Comparison · Antwerp vs Rotterdam · Belgium / Netherlands
Antwerp vs Rotterdam
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Antwerp for Rubens and Diamonds; choose Rotterdam for Modern architecture, Erasmus Bridge and beaches. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 78 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 78 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Antwerp
- May–September
- Best time for Rotterdam
- May–September
Side by side
| Antwerp | Rotterdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Belgium | Netherlands |
| Known for | Rubens, Diamonds and Fashion | Modern architecture, Erasmus Bridge and Markthal |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 24°C (75°F) | July, 23°C (73°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 6°C (43°F) | January, 6°C (43°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Beaches | — | Hoek van Holland |
| Airports | BRU, ANR, CRL | RTM, AMS, EIN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Antwerp for…
Rubens and Diamonds. Antwerp, Flanders' largest city, grew rich in the 16th century as one of Europe's great trading ports, and its old centre around the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady still shows that wealth. It is the city of Peter Paul Rubens, whose altarpieces…
Choose Rotterdam for…
Modern architecture, Erasmus Bridge and beaches. Rotterdam's centre was largely destroyed by bombing in May 1940, and the city chose to rebuild in a modern way rather than recreate what was lost. The result is a skyline of towers along the Nieuwe Maas, the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, the Markthal and…
Top sights compared
| # | Antwerp | Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathedral of Our Lady | Markthal |
| 2 | Grote Markt and City Hall | Cube Houses and Oude Haven |
| 3 | Antwerp Central Station | Erasmus Bridge |
| 4 | Museum Plantin-Moretus | Euromast |
| 5 | MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) | Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen |
Food compared
| Antwerp | Rotterdam |
|---|---|
| Belgian fries | Kibbeling |
| Moules-frites | Raw herring |
| Stoofvlees | Kapsalon |
| Eel in green sauce | Bitterballen |
Which is cheaper?
Antwerp and Rotterdam cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $170–$300 in Antwerp and $170–$300 in Rotterdam (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Antwerp on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Antwerp and Rotterdam are about 78 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Antwerp and 3 in Rotterdam.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Antwerp or Rotterdam cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 in Antwerp and $170–$300 in Rotterdam (estimates).
+Is Antwerp or Rotterdam better for a first trip?
Pick Antwerp for Rubens and Diamonds, or Rotterdam for Modern architecture, Erasmus Bridge and beaches.
+How far is Antwerp from Rotterdam?
About 78 km in a straight line.