centers have lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are usually just scaled-down and cheaper versions of their dinner offerings. You might even find a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price if you know where to look. For dinner, just opt for something light.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Rotterdam. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- #1 Food Tour in Eat & Enjoy with a Local Guide for $87 details
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide for $103 details
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour for $104 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Rotterdam
It's no surprise that Rotterdam sees many visitors since it offers food, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Rotterdam typically cost an average of $36 (€32) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$36
€32
Museums in Rotterdam are quite impressive and many are worth a visit. Be sure and check out the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Kunsthal, Nederlands Fotomuseum, and the Maritime Museum. Also make sure you visit the Windmills De Ster and De Lelie, a fun sight for visitors of all ages. These are the only windmills open to visitors on a regular basis. In all, there are only seven windmills left in the city. The others are open to the public when the windmill is turning or there is a blue flag flying.
Other impressive buildings in the city are the City Hall, Grote of Sint Laurenskerk, and Pilgrimfathers' church.
The Rotterdam Zoo was opened in 1857 and is a popular place to visit. It's only a 20 minute walk from the Central Train Station. It is divided into sections that represent different parts of the world and you can see many interesting animals in their natural habitat.
There are many interesting activities you can do around Rotterdam. An interesting option is to try skydiving with Skydive Rotterdam. You can try a tandem skydive or take an entire course.
There's a beach about half an hour outside of town at Hook of Holland. It can be accessed by train and its a good option if you're interested in swimming or relaxing. The atmosphere at Scheveningen is more like a beach party. There you will find many beachside bars, restaurants and clubs. It can be very crowded though, particularly during the peak season. You can reach Scheveningen by taking a train to Den Haag HS station and then catching tram 1. Alternatively, you can take the train to Den Haag Centraal and take tram 9.
Popular events and festivals around town include the International Film Festival, Art Rotterdam, the World Tennis Tournament, Poetry International and World Port Days.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Rotterdam is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Highlights Rotterdam PRIVE bicycle tour for $116 details
- Discover Classic Highlights Bike Tour with a Local for $29 details
- Rotterdam Travel to the Future Walking Tour for $233 details
Nightlife Budget in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $22 (€19) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Rotterdam per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$22
€19
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Rotterdam. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tasting Flights (NO TOUR) for $9 details
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings for $13 details
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry for $51 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 24, 2025
Traveling in Rotterdam
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city center of Rotterdam has the most impressive architecture and many different sights and attractions. Kralingen is about fifteen minutes away from the center and has a young and international vibe. Kop van Zuid is a popular area for young expats. It's a trendy area with a fun atmosphere. Hillegersberg is a suburb to the northeast of the city. It still has an old village vibe and is well connected by buses and trams.
Related:
Looking for a party? Find a hostel in Amsterdam, London, or Paris.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
I'd only recommend you spend one night in Rotterdam. It's definitely cheaper than places like Amsterdam, but there's much less to do as well.