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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt. 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.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a diverse, accessible, and modern city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Frankfurt travel costs.

Rotterdam and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt. Although Rotterdam and Frankfurt are about the same size, Frankfurt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Frankfurt is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also well known for The Old Town Center. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

The Old Town Center

How is Rotterdam different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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 Rotterdam or Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Frankfurt can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Rotterdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Rotterdam or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Rotterdam and Frankfurt.

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. 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.

Frankfurt has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Rotterdam or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

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

Frankfurt has an old town worth visiting. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

If you're looking to go shopping, Rotterdam and Frankfurt both offer plenty of high quality spots.

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.

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Rotterdam or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Frankfurt are high quality family-friendly destinations.

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.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly place to visit. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Is Rotterdam or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Frankfurt both nice destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Rotterdam or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Rotterdam or Frankfurt Better for Students?

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

Frankfurt is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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.

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

Frankfurt is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Public transit in Frankfurt is top-notch. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is Rotterdam or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Frankfurt are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rotterdam and Frankfurt. In our opinion, Frankfurt has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Frankfurt than Rotterdam. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Frankfurt. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Frankfurt has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Frankfurt. 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.

Five days in Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the modern 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the connected city of Frankfurt. 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 Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Frankfurt, 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 Rotterdam or Frankfurt?

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 Rotterdam or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Frankfurt. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is cooler than Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

Rotterdam is cooler than Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Frankfurt. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Rotterdam