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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rotterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums and attractions and beaches, while Rotterdam is known for its big city activities. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Thessaloniki different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Rotterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Rotterdam both to be superb destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Rotterdam is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Rotterdam have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

The people in Rotterdam know how to have a good time. 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 Thessaloniki or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Thessaloniki and Rotterdam.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Rotterdam make for a good place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

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

Is Thessaloniki or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Rotterdam are superb destinations for students.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thessaloniki and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki than in Rotterdam. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Thessaloniki. 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.

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.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Thessaloniki. 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.

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.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Thessaloniki. 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.

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.

A week in Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

Thessaloniki 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Rotterdam. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°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. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Rotterdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. Thessaloniki is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Thessaloniki