A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rotterdam vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Cinque Terre. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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 food, shopping, and museums. See Rotterdam travel costs.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

Rotterdam and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Both Cinque Terre and Rotterdam have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Rotterdam is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Rotterdam is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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 Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotterdam makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Rotterdam has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.


Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

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

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

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

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.


Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for hiking. However, Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre More Beautiful?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Rotterdam is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

Rotterdam is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.


Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Rotterdam is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Rotterdam is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Rotterdam or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Rotterdam
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

In either Rotterdam or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Rotterdam because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.


  • How many days in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rotterdam 1-3 
    Cinque Terre 2-5

One day in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Rotterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy big city of Rotterdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer.


A week in Rotterdam or Cinque Terre?

Rotterdam is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre 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.



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