A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rotterdam vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Rotterdam or Gdansk?

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 Gdansk. 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.

Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Gdansk?

Rotterdam

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.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Rotterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €191, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is €66. 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 Rotterdam and Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam €77
    Gdansk €25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam €154
    Gdansk €50
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Gdansk? 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 Rotterdam


Hotels in Gdansk


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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam €26
    Gdansk €8.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer from Or To Schiphol Airport: $63
  • Private Direct Transfer From Rotterdam to Vlissingen cruise port: $230
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $286
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $188
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $188
  • Private Transfer From Cruise Port Rotterdam to Schiphol Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport): $296
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $171
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam Port: $92
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $226
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $183
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $183

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Warsaw/Deluxe Private Transfer Service: $357
  • Private transfer from Gdansk to Warsaw with 2h of Sightseeing: $293
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Grudziadz city: $287
  • Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Koszalin: $287
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Hel City: $268
  • Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Bydgoszcz: $263
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Bytów city: $250
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk or Airport Gdansk GDN to Leba: $240
  • Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $240
  • Transfer from Airport Gdańsk (GDN) or Gdańsk City Center to Koszalin: $231
  • Private transfer from Airport Gdansk to Sand Valley Golf Resort: $228
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Starogard Gdanski city: $198

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk and Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam €93
    Gdansk €34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

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

  • Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
  • Guided Food Tour: $81
  • Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $88
  • Rotterdam City Center Food Tour: $89
  • Food Tour by Bike: $105
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $105
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $106
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $106
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $131
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $176
  • Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $286

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $101
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Gdansk: $118
  • Foodpairing dinner in one of the best restaurants in Gdansk: $160
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $191
  • Sopot: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $194

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam €32
    Gdansk €7.68

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • Rotterdam 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.56
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.86
  • Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.94
  • Explore Gouda with Self-Guided GPS and Audio Tour: $8.29
  • Rotterdam Spy Mission: Save the City Exploration Game and Tour: $8.68
  • Delfshaven Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Rotterdam’s Old Town: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese: $9.99
  • Art, History and Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Rotterdam's Highlights and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Pub Trail Dordrecht: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • 1-day RET Public Transport Ticket: $14
  • Trompenburg Botanical Gardens Entry Ticket: $15

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

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

  • 1 hour Gdansk Amber Workshop Tour : $240
  • 90 Minute Segway Tour of Gdansk: $74
  • Beer Tour. Tasting and Tales in Gdansk: $79
  • Boat Tour in Gdańsk – Explore the Historic Motława River: $35
  • Cruises on the Motlawa River: $20
  • Cruises on the Motlawa River by a luxury catamaran - Gdańsk from the water side: $20
  • Culinary cruises - pierogi tasting Shipyard and Port: $32
  • Delicious Gdansk Craft Beer Tour: $89
  • Deluxe Polish Vodka Tour Experience in Gdansk: $127
  • Discover Gdansk Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Elblag Canal Tour from Gdansk: $210
  • Electric Scooter Gdańsk: Shipyard Tour - 1,5-Hour of Magic!: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam €19
    Gdansk €4.48

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' Beer Tasting: $9.40
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $15
  • Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $20
  • Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
  • The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $53
  • Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $582

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

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

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $26
  • Polish Spirits tasting in Gdańsk Craft Distillery tawern: $37
  • #1 Pub Crawl in Sopot: $44
  • Exclusive Gdańsk Wine Tour with Polish Wine Tastings: $96

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Gdansk?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Gdansk. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?

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 Rotterdam or Gdansk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Gdansk. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Gdansk in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Gdansk fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gdansk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Gdansk. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Gdansk in the Autumn?

Both Gdansk and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Gdansk averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Gdansk in the Winter?

Both Gdansk and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.


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