Should I Visit The Hague or Rotterdam? Which is Better for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Jump to

• Food
• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Families
• Couples
• Backpackers
• Students
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in The Hague or Rotterdam?
• Which is Cheaper, The Hague or Rotterdam? (Travel Cost Comparison)
• Which is Bigger, The Hague or Rotterdam?
• When to Visit The Hague or Rotterdam?

Should you visit The Hague or Rotterdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between The Hague and Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a diverse, global, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hague or Rotterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in The Hague than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than The Hague, The Hague has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. The Hague is better known for its food and music, while Rotterdam is more popular for its museums & sights. The Hague is well known for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. Also, The Hague is famous for The Peace Palace. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is The Hague different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is very good for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

The Hague is great 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.

The Hague has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is The Hague or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Both The Hague and Rotterdam have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague or Rotterdam Better for Music?

The Hague is great for its music scene. However, Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague draws a good crowd. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Rotterdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both The Hague and Rotterdam.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 The Hague or Rotterdam Better for Families?

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

Rotterdam is a very family-friendly destination. 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 The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Is The Hague or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Both The Hague and Rotterdam are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

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

Is The Hague or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague and Rotterdam are both notable destinations for backpackers.

The Hague is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is The Hague or Rotterdam Better for Students?

The Hague 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.

The Hague is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both The Hague and Rotterdam.

Public transit in The Hague is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

Is The Hague or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hague and Rotterdam. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Rotterdam than The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague.

• How many days in The Hague or Rotterdam?Ideal Length of Stay

  The Hague1-3

  Rotterdam1-3

One day in The Hague or Rotterdam?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hague has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Rotterdam. 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 The Hague or Rotterdam?

People visit The Hague 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the modern big city of Rotterdam. 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 The Hague or Rotterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the global city of The Hague. 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 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 The Hague or Rotterdam?

The Hague 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands.

Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or The Hague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• The Hague Prices
  Netherlands Prices

  See Also

  Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rotterdam? | Budget Your Trip

  Rotterdam Prices
  Netherlands Prices

• Average Daily CostPer person, per day

  The Hague€178

  Rotterdam€152

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €178, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is €152. 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 The Hague and Rotterdam in more detail.

Accommodation

• AccommodationHotel or hostel for one person

  The Hague€104

  Rotterdam€77

• AccommodationTypical double-occupancy room

  The Hague€208

  Rotterdam€154

Compare Hotels in The Hague and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in The Hague or Rotterdam? 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.

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:The Hague Hotel Prices and Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

• Local TransportationTaxis, local buses, subway, etc.

  The Hague€19

  Rotterdam€26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

• Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague:$288
• From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport:$266
• Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport :$147
• Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam:$141
• Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport:$130
• Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag:$29
• Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag:$20
• Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag:$17
• Amsterdam: Train + tram transferring to/from Scheveningen:$17
• Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag:$17
• Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam:$8.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

• Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City:$169
• Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car:$84
• Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van:$90
• Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car:$84
• Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van:$90
• Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer:$40
• Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam:$166
• Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol:$166
• Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.:$172
• Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport:$178
• Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam:$177
• Private Transfer from Rotterdam to AMS Amsterdam Schiphol Airport:$177

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam and The Hague 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

• FoodMeals for one day

  The Hague€55

  Rotterdam€54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

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

• SELF-GUIDED WALKING DINNER ZOETERMEER | 3 courses + 3 drinks:$90
• Self-Guided Dinner Walking Tour in Delft:$90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

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

• 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided:$50
• Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide - the best vegan spots:$66
• Guided Food Tour:$82
• #1 Food Tour in eat & enjoy with a local guide:$85
• Guided Walking Food Tour:$88
• Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide:$89
• Walking Rotterdam Food Tour:$89
• Food Tour by Bike:$94
• Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam:$124
• Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour:$158
• Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings:$166
• Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour:$282

Entertainment

• EntertainmentEntrance tickets, shows, etc.

  The Hague€34

  Rotterdam€32

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour:$6.03
• 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft (Tip Based) :$3.37
• 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague:$3.37
• 90 minutes Self Guided Walking Tour with puzzles in Delft:$22
• 90 minutes Self Guided Walking Tour with puzzles in Den Haag:$22
• Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour:$554
• Boattour The Hague and Scheveningen:$194
• Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App:$7.52
• Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!:$28
• Drive it yourself electric Dutch Countryside GPS audio tour:$100
• Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour:$100
• Drive it yourself electric Tulip and Flower Fields GPS audio tour:$143

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

• "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam:$28
• 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive:$20
• 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda:$22
• All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view:$209
• Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local:$146
• Best of small-group walking tour:$100
• Boat & Beer Walking Tour:$100
• Breda Highlight Bike Tour:$33
• Breda: The True Lord Quest Experience:$7.33
• Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App:$7.52
• Cultural Walking Tour in Rotterdam:$51
• Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!:$28

Alcohol

• AlcoholDrinks for one day

  The Hague€30

  Rotterdam€19

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 Tastings with Optional Tour:$8.31
• Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour:$9.41
• Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings:$13

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Rotterdam, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague than you might in Rotterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, The Hague or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of The Hague. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Rotterdam. Many visitors come to The Hague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, The Hague is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 17°C (62°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. The Hague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during summer. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, The Hague usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

• Summer Average TemperaturesJuly

  The Hague17°C (62°F)

  Rotterdam17°C (62°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Rotterdam. Most visitors come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

The Hague is around the same temperature as Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

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

• Autumn Average TemperaturesOctober

  The Hague11°C (51°F)

  Rotterdam11°C (51°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to The Hague because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. The weather in The Hague can be very cold. In the winter, The Hague is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hague in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

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

In January, The Hague usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

• Winter Average TemperaturesJanuary

  The Hague2°C (36°F)

  Rotterdam2°C (36°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and The Hague during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

In April, The Hague is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 8°C (46°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

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

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

• Spring Average TemperaturesApril

  The Hague8°C (46°F)

  Rotterdam8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and The Hague