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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Rotterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Edinburgh attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Edinburgh travel costs.

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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Rotterdam travel costs.

Edinburgh and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rotterdam is known for its food and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Edinburgh different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh 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, Edinburgh has many famous sights for visitors. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is great for its shows and theatre. However, Rotterdam is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Rotterdam is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Rotterdam has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Rotterdam.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for Music?

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

Edinburgh has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

Edinburgh offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Edinburgh and Rotterdam.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Edinburgh or Rotterdam More Beautiful?

Edinburgh is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Rotterdam is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Edinburgh attracts visitors from all around. It has a long history and a lot of architectural beauty. The weather may be the most challenging part of a visit to Edinburgh.

Rotterdam is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Rotterdam are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Rotterdam is known to be 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 Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

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

Edinburgh is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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

Is Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Edinburgh, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Rotterdam are very good destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

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

Rotterdam is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Rotterdam can get you to some places easily. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Edinburgh and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than in Rotterdam. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. 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.

People visit Rotterdam because there is so much to do. 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 Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

You'll find live music and shopping around the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Rotterdam 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the character-filled city of Edinburgh. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy 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 Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

Edinburgh 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Rotterdam, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Rotterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Rotterdam. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Edinburgh is cooler than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Rotterdam. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rotterdam. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. Edinburgh is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Edinburgh is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Edinburgh